Wiccan Rede and Selling Wiccan Items
Well, I have been thinking a lot recently on several subjects that I would eventually like to write guides about on ebay and my blogs. So I figured I would just start with writing a blog about it and see how that comes out.
I do a lot of research on ebay as I have a store there that I am trying to get off the ground. I sell pagan and new age items, and plan to expand my inventory over the next few months until I reach a full store status. In the mean time, I research what others are selling on ebay. I read the blogs, I look at auctions, at storefronts, and feedback. It gives me a good indication of what items are selling well and what are primarily one time wonders. In the process, I have seen a particular trend that makes me rather uncomfortable as a witch. It amazes me how many stores are selling spells. It concerns me also, and this is why I have decided to write something about "Ebay Shopping for the Pagan/Wiccan".
It saddens me to see an already bad stereotype being promoted in order to make a profit. I feel some specification is in order to keep some new witches (and a few not so new ones!) from getting scammed, and maybe teach a few non-pagans a little more about our traditions in the process.
Before I begin, let me specify something about me and my store. One thing you will NEVER find in my store is spells. Selling magic for profit and gain completely goes against the principles of magic and what I believe in. I believe in selling ritual items, especially hand crafted ones from talented artists. I also believe that these items do have their own magic or energy, created simply by the loving hands of the crafter or artist. This kind of energy is positive, loving energy.
When I create an item, especially my wands, they are not for me. These types of ritual items are highly individualized and personal. Because of this, my wands are simple creations, and I would consider them unfinished as a whole. They are meant to be customized, added to, personalized with each individuals own creative energies. This makes a wand the most powerful. With my belief in my magic and energy not being for sale, I never consecrate the items I sell. I do not include them in any rituals, they never enter a protected circle. These are all private things, meant only for the purchaser of my items once they have received them.
With this in mind, back to my concerns for the casual pagan ebay (or anywhere online!) shopper. There are several things that you should consider when purchasing from a seller online.
First, if it sounds too good to be true. IT IS. Don't believe everything you read. Anyone can sit at a keyboard and type a wonderful array of words that make their magical item sound spectacular or special. If the description of the item just gives you a feeling of being taken advantage of, LISTEN! Your gut instinct is probably right.
Do not fall for spells advertising guaranteed results when you are in a desperate situation. You are more than likely setting yourself up to be hurt or discouraged even more by your situation, because you will feel taken advantage of when someone else's magic does not work the way YOU think it SHOULD. Magic does not work the way we think it should, and the end results are very often times not exactly what we expect.
When someone else is writing a spell for you, especially a stranger, there is no guarantee that their intentions are pure and their thoughts are clear of negative thoughts. If you are not 100% positive about the intentions of a witch, steer clear.
If someone is willing to sell you a spell or do a spell for you that indicates ANY form of control over, or harm to, another person or animal, quickly move on. This goes against everything that any earth based religion believes in. "And ye harm none, do as ye will." Remember this when you shop for your ritual items and spells! This includes, but is not limited to: Love Spells, Binding Spells, Mirror Spells, and others that try to control the free will of another being.
These are just a few basic things to keep in mind when you are involving yourself with any magical practitioner or seller. There are many more, but for now I will leave it at this. I am not writing this to purposely harm any other person, but to provide you with some good common sense guidelines to go by when you are shopping for your own items.
Magic is just another form of prayer, of faith. Faith is not something you can buy, sell, or bottle up and keep for a later day.
And as always, keep these words in mind: And Ye Harm None, Do As Ye Will.
