Online auctioneers eBay are implementing new rules banning magic, potions and spells in an attempt to force swindlers and quacks off the site.
The past slogan 'Whatever it is - you can get it on eBay' will no longer apply from the end of August.
The new guidelines also ban advice on any of the magic-related subjects listed which means that sales of fantasy merchandise, such as books and products related to the Harry Potter novels, could be at risk.
The new rules intend to target more abstract items up for sale on eBay, such as spells to harm ex-partners, lucky potions and psychic readings.
Examples of services offered on eBay include an activation of 'Starseed/Lightworker DNA so that you may connect with your galactic guides from your home planet' and a £3.50 Love Trap Spell to force the unresponsive object of the buyers affection to 'want you big time'.
As of the 30th of August ‘spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic; prayers; blessing services; magic potions and healing sessions’ are banned merchandise for sellers, eBay wrote in their 2012 Fall Seller Update.
It is not yet clear whether J.K. Rowling's latest Potter creation – a book of spells in collaboration with Sony for Ps3 – will be banned under the new rules.
The Book of Spells, which Rowling herself called ‘the closest a Muggle can get to a real spell book’, is a virtual book for PlayStation 3.
Just like the version Harry Potter and generations of Hogwarts students have used, this version for Sony’s Wonderbook is ‘written by Miranda Goshawk 200 years ago’. The Book of Spells may be saved by a classification by eBay as a magic-related item of ‘tangible value’. Johnna Hoff, spokeswoman for eBay explained to 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.' The Book of Spells, out this Christmas, will ‘assist students on their journey to becoming an accomplished witch or wizard’ and includes brand new content written by J.K. Rowling.
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