What Price Is Experience Worth?

In Wicca, a teacher or mentor of a student of Wicca is not to charge the student of the craft, beyond any direct expenses for the instruction.  Such expenses can include, but are not limited to, the costs of supplies and perhaps rental of a meeting place.  I've heard that this is true in other religions as well.

The reason for this basis is that most of us in Wicca have been taught by others.  And when we freely take, we should freely give.  For that reason, except for expenses, I don't believe that a teacher or mentor of spiritual learning should charge for the knowledge.  It somehow cheapens the experience, tainting it with the fact that you've been deemed worthy of the knowledge simply because you could afford the cost of it.

But in such situations, the teacher / mentor is free to choose the students.  If s/he doesn't feel that you are ready or that s/he can properly teach you, for whatever reason, it is her/his right not to take you as a student.  Sure, you can argue your case but knowing that you're not wanted as a student, why would you pursue it?

But the assignment did not ask that I write about basic learning.  No, it asked me to discuss my viewpoints as to whether the teacher / mentor should be paid for other services.  Notice the term used - "services."

Using someone's services implies that you are seeking their expertise in a certain area.  Should a doctor not charge for the treatment?  Or a lawyer represent you for free?  No, of course not.  In each case, the practitioner has spent a considerable amount of time (not to mention educational expenses) to acquire the expertise that you need.  That is what you are paying for - their experience, ability and wisdom.

Sure, I suppose anyone can read a surgery manual and then operate on you.  But, really, would you want them to?

It's like shoe repair, tailoring, and dry cleaning.  You could learn to do it yourself, but do you have the time and patience to spare?  Do you have the equipment?  Probably not, and so you'll pay those who have the knowledge and skill.  And if you're dissatisfied with their abilities, you're free to use someone else next time.

This is no different from services that pertain to religion.  If you want to learn from an expert, such as learning to read tarot, then you may have to pay for it. (Note: some covens include this training as part of the basics.)  You are paying for a person's specific knowledge.  You knew this when you signed up.

Teachers / mentors offer classes in tarot, aroma-therapy, Reiki, and other similar "craft" skills.  Where I live, many of these types of classes are offered through community education programs.  They are inexpensive, but they do have fees.

But those are classes, in which you are asking someone to teach you.  And these classes are different situations from handfastings, Wiccanings, and other ceremonies.  Yes, the individual may be a teacher or mentor, but not in these situations.  You're not looking for them to teach you; you want them to perform a ceremony.

With a ceremony, you are in control of who you choose.  If you belong to a coven or umbrella organization, there will probably be no cost.  But then again, the coven or organization may have set fees for such events.  As such, you know it ahead of time.

But if you want someone else, because of their reputation or because you attend an event that they presided over, then you are expecting them to share their expertise with you. The individual has taken the time and  effort to learn this skill that you've recognized as desirable.  They should be compensated accordingly if they so desire.  If you feel their fee is too high, you are always free to look elsewhere.

In the end, you get what you pay for.  In the religious community, many do offer their services for free.   But if you chose to go with someone who does charge, you shouldn't dicker about the price.  Ultimately, it is your choice to use them or someone else.

But a note of caution - if you are paying for the service, find out exactly what will be provided.  If possible, get it in writing.  That way everyone knows what's expected from both parties.

But this is just my opinion.  And if you've taken the time to read this article, please leave me a note to let me know your thoughts.
 
 
© 2001 Mother, April 8th