Latest news with #EtsyWitch
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's What Life Is Really Like As An Etsy Witch
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." One of the strangest orders that Tee, a full-time Etsy witch and psychic, can recall was a request from a girl trying to decide whether she should cryogenically freeze her beloved deceased dog. She sought out Tee's counsel to determine if it was worth the money. That was an odd one even for Tee, who's been practicing witchcraft since she was 8 years old. But people often do reach out to her during these moments of extreme desperation, but usually, it's hoping for a six-figure job or the return of a lost lover. Thanks to her popular Etsy store, SpellboundByTee, which offers spells in addition to psychic readings, she's able to help customers nationwide—on a website that was once primarily known for quirky knick-knacks. Witches like Tee have been in very high demand this summer. I'd trace the spike in Etsy witch interest back to this May, when influencer Jaz Smith posted about the witch she hired to prevent rain on her wedding day (there were clear skies all weekend). But throughout history, increased interest in alternative practices like astrology, and yes, magic, has surged during periods of extreme political and economic uncertainty. Tee saw this firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rise in health-related requests and a higher overall demand for spiritual support. 'When outside circumstances are overwhelming, more people tend to reach for spirituality," Tee says. "They're looking for resources, and they may feel like [standard] organizations are failing them.' Artist Psychic, another Etsy witch, says the platform's convenience also plays a factor: "I think a lot of the increased interest comes down to accessibility and the sense of community the internet creates," explains Artist Psychic. "People can connect with spiritual practitioners they resonate with from anywhere in the world, without feeling judged or having to leave home. Social media and platforms like Etsy have made it easier for people to discover spiritual services, and I think the last few years—with everyone spending more time online—have accelerated that trend." All of this attention on the Etsy witches could easily lead to speculation about their legitimacy. So to clear all of that up, we chatted with Tee and Artist Psychic to address some of the Internet's skepticism, learn a bit more about their daily lives, and to reflect on this summer's Etsy witch boom. Could you walk us through what a typical day in your life looks like? AP: Every day is a bit different, but I like to start my mornings by grounding myself, usually with a cup of tea and quiet time for meditation or journaling. Once I feel centered, I review orders and messages from clients around the world. I do readings, cast spells, and respond to follow-up questions. I also prepare rituals, gather materials for spellwork, and sometimes sketch soulmates for my custom readings. The rest of the day often involves business admin, updating my Etsy listings, or brainstorming new offerings. I always try to end the day with time in nature to reset my own energy. Tee: I wake up and start my morning meditation. Then I move on to tending the altars I have for my ancestors—I'll ask them for protection. Next, I review my Etsy orders and prepare to fulfill and schedule them, whether they're written readings, phone readings, rituals, or custom handmade products, like candles. If I'm in my physical store on a certain day, it's the same. I just have to assist customers with product choices, readings, and any questions they may have. Once I'm home from the store, I check my Etsy and clean my altars. I always end my days in gratitude and with a good cleanse. What's a common misconception about Etsy witches that deserves correction? AP: That all Etsy witches are just 'selling hope' or are somehow insincere. In reality, most of us put real intention, energy, and time into each reading and ritual. There's a genuine desire to help, and a lot of emotional labor goes into the work. Tee: That they are all capitalizing on a trend, selling gimmicks, and aren't legit or credible. How often are you met with clients who are skeptical? Tee: You get skeptics who want to be believers. Many people are skeptical because they want to control the outcome, but you can't. I can do love [spells], but if you're not putting yourself out there, or if you're still comparing everyone to your ex, you need to be working on cutting cords and doing some healing. Because guess what? You might not even need attraction [spells] once you do that. People will be drawn to you because of the healing they see. What's the most 'unconventional' request you've ever received from a client? AP: I've seen quite a range of requests over the years! One that stands out was someone asking for a spell to help their houseplants thrive because they felt like their plants were 'avoiding' them. I've also had requests for everything from helping a beloved pet communicate their feelings to spells for success in reality TV auditions. People's wishes are so varied and creative. What inspired you to pursue witchcraft professionally? AP: I've always felt drawn to spirituality and intuitive work, even as a child. Over time, my personal practice deepened, and friends and family started coming to me for advice, readings, and spells. Eventually, I realized this was my true calling—I wanted to help others find hope, healing, and empowerment through spiritual work. Turning it into a professional path was a leap, but it's been incredibly rewarding. Tee: I started helping my grandmother and grandfather when I was around 8 years old. They taught me how to do rootwork and witch doctor work as I matured. My grandma always had people coming to her home for homeopathic remedies, medicines, readings, spiritual work, dolls, amulets, and charms. As an adult, I started to do the same. After their passing, I took on their clients here in my home. You could say it came naturally—and it's who I am because it's what I was taught and raised with as a child. Some abilities were taught, but do you also think you were born with any? Tee: I do think I was born with it. This is the most macabre thing, but from when I was young, I always knew when people were going to die. I don't know how, but something about them would look different to me. When life leaves the body, someone's complexion is gone. When I would meet a person who was going to pass away, they'd have that look initially, and I'd look again, and they'd look like themselves. I was never really afraid of the dead or the dreams I would have—I was just kind of curious, and that's when I started asking questions. I think [my abilities are] natural to me, but I do feel like we all have a connection. Some of us find it earlier than others. Dogma teaches us 'This is how it is.' Once you get rid of the dogma, I think we all have the ability to connect [with our power]. How do you protect your own energy while working with so many clients? AP: Boundaries are key! I make time to ground myself before and after every reading, and I'm intentional about taking breaks and practicing self-care. I also limit the number of readings I do in a day and keep certain aspects of my personal life private to maintain balance. Tee: I never skip cleansing or protection. Do you ever feel taken advantage of by people you're close to because of your skills? AP: It happens occasionally—friends or acquaintances sometimes expect free readings or ongoing advice. I've had to learn to gently set boundaries and remind people that, while I love helping, my energy and time are limited. Tee: When I was younger, I did because I didn't have strong boundaries, so I would just let my cousins and friends drain me. There has to be reciprocity, and once I realized that, I stopped and set boundaries. Do you have a favorite reading or service to provide? If so, what is it? AP: I love soulmate readings, especially when I can include a sketch or detailed description of the person's energy. There's something so special about helping someone feel hopeful about love or their future. Manifestation rituals are another favorite—I enjoy channeling positive energy toward someone's deepest wish. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try

Fast Company
28-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
TikTok's latest villain (or hero)? A spell-casting Etsy seller
A woman paid a witch on Etsy for a love spell. Instead of following through, the witch found the man online and sent him screenshots of the conversation. Now, people are calling it a WIPPA violation. 'Guys the Etsy witch told on me,' @andtheg4gis cried in a TikTok posted on Monday. 'I said the guy's name, his birthday and stuff, and she literally DM'd him on Instagram and exposed me.' The video has since been viewed 2.4 million times and spread across other social media platforms. 'Imagine getting a 'hey girly' text from a witch,' one person commented. Many in the comments are calling for the TikTok user to drop the name of the Etsy seller, just so they know who to avoid. Some are calling for her to report the witch for violating her trust. As a former Etsy witch, either she was a hater or you wanted something HENIOUS,' one wrote. Other's are less sympathetic. 'Honestly good on the Etsy witch,' one person commented. The ethical considerations of love spells, if you believe they exist, are complex. 'I mean that sucks but that's also what you get for trying to use a love spell on someone,' wrote another. Fast Company has reached out to @andtheg4gis for comment. The $2.3 Billion Business of Belief Love spells are a thriving cottage industry on TikTok and Etsy. A quick search found over 1000 results of love spells for sale, starting from as little as $0.78, up to $5000+. Fast Company can not verify the legitimacy of these spells; use at your own risk. A ' commitment spell ' to help you 'get that ring' is currently on sale for $45. The seller has 2,750 reviews. Another seller, with over 150 reviews, offers a ' Dark Bind ' spell currently on sale for $49.70. Send over the name, age, gender, your relationship to the subject and a brief explanation. Adding a photo is optional, but does claim to strengthen the spell—which is available in two intensities. Psychic services, including spells, are big business. About 3 in 10 Americans make use of astrology, tarot cards or fortune tellers at least once a year, according to a nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center. The industry, which includes various specialties such as astrology, palm-reading, psychic readings and fortune telling, generated an estimated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024 and employed 105,000 people, according to market research firm IBIS World. While 20% use these services 'just for fun,' according to Pew, about 1% rely on what they learn from these practices for major life decisions. If you can't trust witches, who can you trust?