The Daily Mail is reporting that the popular online auctioneer is implementing new rules which will ban, as of August 30, "spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic; prayers; blessing services; magic potions and healing sessions," according to eBay's 2012 Fall Seller Update. The company claims the revised rules are aimed at keeping swindlers and quacks off their site.
And for good reason. The Mail cites some of the wacky items being offered, such as an activation of "Starseed/Lightworker DNA so that you may connect with your galactic guides from your home planet" and a Love Trap Spell that promises to win someone's affection to make them "want you big time."
Johnna Hoff, a spokeswoman for eBay, told The Los Angeles Times: "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 are allowed in most cases."
But that's not good enough for some. ABCNews notes that some eBay fans are calling the ban discriminatory.
A commenter named “Disgusted” wrote: “Ebay bans alternative religious items. But! Not for Christians. Holy water and other sundry ‘holy’ items are discriminately allowed. … Hm. Let me get this straight. Some guy in Rome wearing long robes can wave his hand over some water and imbue it with something, and then it’s very ‘powerful?’ How is that different from any other magical item previously sold on eBay?…”
("Disgusted" hasn't thought throught this argument very well and apparently missed the most glaring difference between magic and holy water - namely in the sources. Magic is performed by someone who consorts with occult forces; holy water is brought about by someone who consorts with God. How's that for a world of difference?)
They also report that a new petition has been launched, called "Don't Ban Our Psychics." "Ebay don’t ban our metaphysical services! Fight for the psychics and the Tarot readers, the witches, wiccans, pagans, new age, healers, blessings, spells, voodoo, items of magic and most of all our clients and friends!”
Makes me wonder why eBay didn't do this a long time ago.
