Do you feel Wiccans/Pagans should charge for Tarot Readings?

I would go have coffe w/my firends and do tarot readings for them. Then the regulars at the coffe house would ask me to do some for them, I was overjoyed to do it. Unfotunately some people started taking advantage of it and expected me to every time they saw me. I am about to have my 3rd child and my husband is going to college. Since we need to have both of us working I decided to see if I could work for a 900# reading cards. I still do readings on line and for those who ask me to. I don't think it's unethical considdering that it is a skill, and that I do my best whether I am paid or not.
LokiEternal138@aol.com
Date Added: 3-10-02

When I first started to do tarot readings and/or psychic readings in the past, I did not charge a fee at all because at that time I felt as though I was just a novice and that the person and/or people I was doing the reading for was really helping me, by giving me the time and practice I needed to perfect my skill in doing a reading.

But as time went on shortly thereafter, and after each reading (maybe within a week to a month or so later) the people that I did a reading for in the beginning of my practice of tarot, came back to me and told me that I was "right on the money," "everything I said and/or saw came to fruit," in other words I was at 100% plus with my readings and felt more confident in doing them.

I too, was not sure though if I should charge a fee even though I was much better at doing them and my accuracy was at 100%. I felt like I was given the gift of sight (among other things) and that this was so for a purpose. Because I've learned that everything has a reason and/or purpose for happening. Plus, I felt I was just giving back all the good and positive "things" that has been given to me since I've chosen the path of Wicca.

To make a long story short, I went to my "teacher" and very good friend, and asked for her advice. She told me that I should ask for a fee or barter for my readings because I am helping those "in need" and with each reading that I do for someone, I am not just giving my time and sharing my gift with them, I am giving them my positive energies as well, along with my physical energy which can be depleted if I go beyond my limit (with regard to how often and how many readings I do in a course of a day, week, etc.). So I took that advice and used it since that day. So there have been times where I charged only a dime, a cup of coffee, a meal, or, if I was doing a reading for a fellow witch/wiccan, they in turn would give me a reading as well as their fee to me.

I hope I helped in sharing this.

Blessed Be.
Starlight
Date Added: 3-10-02

I just think people should charge for their time. Not a specific work performed. charge whatever you think your time is worth. Period!

just my 2 cents
Gira
Date Added: 3-10-02

on the subject of charging for readings: i believe that our gifts as witches are indeed gifts to us from the universal goddess/god. however, even s/he charges us something in return--we have to study, learn, practice, and be chastised if we make messes. we don't really get our gifts for free--we earn them/work for them. therefore, it seems completely appropriate that we charge or receive something in return for what we give out. i believe our witch ancestors received compensation for their work, whether that was clothes, food, crystals, protection, whatever. i believe that it is therefore appropriate for us modern-day witches to follow suit. but as with all else, "let it harm none, do as thou wilt!"
Melissa
Date Added: 1-22-01

For all that I read is that a witches should not charge for anything that they do for others. Whether it is reading or making charms. It is fine if you ask for a donation or for the cost of the supplies you use, But to charge a rate for doing good is not the Wicca way.
Blessed Be
Amandra Moonwolf
Date Added: 1-22-01

It has been my sad experience that what people do not pay for/earn, they do not appreciate. Locally, my set fee is $10 for the curious, $5 for regulars, Donations/Free for friends and those with real need. If the Querent can convince me they are taking steps to better their life, I have been known to refund the fee.

It took me over a year to learn that there are some people who NEED to be charged. One young lady came to me every single Friday night 52 consecutive Fridays, asking "Is he cheating on me? Should I leave him?" At the end of a year, seeing the exact same reading every single flippin' Friday night, I told her "The cards say you are a stupid cow. Either leave him, or shut up and quit whining about it."

Because she did not pay for this service, she never really listened, didn't want to know, and saw this as "cocktail party" entertainment. That sure changed my views on it in a hurry!

Just as a doctor would charge for their time, training, and yes, gift, in their office, they generally do not charge for giving aid on the roadside after a car accident. Many have been known to give discounts for those who cannot afford to pay, or have no insurance. Giving out medication samples to those on a fixed income is common practice. I view Tarot readings the same way; it should be based on need and ability to pay/compensate you somehow. I have had people offer candles, charcoals, incense, candleholders, rides to work, exchanges of readings, and some minor housekeeping services in exchange for readings. Barter between friends also tends to serve as a bond, and makes sure one friend does not wind up feeling indebted to the other.

The most important thing, though, is to follow what YOU feel about it. Some people should charge, others should not, and each individual knows what is right for them, as long as it is not: "You have bad curse on you. For $300, I take off. For $300 more, I tell you who did it..." We actually have one of those out here (shudder).

Bright Blessings, all!
Strega42
Date Added: 12-10-00

a good friend of mine does readings for other people in a local wiccan pagan shop that he and his girl friend opened here in town and before that he never thought that chargeing for readings was right he did them for friends occasionaly before that but now he sometimes does very many readings in a row and it tires him out expending the personal energy that it takes and helping people deal with thier problems that the reading may show however he still does not charge a fee like some others do he askes for a donation after the reading and if the person wishes he/she may give what they wish be it change in thier pocket or a 50 dollar bill or nothing at all its up to them and he doesent push it on them to give anything .......another local tarot reader was chargeing people 50-150 bucks for a reading and would tell them that they could fix thier problems for anywhere from 150 dollars on up i heard of one woman who paid them allmoast a weeks paycheck and they did nothing but take her money this woman could ill afford it but they told her that it would take that much money for them to fix her problems .she had kids to feed .....so i think that chargeing is not a bad thing but one should be careful as to how or what you charge a person if you harm them by chargeing them so much that it harms them then it is wrong and agensed the wiccan rede (and ye harm none-do what ye will)
Ed
Date Added: 12-11-00

I have done both ways and as sick as I can be with the on going quest for money that seems to drive and obsess too many people.

I have found that if one gives away something of value long enough, people begin to believe it has no value.

If you have no money to spare, exchange a book, a cake, something to say, thank you for your time.
Blessings from
Carolyn
Date Added: 12-11-00

Hello,
I just wanted to add my 2 cents on this topic.The one point that I think that folks are not getting, is that Tarot (or any other type of reading),is NOT a religous aspect of the Craft. It is a skill that an individual of any religon, may have a gift or interest in. What I was taught is that one does not charge for teaching Witchcraft,to me that means the Rites of the Seasons, the Lore of the Gods, Ritual, Spellcraft, and Never charge for Initiation, because only the Gods make a Witch,as a teacher I can only help you along.IMHO we have allowed pop culture's image of what is 'witchy' to confuse us where this topic is concerned.It's all very cute for us to pretend that 'witches of old " just passed out their skills and knowledge for free, but it is a totally unreal view of how people lived.Perhaps that old timey Witch did'nt get handed a $50 bill for her reading, but I'd be willing to bet that she got plenty of food, firewood, cloth, ect'; in exchange.I studied long and hard to become a competent Tarot reader,just like your hairdresser, mechanic, and doctor, and I expect to get paid for my time and skill, just like they do. By the way, nice site, folks, Later,
Morrigan of the Great Lakes
Date Added: 12-11-00

Yes I think we should b/c all my friend and teachers come up to me every day and ask for a reading and i enjoy doing it but i am tired of getting nothing for my time and effort.
RobertJCondor@cs.com
Date Added: 12-11-00

I would like to respond to charging for tarot readings....

I may be off the subject a little, but not far. I have discovered a talent for casting runes. I would never, EVER charge for this, as: 1) I am helping another person and 2) I am helping myself, by the knowledge received. 3) I am thankful that the Goddess has given me a gift that I can share with others, and maybe even help them along, as I am always grateful for those who help me along.
thanx, and blessed be.
catseyes
Date Added: 12-10-00

My personal convictions are not everyone else's to be sure and Charging for readings is well accepted and received as it has been through time. If you are given a gift and sell it is that is the way. Many people in the vocation have no gift but learned a skill. Is it right for them to charge. Would it be right to charge to talk fire. Do you know how , you cant know either it happens or not as a gift. I was taught not to charge as my grandmother from Ireland was taught and relatives from the woods of N.C the same. They were told as those before them. I was given a burdenous gift and the thought of recompense never considered as I have nothing to give and am not used by the receiver but owe only to the sender. It is I who should pay. The receiver is blessed as am I.
ynkegohm@coastalnet.com
Date Added: 12-10-00

When I do a reading for someone I do it for the sake of helping them. If they wish to give something in return for my help I would refuse no gift. I do not ask for money but some people feel the need to exchange something as they would bring a gift if invited to a party or send flowers to a friend. I have recieved gifts and money gifts. I do not consider it payment. Personally I do have quams about charging for readings. That is my opinion because of the view I have of the nature of the service that I perform. To each their own.
Jen
Date Added: 12-10-00