The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Is it wrong to sell you gifts for self gain in todays world?
or barter them?

Yes or no? why did you choose your answer?



For me, I don't think its wrong. I have a set price for spells and charms (I don't sell anything that has to do with love ) or for tarot, if they can not pay I barter for with them.

In this modern world where money is the focus of all..i belive no it's not wrong..me myself i specialize in tarot readings..now granted i dont sell them but friends come to me and pay me to do readings for them. so no i dont think it's wrong we do what we must to survive.

i would say it depends on what you are selling.. something should never be sold, but then again that also depends on the circumstances of why you are selling it in the first place.. if you need the money to buy food to eat or put a roof over your families head and it is not illegal or immoral then i say go for it

What I see as more of a concern is what people who provide such services advertise as, there is respectively a Commercial industry that 85 percent of the time is scripted, and geared to keep people calling.

Then there are those who are modest practices that guide a smaller demographic no reason why a person should not be compensated for their time, and place.


People given something for nothing seldom value what is given, at least experience shows me this. They want to invest in something, to make it a leisure commodity, earned.

If you have something that is of value to another that they do not have on their own, then there is nothing wrong with selling that talent, quality, skill, etc.

That is how the world works.

If everyone knew how to sweat copper pipes, we wouldn't need plumbers.

If everyone knew how to diagnose illnesses, we wouldn't need doctors.

Put your skills to use and profit, I say!

If one didn't learn their talent through books or by other people, then it would be considered a gift. Selling that gift would be wrongful since it is a gift.

Most people who are doctors and plumbers had to work their way up TO knowing how to do those things.

It depends on how one received that talent.

I would have to say that in my opinion it is wrong to sell a gift given to you. I wrote a paper for my Comp I class about the "Sweat Lodge Deaths" in Arizona, that was lead by self-help expert James Arthur Ray, whether this man has any natural gifts from nature or not, he charged $9000 to $10,000 per person for people to go into a so called sweat lodge; three people died. After the deaths, Chief Arvol Looking Horse wrote to the Rapid City Journal, to quote him, "When you do ceremony – you cannot have money on your mind. We deal with the pure sincere energy to create healing that comes from everyone in that circle of ceremony. The heart and mind must be connected. When you involve money, it changes the energy of healing”; I believe if you have a gift and you wish to share it with others share it, but do not taint it with money. Allow it to be pure once you have shared it, then speak about money.

i belive that it is far from wrong. and the reason is that they are your talents not someone elses. and that if they are in demand then that is how you should make your living or money however you look at it. and that there is no righth or wrong in that. on survivalism and that is a must for all.

you know i would love to be able to barter them.. instead of sell them.. but that is me... i figure that way i could have food on the table and be able to share back. like they use to do along time ago. there seemed to be less fighting and more peace that way. in today's world we are at war more than at peace. even with our own selves. but then again in this world selling our talents is the way to go.

It may be in the billing, if a persons objective is to build an empire of what they reason to be a gift, then I would be a little critical.

As for " Get by Funds", or income supplimentation certainly.

Craft Folk I have known put the responibility of material pecurment in the hands of the client.

It's not so much the marketing and selling of one's talents that concerns me or that I feel to be unethical. After all, we all sell our talents and abilities in one form or other. Whether in obvious career paths such as those in entertainment and the arts or in less specific ways such as aptitudes coupled with education in most other areas, we all market and sell our strengths and our talents.

What concerns me are those who claim as talents that which they do not actually possess and then market and sell them as though they did. Namely... psychics... and all like them who prey on the gullibility and desperation of those they seek to attract as clients.

Now... the one caveat I shall make is the obvious one that should a self-proclaimed psychic actually be able to provide documented objective evidence of their "talent" (e.g., say... winning "The Amazing Randi's Million Dollar Challenge" that has gone unwon now for over two decades), then they have at least a foundation for their claims.

However, if they cannot provide non-deceptive evidence of their claims, then they are not selling anything other than their "talent" for (self-)delusion and/or deceit.


- Upir'

Everyone must sell sell somthing to live.Money makes the world go round.I'm shure eveything or anything knows that.I wouldnt sell mine IF i had any psyic abilities...or what-not.cause karma can turn around and bite you on the bum.people will KNOW about you..all over the world..then look at you like some circus freak,then the government will know,and so on.Many people sell what 'they' think is there talents..(cause they have none).. IF they really can see in the furture..im shure they can just gable at horse races and lottery..to get the money.
Money,money..money.
regualr talents are ok,like drawing..painting and such.BUT,even i cant sell that worht no more then scum at the bottom of the lake.People are curious about SUPER talents.like ESP.
They will pay good money.
but..that the end... what will it do for you.
really.

its not wrong to sell your talent...its a normal part of life now or any other time...if youre a musician and record music, an artist and paint painting etc...if your talking spells, potions, fortune telling, etc...i dont think its wrong, to sell it if someone wants to buy it...i think its wrong to sell it offering people hope of miracles or life changing effects when in most cases there is none...but drs do it with placebo pills too...your talents if not there to help you provide for yourself are of no use..

I have to agree with Upir on the fact that "selling" talents that you do not have are wrong... like false prophets and psychics... but we are all told to find out talents and pursue them... and in that belief...we are selling them. I don't feel that is wrong, as doing something you are good at as a career choice often makes people the happiest. But if you are told that your "talent" isn't exactly a "talent" [aka.... you suck at it] it's time to find a new one.

Buyer beware, as much as seller take care.

Lest ones wares fall short, and a refund is requested. People as consumers are unpredictable, and people seeking paranormal reassurance are often expecting based on elevated advertising.

I give anything i do away for free , drawings , occult objects i make , any readings or stuff of a more intangible nature . The things i create i do because i love to make them and i,am satisfied with the skills i,ve achieved through doing so , If i then give it away i get an even greater feeling , that i can make someone else happy . If it,s a reading or something it,s an honor to be able to help and guide a friend or someone who,s looking for answers . I hope i never sell out , I won,t be bettering my self by doing so, i,ll become slap dash for a few pennies , then it,s all about the money and what I'd get not about what i was giving .

You must learn as how make the difference between entertainment and the real. Many humans use their "talent" to gain money and to pay their bills; others, use their talent to help others and to communicate with the unknown.

If it was wrong to make a profit then every Vampire, Gothic, and Pagan place would be out of business! I do weddings, sells astro charts and make a living with that. Everyone from certain lifestyles sell things. Nothing immoral about it, unless you sell junk

MM2

I am a tall girl, so I was recognized and am in the modeling industry. I don't think it is wrong...

A better example would be an artist. should they just give away amazing works of art?
same for a poet or an author.
A hair dresser
A dress maker
A baker.....

No, everyone has some sort of talent or skill that they turn into a job, why would this be any different?

Whether you actually have a specific talent or not you will always use skill of some sort to make a living. I have no talent for sewing yet I work in an embroidery/sportswear store. No matter how you make a living you are barting your skill and work for something. Be it money or straight up bartering. I trade my ability to push thread through a needle for 8 monotonous hours for the money to feed myself and pay for school. Lots have used the arts as an example. Very good one. If expressing yourself allows you to earn a living then why not. And yes those who set themselves up are wrong. Thats a scam. I honestly wish I could express myself better through my writing. Why I take classes from somebody who has talent in that field. I'm giving them money in trade for the knowledge they impart.

people have always sold their "gifts" in one way or another

depending on the talents you are selling. society deems we need to make a dollar yet not at the disgrace of our own personal convivctions.

There are theatrical psychics and some are very legitimate and end up in the limelight by word of mouth. Some have gone through testing and others not. The thing that amazes me is that people don't realize they will not always be accurate. It is just a fact and spiritualists say a psychic is fairly accurate if they are around 80 percent correct. There are ethical standards throughout the spiritualist community but no one can force anyone to abide by them.

As a person becomes known, people scramble for readings as they did with Edgar Cayce and their time is taken up and they have no time for anything else. Then comes the rub, to do readings or to work in an unrelated mainstream job. Spiritualists are taught that if you charge high prices for your talent then it is an abuse of power and your talents may fade. It is a spiritual belief and I am sure some don't believe this to be fact. I have known some to combine the two. I had a trance medium friend who did readings and other occultish things but he also worked for ITT and wrote some of their manuals and has an unrelated business now that has nothing to do with anything paranormal. He makes his living from that and not doing readings but he is very capable. He only asks for donations but he is very accurate.

As for card readers, that is either taught by family, friends, classes or for some from books. The talent comes into play by the fact of how well they learn how to use and read them. It is an acquired talent and if the person has psychic ability their readings will have subtle nuances. Everyone should be compensated for time and most I know do ask for donations. A skill is a skill and it shouldn't matter in what area.

I make jewelry but I give most of it away unless some friend insists on paying for it. I am considering doing it for a parttime income but I don't want to charge high prices. I want it affordable even though it is made by hand and time consuming. It's really up to the individual and what value people place on whatever talent or skill you are selling.

Was kind of on the fence about this question... Still not really sure how I feel about it... When I think about the original post it conjures up images in My mind of everything from the "Carnival Gypsy" and the "Back Woods Witch" to the "Psychic Palm Readers" and "Televised Mediums," like Madam what's her face a few years back. And ofcourse all the old sayings like, "Everyones got to earn a living somehow" and "Work with what god gave you," come to mind aswell.

I think it mostly boils down to intent and greed. Who can often tell those who are in it purely for the monetary gain from those who do it because it is what they can do. Those that want to simply help often don't ask for a whole lot, if anything at all. And those that genuinely need the help will often offer what ever they can in gratitude. And this is really where I feel it is best. Does not mean that the person that runs a local Magick Shop or who publishes a best selling Book of Magick are wrong or money hungry. It just all boils down to the intent of the individual involved.

yes i think it is absolutly wrong to do that. thats totally not rite i feel. like if i were to sell my readings i feel like my ability would run out.

I can't sell any talents that I might possess simply because I cannot deliver at will.

I taught myself how to draw when I was five.My family always thought of ways to make money off my drawing.Even though I wouldn't get a dime of it.Even how I have people wanting me to draw for them...for free.

I always said if I had to use my talent as a way to make money or as a business.I would never draw again.

oh I disagree, If I knew that I could get money out of really putting an effort into writing me stories I would do it. I see money as a great incentive to being creative.

MistressVampire? Perhaps you can define talents? Are you talking about drawing, singing and writing or super natural gifts? I see that everyone has taken a different view on your topic. I don't think we are all on the same page. Forgive me if I misunderstood.

Totally sell your talents, either sell or invest.
Why... if you're endowed to do so whyever would you hold back? Demand is demand, after all. Just yesterday i had to put my endowed talents to work, and by golly i always deliver.

I have a question for the people saying that selling your talents is wrong: If selling your talents is bad, what then are you supposed to do with them?

I'm still wondering what kind of talents are we selling?

I think the non supernatural kind

If she is talking about being a writer, a poet, an artist or singer etc. then yes by all means if you possess talents in those areas you should do with them what you can, and if you make money doing it then it's a good thing.

I was referring to being clairvoyant and such. I am just speaking for myself here, I know that things like this are not as easily produced and delivered as a painting would be. Do you understand what I mean? If I have a dream of something that foretells the future, it doesn't necessarily mean that I can dream something up for someone who might ask about their future. It's complicated

personally i wouldn't trust a fortune teller who asked for money

I think there are loads of people who just read instructions in a book and then follow them to tell their fortunes

I'm sorry - selling your talent?

Like for example: you're very good at something and then you just promote it to the world to gain something in return?

Nothing wrong with that - but then again, it depends on which "talent" you're selling.

Well I am a tarot reader and counsellor. I sell my talents, but I also balance it out by giving them away. I volunteer my skills to help others but also use them to make a living. My talents are there for me to use and utilise, the gods don't want me to suffer and to be happy. So by balancing my skills by selling and volunteering I am keeping a roof over my head but also fulfilling the need to help others.

I feel there is nothing wrong with selling your talents as long as you can find balance that makes you happy and keeps you fed and safe.

Ha ha people are tight, the rich are very tight, thats how they get rich! They only pay when they have to...give them cancer and watch them come running...(no offence)
"He who can destroy a thing, can control a thing" mmm was that DUNE? my memory fails me.

I am selling graphics I make for a premium

So many people are doing things for free these days that it's hard to sell anything- and then you have to sell things for dirt cheap because everyone seems to be struggling.

well depends on what it is in my book if your just trying to scam people then yes its wrong but if your really trying to help then i see no prob with it selling spells well thats kinda border line because anyone can make a spell and all there used for is to motivate you give you self confidence and really useless if you dont believe in it same with a hex but trying to give a person negative thoughts about there selfs and mentally destroy a person but if the one you trying to hex dont believe well obviously its not gonna work weather you believe or not so really trying to sell a spell is really pointless and the person who is buying it dont know nothing about it or how it works

me i have a green thumb so i grow herbs and veggies and sell them

it's all a matter of choice.
I wouldn't deny someone the chance to make coin...

but, I wouldn't.

i believe that selling your gift or talents is not wrong and long as it is not physical like helping someone connect to someone past for money fine selling crystals to people and letting them think its going to do something for them when they do not know how to use them on the other hand is wrong.

There's never been a law written that says you cannot sell your talents. People of all backgrounds do it all the time, both legally, and morally. NP with me.

my view is

use a talent wrong and it will be taken away and given to someone more worthy of it

use a talent right and it will be increased and bless you

i think within a means it's not completely wrong to make profit but i think it's wrong if your selling a fraudulent tellent..meaning if you say your a psychic and sell your gift and if you don't have that gift then cursed are you

I agree to an extent but let me ask you this do you still believe it is wrong if you have the gift and you were asked for help? not offerd it but asked for it

I think it's up to the individual and what their beliefs are.

its really up to each individual
but with the economy the way it is they might have to sell their talents so they can feed house their families
if you do sell your talents should make sure that your customers can afford your costs without them leaving their families go without food and shelter

i belive if you do it for the right reasons and such and its what you want too do and not letting other influance your decission then it should be okay...

There's nothing wrong with selling your talents for other people to have used. The problem comes in where people charge far too much for their talents. Thus causing some not able to afford it or even not knowing how to do it in the case of a tutorial. Bottom line if your going to sell your talent do so at a fair price.

I don't think to ask for a"donation " for you skills, but I don't believe you sould set a flat rate charge, you sould be paid for what the client thinks your "gifts/skills" are worth to them

What about the question of selling talent other than spiritual/ magical? I've seen some amazing poetry in the journals and portfolios I've read...

A site like Everyday Poets, for example, gives a lot of people a voice in the poetry world (http://www.everydaypoets.com/)...

How do we feel about our art beyond the spiritual?

Personally, I choose NOT to sell my talents. This, of course, does not extend to my writing, which I consider to be fair game if I can turn a profit off it. However, my other skills and abilities I regard as something to be shared and not marketed.
That said, I believe it is very much a matter of personal choice. It is between the practitioner and their own conscience, and it is not my, or anyone else's, place to say whether this or that is wrong.
If you feel it is appropriate and it's your best marketable skill, then there's no reason not to use it to its fullest. If it were a choice between selling your talent and feeding your family, or not and them going hungry, then the morally responsible choice becomes obvious. Thankfully, most of us (it is hoped) do not live at such a crossroads. But where such a choice exists, the one that causes the least or no harm is the one that should be embraced.
"An it harm none, do as ye will."

Yes. Not a wise thing.

It's already hard enough to fend off corruption with said knowledge and power without adding "the paper devil" into the mix.

If anything, ask for a donation if it ever comes to that.


Everyone is different though.

Some very grounded people use their gifts for nothing, but "good".

They are few and far between.


The more you keep to yourself and the more you develop yourself, the more powerful you will become.

There will be a time to reveal things.

Depends on who you're selling to and what you're selling. I've shot video for nonprofit groups to raise money for a children's charity. But I've also shot video for lucritive small business and charged a fair price. IT should be about the flow of wealth through one another. Take when needed, give when not.

as stated before i belive all have an ability and this is what we use to make ends meet one way or another. so do what thou wilt. and harm none.

If I had to make a personal choice in this scenario, I can say that I would have to go with my gut instinct..my strongest feelings at the time.

If I felt wrong about doing it..I couldn't do it..I would feel foolhardy going against my instinct. Everytime I've ever attempted going against my instinct, I've been made to regret it.

If I am reluctant, but resigned, if I feel as though I can make the situation that much more beneficial for another as well as a result, I would have to do it. If I don't, I'm going to resent myself for NOT doing everything I could to provide my own means.

*Although I certainly would never try to "cheat" someone.

Resenting myself has never proved forward with any type of reward; typically, I try to avoid doing things that make me resent myself. (As I imagine most do..)

Ultimately (I myself believe) it's a highly personal choice, a decision not made without consideration to several aspects that are going to vary widely from individual to individual.

Some will simply say:

"I will have none of it. My art is pure of monetary taint."..or something along the like..

Others still might say:

"What's the use of a gift if you cannot profit from it?" ..coming from a different perspective altogether..

Some will sit in the middle and try to determine when it is and isn't permissable..

Just reading through the responses thus far, I can see a wide array of thoughts on the topic (which really is an excellent topic by the way, thank you for posting it!)

For me, I don't think I'll know for myself until I have to "cross that bridge.

Truly enjoying this topic! :D

Let's do a bit of history here

When the ancient peoples consulted a priest/ess, they gave a fee or donation
When they need animals for sacrifice, they paid for them
When they needed services, they paid for them

There was no problem then.
There should be no problem now, unless your service is out of date, or inefficient.

I am from a clarevoyant and clareaudient family, and have grown up around other people with these talents, none of whom charge for what they do. If people insist upon paying for the services they recieve they are directed towards a charity the medium feels strongly about, and asked to make a donation to them.

Too many people who have no actual psychic ability charge for their services, and therefore I am very very sceptical when it comes to people chargeing. At the end of the day, the ability can be a nightmare, as things can come through when you least want them too.

people who create art, or write, is a different matter in my opinion, as you have somthing physical to sell. You can't sell hope nor can you truly accept money from someones grief.

Personally I think that that is a matter of opinion...I mean I think it is stupid to sell your body, but if that is the only "talent" you have then I guess go for it.

I am creative, a writer. I also burn pictures into wood. And I have no qualms about selling my craft.

I am also a Wiccan, but I don't sell the spell and stuff I create. I just help people when they need it. I guess if they felt that they had to give something in return, I wouldn't turn it away, but I am not going to demand it.

I don't think it's wrong to be compensated in some way for using a talent that you have and someone needs the benefits of. However, I do think it's wrong to overcharge people or in some way abuse their needs.

As an example, I've got medical knowledge, worked for the gov etc and friends ask me for advise all the time and I don't mind generally but if I'm having to actually work, take time out for something etc then it's not wrong to want some form of compensation. The same goes for any type of paranormal or psychic type talents.

Now some don't feel it right that they be paid for a "gift" and if that's how you feel then fine. If you feel you should give freely then go ahead but no one should say it's wrong or bad to want something in return. Personally I don't really think it's right to get rich off folks when it comes to "gifts/talents" because they aren't something you can learn, they're given to you for a reason, but it's fine to be repaid and have a means to support your life and family.