I’ve often heard it said that it’s “wrong” to ask for payment for tarot readings, healing and other spiritual and psychic talents. Wrong by whose standards? Ah yes, “Them,” the secret judges of morality. 
I give my energy, time and skill when I work for a client, and they pay me as compensation. This is no different from anyone else using a talent to support themselves; singers, magicians, artists… we all need to eat!
Payment indicates a professional approach; I owe the client a duty of service; I must earn their money. It puts the client in the driving seat, whereas a freebie, a favour- call it what you like, is done at the practitioner’s discretion. It likely won’t contain the effort and attention to detail that a paid, personal service will. Someone offering free healing doesn’t care if you return. I do!
While it seems very loving and “fluffy new age” to share such gifts for free; it does more harm than good, to both practitioner and client. The practitioner is inundated with requests and becomes resentful of the client. The practitioner is drained of time, emotion and energy. Some clients superglue themselves to the practitioner, unable to go to the bathroom without a full Celtic Cross spread to examine their options. The energy in this situation is definitely not balanced!
Which brings me to donations. “Donations are ok!” “They” cry! Well, I’d rather not let someone else define what my time is worth and tell me how much I need to live on. If your boss “donated” to your bank account, would you be 100% sure that he’d pay you enough to cover your mortgage?
With a clear price and summary of what it pays for, the client knows what they can expect from you. The reciprocity of a paid service ensures both client and practitioner are equal; the giving and receiving of energy then occurs with no further debt or obligation. The client leaves the healing session or reading feeling empowered and the Practitioner is able to switch off from the client’s session without feeling drained.
All good readers and healers abide by a code of ethics which states in part that they do not take advantage of a client financially. Detractors often accuse us of fostering dependence for financial gain. I say that the involvement of money REDUCES the risk of a client becoming dependent on me. My clients come from all walks of life, but all are discerning people who have chosen to spend money on the services I offer. With free readings and healing this discernment isn’t necessary; parting with cash encourages a step back to think.
“Free” readings that I offer to close friends are not free of the reciprocity I spoke of earlier. Relationships by definition involve energy exchange. I’ll do my boyfriend a reading and he’ll clean the toilet. 
I’ll send healing to a sick friend, who on recovery sends me a bottle of perfume oil. While these exchanges aren’t written on some chit sheet, they are a tacit element of any relationship.
The fact that I, and many others in my field charge for our work should tell you something very important. We value our time, ourselves and YOU. 
Originally published in Shadowfae’s Monthly Newsletter.
–Gehenna
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Gehenna,
Great writing – thanks – life can be tough for one who has a sense of fairness. I don’t give my time away anymore UNLESS I chose to! Blessings.
Edna Deerunner