The Cards Say...You're Breaking the Law? Police Warn Occult Shop Over Fortune Telling Ban

A police chief in Hanover, Pennsylvania recently visited a local shop offering tarot card readings, stating that while he would not immediately press charges, any future complaints could lead to an investigation per an antiquated state law banning fortune telling. 

The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, run by 26-year-old Beck Lawrence, who uses they/them pronouns, was profiled in a recent business newsletter for the witchcraft-themed store's tarot card readings. A few days after the article detailing the $10 to $100 card readings was published, Lawrence was informed that Police Chief Chad E. Martin read the piece and planned to pay them a visit. 

Upon arriving at the occult shop, Chief Martin stated that while he currently had no plans to arrest or charge Lawrence, any reports received by his department about the tarot card readings would force him to investigate further based on a Pennsylvania law prohibiting fortunetelling. While Lawrence called the interaction "intimidating," the police chief maintained he was simply informing them of the archaic statute.

The age-old statute prohibits engaging in the act of predicting future events or telling fortunes for profit, using methods such as cards, tokens, examining the head or hands of individuals, determining someone's age, or consulting celestial movements. Violations of this misdemeanor are seldom prosecuted in contemporary society.

Lawrence has studied tarot cards and witchcraft for 13 years and maintains the readings are meant to provide clarity to customers about their life path, not make predictions. The shop also sells candles, soaps and other handmade goods in addition to offering spiritual services.

After being informed of the police chief's visit, Lawrence took to social media, detailing the incident across TikTok videos and fueling debate around issues like police overreach and freedom of religion. While Chief Martin defended checking in on the shop due to the vintage statute, free speech advocates argued tarot card readings should be protected forms of expression. 

The police chief suggested in a public statement that anyone opposed to the law consult their local legislators, as the department would be required to investigate any formal complaints filed against fortunetelling businesses. He also reiterated that Lawrence currently faces no charges.

Some legal experts argue that fortunetelling companies can avoid running afoul of these old laws by using disclaimers that their services are "for entertainment purposes only." Lawrence's shop does display signage stating readings are meant for amusement rather than as predictions.

Occult stores have operated for years in Hanover, with Lawrence's shop one of at least four in the area focused on metaphysical themes. Local media have previously run lighthearted stories on the outdated fortune-telling prohibition, grouping it alongside other odd Pennsylvania laws about catching fish with your bare hands or buying cars on Sundays.

While recognizing the original consumer protection intent behind banning for-profit fortune telling, Lawrence ultimately feels the law should not apply to modern tarot card readings, which they view as a spiritual practice rather than a scam. However, unless legislative changes are made, Pennsylvania occult shops will continue operating in a legal gray area until these archaic statutes are updated for the times.