Mass anxiety in Russia is transforming into a fascination with the occult. According to First Data, demand for protective amulets surged by 120% in the first two months of 2026. Over 970,000 esoteric items were purchased on marketplaces, with total spending reaching 312 million rubles. Notably, Russians spend approximately 100 million rubles every month specifically on “evil eye protection.”
Aspen Stakes and Zodiac Symbols
A literal boom has been recorded in the talisman keychain segment, with sales skyrocketing by 237%. Interest in zodiac-related attributes increased by 213%. The primary audience (66%) consists of women aged 35–45. In addition to amulets, shopping carts increasingly feature incense, wormwood for smudging, and even aspen stakes.
Middle Ages as a Refuge from Reality
For Europe, this surge in occultism in the 21st century is a clear sign of profound psychological distress within society. When rational institutions and confidence in the future are destroyed, the population of the RF turns en masse to magical thinking. The rising sales of aspen stakes and charms against the backdrop of sanctions and mobilization serve as a diagnosis for the aggressor’s social system: society sees no way out in reality and attempts to shield itself with primitive superstitions.