A new bill in the Pennsylvania State House could finally legalize fortune telling — a practice technically banned for over 100 years.
Supporters say the current law is outdated and misrepresents modern spiritual practices like tarot reading, which are more about self-reflection than prediction.
What Happened
A proposed bill introduced by State Representative Greg Scott aims to repeal Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on fortune telling.
Currently, using methods such as tarot cards or palm readings to predict the future is considered a third-degree misdemeanor in the state.
Key Details
- Location: Scranton, Lackawanna County
- Current Law: Fortune telling is illegal and punishable as a misdemeanor
- Proposed Change: Full repeal of the law criminalizing fortune telling
Rep. Scott argues that the law jeopardizes the livelihood of many spiritual practitioners who use tarot and other tools for personal insight, not future predictions.
Reactions or Statements
Alyssa Cost-Byrne, owner of Healing in the Cards LLC, voiced her support for the bill. She clarified that tarot readings are not about predicting future events.
“Tarot is used as a mirror internally… It’s a reflection of yourself in the cards,” said Cost-Byrne.
She explained that each card has symbolic meaning — such as cups for emotion and swords for intellect — which are interpreted based on a client’s current life experiences.
Cost-Byrne emphasized that her work provides spiritual clarity, not life direction.
“It’s not me telling you that you’re going to win the lottery… It’s about helping you simplify and understand what’s going on in your world.”
Investigation or What’s Next
The bill is still in the early stages of consideration in the Pennsylvania State House.
As lawmakers evaluate the proposal, spiritual professionals like Cost-Byrne hope the public will take the time to understand the role of tarot and similar practices as introspective tools rather than attempts at fortune telling.
FAQs
Q: Is fortune telling currently illegal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, it’s technically a third-degree misdemeanor to tell the future using cards, palms, or similar tools.
Q: What does the proposed bill change?
It would repeal the outdated law, legalizing spiritual practices such as tarot reading.
Q: Why do supporters say the law is outdated?
Many modern practitioners use these tools for self-reflection, not prediction or fraud.
Q: Who introduced the bill?
State Representative Greg Scott.
Q: What’s the general public response?
Many in the spiritual community support the bill and hope it will lead to better public understanding.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Pennsylvania may soon repeal its century-old ban on fortune telling, thanks to a new bill in the State House.
As public awareness grows, supporters urge lawmakers to recognize the difference between spiritual guidance and fraudulent fortune telling — a shift that could finally align the law with today’s practices.
