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as a wiccan healer is it right to charge for your gift or should you do as i do and give it to all who ask?

I don't get why anyone would charge money for that kind of thing. A spiritual healing should come from the heart, if it needs to come with money... what kind of spirit are you giving it in?

Doctors charge money for healing.

I agree do not ask, but and I mean it but if a gift is offer, accept it with open heart. Otherwise would be in both situation disrespectful.

~1024~, I think the question is based on Spiritual healing more so than on physical healing. If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me.

*tiptoes in the Devil's Advocate=P* Well, if a medical doctor or a hospital is, more often than not, responsible for healing -- they get paid, so does that make them immoral? Granted, the amount of a medical doctor's bill might be immoral in price, don't they have a right to earn a living while dedicating their lives to using their "gift' or "ability"?

spiritual and physical,they are one.i give my gift freely but i am looked down upon for doing it.why should i charge for something i was given?it was given to me free,so i feel that is what i should charge.there are many who think that this gift is a comodity a way to make money.i disagree,but i am still looking for different perspectives on the subject.my gift will always be free,but i am trying to understand their thoughts

Herahes... read what Soulshroude said. For me, my answer isn't about what you paid damn good money for schooling on... but a supposed natural GIFT in spiritual healing.

psychvamp, who looks down upon you for it? And do they really matter, or SHOULD they matter? If you are doing something you feel is right, go with that heart.

of course i will do as i do,but unfortunalty there are those in the wiccan community who feel that our gifts should not be given away they feel that because i am (hurting)their buisness i should stop,i guess they forgot where their gift came from

I would question those Wiccans, doesn't sound like to norm I have ever heard of... and as you must know, you can always go the solitary route.

Hurting what bussiness, last I checked, Wicca is a practice, a belief, not a product of advantage...Not like a lawyer, or a store clerk.

This is the exact reason why many things dealing with the eclectic ways of life are miscude. Society sees fit to portray them in the wrong mannerisms. Exploiting them for what they are not.

EXACTLY Soulshroude... it's not a business! These people just don't sound like Wiccans anyway.

Healing is gift of the Goddess and should be used to benefit all who ask without charge. They must give permission before any gifted should perform healing unless they are unable to give permission. Healing is limited by very few things permission, the healers ability, and the healers energy as it can use large amounts of personal energy to help some one.

As well, in my opinion...Energy healing is a universal attribute, from which ever deitic patron you choose to believe in. Though it truly comes from within the individual, I say why thank any diety for any attribute the individual has, lest they feel a bit guilty or too proud for said attributes.

I feel that the gift u have should be given for free

my gift i give for free to all who ask,i just wanted to get other opinions as to should i give away what i was given.i will never seek anything for what i give away freely.but there are my fellow wiccans that think that our gifts are a comoddity,to be sold to the highest bidder.i dont agree,the gift that i was given should be shared with all.i am sorry if i keep saying the same thing,i am trying to asure myself

Corruption of power, no matter what that power is attributed with, seems to come from all walks of life apparently...Such is the way of things.

Friend, Psychvamp, we are not throwing mud at you. We are just showing our thoughts and opinions on the subject. :)

Personally, I think that when this sort of healing is offered, it gains a layer of trust when it is offered freely. A person who is charged for healing may wonder, "Is this legit, or am I being taken advantage of?" If there is doubt, it seems that the doubt would negatively impact the healing process. To charge or not to charge is, of course, a personal choice; I do not feel that it is unreasonable to ask for reimbursement for whatever supplies may be used in the process (candles, incense, stones, crystals...etc.), but if anyone is charging outrageous prices, or treating their practice primarily as a business, I would wonder about what they really have to offer in the way of healing.

i was told that i let people take advantage of my kind freebies and that i should start to charge i feel chargen people is wrong and yet several people with the gift have told me i must start to charge as iam not recieven what iam putting out and there is a lack of balance

I met few people, if anyone, that truly appreciates something if they get it for nothing. There is also a need for energy exchange for healing to happened. Even if it is only a barter of some kind. I have done free sessions before at healing fairs and have charged for sessions, including classes. The best results, including a couple of miracles, have involved the charged sessions. The other free sessions got remarks of, "that was nice" or a more calming feeling instead of a healing. From personal experience, the barter or money works better. I have also found that personal or clients need to voluntary come to you to receive best results. Remember JC never advertise, people came to him but even he received money or donations. So the business end does not really work well for healing for me. But then again, I got my training and healing from someone that did have a business full time. So, I guess it does work for some. I spent over two thousand dollars plus my personal sessions with her. I have zero complaints.

Charging for using a gift is not a sin if it is not abused. That goes for any gift. But when it comes to healing, an exchange of energy is necessary. This has to do with more than just the money. I'm not going to get into the whole story here because I really don't think people understand what is happening with the healing and what is going on with all the layers, behide the veil, including the ego on both sides. Its a shame that too many are "getting into" healing and still thinking things go "poof!" and everything is fine and dandy.

i would not have asked if i didn't want a tuthful response,as in all aspects of life it is good to get other opinions

The post by Billy, gives a prime example of just how society would be corrupted for lack of a better term. The influences society deals with is a very real sense of "peer pressure".

it is always good to hear what others have to say it may not always be what you expect but then your at least better informed

Not sure what you mean by peer pressure. I'm only fourth away from Mrs T herself. My Reiki Master taught many and introduced Reiki in NY and tried to get it into the Hospitals. No easy feat. I did many free voluntary healings including over a thousand long distance. I'm far from being a beginner on this subject. It could not have happened if she didn't have the business. And as for understanding the exchange...you either do or don't.

Peer pressure ~Billy~ as in relying on others opinions as a be all end all. Like that of a sort of group hypnosis. How can the individuall be right when the group determines them to be wrong? Peer pressure.

It is true that people tend to expect more from something for which they pay -- because you pay, you want to believe that you are getting something. This is a basic psychological concept, one which could help the healing process. The power of desire and expectation does amazing things; the placebo effect, for example, is well-documented and accepted by modern medicine.

Having said that -- I like the idea of a bartering system. It could be something as simple as the client saying, "What do I owe you," and the healer saying, "Just pass it on; do something kind to a stranger," or what have you. Or, there could be a pre-arrangement of some tradeable commodity; something the healer needs -- it doesn't have to be money. This way, the psychological processes are still triggered ("I'm getting something for what I'm getting"), but the healer is still able to perform services without asking for monetary reimbursement.

Well the healer needs to learn that it has nothing to do with being right or wrong. Its a "Whatever" and teach by example. Of course they get crucified but thems the breaks. I understand the concept of the world needs as many healers as possible but if you really want the great results, you need to make that Universal connection personal. And there are rules to follow. If all healers follow the group behavior, then they will never know that there is something more waiting for them.

Precisely my point ~Billy~ Though you said it a bit better than I did.

As I know it to be the Wiccan philosophy holds to "do what you will as long as no one is harmed" more or less, so who are you really harming? And what about the eight virtues these being mirth, reverence, honour, humility, strength, beauty, power and compassion......compassion being the one I have in mind, how could one of such beliefs be expected to "charge" a fee for caring?

Geez, those others need to practice what they preach.........

Thank you for refreshing my memory on the set of eight virtues mentioned in Doreen Valiente's "Charge of the Goddess" these being mirth, reverence, honor, humility, strength, beauty, power and compassion. And definitely compassion is the most important to a healer.

greed will make that any excuse is good to ask money. Which is not a good excuse but still some malvelant persons will use it.

Some will hand gifts to thank, and it is natural to accept it, sort of saying thank you back. It does not have to be money, can be help or simple things as a card. But still it is not mandatory, it is an option.

Billy is talking about something other than Witchcraft, the question is regarding those who are not Reiki Masters or other healers who charge for their services, but Witches. It is not considered right for those of the same tradition as Doreen to charge money for healing, psychic or physical. I would consider anyone who follows the Wiccan traditional religion, and is paid for healing an imposter.

I think ~Billy~ was giving an example as it partains to charging for the distribution of healing. Not implying that the thread was about a certain practice itself, but the relationship between spiritual and physical healing as a whole.

hey if your good at what you do, why not get paid?!

(Continued from last post)

Who is to say that Wiccan are witch's? The term witch is a medieval term for one who practices. It has since been stereotyped into other terms, more openly used...Though witch was implied to those of whom had Satan as their patron diety. Which is why Wicca has nothing to do with the craft itself.

But then, that is an entirely differant thread, so I will stop here.

Wicca is a religion while witchcraft is an area of skilled study in magick in the strictest of senses but all know how muddy the waters are in use of the two terms.

Exactly my point. Which is why the comment about another thread that had already been discussed not long ago came into play.

I know it well as I contributed as Platinumwitch an article comparing and contrasting the two and that the two had been so blurred together to become for all practical purposes indistinguishable.

Bloody hell, at least we are on the same page of understanding...Well met.

As for wicca coexisting along side the craft, we can determine why threads such as this one compared to the aspects of other beliefs such as thoughs as "vampires" natures come into effect...Specifically when dealing with the natures of energy transfer.

My apologies for venturing off scope for a moment.

Back on track. I agree with the thought of accepting small gifts if offered for healing services but never more than the amount to cover cost of any supplies used in the healing.

That is a good and fair way of looking at it, although a crystal is only potentially worth a few dollars at the most. As well as herbs, incense and other items of nessessity. So once again, we are back to where we started as very little cost is involved with what seems like these days to be a what...$50.00 reading, healing or whathaveyou? Which is why this thread was started. Extorting a gift for conveniance, or is it a way to keep house and home? Something else to think about.

Ones in which greed over weighs compassion are not healers of the sense thought of in Wiccan (Pagan) circles. I know no one that makes a living off of magickal healing. I may be in a bad place in rural Louisiana. But I have never known any even in New Orleans. I may be traveling in the wrong circles. Sire, Billy the Just is the only one I have run into even on line. I do not know much about Reiki. I will not judge or even offer opinions on practitioners of that skill.

I think it is ok to charge as the goddess doesn't want to see you poor and destitute, she gave you a gift for a reason.

To balance it out I suggest you do some volunteer spiritual healing or free workshops teaching others how to do it for themselves. That way your giving as well as recieving.

I have thought about this stuff at length. I still stand by my beliefs. Even as a Reiki Master myself... I have stayed away since I completed my training because I cannot agree in charging for it- and through so many channels I have heard that it is important to charge- because money puts an importance on it and makes them more apt to believe and have a successful healing. I just can't buy into that. It either works or it doesn't.

Reiki works for me and my son. It was worth the training for that alone... for me just to be able to bring ease to my loved ones, out of the kindness of my own heart.

I feel charging for a spiritual gift is abuse. Sounds like an egotistical irresponsible use of it. Think of this... it was a GIFT to you, meaning a free present... and you charge?

If people want to make a small donation,,,but I know many healers that do charge. This gives them money for gas etc, If you do travel for your gift...you know that your gas mileage is tax deductable. Edgar Casey I have read in one of his books noone should ever charge over 20 dollars. There is many thoughts on this. Giving healing energy does take much of your own energy to do so. The gift also is healing the person, maybe meditationing on this will help bring you the answer.

I believe that there is nothing wrong in setting up a reasonable price, as long you can get the job done.

Right, money for gas and things... but I don't think these gifts were meant to be used as a business opportunity. People that choose to focus on spiritual gifts to get them by in life have opted not to travel the responsibility road or getting out in the world and training for conventional jobs and making money like the rest of the world does (or should be doing). My very own mother does this. Most of her life she has tried so very hard not to work, and to read tarot, palms, and other stuff instead to make money. I find that she's a a total sham anyway, but on top of it she has also been a financial burden amongst other things.

It is totally a person's choice to not work conventionally. I think there is a HUGE different between a spiritual gift and a God given talent of like, art... where people charge for that kind of work.

hmmm all points seem valid to me...although I would go with keep it free...

Not going to repeat what was already said but there is another aspect to this. Ever felt out of place or a little ashamed of going to someones house for dinner and not giving a gift or dessert? Or maybe getting an allowance of saying a million zillion dollars a week? We do, believe it or not, have a built in tendency to want to do things for yourselves and do things in return. Not allowing someone else to pay will make them in debit to you or you hold a contract of their's to return a favor. Neither is healthy to that person in the long run. And here you think you were helping them! Its better to keep things on a balance up front. Something for something. No Karma created. Let them pay, its best for all involved.

Also makes me wonder about people who think this should be free. Are they the ones that are trying to hold on to their own money and don't want to pay. We mirror our own thoughts. To be healed means to release. You can't do that by holding on to something else.

As for a p.s. Not very clear on what Wicca healing is. Prayers, ritual bath, smudging, middle pillar, group hug, etc.?

lol, not at all Billy. I keep trying to distinguish the difference between spiritual gifts and tangible gifts and talents. You either get that or you don't.

"To be healed means to release. You can't do that by holding on to something else. "

My gosh... I hate to say it, but that sounds like an evangelical preacher on TV. Holding onto hard earned money for your family will keep us from being spiritually healed? I think not. I know not.

Tangible gifts are those that we create or manifest in one way or another. Using un-manifest energy, they do not last. Spiritual gifts are given by Grace. Which do need to be appreciated and used. You get them by following certain laws, and you keep them by using laws. Practice and keep an eye on the differences you'll see the differences yourself.

'given by grace'... and for me, should again be given by our own grace.

People will do what they will no matter what. I am comfortable, content, and sure in the moral code I choose for myself. Everyone should be. If you can claim that. March ahead.

Forget the money term. Substitute "give freely so you can receive freely." Now allow this term to apply to your client - not you. Let them give and release any ties that they may have. This also means not to let them become attached to you. By paying for a service, to helps them to recieve that goal.

The one who is free from that basic need of survival, and does not need to ask any thing in return, is already truly Liberated soul.

client? It all keeps coming down to regarding a spiritual gift as a business. That is THE big point some of us are trying to make. Your God, your goddess... whomever you believe- I am not in line with the idea they gave you gifts for a business opportunity.

Grace only comes from God, not by us. For the real miracles to take place, or even healing, there can be no ego involved. This means there is no "you" doing the healing. By having some kind of exchange, we seperate ourselves from the healing and from the other person. Even if you sit and have tea together afterwards, don't matter. But you should not allow yourself to be the healer, you're not. By having the exchange, the matter is over and done with. You both move on. Nobody healed and nobody got healed.

Well Billy, you've got an opinion. I don't have to buy into yours as you are not buying into mine on this topic.

I honestly don't think that a wiccan healer should charge because you received the gift of healing... Why should one charge for a gift that they have aquired?

You are Billy extremly spiritualy educated.
It is a pleasure to read the divine words wich you write.

Your understanding is superb.

It is my pleasure.

I would honor a gift by using it as a gift for others. People do in fact have grace. As I have read:

Actual grace, is a supernatural push or encouragement. It’s transient. It doesn’t live in the soul, but acts on the soul from the outside, so to speak. It’s a supernatural kick in the pants. It gets the will and intellect moving so we can seek out and keep sanctifying grace.

I don't think we'd sanctify it charging people money to experience it.

Yes, I do know mediums that charge as well as crystal healers and rekki healers. I also know they give their Services free at a Spiritualist church two times a week. A few mediums told me they charge because certain people will call a couple of hours later and what to know why it is not happening yet or one medium had a person call 9 straight days in a row. I charge somewhat for my tarot readings...only to help with food banks or buying food for the animial shelter. This way you are serving not only the person, but a well needed charity as well.

Well, I have seen and heard of very few businesses that work out. So on a large scale this is a mute point I think. I have experimented on several ways of no payment to payment. I have seen the results. I personally have given everything up and didn't care what it took and got what kings can only dream of having and not buy in return. Its a lesson that people need to learn. I have been there. Something does happen inside the other person when this exchange is allowed to happen. Granted nobody, including me, may know exactly, but something does.

Should every body get healing for free? Should everyone get Grace from God for free? God doesn't even hear prayers the same from all people! What people put into something, they get back.

The little old woman that give her last penny, everything she had, will receive more than that free or token prayer. Somehow I don't God cares about the money. But there is a difference between the two. Learn it.

The days of looking for that healer in the forest or top of the mountain is gone. Nothing is wrong with opening a business for healing. For it to actually work will depend on many factors but there is nothing wrong with it. Its not for me but it is part of the Ascension process for some. Universal Law will not allow greed to happen now anyways.

But on the one to one session, keep your eyes open and try to have that exchange. You will see the difference. Then start asking yourself why. Its a question that gets ask all the time.

*as for that Grace def: gives a new meaning of "living in Grace!" O.o *

I don't think these gifts were meant to be your money maker. You can always get a 'real' job, and save your spiritual practice for spiritual reasons.

You can choose to get out there and work like the everyday man and pay the bills. If you choose not to, I don't feel sorry for those who go without.

'What people put into something, they get back.' That something, doesn't have to be money. You can have a belief, an appreciation, and honor for it.

'The little old woman that give her last penny, everything she had, will receive more than that free or token prayer.' The people that took that last penny from the little old lady will be dealt with by God, in my opinion.

dont ask for anything but if the person offers take it

thank you all for your thoughts on this matter, i have never charged nor will i ever charge. because as i said it is a gift,and gifts should be given freely

I dont think it is right for anyone to charge for thier gifts that they were given naturally. It is a gift and should be used or given to another in the same way.

I agree that you shouldn't charge for it you are recieving the karma for doing good.

many people who need a healer who can really truely heal cant afford the cost ...iam a firm believer that these gifts were given to you why take from them give give give

Well it all depends on what kind of person you are. I mean some people charge others dont. I personally would not charge but its mostly a desicion only you yourself can make.

Covens that are small and in remote places pool resources, these are usually more community interactive practicioners, those that fleece their client are suspect. Even some of the free practiconers are bolstering promotion. Entertainers and consoling practicioners are valuable and rare. Gratuities are not should not be frowned upon, but fees subject to changes? that is dirty and could indicate exploitation.
But locals have someone to compare it to that is key.

well healers charged for there serves long be for the creation of "wicca"

so i dont see why you shoulden't

so if someone came to you who was truely sick ...and was poor as dirt you would demand a payment from them or leave them sick??? sounds like your a real humanitarian NOT

If anyone is truly sick, you send them to the doctor! As for the give, give and give more, I get these people on my table. I call it the "social workers syndrome." Over giving will show up in the upper back, shoulders, and hands. All heart Chakra imbalances. But what do I know. *sigh*

i understand what your saying ...but there needs to be some sort of balance charge those that can afford it and give to those in need make it balance farely

Exactly, balance - not free.
Bartering without making a contract to that person works just fine. Money is only an easy way of bartering but it doesn't have to be the only one.

billythejust your so right ...personaly i wish we the whole world could do away with money and only use the barter system as it once was

scientific research has proven that if money is exchanged for an item or service, that "item" is not given as freely because it is now considered "work" and work doesn't have a pleasant association with us as humans always.

i believe in the law of barter....i will freely give something and someone can freely give me something back. it seems fair and just in my own personal ethical system.

so, for gifts of the spirit, i will freely give as i am able.

Having a wallet in my back pocket is bad enough. Not going to even try to put a chicken in there, or two. O.o
But the world is going back to bartering, just take a look at Craigslist. Times are changing yet again.

I do believe in some kind of even exchange concerning spiritual healings or services in some cases. On the one hand, you don't want to visit a sham healer who will charge you an excessive amount of money. However, it is possible for individuals to take advantage of your gifts and wear you out if you always offer them for free.

In Reiki, a system of working with chi energy for healing, healers must never offer their services for nothing in return. This is a main tenant of the practice of Reiki. There must be some form of even energy exchange. The founder of Reiki decided that this was proper because many people began taking advantage of him, and wore him out. Even if it is just a nominal fee, or a barter of some kind, the fair exchange must still be present. Other forms of faith accept the ideal of an even exchange of gifts or energies.

When offering healings, I believe it is very important to follow spirit and your intuition most of all. Sometimes, spirit will tell you to give for free. Othertimes, spirit will want something in return for your services. Follow divine guidance and your heart.

That comment on Reiki Masters never offering their services for nothing is exactly why I paid to learn and become a Reiki Master... so I could tweak it and give that Universal healing a new twist. I give it in love. IT WORKS. I do it for my child. I would never ask money from my 8 year old... any why do you think it works on him? Why (for those of you that think this is okay) does it work, and is an acceptable thing to do? Why is my child deserving of this freely given healing?

This seems to be more of a healer's hang up. I wonder how much of a healer some people really are. How much in the zone of healing someone can be in that is being compensated for something that is free.

It's your choice, obviously... I would recommend donations instead... handle it just like some of the examples posted earlier... Churches offer spiritual healing and it's your choice whether you would like to donate... It would help especially if you need something special for the healing of someone... but at the same time you have to weight the costs.... although it is something that should be free it does require materials...

If that was me I would only charge a fee for those I don't know but for friends I would do it for free.

If I am in tuned enough to have healing hands...I don't think I would charge to share my gift with those I could help.

I would not charge for a gift such as that seeing as at some point I might need a gift in the same manner. What goes around comes around.

If you have a gift, then I think it would be selfish not to share...

While I may not be a healer in as much as I've trained in a specific practice I do have some natural skill in helping others. The way I do things is if someone comes to me for help whether that be emotional, spiritual or any other shape or form I'll do what I can for them and if they feel that I deserve something in return then I'll accept it as a gift of thanks.

In regards to the bartering system I do tend to do that with private purchases, I ask a person what they feel is a fair exchange and if I feel it's fair then it's agreed. If you're going to charge, find what they'd consider fair for what you do, that's the only way it remains in balance.

Bartering is carried out a lot in the middle east, especially at time of family illness rather than a cash payment which would be frowned on as bad luck.

I believe it should be given as a gift. I do agree with Oceane. If a gift is offered to you take it with gratitude. It to me is like Karma. If you give it will come back to you twofold.

Fleecing and tithing are two very different things if I go to a place to consol with a practtioner of a craft, it is in good interest to aid in providing a place for them to provide me with consel. Their are those frauds that like stated here say Give me money or you won't feel better. The pooling of a covens resourses sometimes provide for a economically challenged practicioer, yet anybody that does craft for a living can arange to advertise by word of mouth and for a low fee meet a modest living. A smaller less frequent practice can do more indepth work and Make a specialized fee, yet aslso do consoltations as well. providing basic comfort practice. Material and trinkets or items can be sold to clients as well. When it feels like a business, it is up to the practicioner to search themselves.

Within tribal groups, the Shamen or healer is paid for their services by the tribe, either by providing food, protection, housing, and materials.

So, I think that there is nothing wrong with receiving payment for a service. You spend time, effort, and sometimes materials to perform healing.

If you chose not to, no worries. But I see no "ethical" issues in asking for compensation for efforts from a professional.

This thread has been automatically closed for length.