Etsy Witches: A Skeptical Look at Modern Magic in an Online Marketplace

What Are “Etsy Witches”? Is the question I was asking myself when the topic came up on the radio this morning.  The morning hosts were specifically talking about the Etsy witches – uh – witch hunt.  See what I did there? It seems that Etsy shutting down these “magic shops” is putting them out of business.  Personally, I have no problem with that.

That’s because our founder Al Manning was the pioneer of occult services for sale and he had been doing it for decades before most (all?) of these kids were born.  It’s not a stretch to say that occult services for sale all started with Astral Al.

But I digress…

The term Etsy witches refers to individuals who sell spiritual or magical goods and services through Etsy. These sellers typically offer items such as spell candles, crystals, charms, ritual kits, tarot readings, astrology charts, and energy-clearing services—often described using the language of intention, manifestation, or magic.

I confess I had no clue that Etsy witches were an ecosystem all on its own so I had to do some research to get caught up.

While some sellers identify openly as witches or occult practitioners, others present themselves as spiritual artists, intuitive readers, or metaphysical guides. What they have in common is not a shared belief system, but the use of symbolic or spiritual framing to market products and experiences.

From a skeptical standpoint, Etsy witches represent less a revival of ancient magic and more a modern fusion of spirituality, aesthetics, and e-commerce.

Why Etsy Became a Hub for Online Witchcraft

Etsy’s structure unintentionally created ideal conditions for spiritual sellers:

• Handmade and “intentional” branding fits ritual language well
• Customization options allow sellers to personalize items with names or birthdates
• Digital delivery enables instant tarot readings or spell work
• Global reach connects sellers with buyers lacking local metaphysical shops

In practice, Etsy functions as a decentralized spiritual marketplace, similar to how self-help authors and wellness influencers use blogs or social media—only with a checkout button attached.

What Do Etsy Witches Actually Sell?

Physical Products

Common items include:

• Spell candles (often color-coded for love, money, or protection)
• Crystal or talisman jewelry
• Herbal blends for baths or incense
• Beginner altar kits
• Printed or handmade spell books

From a critical perspective, these are symbolic objects. Their effectiveness depends largely on belief, ritual engagement, and personal interpretation rather than any verifiable external force.

Digital Services

Digital offerings are often more controversial:

• Tarot and oracle readings (PDF or message-based)
• Astrology reports
• Custom spell casting or manifestation rituals
• Energy clearing or “block removal”

These services typically rely on subjective interpretation and generalized language. Skeptical buyers should recognize that many readings use broad statements that can apply to nearly anyone—a well-documented psychological effect known as the Barnum or Forer effect.

Are Etsy Witches Legitimate Practitioners?

This depends entirely on how legitimacy is defined.

From a skeptical or consumer-protection standpoint:

• There is no standardized credentialing for witches or spell workers
• Anyone can open an Etsy shop and claim expertise
• Claims are rarely falsifiable or measurable

Some sellers are sincere, well-read, and careful not to overpromise. Others use vague or absolute claims that imply guaranteed results—something no ethical practitioner, spiritual or otherwise, can truly offer.

A critical red flag is certainty: promises of guaranteed love, forced reconciliation, instant wealth, or control over others’ free will.

Etsy’s Policies and the Problem of Claims

Etsy formally restricts certain types of claims, especially those related to medical, legal, or financial outcomes. However, enforcement is inconsistent. Many listings rely on carefully worded language such as:

• “For entertainment purposes”
• “Spiritual support only”
• “Results may vary”

These disclaimers protect the platform and seller, but they also signal that buyers should treat offerings as symbolic or experiential rather than literal solutions.

Why People Still Buy from Etsy Witches

Despite skepticism, demand continues to grow. Reasons include:

• Desire for meaning during uncertainty
• Dissatisfaction with organized religion
• Interest in ritual as a psychological tool
• Aesthetic appeal of spiritual objects
• Curiosity rather than belief

From a rational standpoint, rituals can function as focus mechanisms—ways to clarify goals, reduce anxiety, or create a sense of control. In this sense, Etsy witchcraft overlaps more with mindfulness, journaling, or placebo-driven self-help than with supernatural intervention.

The Business Side of Etsy Witchcraft

Stripped of mystique, Etsy witches are entrepreneurs. Successful shops rely on:

• SEO-optimized listings
• Strong branding and photography
• Consistent reviews
• Repeatable digital products

Many sellers earn income not because magic “works,” but because storytelling, symbolism, and emotional resonance sell well online. This doesn’t automatically make them dishonest—but it does place their work firmly in the realm of commerce, not sacred authority.

How to Evaluate an Etsy Witch Listing Critically

If you’re browsing Etsy’s metaphysical category, consider these questions:

• Does the seller guarantee outcomes?
• Are descriptions vague or overly dramatic?
• Is fear used as a marketing tactic?
• Are prices aligned with the effort involved?
• Are claims framed as symbolic rather than literal?

Here’s the most important question — Why do you need Etsy witches at all when you can do it yourself? DIY magic is real, friends and neighbors! That’s what the ESP Lab is all about.

Still convinced Etsy witches is way forward for you? A cautious approach treats these products as tools for reflection or inspiration, not substitutes for therapy, medical care, or financial planning.

A Modern Cultural Phenomenon, Not Ancient Magic

Etsy witches are best understood as a contemporary cultural trend rather than a continuation of historical witchcraft. They reflect modern anxieties, creative entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of spirituality in a digital age.

Their tools may resemble ancient symbols, but their context is unmistakably modern: algorithms, reviews, branding, and conversion rates.

For skeptical readers, the takeaway is simple: Etsy witches sell experiences, symbolism, and stories. Whether those experiences feel meaningful is subjective—but claims of guaranteed supernatural outcomes deserve careful scrutiny.

Rather than paying Etsy witches or anybody else, why not become an ESP Lab member for just $18 per month and discover your own power?

Alternatively, if you’re not ready to become a member but want instant access to the magic you want, pick up a copy of Helping Yourself with White Witchcraft.