Why I Don’t Charge For Readings.
This piece comes from a few conversations regarding charging money for tarot readings & study recently.
I don’t charge for readings; I did charge one person, one time, because the subject was a horrendous and who, frankly, gave me the willies. She reinforced my rule for not charging, funny enough. If I am not providing a service with a fee? I can pick and choose, as I wish. Readings, TBH, really take a toll. I’m often exhausted or out-of-sorts for several hours afterwards.
The origin of not charging comes from a set of 161 Laws; they were reputed to be old laws but the vernacular was a mixture of reputedly old and modern English, as a result, its…validity was pretty damn murky to me. They are supposed to have been part of GBG’s BOS. (GBG – Gerald B. Gardner & BOS is “Book of Shadows).
#119 Never accept money for the use of the art, for money ever smeareth the taker. ‘Tis sorcerors and conjurers and the priests of the Christians who ever accept money for the use of their arts. And they sell pardons to let men ascape from their sins.
#120 Be not as these. If you accept no money, you will be free from temptation to use the art for evil causes.
These are direct quotes from those laws, the spelling and laughable grammar is not mine own. Be that as it may, the words stuck with me. I never charged for classes, for study groups or any other activities related to the practice. Donations for rental space, for food/drink were accepted but payment? Nope.
There is the argument that these stanzas related to spellcraft, herb craft etc. but as divination in all its forms is viewed as an “art”, tarot, naturally fell into the category outlined in the laws.
So why do I follow those two laws if I don’t take all of them seriously? Because they make sense to me, they struck a chord. To each his/her own.
Before you reach out to request a reading? I withdrew from that world, a long time ago. I don’t read for folks anymore. I simply don’t have that kind of energy.
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