People have always been interested in magic practices, including tarot reading, fortune telling and using talismans. For instance, about 30% of Americans embrace astrology, tarot cards or fortunetellers at least once a year, according to the Associated Press, citing findings from the Pew Research Center. The study also indicates that 20% of the surveyed adults in the U.S. claim to turn to astrology, tarot cards or fortune-telling mostly «just for fun,» 10% say they do so because they «believe the practices give them helpful insights» and only 1% state they have “a lot” of trust in what they learn from these practices when making crucial life decisions. Nevertheless, AP refers to this as a «big business.» Citing data from IBISWorld, a global market research company, the psychic services industry, which involves various mystical practices, generated an estimated $2.3 billion in revenue last year and employed 105,000 people.
Mystical practices in Central Asia
Kazakhstan gathers statistics on the volume of services provided by specialists in several occupations within the industry, including astrologers, spiritualists and fortune tellers. According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, in 2024, officially registered providers of spiritual services delivered services worth approximately $5.2 million, a sharp increase from just $75,161 in 2023. Although the agency accounts only for those «magicians» officially registered as individual entrepreneurs, these figures still represent a significant surge. However, even in this unconventional industry, there is still room for responsibility.
Recently, Kazakh blogger Shirin Araz launched the sale and advertising of a pacifier-shaped talisman on social media, allegedly designed to help its owner become pregnant. However, Alisher Kadyrbekov, master of juridical sciences at Maqsut Narikbayev University, warned that such commercial activity may lead to legal consequences.
He explained that the active promotion of magic talismans may violate the law on advertising and consumer rights protection, as it misleads customers by promising results without proof. Claims about boosting pregnancy are not supported by certificates or licenses from the Ministry of Healthcare, making them unconscientious.
Most importantly, purchasers have the right to file a suit if the promised effect does not occur. The success of the suit would depend on the ability to prove the blogger’s intent to deceive. Moreover, Araz’s actions may be classified as fraud if it is proven that she spread false information with the intent to gain profit, which falls under the criminal code.
Notably, this warning is not without reason. In February, a woman in Kostanay consulted a tarot reader for a prophecy about her relationship with her husband after discovering his infidelity. The woman paid around $200; in return, the fortune teller said that everything would improve. That did not happen and the customer filed a lawsuit, which was ruled in her favor, finding that an implicit agreement between the client and the tarot reader had been breached.
In another Central Asian country, Tajikistan, fortune-telling has been banned since 2008, with the penalties increased in 2024, where the first offense can result in a fine or up to 15 days in jail. Repeat offenses may carry fines of up to $13,500 or imprisonment for up to two years. Kursiv.media reported that four women in Tajikistan were detained for this practice in late May.
