Charging Money for Spiritual Work

There is some controversy in the metaphysical community about money. Is it correct to charge for readings (psychic, Tarot, etc), and for healings? If so, how much is the correct amount, and how much is gouging? Are the three-hundred-dollars-a-pop workshops way overpriced, or is the expense reasonable considering the cost to the speaker for transportation, hotels, obtaining a site for the workshop, etc? This is definitely not an easy thing to figure out.

Some workshop coordinators have set up a situation where a person who cannot afford the full price can work for a few hours, helping the speaker, and obtain a discount on the price. This seems to be a fairly reasonable compromise.

Should healings be charged for? After all, doctors charge. On the other hand, a metaphysical healer is not a licensed M.D., even though he or she may get better, more consistent results. It may even be illegal in a particular area for a non-licensed person to charge for healings, psychic or otherwise.

In Native American society, payment of a form was expected for the medicine man. The payment was not in money, of course, but in horses, blankets, or some other such useful items.

So, ultimately, the choice comes down to your own personal opinion; is what course/workshop/etc. being offered really worth what the cost is to you personally? Don't automatically sign up for anything; think about it a little first. Perhaps over time you will be able to recognize names of people you know are worth going to see, and others you know who aren't. Experience and careful thought will be your two best guides for determining the financial value of something.