A local fortuneteller in Pennsylvania is celebrating a significant legal victory as she challenges an outdated law, RadarOnline.com reports. Beck Ravenswood initiated legal proceedings against the state in 2023 after police allegedly threatened her with arrest for performing tarot card readings. The case gained traction when a judge issued an update, despite the state’s attempts to dismiss it.
District Judge Jennifer Wilson, serving in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, rejected the state’s request to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Ravenswood in 2024. This ruling allows Ravenswood to question the constitutionality of a 19th-century law that prohibits charging money for fortune-telling services.
Ravenswood contends that her practice constitutes economic speech, which is safeguarded by the U.S. Constitution. Conversely, the state maintains that the law aims to prevent fraud rather than limit free speech. Ravenswood has dubbed the legal dispute “the last Pennsylvania witch trial.”
Ravenswood and her attorney have challenged the state’s fraud prevention argument. While acknowledging the existence of fraudulent individuals, Ravenswood argues that existing laws suffice to protect consumers without undermining the practice of fortune-telling. In an interview with PennLive, she stated, “It renders the fortune telling law redundant and makes it into something that could really only be used to oppress people.”
Alexa Gervasi, Ravenswood’s attorney, criticized the state’s enforcement of the law, stating, “You can’t say you only use (this law) against people who commit fraud when you clearly threaten to enforce it against people like Beck, who inarguably was not engaged in any sort of fraud.”
Speculation about a police investigation into Ravenswood’s shop began shortly after its 2023 grand opening. Initially, Ravenswood dismissed these concerns, and legal consultants suggested there was little cause for worry. However, two days later, individuals wearing Hanover Borough police shirts reportedly visited and discouraged Ravenswood from filming the interaction, claiming it wasn’t official police work.
An officer informed Ravenswood about the law and advised against offering fortune-telling services for a fee. Ravenswood later shared the encounter on social media, prompting Hanover Borough Police Department to respond. Police Chief Chad Martin issued a public statement clarifying that their actions were intended to provide information about the law. He stated, “If a complaint was made against someone for engaging in acts qualifying as ‘fortune telling’ in the Borough of Hanover, this department would be obligated to conduct an investigation.”
The Serpent’s Key Shop and Sanctuary remains operational amid the ongoing legal proceedings. In 2025, Ravenswood obtained a court-ordered injunction, permitting her to continue charging for fortune-telling services while the case is underway. As a result, she is currently the only legally charging fortune teller in Pennsylvania. Customers can book services online, including cosmic check-ins and Celtic cross readings. Regarding tarot, Ravenswood explained, “It just helps the reader connect with energies or messages the person needs to hear.”
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