Russian soldiers deployed in Ukraine are increasingly seeking protection through witchcraft and supernatural practices, as belief in the mystical surges across Russia amidst ongoing conflict and economic challenges. This trend highlights a deep-rooted cultural tradition where Orthodox Christianity, folk superstitions, and mystical beliefs have long coexisted, even during periods of religious repression.
Witches and Mystics Offer Solace to Troubled Soldiers
Self-described witch Natalia Malinovskaya, who operates from her darkened Moscow apartment and claims to have inherited her powers from her grandmother, reports a significant influx of clients, including soldiers worried about their partners' faithfulness. She offers services ranging from love spells to protection from evil, though she cautions that spells can only be cast in person when soldiers are on leave. "They contact me, and there are many of them," Malinovskaya stated, noting the impracticality of performing rituals at the front lines where burning candles or sending materials is impossible.
Historical Context and Modern Resurgence
Interest in witchcraft and mysticism has surged at key points in Russian history, notably during the final years of the Russian Empire when faith healer Rasputin's influence over the tsar's family caused public outrage, and again after the Soviet Union's collapse. After a period of decline, it is on the rise once more, driven by today's geopolitical and economic challenges. State pollster VTsIOM reported in March that 85% of Russians have dabbled in magical practices, with nearly half believing some people can predict the future or possess magical powers, up from less than a third in 2019.
"In such conditions, especially against the backdrop of military threats, belief turns into a tool of psychological defense," VTsIOM explained. Russian forces have been on the offensive in Ukraine for over four years, fueling a deadly crisis that has damaged Russia's international standing, slowed the economy, and driven up living costs.
Economic Impact and Consumer Trends
The resurgence of mysticism is reflected in consumer spending data. According to Russian cash register operator ATOL, demand for crystal balls and protective amulets more than doubled last year, while sales of aspen stakes—said to defend against evil spirits—quadrupled. At Witch Store in Moscow, which sells crystals, tarot guides, and other magical paraphernalia, customers browse for incense to cleanse the air or bring good luck.
"Black obsidian spheres are very popular and in high demand. Obsidian is considered a stone of safety," said shop co-owner Yulia Gusanova, referring to volcanic glass. Similarly, voodoo-themed bar Marie Laveau, offering tarot readings, has benefited from this zeitgeist. Owner Evgeniya Chassagnard noted, "It turned out that we matched perfectly with the moment."
Opposition from Church and Lawmakers
The revival of witchcraft and mysticism faces opposition from religious and political figures. Last year, a group of lawmakers submitted a bill to ban advertisements for services such as astrology and energy healing, warning of financial exploitation of vulnerable people. Patriarch Kirill, head of Russia's Orthodox Church, backed the idea of a ban and decried the "mass manipulative influence" of fortune-tellers and psychics in January.
"There is a dark force present in fortune-telling. If miracles involve divine power and grace, then fortune-telling involves a devilish power," he told state news agency TASS, implying a link with "satanism," which was outlawed by the Supreme Court last year. When asked if the church, which sometimes performs exorcisms, views psychics as rivals, church spokesman Vakhtang Kupshidze dismissed the notion, stating, "We don't exactly see them as competitors, because competition implies a struggle for clients."
This complex interplay of faith, superstition, and modern anxiety underscores how Russian soldiers and civilians alike are turning to ancient practices for comfort and protection in turbulent times, blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary crises.
