In 2024, about one in three Russians consulted a psychologist, and 39 percent looked to fortune tellers for guidance. These figures reflect a broad interest in mental well‑being and personal insight, along with a strong desire for quick, practical answers to life questions from trusted, non-traditional sources.
Analysts describe a booming esoteric sector, growing at roughly 20 percent each year and moving toward a two trillion ruble market. By comparison, the psychology services market remains smaller but still sizable, with an estimated value near 100 billion rubles and annual growth around 25 percent. If the current trajectory continued, esoteric offerings could approach about 2.4 trillion rubles by the end of 2024, while psychology services might reach roughly 125 billion rubles in that same period.
Astrology, Tarot layouts, and numerology have become especially popular among esoteric practitioners. The appeal spans a broad segment of the population, with more people seeking guided interpretation of personal events, future possibilities, and life patterns through these modalities. The market’s growth is driven not only by traditional practitioners but also by online communities and accessible reading formats that make guidance more readily available.
Pricing for esoteric services saw a considerable uptick before 2024, with many practitioners raising rates by an average of about 40 percent. The typical cost of a Tarot reading sits around 6,000 rubles, while preparing a natal chart commonly costs about 9,000 rubles. These price points reflect strong demand and the premium perceived in self‑understanding and personal forecasting within the esoteric space.
In Russia, the borders between psychology and esotericism remain largely unregulated. Authorities have signaled tighter oversight, including proposals to ban advertising occult and esoteric services in the media and online. A draft law on psychological assistance in the Russian Federation has also been mentioned as part of ongoing policy discussions, underscoring a climate of regulatory scrutiny that could affect how services are marketed and delivered.
Earlier reports noted growing interest in Tarot cards and related esoteric tools, with consumers increasingly incorporating these items into personal exploration and decision‑making. As demand continues to evolve, practitioners and policymakers alike are navigating the balance between consumer access, professional standards, and legitimate public interests, all within an environment that remains in flux.