Ivanishko pointed out the significant increase in interest among Russians in magic, which began in 2022 with the start of the special military operation. People were seeking protective charms for soldiers and even turned to magicians asking for rituals to be conducted for the death of their opponents. In most cases, when citizens asked priests to pray for the demise of enemies, they were refused, as the church does not support such practices.
After being turned away by the church, many sought out esoteric practitioners in St. Petersburg and Moscow. "Magicians, for a small fee, readily agreed to cast curses and conduct death rituals. In their practice, they often resort to satanic symbolism, which could lead to legal proceedings. The Supreme Court of Russia has recognized Satanism as an extremist movement, and this ruling can be applied to some esoteric practitioners," the expert added.
In Ivanishko's opinion, it is also important to adopt a law that would prohibit the advertising of occult and magical services. He noted that this is already the eleventh attempt to introduce such a bill into the State Duma.
