On the Etsy platform, the sale of magic spells is thriving

Former Lowe’s Employee ‘Nick the Alchemist’ Claims to Have Generated More Than $100,000 From Online Spells, Magazine Investigation Reveals ForbesHowever, critics denounce these practices as scams, especially those promising health and wealth results without scientific evidence.

A business that is in principle prohibited by Etsy’s rules, but which nevertheless thrives

Since 2015, Etsy has officially banned the sale of “metaphysical” services, including spells. Yet thousands of spells continue to be sold on the platform. The investigation by Forbes reveals that these practices continue on a large scale, with spells offered for everything from “animal protection” to “teleportation” to “spiritual ascension.” “Nick the Alchemist,” a 28-year-old salesman, is among the many practitioners who have found a veritable goldmine in this online niche. As the Forbeshaving always had an interest in spirituality and entrepreneurship, he managed to quit his job to fully dedicate himself to his business on Etsy. Since launching in 2021, he has accumulated thousands of customers and glowing reviews, with some of his creations being particularly popular, such as the sigil to become a recognized influencer.

However, this lucrative practice is not without its critics. Experts such as Kenny Biddle of the Center for Inquiry, an NGO dedicated to dispelling beliefs in pseudoscience and the paranormal, compare these spells to ” modern day snake oils “, highlighting the complete lack of scientific evidence. Etsy, for its part, does not appear to be curbing these sales despite its rules, and buyers have little recourse if promises are not fulfilled. Refunds are rare, and spells usually carry legal disclaimers stating that they are offered for entertainment purposes only.

Many happy customers, but also disappointed ones

Behind these transactions lies a darker reality. While some buyers claim to have seen positive results, such as a woman who received an unexpected sum after purchasing a money-attracting spell, others feel ripped off. Winfred Ruiz, a Los Angeles-based techie, says he was tricked by a seller who provided him with fake proof of the spell he had purchased—a photo of a candle supposedly lit for him, but which was actually an unrelated photo taken online. He concludes that these sellers are exploiting their customers’ desperate situations.

Yet spells on Etsy continue to grow in popularity, fueled by the promise of quick and often spectacular results. Forbes This raises a crucial question: Should Etsy take more responsibility to protect its users, or should these practices remain in the entertainment sphere, where they are legally tolerated?

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