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Article Specs
Article ID: 2101
VoxAcct: 2
Section: wars
Age Group: Adult
Days Up: 5,620
Times Read: 19,193
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Witch Wars: For the love of Money
Author: Fritz
Posted: January 4th. 1998
Times Viewed: 19,193
Modern Witchcraft is on the rise. We are starting to be understood and every day more of the global community is finding our path appealing. Witchcraft is a very exciting choice for so many of us and we are ready, willing and able to put our money where our mouth is. Conveniently, there are Witches that are more than willing to offer you their goods and services! Most of us will pay for our altar accessories, incense, candles, spiritual counseling (tarot readings), books, jewelry, dues, tapes, drums, public circles, non-profit organizations, festivals, clothes, classes-and in some cases our degrees.
  The Local Witch Shop: There is nothing wrong with free commerce in the Craft community. There are many wonderful Witch Shops/Bookstores that not only supply the basics, but also offer outstanding community services (open circles, workshops etc.) as well. Lets face it, the key networking element in modern Witchcraft (until the Internet) has been the local Witchshop. By offering community services, they show that they really do care about the same. We have one in Boston called Arsenic and Old Lace. They care about the community and they prove it daily. The wonderful Witch Shops of the Planet deserve a major round of applause.
Giving Your money To Groups And Organizations? Are they real? Are they Incorporated? What is their reputation, good or bad? How long have they been around? Whom do they really serve? Where does the money go? Questions, questions, questions! Any real "non-profit" Witch group or Organization should be able to supply you with a recent financial statement on demand (typically this is compiled quarterly). They should not only be proud to show you their financial, but you should also know that in America they are obligated by law to do so. If they balk at this request, tell you that they only give this out to members, grab an attitude or give you any flimsy excuse, smell a rat and feel free to take your money elsewhere.
Also note that this includes monies collected by real groups at public circles and anyone on the Pagan Web that wants YOUR hard earned cash. Ask questions and hold them accountable. Always remember that it is THEIR job to earn your trust.
The Price of YOUR religious training: The modern Witch community has some serious issues as to whether it's ethical or not to charge for the teaching of our religion. In a recent WitchVox survey; 561 Witches, Wiccans and Pagans responded to the question...
"Do you believe that it is acceptable for our Teachers to charge money for classes or instruction that may or will result in a degree or initiation into a magical Tradition or Path?"
| No | 66% | 300 | | Sometimes | 21% | 99 | | Yes | 13% | 62 |
| This is hardly a complete survey but an interesting snapshot nevertheless. This is a very hot topic and will, no doubt, continue to divide our community for years to come. |
Yes! money can corrupt and modern Witchcraft is no exception. Does it need to be about money? Is this an expensive religion? Not at all! You CAN go out into the woods find a branch and carve your own wand (Expensive tools work no more powerfully than the ones you make yourself). You CAN learn much about modern Witchcraft for free via many of the 1,000 plus Witch, Wiccan and Pagan Web sites. You CAN find a good Witch that may teach you and do it because she/he is in service to the God/Goddess.
Witch Wars as related to MONEY:
Typical Victims: The Wide Eyed innocent newbie and those that are "obligated"
Some Antidotes: Know what you are purchasing and do some competitive shopping. If you choose to "pay for your religious training", ask for a course outline in advance. Just because they are famous doesn't mean they are a good teacher. For more information check out our Teachers of the Craft series in our basics of Witchcraft section. For information on non-profit organizations and their accountability check out Tips on Charitable Giving or the Better Business Bureau Charity Reports
The Light: There are some wonderful Teachers of the Craft, Witchshops and Wiccan Organizations. Check into them and get the details. Finding them is another issue. The good news is that if you follow your heart, you will know them when you see them. |
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In conclusion... Buy what you love! Purchase what you can afford! Help keep the good Pagan shop owners in business! But you can also make your own tools, read in libraries for free and hold your own circles in a state park. It doesn't have to be about money at all. But for some people, that is ALL that it is about!
ABOUT...
Fritz
Location: Clearwater¼ v2, Florida
Website: http://www.witchvox.com
Other Articles: Fritz has posted 46 additional articles- View them?
Other Listings: To view ALL of my listings: Click HERE
Email Fritz... (No, I have NOT opted to receive Pagan Invites! Please do NOT send me anonymous invites to groups, sales and events.)
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