The Peabody City Council on Jan. 8 approved an online-only fortune-teller license for Mary Balestracy of 1 Southwick Road, authorizing her to offer spiritual self‑help instruction and optional one-on-one remote sessions.

Balestracy told the council she is "not really telling fortunes so much as offering spiritual self help," describing the site as a mix of free content, a link to a recently published book and the option for paid, in-depth remote sessions. The clerk had read a public notice citing Massachusetts General Laws chapter 140 and the Peabody City code provision for fortune‑telling businesses.

Councilor Daigle, who spoke in support, said the application was "very thorough" and that she was "100% in support" because the business is online-only and would not bring traffic to the neighborhood. Councilors asked one clarification question and the applicant confirmed she would not see clients in person at her address.

After closing the public hearing, Councilor Daigle moved to approve the license under the cited state statute and city code. The council conducted a roll‑call vote and the motion carried unanimously in a recorded vote of 11–0. The clerk recorded the action as approval of the license under MGL chapter 140 §1851 and Peabody City code §16‑20.75.

There was no public testimony in opposition during the hearing, and the council did not attach conditions to the approval. The license will be processed according to the clerk’s office procedures.