Tarot Reading Arrest Threat Sparks Legal Fight Over Pennsylvania’s Fortune-Telling Law
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Asia Tabb
AIRED; December 17, 2025
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What began as a celebratory moment for Beck Ravenswood quickly turned into a confrontation with police that has now grown into a broader legal battle over Pennsylvania’s century-old fortune-telling law. In October 2023, Ravenswood’s shop in Hanover was featured in a local nonprofit’s “meet the makers” article, which casually mentioned that tarot readings were offered by appointment. “I was really excited,” Ravenswood said. “They did a wonderful piece.” But just hours later, that excitement faded when the nonprofit emailed to say the Hanover Borough Police Chief had called, warning that tarot readings were illegal in Pennsylvania.
A few days later, police officers visited Ravenswood’s shop to explain a law dating back to 1861 that outlaws fortune telling for money, including tarot reading and astrology. Ravenswood recalled being told that advertising or offering readings could result in arrest or steep fines. “The message was basically, ‘We’re watching you,’” they said. Despite having clear disclaimers posted that readings were for entertainment purposes only, Ravenswood was left shaken by the threat. After sharing the experience on social media, the story quickly gained traction.
What could have remained a frightening encounter instead became a rallying point for community support. “It almost seemed nonpartisan — everyone could agree that what happened was weird and not okay,” Ravenswood said, pointing to First Amendment concerns around freedom of religion and speech. They noted that the law has historically been used only as an add-on in fraud cases, not against legitimate spiritual practitioners. The response from the public was overwhelming. “It was like this community outpouring of, ‘We care about our neighbors,’” Ravenswood said.
That support helped fuel the next step: legal action. After an attorney reached out, Ravenswood began pushing back, first seeking assurances that the borough would not enforce the law against them. When that failed, the effort expanded. “This isn’t just about me,” Ravenswood explained. “It’s about every other reader and their rights in Pennsylvania.” Now, the case aims to overturn the law statewide, following the example of other states that have repealed similar statutes. For Ravenswood, the goal is turning a moment of fear into lasting change — ensuring no one else faces the same threat for their spiritual practice.
