“The problem of money and spirituality is not new. There is nothing wrong with earning large sums of money. What matter is how you earn it and what you do with it after you received it… To receive cash compensation, you must put back into the world something of value, whether it be paintings, specialized services, clothings, automobiles, refrigerators, music or entertainment” – Linda Goodman (Star Signs, page XX in Preface).
Spirituality reciprocity isn’t a new concept, or even a new argument. Astrologers, tarot readers, and more, argued the value of their work. The work produced can range from an in-depth astrological report, to a carefully crafted spell-work. Nine times out of ten, those seeking spiritual services are aware of the cost, as valuable time and energy is used to produce sincere, genuine work in return. But that doesn’t disregard those who take spiritual work, and gifts, for granted.
This disregard can come in many forms. Some will openly question, and even have the audacity to bargain, the pricing of a spiritual service. Others will ask for freebies with clear expectations of receiving such spiritual services with no reciprocation. Sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes it’s not. Regardless, one shouldn’t say “jump”, expecting the other end to say, “how high?”.
In order for spiritual reciprocity to work, there must be a mutual agreement between the buyer and the seller. The premises of such agreement will greatly differ, but will ultimately boil down to a service being given and compensated for. Compensation can also greatly differ in appearance, but should always feel reciprocal to both buyer and seller. So, compensation can refer to placing a fiscal value on spiritual work, but can also refer to a service being done in return, art, music, etc. Essentially, the one performing the spiritual service should be the one to dictate compensation.
Spiritual reciprocity can also apply to giving a gift that is not of a nominal value. The gift in question can also range from any divination or witchy service, and is usually free of cost. An example would be a free tarot reading for a friend. Another example would be someone doing an article for clout to grow their own personal network. No matter what, the gift giving should not be taken advantage of and should feel like they are getting a return on their investment of time. Spiritual gifts shouldn’t be expected either. After all, greed never serves anyone.
So, with all of this in mind, how can you uphold spiritual reciprocity?
If you are the one performing a service, do so in good faith, sincerity, and honesty. Don’t be afraid to uphold your own sense of value when it comes to your work. Set firm boundaries with what you’re willing to accept and give.
If you are the one receiving the service, find a service that fits your specifications. Find the spiritual provider who offers what you’re looking for. This will range the type of work, to time, and cost. Most importantly, find the provider who speaks to you. Find a provider who’s words of wisdom, style, and more fit with what you’re looking for. Once you find you want, respect the craft. And if you are the one receiving a spiritual gift, again, respect the craft. Spiritual gifts shouldn’t be something to take advantage of, or expect more of.
No matter what, the spiritual industry is still a facet of the service industry, even if it is a little atypical. There is still a service that is performed and provided, that ought to be compensated for in some way, shape, or form that is acceptable to the provider. It’s easy to lose sight of this when the service is a tarot reading, a personalized horoscope, or spell-work. After all, when one thinks of the service industry, food & bev. probably comes to mind a lot quicker than a psychic medium. But no matter what, spiritual reciprocity is still no different than any other type of service being performed.
The Crone 
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