Etsy embarks on a literal ‘witch hunt’ 11 years after teasing it

Etsy appears to be cracking down hard on its community of “spell casters,” aggressively removing sellers from the platform more than a decade after the practice was officially banned. Daily Dot reported that this sudden enforcement has sent ripples through the online marketplace, leaving many users wondering where their favorite mystical providers have gone. 

If you weren’t following the drama of 2025, you might not know what “Etsy witches” even are. They are exactly what they sound like. These sellers promise their services online, offering everything from protection spells and love spells to manifesting services, like helping ensure good weather for a wedding. Some even offer curses, which caused serious controversy when Charlie Kirk died just days after some of these witches publicly cursed him.

These magical services have technically been forbidden on Etsy since 2015. Despite that policy, the community of witches and casters seemed to grow rather than shrink. Now, according to a viral video on TikTok, user Carol Jay (@caroljayy), it looks like the platform is finally enforcing the old rules.

You are missing the torches and pitchforks, Etsy

Carol Jay’s video has already racked up 1.2 million views as she detailed her experience. She noticed her personal Etsy witch’s page had been completely removed from the site, which understandably made her “very alarmed.” Jay assumed the seller might just be taking a break at the end of the year. When she checked again at the very end of December, she could see the shop again, though it had no listings available. 

Jay shared a screenshot of her messages where the witch explained that Etsy was “standing by its policy” and actively “removing all spell casters.” While it’s a hit for the community, Jay confirmed her seller is still offering services on a direct website. Still, Jay lamented the change, noting that “Website Witch just doesn’t hit the same.” She finished her video by demanding “Justice for the Etsy witch” and calling for a petition to bring them back. 

The reaction from other users echoes her frustration with the changes to the community. Many commenters are heartbroken, with one person calling the removals a “literal witch hunt.” Several users confirmed that their own favorite sellers had also been banned. One user lamented that their go-to witch, who had amassed tons of reviews, was suddenly “GONE.” Many claimed that Etsy Witches were why they were using the app.

It turns out this isn’t the first time Etsy has taken such action. Users pointed out that this has happened sporadically since the ban was first initiated in 2015. One viewer had a funny, if poignant observation for Etsy: “Ooh, I don’t think you want a ton of witches mad at you.” Until things change, you may need to get your supernatural help or life advice from other sources.