‘A literal witch hunt’: Etsy sellers paid to curse evil exes claim they’re being persecuted by the online marketplace

Etsy Sellers Claim Persecution After Being Kicked Off Platform for Offering Spellcasting Services

A decade after Etsy officially banned spellcasting services, former sellers are alleging they're being unfairly targeted and pushed off the platform. The online marketplace has been flooded with praise for these occultists on social media, who offer a range of services including clairvoyant readings, love and protection spells, and curses.

Despite the popularity of their services, Etsy has consistently prohibited the sale of supernatural goods, dating back to 2015. However, former sellers claim they've been "swept off" the site without explanation or warning, leaving them feeling persecuted and like they're regressing back to the Salem witch trials.

One seller, Beatrix, who runs Celestial Craft Spells, described the removal as "incredibly upsetting" and said Etsy had helped her find clients through ads. She's now moved to a new platform called Witchly, which caters specifically to witches and offers similar services.

However, some former clients have expressed frustration over the loss of these services, citing that they're no longer protected on other platforms as well. One customer, Carol Jay, took to TikTok to share her experience after finding her usual Etsy witch's shop had been closed down without warning.

"I was very alarmed," she recalled in a video with 1.2 million views. "Etsy is standing by its policy and removing all spell casters." When asked for comment, Etsy declined to respond, leaving former sellers and their clients feeling bewildered and betrayed.

The situation has sparked an online backlash, with many referring to it as a "literal witch hunt" on social media. The hashtag #JusticeForEtsyWitches has gained traction, with some users calling for the platform to bring back the services that were unfairly banned in 2015.

As one commenter put it, "Etsy about to get cursed." With former sellers now turning to alternative platforms and their own websites, it remains to be seen whether Etsy will reconsider its stance on spellcasting services or if these occultists will continue to lose business.

I gotta say, this whole situation is like a perfect storm of online politics . On one hand, you've got the sellers who were doing something that was deemed "forbidden" by Etsy's rules, and now they're being shunned for it . But on the other hand, some folks are saying that Etsy's being super strict and not giving these occultists a fair shot .

The thing is, life's all about finding a balance, right? You can't just push people out of your ecosystem without considering what they might do next . These sellers might be passionate about their craft, but so are the customers who buy from them . It's like, how are we gonna make sure everyone gets what they want without hurting anyone in the process?

And let's not forget, it's all just a big ol' mess of misinformation online . I mean, there's no real harm being done here, right? Just some people making a living doing something they love . So, instead of calling for boycotts and hashtags #JusticeForEtsyWitches, let's try to have an open conversation about what we want from these platforms .

I mean, what would you do if someone took your livelihood away without even explaining why? Wouldn't you wanna know what's going on behind the scenes before making a decision? That's what I'm saying – let's not jump to conclusions just yet .

I dont think its about the platform being unfair but more about how we treat people with different interests . We shouldnt be surprised when those who offer alternative services get kicked off, it's like they say "what goes around comes around" . If we want to find clients on Etsy, we gotta fit in and follow the rules . On the other hand, its also good that these platforms are supporting their users & making space for people with unique interests

man this is wild like what even is the point of having policies if they're just gonna come after ppl who are already doing something 'bad' or 'unpopular'? it's all about perspective, you know? some people see spellcasting as magic and artistry, while others see it as a threat. but why can't we just coexist?

and what's up with the whole Salem witch trials thing? like, how much do they wanna dredge up that dark history again? isn't there enough trauma to go around already?

anywayz, i think this is an interesting commentary on the state of online platforms and their power to shape our experiences. it's like, if a platform can dictate what we can sell or share online, then who's to say they're not imposing their own values and biases on us?

so yeah, let's keep the convo going and see where this all takes us

I think this is a perfect example of how platforms can't handle controversy . Etsy's decision to ban spellcasting services was always going to lead to drama like this, and now it's being exploited for clicks . But let's be real, if someone wants to sell fake magic potions or curses, they're not exactly doing the world any good . That said, I do think Etsy should revisit its policy – maybe set some guidelines instead of an all-or-nothing ban? The fact that former sellers are getting "swept off" without warning is pretty shady . And what's next? Are they going to start kicking out vegan sellers because they're promoting plant-based diets ? It's time for Etsy to get its act together and have a more nuanced approach to these kinds of services .

Ugh this is just great. So Etsy's still being super strict about no supernatural stuff but when sellers do magic for a living, suddenly they're the ones getting persecuted . I mean, isn't that kinda backwards? And now these sellers are just jumping ship to some other platform called Witchly and I'm sure it's gonna be a total disaster . Mark my words, Etsy's gonna regret this decision big time . And what really gets me is that they just ignore comments from the public... like, hello? We're trying to have a conversation here . This whole thing is just a mess

I gotta say, this is wild. Like, I get that Etsy's got rules and all, but targeting these sellers for offering something they think's shady? It's just not right. They're basically saying "we don't trust you" without even giving a reason why. And now they're moving to Witchly or whatever, it's like they're being forced out of the mainstream. I'm not gonna lie, I've had some weird experiences with online marketplaces in the past too... but this is on another level.

It's interesting that people are still talking about spellcasting services, though - I mean, we're living in a time where tarot cards and crystal healing are basically mainstream. Maybe Etsy should just chill and let people find their own way? But at the same time, I don't blame these sellers for wanting to make some money - they're just trying to survive. It's like, can't we all just get along?

omg can't believe etsy is at it again they're literally banning people for doing what some ppl think is 'spooky' but idc if u want a clairvoyant reading or protection spell just keep the hate outta here the new platform witchly seems legit tho and i'm happy to see witches supporting each other lets focus on positivity and acceptance

I'm like totally confused by this whole situation... I mean, I know Etsy had that policy back in 2015, but what's the deal now? These sellers are literally being bullied off the platform and it's so unfair . I get that they might be offering some sketchy services, but shouldn't they have a way to opt out or something? It's like, Etsy is just being super strict and not leaving any room for interpretation .

And honestly, I'm kinda glad these sellers are finding new platforms and websites to work on... maybe it'll get Etsy to rethink their policies and be more open-minded . But at the same time, I feel bad for these customers who are losing access to what they thought was a legit way to connect with these witches . It's just so... complicated . Can we please just have an open conversation about this stuff instead of going on social media rants?

omg I'm soooo team Etsy witches they're being super unfairly targeted like what's the harm in offering some magical services? it's all about free will and personal freedom, right? but idk why Etsy's gotta be so strict and now these sellers are getting pushed off the platform without explanation that's just not cool. I'm loving the #JusticeForEtsyWitches hashtag and I'm def gonna keep an eye on this situation hope Etsy does a U-turn soon or else all these talented occultists will have to find a new home