[ellen]

Hi - I've wondered about this alot too, and I have come to a very definate conclusion - a gifted singer makes money entertaining people and a gifted chef makes money feeding people. I am starting a healing practice in the near future and I plan to charge those who can afford it. I don't think that it's right not to help someone because they don't have any money so I'd gladly take donations from those who can't afford it - but it's silly to say that you should never charge because then you would have to spend most of your time doing something else to earn your living and your precious time would be taken doing somehting perhaps less important or less helpful to humanity, and the universe would miss out on the use of your skills. If you are already very wealthy or supported then perhaps circumstances would be different. I believe that whatever your talent or gift is - that is what you are supposed to do for your living - if everyone followed this then everyone would be happy in their jobs and everyone would also be good at their jobs!


Love, light & Peace xxx

I belive if it the persons sole income yes, but meduims should not charge high amounts for readings, as desperate people who have lost loved ones will pay for a reading, anything to hear proof of loved ones and how they are. That is why I think Delphi is so good that readings are offered and there is lots of support for people.Thankyou Chp teachers readers and all member's we make the site what it is and at a reasonable rate too xxx

[Sylvester]

I personally do not think one should ask compensation if you work from a "gift" given to you - donation is acceptable.

But, if you have worked and studied on Tarot, etc, and paid for the education and it is your way of making ends meet and you feel comfortable to charge, giving readings from that point of view, should be compensated. If a reader is willing to pay for the services, they should be allowed to do so. If not, then they should not make use of the services rendered.

I cannot, in all honesty, ask for money for sharing my gift with somebody in need. If the person so feels obliged, I will accept a donation - not necessarily money. Sometimes just the person's gratitude is enough.

[blueheron]

If a Psychic Medium is a genuine, trained, commited to the occupation type of person, by all means, I believe they should be able to make a living off their services. That's what it is - a service. I studied graphology for 3 years with a ceritied school and became certified myself upon completion. I was appalled afterwards that everyone wanted me to spend hours goiing over their writing with the stringent process that it takes to analyze thoroughly and put together a 3-4 page written report afterwards for FREE when normally the charges range between $80-$120 for a single analysis. I quickly tired of people not taking my occupation seriously and not being willing to pay me for my training and skills. I love graphology but became somewhat disinterested in it as an occupation because I lost enthusiasm to market graphology as a money-making career/job. So when I hear abouth mediums that people try to take advantage of and get FREE readings it somewhat makes my blood boil. I have a friend that struggles making her house payments because she has difficulty getting paying customers for her mediumship readings. I've gotten long-winded when all I've meant to say was "YES" I think Psychic Mediums that are trained and comitted to their occupation should be paid!

Blue

[jeff]

I agree that mediums should charge for readings, but where do you draw the line? Some of america"s best mediums charge $700.00 to $900.00 for a reading. That's a half a months wages for me which I can't spare. So what do poor poeple that need help do?

[blueheron]

I suppose if you are in need of psychic services but can't pay THAT price which is outlandish if you ask me, you shop around and find someone that can provide equal services for a fraction of the price. I know of people that don't charge nearly that price that offer you professioanl service. So that would be my resolution to that dilemma.

Blue

[drusila]

i think if it is the choice of the medium to charge, fair enough.

if a medium wished to practice this as a full time position, then they don't really have much choice, unless they have personal wealth. to do this as a full time vocation means charging to put food on the table. positve result is a lot more people get read and lots more happy customers.

if a medium was a tad reticent about charging, then they would have to do it part time, because they would need a paying job to feed themselves and pay bills.

my only concern, if i ever get to the point of mediumship, would be that our belief system is so under the hammer by some people we are constantly being warned about the public being ripped off by frauds. i know that there are frauds, there are also people who are able, just not very good.

as long as mediums charge for their services, they are open to criticism from non-believers out to discredit them. unfortunately, there will always be that element, even if it was a completely free service. i just think that charging puts mediums more in the firing line, especially when the have an off day, or are put up against a cynic who won't acknowledge the reading.

i don't personally think it is wrong to charge, as long as you are giving the service you are charging for and you realise there are always going to be moral dilemmas.

[jeff]

I'm ok with mediums charging for their services. Some are very expensive. How do they determine how much to charge? One day in the not to distant future I will go see a medium. Since I don't know any I will look in the yellow pages and pick one. Hopefully it won't be too expensive.

[bluemoon]

I have a very good medium who lives not far from me. So I can visit when I feel the need.
He charges a very fair price for about 30 to 40 mins and I receive a free tape to take home with me.

[spiritualcat]

This is one of those topics that makes me nuts! I do make a living using my mediumship and I have no guilt about doing so. I volunteer at my Spiritualist church and I donate money to worthy charities. These things I could not do if I did not work as a medium and make the living I do. I have Cerebral Palsy and am limited physically in the kind of work I can do.

I spent many years volunteering my mediumship and OTHERS made money off my efforts and had no qualms about doing so and yet got all bent out of shape when I started to take care of myself and my needs first.

That said I do believe that there has to be a balance and I have seen more greedy ministers in the churches pontificating about how it is not about material things... LOL No wonder people get their undies in a knot over this topic! Perhaps if Spiritualists were honest that they are just as materialistic as everyone else then there would not be so much nonsense going on in the churches???

When clients come to me they are paying for a service and I give them the best effort I can to help them sort out their lives. I am down to earth and they feel comfortable with me. Something strange happens for folks when they are dealing with a Reverend... They often feel they will be judged or needled to join the church and many don't care for that. Given my own experiences I can't say I blame them!

Cat