The Ethics of Charging for Spirit Work

The Ethics of Charging for Spirit Work
 

Why Compensation Isn’t Just Okay—It’s Sacred.

In the metaphysical world, one question echoes more often than it should:

“Is it wrong to charge for spirit work?”

Whether it’s conjuring, channeling, offering readings, or creating custom spells, some practitioners find themselves facing guilt, judgment, or self-doubt when it comes to pricing their work. Others are challenged by clients or onlookers who expect spirit work to be “gifted” or “free,” because it comes from something sacred.

Let’s clear the smoke: energy exchange is not only ethical—it’s essential.

Sacred Does Not Mean Free

Just because something is spiritual does not mean it must be free. We don’t walk into a cathedral and demand the priest perform services for free. We don’t expect therapists to counsel without compensation, even though their work is deeply healing. Spirit workers—conjurers, mediums, witches, and readers—are no different.

What we do requires:

    •    Time

    •    Energy

    •    Protection and preparation

    •    Years (often lifetimes) of practice

    •    Emotional, psychic, and sometimes physical labor

That labor deserves to be honored.

The Law of Energetic Balance

In magickal traditions across the world, there’s an understanding that all things must remain in balance. If you receive without giving, a debt is created. If you give without receiving, you risk depletion. This is not punishment—it’s universal law.

Compensation keeps the current flowing.

Money is one form of exchange. Others include offerings, trades, services, or dedicated acts of devotion. But for professional practitioners—those who do this work full-time or carry spiritual labor as a career—money is the vehicle that allows us to survive and continue serving.

Boundaries Are Not Greed

Some people may ask, “If your work is truly about helping others, why would you charge?”

The answer is simple: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Charging for spirit work allows practitioners to:

    •    Keep their practice sustainable

    •    Maintain boundaries with clients

    •    Invest in tools, education, and protection

    •    Avoid burnout, bitterness, or spiritual exploitation

Refusing to charge, or undercharging, often leads to spiritual resentment—and no one wants a resentful witch casting their spells, right?

What About Overpricing and Scams?

This is a valid concern. Unfortunately, some individuals do take advantage of others in the name of spirit work. That’s why transparency, clear pricing, ethical practices, and integrity are crucial. An ethical practitioner will:

    •    Explain what they offer (and what they don’t)

    •    Avoid fear-based marketing (“you’re cursed unless you buy this now!”)

    •    Offer clarity, not confusion

    •    Be honest about their relationship with spirits

Charging ethically means respecting your own value and the client’s trust.

Your Gifts Are Valuable

If you’re a spiritual practitioner and you’ve struggled with charging—or have been guilted by others—please remember this:

Your spiritual gifts are not “less than” just because they’re mystical.

They are work. They are art. They are sacred labor.

You are not charging for the spirit itself.

You are charging for your time, your expertise, your ritual preparation, and the channel you’ve become.

And that? That is more than worthy of compensation.

Final Thoughts

The ethics of charging for spirit work come down to one thing: respect.

Respect for the spirits, for the practitioner, and for the client.

A fair exchange honors all three.

If you’re a client looking for help—pay your spiritual workers with love, gratitude, and yes, fair compensation.

If you’re a practitioner doing the work—know that charging doesn’t make you greedy. It makes you grounded.

And from that grounded place, the magick flows even stronger.
 

-Jules Moon