Despite a long-standing ban on the sale of “metaphysical services,” Etsy, a $6 billion arts and crafts e-commerce platform, hosts thousands of spells promising untold wealth, cures for depression, and more, marketed as “entertainment.” Sellers like “Nick the Alchemist” have made significant profits from selling magical spells, with many customers giving five-star ratings to his offerings.
Etsy, known for showcasing handcrafted items, has banned magical spells for nearly a decade but continues to host listings for various spells, including wealth, love, and even penis enhancement. While Etsy does not disclose specific sales figures for witchcraft and wizardry items, rough estimates suggest that millions of dollars have been made from spell sales on the platform.
Despite Etsy’s ban on metaphysical services, sellers continue to offer spells on the platform, with some making hundreds of thousands of dollars from their offerings. This has raised concerns about the lack of accountability and buyer protections for customers purchasing these spells, many of whom do not offer refunds if the spells do not work as promised.
Etsy’s struggle to moderate its website has been evident in the past, with controversies over deepfake pornography, counterfeit goods, and AI-generated content. Despite the ban on metaphysical services, spells continue to be listed on the platform, with algorithmically suggested recommendations for more spell purchases.
While sellers like “Nick the Alchemist” defend the authenticity of their work, skeptics like Kenny Biddle, chief investigator for the Center of Inquiry, dismiss magic spells as modern-day snake oil. There is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of these spells, and some critics argue that they are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking solutions to their problems.
Despite the ethical concerns surrounding the sale of magical spells on Etsy, some sellers have found success in building thriving businesses by offering spells for various purposes. While some customers claim to have experienced positive results from these spells, others remain skeptical of their effectiveness and question the legitimacy of the sellers’ claims.
As Etsy continues to host listings for magical spells despite its ban on metaphysical services, questions remain about the platform’s responsibility to regulate such offerings and protect consumers from potentially deceptive practices. With millions of dollars potentially being made from spell sales on Etsy, the debate over the legitimacy and ethics of selling magical spells online continues to unfold.
