Does your tradition allow for the payment of people for their 'spirituality'?

[Darkdale]

We had a person join the Yahoo group of our local pagan community. He started posting as if he had the right to tell others what they should believe, and my co-administrator did some online investigating. Turns out that he runs a coven in GA where he collects 'mandatory donations' at each get-together, and demands that members attend all meetings.

Talk about unhealthy! He didn't last long in our group, I fear.

Yeah, heathen kindreds are complex. There is a certain conformity to dogma (basically the way in which they embrace the heathen worldview and with what interpretations), but for the most part, it's real loose and pleasant, so I hear. I'll eventually join a kindred of my own if I ever find enough heathens that share the same life interests - but collecting money? Just for running a kindred? or umm coven. That's just wrong. I understand pulling funds together for say, a project, a circle, a blot or symble or whatever, but just for being there? c'mon. If I wanted a priest I'd go to mass.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

When I trained (about ten years ago) I was charged £50 ($90) - which was cheaper than some charged; however, the next level of attunement was three times that price.........I must admit I was disallusioned

The total cost for my Reiki 1 attunements was $100. The next set will cost $250. The third is $400, and the fourth is $450. Three and four together cost $500. I think I will seek out a new master with more affordable prices.

 

[The Black Whirlwind]

the jedi websites i frequent only ask for donations to keep the site running, which is very humble considering most of them are already grading hundreds of homeworks, writing new classes, and spending a lot of time on the forums when they have to work and spend time with their own families. not once have they ever asked for payment.

i think people who teach spirituality should ask for compensation if they have to buy a plane ticket somewhere, get a hotel room, and buy their own food. nothing beyond that though, if they truly are spiritual.

 

[Dark_Waltz]

Well I paid a medium once,
it was at a fair and it went to the school so I think its perfectly fine!
I myself am not a medium but I certainly wouldn't be able to do the Tarot for money I get very shy about it, and far too worried about embarassing myself,
I do think people should get compensated for petrol, and time but not huge profits not,
I think there are far too many people who take advantage

 

[Bishka]

Nope. No one is paid for anything they do.

 

[SoyLeche]

Nope. No one is paid for anything they do.

In the interest of full disclosure, this technically isn't true. Seminary and Institute teachers get paid, along with maintainace people. Also, I believe that there is a cost of living stipend for some of the General Authorities who don't have time to work and don't have enough savings to live off.

 

[Bishka]

In the interest of full disclosure, this technically isn't true. Seminary and Institute teachers get paid, along with maintainace people. Also, I believe that there is a cost of living stipend for some of the General Authorities who don't have time to work and don't have enough savings to live off.

Thanks, sorry, didn't think about that.

 

[michel]

The total cost for my Reiki 1 attunements was $100. The next set will cost $250. The third is $400, and the fourth is $450. Three and four together cost $500. I think I will seek out a new master with more affordable prices.

Don't bother; buy the book( "The book" which I can't find at the moment), written by a lady American Reiki Master, who became aware that people were over-charging for the attunements. The Original teachings asked that a 'token' payment be made ie a very minimal amount (to show a form of exchange), since Reiki is there to be shared by all.


If youare interested, I will find the book and send you the details; the lady has published all the attunement symbols, which means that with practice, you can attune yourself.

(The secrecy concerning the symbols was merely a ploy to make people pay good money for what should have been given freely and willingly to anyone who wishes to heal). I find the marketing of the knowledge completely against all principles. P.M me if you want to know what the book title and author are.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I believe in days gone bye Healers were not so much paid, as given food an shelter while they were in a community. If only as thanks and in the hope they would stay a while.

Terry_______________________
Blessed are the merciful, mercy shall be shown unto them.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I think I know which book your talking about Michel. Is it the one wrote by Diane Stien?

I could probably make a lot of money reading Tarot cards and doing Rieki at fairs and festivals during the summer, but I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing I made a few hundred from somthing that should be given as advice and as a gift.