What Is Appropriate and What Is Not?
I get emails every day asking for spells and spellwork. I note on the site to not ask me for this type of thing, and I will not respond to those requests, which I don’t. It is extremely taxing to take on other people’s problems and takes a pretty special Witch to do that kind of work.
Selling witchcraft has been practiced for a considerable period of time, I don’t think anyone can deny that. Witches are skilled in what they do, many of us have been honing in these skills for most of our lives. Today, social media is filled with websites selling spells, psychic services and even magical teachings. There is a distinction though between ‘witchcraft by a witch’ and ‘coven based Priestess/Priest witchcraft’. Where does the line get crossed as to what is appropriate when it comes to money and what is not?
There are going to be a lot of different opinions on this topic, but we need to narrow things down some. What I am addressing here is about “coven training” in Contemporary Paganism and Wiccan paths where exchange of money is classically taboo. I am also talking from a Traditional Initiatory Wiccan perspective so your mileage may vary. There are spiritual traditions that do ‘spellwork’ (using this word for the sake of clarity for this audience) where money is absolutely part of the exchange. Most of the traditions that would be listed under the African umbrella for instance, exchange money for services, materials, training, initiation etc. That is a very common practice in those circumstances but that isn’t what I am discussing here.
Priestesses and Priests of Wiccan covens do not charge money for teaching in a coven setting. We do it all for the love of what we do, and money should not exchange hands for learning a Wiccan tradition. You may be asked to bring food for a feast, wine or flowers to a meeting, but not generally money. There are circumstances like Wicca 101s or groups that must rent space to meet, they might have a small fee to cover the space rental. Some groups may gather small amounts of money to cover the cost of materials, candles or incense which is certainly acceptable but for the most part if a High Priestess and/or High Priest is teaching you how to be part of their tradition, no money would exchange hands for that specific training. This doesn't mean that artists, diviners, authors, speakers etc. should not be paid for their time and expertise outside of a coven setting.
What did Gerald B. Gardner say about Witches and accepting money?
While what G.B.G. said is NOT some version of holy writ, I thought it was interesting to see where some of these ideas have come into the Craft. We have to take into account that the 'Witchcraft Act 1735' had just been repealed with the enactment of the 'Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951' when G.B.G.'s books were first being printed and there were probably still some fears that persecution could start back up. I personally believe, for very good reasons, our Craft should not ever be perverted by money. We have other problems without money being a factor.
“Witches were supported by the community, and they gave their services freely to all who asked their help. (A primitive National Health Service?) It is partly because of this that there is a strong witch tradition that they may never take money for practising their art; that is, they may not work for hire.”
– The Meaning of Witchcraft, Mercury Publishing, 1999 p. 25
“One must always remember what magic is and how it works. It is not a case of pressing a button or turning on a tap. It is work, and often hard work. For most things it would be easier to produce the results by ordinary methods of working in the usual mundane way; and it is, above all, not a way to make money.”
– The Meaning of Witchcraft, Mercury Publishing, 1999 p .104
“I say ‘so-called witches’, for everyone who sells charms and spells has not been initiated. And it is an old witch law that ‘you must never work magic for money.’ Though, of course, as with every religion, not all adherents always obey the teachings.”
– The Meaning of Witchcraft, Mercury Publishing, 1999 p .152
Paying for a service?
As examples, reading tarot cards for money is very different from being charged for learning a spiritual path like Wicca. Paying for a workshop to learn how to do some specialized spellwork is not the same thing as joining a coven and asking the leaders/coven members what they know about the subject. Purchasing a service means you should pay for that service. With that said, buyer beware. There will always be charlatans, there will always be people that take advantage of others. People often turn to magic and divination at difficult times in their life when they are grieving or going through personal struggles. The charlatans count on this to take advantage of vulnerable people.
Use common sense, I know people that have been taken for thousands of dollars from unethical predatory people that are skilled in fear mongering. Listen to your gut if you think you are being taken advantage of, you probably are. If the leaders of your group tell you that you must pay $100 a month for their training and after a year and a day they will initiate you for the low low cost of $$$$. Run or walk away with some salt over your shoulder.
If you are looking for a Coven to join see the links below!
You can also visit our FIND A GROUP pages that are open to all and encompass other paths. Please use discretion when you meet strangers.
If you are looking to join a Coven and looking for a specific tradition you can VISIT THIS PAGE for more info.
BEST PRACTICE FOR CONTACTING A GROUP
When contacting someone on this site, introduce yourself! Don't email someone and say "I want to join." You will likely not get a response.
When composing your email, tell the Coven/Group leader about your interest in their group and who you are.
Don't ask people for spells or other types of workings. That is not the purpose of the site.
Be patient, not everyone checks their email every day.
ARE YOU UNDER THE AGE OF 18?
Please do not contact anyone listed on this site without getting the express permission of your legal guardian.
Please note that most Wiccan Covens will not want to engage with you until you are at least 18, and most over the age of 21.
There are groups that are oriented around Pagan family activities so please have your guardian reach out to groups that you can participate in with your family.
There are groups run my adults specifically for children interested in Pagan activities. Please look into Spiral Scouts.
ABOUT SI MANDRAGORA
Si is a Gardnerian High Priest and Minos in the Minoan Brotherhood operating in Flagler County, FL. A practitioner of various kinds of witchcraft since adolescence, he now runs Mandragora Magika, creates occult art, grows all kinds of plants but mostly in love with the poisonous variety. Si holds a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute.
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