EBay bans supernatural sales of magic spells, potions, hexes

Making a profit on the occult arts? Cultivating a loyal customer base for potions, magic spells and psychic readings? Not on EBay, you’re not.

In its 2012 Fall Seller Update, the online marketplace said it was banning all sales of supernatural goods and services, exiling its witchy and wizardly clientele to the wilds of Craigslist and other Web-based Diagon Alleys.

Among the prohibited items: “advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic services; prayers; blessings; Psychic, Tarot, Reiki, and other metaphysical readings & services; magic potions; healing sessions.”

EBay representatives did not immediately respond to questions as to why Harry Potter wannabes and other customers of mystical goods were no longer welcome or whether they contributed substantially to EBay transactions.

[Updated, 12:00 p.m. Aug. 16: EBay said in an email that it regularly reviews categories and updates policies based on customer feedback and was “discontinuing a small number of categories within the larger Metaphysical subcategory.”

Spokeswoman Johnna Hoff said that buyers and sellers have complained to EBay that such transactions “often result in issues that can be difficult to resolve.”

“It’s important to note that items that have a tangible value for the item itself and may also be used in metaphysical rites and practices (ie jewelry, crystals, incense, candles, and books) are allowed in most cases,” Hoff wrote.”]

Beginning Aug. 30, attempts to list such enchantments for sale will be blocked, according to the website.

Luckily, Craigslist is still allowing sellers to put up offers such as the one posted last week from Temecula advertising “LOVE SPELLS, MONEY SPELLS and MORE!!”

The post promises such confidential services as a “Big Booty Spell,” a “Candy Charm,” a “Psychic Vampires Spell,” a “Lemon Curse” and something called a “Binding for the Annoying.”

The spell-caster, described as “a powerful witch and psychic” with more than “25 years experience in potent magic,” pledges to go to work within 24 hours. Double casts cost $15 while a “super potent triple cast” goes for $20.

A legal disclaimer at the bottom states that, by law, “spells, readings & paranormal objects are for entertainment purposes only.”

“You agree that your purchase is subject to your own interpretation & is not a substitute for legal, financial, psychiatric or medical help,” according to the post. “You further agree that we are not responsible or liable for any paranormal activity that will or not occur.”

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