In 2024, Russians have spent a staggering amount of money on mystical services like astrology, numerology, and fortune telling—almost as much as they spent on food. According to the newspaper MK, the market for these “magical” services has grown rapidly, with income in the occult industry increasing by 20% last year alone. And experts predict the growth will continue to outpace other industries, with even more Russians turning to these services in 2024.
The total value of Russia’s occult market is now estimated at 2.4 trillion rubles, or about $24 billion. For perspective, this is nearly the same amount that the entire country spent on groceries last year. The rise in popularity of astrology and fortune telling can also be seen online, with a 38% increase in traffic to websites offering these services.
Interestingly, the research behind these numbers was commissioned by psychologists, who are some of the few professionals competing with numerologists and astrologers. Despite psychology’s own growth, it’s still far behind the supernatural sector, with the occult services market being 20 times larger.
A recent survey by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTSIOM) revealed some fascinating statistics. One in four Russians believe in the power of esotericism, and up to 60% of people have used these services at least once in their lifetime.
Among the most popular occult services in 2024 is something called “chakra cleansing,” which costs around 15,000 rubles ($150). Russians are also spending large sums—up to 25,000 rubles—for services that claim to remove negativity or help with real estate deals. For the latter, some even pay 1% of their property’s value for supernatural assistance.
But not everyone in Russia is happy with this trend. Russian MP Vitaly Milonov has spoken out against fortune telling, calling it a “satanic ritual.” He even went so far as to suggest that tarot card readers, numerologists, and other occult practitioners should be imprisoned for their unregistered practices, labeling them as “pseudo-religious.”
So, why are so many Russians turning to these mystical services? Is it a sign of growing frustration with everyday life or just a desire for something beyond the ordinary? As this trend continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that the demand for spiritual guidance and “magical” solutions is only getting stronger.
