This week I’ve decided to go with something that in the past has really gotten people talking. In fact money is a subject that will generally get people talking anytime. I’ve got some pretty strong opinions on this topic so I am very excited to read any responses that come in. Also don’t be surprised to if you see me commenting back on this one. So now on to this weeks and struggling to keep my opinions out of it.
There is a line in one of the earliest books on Wicca by Gerald Gardener that basically states you shall not charge for magic. The accepted meaning of this in many circles is that you will not charge to teach Wicca. So assuming this interpretation is correct at what point does something becoming teaching? There are groups of people in classes being held already the world that charge for them, there are even online classes that charge as well. Yet despite all these things charging people still keep bringing up this ideal that you shouldn’t charge for Wicca.
This whole thing of not charging is limited to Wicca. All sorts of other organizations and religions charges for there classes. Even the ones that are semi religious in nature still charge. So why shouldn’t you be charged for Wicca? Is there anything about Wicca that comes for free? Or do you have to pay for it in some way or another all along the way? So let us say that the lessons are free will they still have the same value to you?
Money is what makes the world go around on so many different levels. Does it make our faith go around as well?
In an ideal world we shouldn’t have to pay for many things. The bottom line is that not only do people have to make a living, but there must be an energy exchange for something to be valued. As a psychic reader of ten years I have seen this happen many times. The people that pay for a reading get much much more out of it, and value what I say much more. The ,”parties” I have done where the readings were a free novelty feature payed for by someone else, the readings , even though they may be poignant, are treated lightly.
My problem with charging for spirituality comes when greed steps in. I guess the question for me is “How much is too much?” Honestly, an $150 dollar reading? To me, someone who charges that kind of money better be famous, or I look at them with contempt.
I used to teach classes on Witchcraft and we charged $20 per class. After all the money went to light and heat the store, and the owners made a little money, and I paid for all my supplies, I made a little. $20 per class might seem like a lot, but when you find out all that goes into it, it really isn’t a lot.
So, my answer is, in this world things cost things. As long as it is reasonible,you have to charge something. Most people can’t afford to teach for free.
Just tryin’ to get the topic goin”
I guess for me it depends on what it is that you’re charging for. But then again I have a huge problem with the whole mentality of money = value that permeates so much in our world. Why does something have to have money attached to it to be valuable to us, be it the work that we do, the creativity we share or in this case spirituality? But I’m getting off topic here a bit so let me reign it in.
If you make your living giving tarot readings, that’s one thing. I have some personal qualms with charging for tarot, but it’s not my profession either and I would never judge someone who does charge. If you’re leading a workshop or class in a bookstore for example, charging money to cover your overhead and give back a bit to the owners, that’s fine too.
In the context of coven membership and learning? I find this personally and morally repulsive. Asking everyone to pitch in something to help cover the cost of food for feast or the cost of ritual materials like candles, or keeping the coven library stocked with books – that’s fine. But a person’s ability to be a member or participate shouldn’t in my mind be contingent on their ability to pay. Share it if you have it and if you don’t, then there are other ways to contribute I’m sure. Just because you don’t have money it doesn’t mean you are dead weight on the group, and it shouldn’t prevent someone from being able to learn and grow in a spiritual setting.
Money itself isn’t evil,it is indeed simply a form of energy that is exchanged, it’s the things people attach to it that makes it dirty and greed. But when it enters the spiritual arena, I don’t know. I have slippery slope fears I guess. Do we want to be plastic shamans charging people for enlightenment? Where is the line between this is reasonable, and this isn’t. Does it have to cost nine thousand dollars and cost people their lives in a fake sweat lodge before we consider it problematic?
This is a fantastic topic and one I’m sure that will raise a few eyebrows. Good job. 😉
.-= Lyon Mercaeant´s last blog ..Random Sunday Blogging =-.
Spirituality isn’t a privilege, it is a basic human need, a right. As such, it shouldn’t be withheld from those in need based on their ability to pay. If a teacher can’t take the time to help those in need without monetary reimbursement, what kind of spirituality is one really learning?
.-= Ryan Sutton´s last blog ..Blocked =-.
something to add….I also use a barter system, for those who can’t pay. I have accepted reiki, handmade goods, and prayers for services.
Thanks for the great comments so far, I’m hoping to find some time to expand on the subject late this week assuming NANOWrimo work allows. Sadly this words don’t count towards my word goal.
I did just want to throw a comment towards Tara Swaim – When you get right down to it money is simply a really complex system of barter involving universally accepted barter chits. I barter so many ours of my time to my company, in exchange I recieve so much Barter Chits that I can trade to other people for goods and services.
.-= Randilin´s last blog ..very kewl =-.
yup.
I don’t have a problem with somebody being grateful enough to reimburse somebody for their having taught them something valuable. Whether through money, goods, services, what have you. If they’re serious about learning something about spirituality, that willingness to help ones fellow people should be in their minds. The part I have a problem with is demanding a payment before any teaching can commence. I don’t see anything wrong with perhaps, asking for a donation though, AFTERwards.
.-= Ryan Sutton´s last blog ..Blocked =-.
Yes information is free – but the time I take to teach you is not. I value my time and if you want to learn from me then you had better value it too. Otherwise you can get the information the same way I did – many hours of reading (expensive books) life experience (takes much time and pain) much searching ( valuable time again).
Actually there is no such thing as “free” Read your old stories – the seeker gave up much to get their knowledge – things like years of their lives, their loved ones, their valuables…. What is it about people that they think they deserve all that right, now for nothing? In the past you would have spent several years as an apprentice, sweeping floors, washing dishes, carrying out the night soil, before you got to do anything interesting. Then you spent several years watching and helping and then maybe you were allowed to do something to prove your mastery. So calculate the cost as say 5 years at minimum wage plus room and board to become a journeyman if you want to do that traditional teachings in a couple of weekends.
I see no issue with charging for Wicca. Firstly, going from “don’t charge for magic” to “don’t charge to teach Wicca” is one hell of a leap with very little support.
Personally, I think the title for this question is very well put. Learning about Wicca is getting an education. That it is a religious education does not, in any way, invalidate the fact that it’s still an education. If I am willing to pay for a secular education, why would I not be willing to pay for a religious one? I am still learning the lessons. At the end I have gained something. And the teacher is still investing a huge amount time. And time, in our society, is a very precious commodity that does come with a price tag on it, so such a teacher should be compensated accordingly.
Now what form this payment takes I feel is completely open. Ours seems to be a community where barter is alive and well, which I can see as a perfectly usable option should both parties agree to it, rather than the exchange of dollars. Still payment though.
M
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.