Despite officially banning magical services a decade ago, Etsy has quietly become a thriving marketplace for online spell sales — from love rituals to “influencer success” manifestations.
Search data shows the term “Etsy witch” attracts more than 15,000 global searches per month, while spell listings continue to rack up thousands of reviews and substantial income for some sellers.
Now, research conducted by Psychic World in partnership with celebrity psychic and witch Inbaal Honigman suggests the scale of this digital spell economy runs into the millions — raising serious questions about regulation, authenticity, and consumer risk.
A Booming Market Hiding in Plain Sight
Far from niche, Etsy’s spell economy appears both lucrative and prolific.
Some sellers list hundreds of spell offerings, charge only a few dollars per service, and boast thousands of five-star reviews. One seller claims to have earned approximately $100,000 since 2021, offering spells ranging from pet protection to social media fame.
Taken together, visible listings, pricing, and review volumes suggest Etsy has facilitated millions of dollars in spell transactions — despite its official prohibition.
Why Etsy Banned Magical Services — And Why They Persist
In 2015, Etsy updated its policies to ban metaphysical services that promise specific outcomes, including love, wealth, revenge, or physical transformation. The platform also closed a loophole that allowed spells to be sold alongside physical items like candles or crystals.
Yet spell listings remain widespread.
According to industry experts, enforcement has struggled to keep pace with seller creativity — resulting in a grey market where ethical spiritual practitioners, automated services, and outright scams coexist.
How Sellers Stay Online
Spell sellers commonly bypass Etsy’s rules by:
- Labeling services as “entertainment purposes only”
- Delivering digital certificates, images, or written rituals instead of physical products
- Rebranding spells as affirmations, manifestation coaching, or wellness tools
The result is inconsistent moderation: some listings are removed, while others operate freely for years.
While some practitioners argue the policy unfairly targets Pagan and Wiccan traditions, Honigman says the real issue is lack of transparency — not belief.
The Rise of AI-Generated Readings
One of the most concerning trends, Honigman warns, is the increasing use of AI.
“A lot of the spells — and many of the readings — are simply AI-generated,” she says. “They’re generic, emotionally flat, and often incorrect.”
While AI-produced content may be spiritually ineffective rather than harmful, it becomes problematic when customers believe they are receiving personalised spiritual work from a real practitioner.
When Anonymous Spellcasting Becomes Risky
Honigman draws a sharp distinction between educational spiritual tools and anonymous spellcasting services.
“Buying a book or learning how to manifest positivity for yourself is ethical,” she explains. “But commissioning a spell cast by a nameless stranger carries unknown intent.”
She warns that spells created from anger, resentment, or vindictiveness can carry negative emotional energy which may rebound onto the person who commissioned them.
Red Flags Consumers Should Watch For
For those exploring spiritual services online, Honigman advises scepticism and intuition.
Key warning signs include:
- Promises of instant or guaranteed results
- Language focused on obsession, revenge, or hexes
- Faceless seller profiles
- No explanation of methods, ethics, or experience
“Scams are unfortunately common in spiritual spaces,” she says. “A nameless or faceless account should always raise concern.”
Intent Still Matters
Honigman stresses that mass production alone doesn’t invalidate spiritual tools.
“Crystals, icons, and ritual items can still hold meaning,” she says. “Spiritual power comes from intent and ethics — not price or scale.”
Proceed With Care
As TikTok trends and viral content push online spellwork into the mainstream, Honigman urges consumers to take responsibility for what they buy.
“If you wouldn’t consume something without knowing what’s in it, treat spiritual services the same way,” she says.
Her final advice?
“Go by word of mouth. More people you trust use psychic and astrology services than you realise.”
