Can I Charge Money for Spell Work?

BY NICOLE LAU

Short Answer

Yes. Your time, energy, skill, and materials have value. Charging for spell work is legitimate if you're honest, ethical, and provide real service. Set fair prices, be transparent about what you offer, never guarantee specific outcomes, and maintain professional boundaries. Spiritual work can be paid work.

The Long Answer

Why Charging Is Valid

Your time has value: Spell work takes time—preparation, ritual, follow-up. You deserve compensation.

Your skill has value: Years of study, practice, and experience aren't free.

Materials cost money: Candles, herbs, crystals, oils—these aren't free.

Energy exchange is important: Payment creates reciprocity. Free work can create imbalance or lack of commitment from clients.

You need to live: If this is your work, you need income. Spiritual labor is still labor.

Historical precedent: Cunningfolk, root workers, and magical practitioners have charged for services for centuries.

Common Objections (And Responses)

"Magic should be free!"
So should food, housing, and healthcare, but we live in a capitalist system. Practitioners need to eat too.

"You're exploiting people!"
Only if you're dishonest, make false promises, or prey on vulnerable people. Ethical practice isn't exploitation.

"Real witches don't charge!"
Historical practitioners absolutely charged. This is modern gatekeeping, often from people with financial privilege.

"It's against the Wiccan Rede!"
The Rede says "harm none," not "work for free." Charging fair prices for honest work harms no one.

"You'll lose your power!"
This is superstition. Your power comes from you, not from working for free.

How to Charge Ethically

Be honest about what you offer: Spell work, not miracles. Energy, not guarantees.

Never promise specific outcomes: "I'll do a love spell" not "I'll make them marry you."

Disclose limitations: Magic works with natural forces, not against them. Results vary.

Don't prey on desperation: Avoid high-pressure sales, fear tactics, or exploiting vulnerable people.

Offer refunds or alternatives: If you can't or won't do the work, return payment or offer something else.

Maintain boundaries: You're providing a service, not becoming their therapist, life coach, or savior.

Be transparent about pricing: Clear rates, no hidden fees, no surprise charges.

What to Charge For

Custom spell work: Spells designed and cast specifically for a client.

Divination readings: Tarot, runes, scrying, etc.

Spiritual consultations: Guidance, advice, teaching.

Magical items: Spell jars, charged crystals, custom talismans, oils, sachets.

Classes or workshops: Teaching your knowledge and skills.

Written content: Grimoires, spell books, guides, courses.

Ongoing services: Monthly protection work, regular cleansings, subscription-based support.

Pricing Your Work

Consider:

• Time spent (preparation, ritual, follow-up)
• Materials used (candles, herbs, crystals, etc.)
• Your experience and skill level
• Local market rates
• Your financial needs
• The complexity of the work

Common pricing models:

• Flat rate per spell type ($50-$200+ depending on complexity)
• Hourly rate ($30-$100+ per hour)
• Sliding scale (clients pay what they can within a range)
• Package deals (3 spells for the price of 2, etc.)
• Subscription/retainer (monthly protection or support)

Don't undervalue yourself: Charging $5 for a custom spell devalues your work and the entire field.

What NOT to Do

Guarantee results: "I'll make your ex come back" is a lie. Magic influences probability, it doesn't control reality.

Charge exorbitant fees: $5,000 for a simple candle spell is predatory.

Create dependency: "You need weekly spells forever or the curse will return!" is manipulation.

Fake curses to sell removals: "I sense a curse on you (that doesn't exist), pay me to remove it." This is fraud.

Pressure or scare clients: "If you don't do this spell, something terrible will happen!" is unethical.

Claim to be the only one who can help: This is controlling and false.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Disclaimers: State that your work is for entertainment, spiritual guidance, or personal empowerment—not medical, legal, or financial advice.

Taxes: Report your income. Magical services are taxable.

Business structure: Consider LLC or sole proprietorship for liability protection.

Insurance: Some practitioners get liability insurance.

Contracts: Written agreements clarify expectations and protect both parties.

Payment methods: PayPal, Venmo, cash, checks—whatever works for you and your clients.

Offering Free or Sliding Scale Work

You can charge AND offer some free work:

• Pro bono work for those in genuine need
• Sliding scale for low-income clients
• Free content (blogs, videos, social media)
• Community rituals or group work
• Teaching free workshops occasionally

This balances accessibility with sustainability.

Energy Exchange Alternatives

If not money, consider:

• Trade (they provide a service in exchange)
• Barter (goods for spell work)
• Donation-based (pay what you can)
• Time exchange (they help with your projects)

But remember: bills are paid in money, not good vibes.

Building a Sustainable Practice

Diversify income: Don't rely solely on spell work. Offer readings, classes, products, content.

Build a reputation: Honest work, good results, and ethical practice create word-of-mouth referrals.

Set boundaries: Work hours, client limits, types of work you will/won't do.

Invest in yourself: Continue learning, improving, and deepening your practice.

Market ethically: Share your work without hype, false promises, or manipulation.

Handling Difficult Clients

Unrealistic expectations: Educate them about how magic works. If they won't listen, decline the work.

Demanding refunds for "failed" spells: Your contract should clarify that you're paid for the work, not guaranteed outcomes.

Harassment or boundary violations: Block, refund if necessary, and move on.

Asking for unethical work: Say no. Refer them elsewhere or suggest alternatives.

The Privilege Conversation

Recognize that:

• Some practitioners can afford to work for free (financial privilege)
• Some can't and need income (economic necessity)
• Both are valid
• Don't judge others for their pricing choices
• Accessibility and sustainability can both be priorities

Final Thoughts

Charging for spell work is not inherently unethical, greedy, or "inauthentic." It's recognizing that your time, energy, skill, and materials have value.

What matters is how you charge—with honesty, integrity, fair pricing, and genuine service.

You can be spiritual and still need to pay rent. You can be a witch and also a professional. These aren't contradictions.

Charge fairly. Work honestly. Serve well. Your labor has value.