Melissa Cynova Jamie asked why my readings are so expensive, and why I discounted readings last month (and I’m going to again this month). This is a fair question, with a couple of answers, so I’m going to be as thorough as I can.
1. Why are my readings so expensive?
Well, honestly, it’s because I’m good at what I do. I’ve been doing readings for twenty-five years. In the first decade or so, I didn’t charge a lot – I bartered. I practiced. I used my book for every reading. Then, I got better. I started charging about $20 per reading, and gave away a lot of them. Then I talked to my friend Mary about charging.
I felt BAD that I was charging for services. Because it’s a gift, right? Sharing this information is a good thing to do for someone. So is reiki, and massage, and we pay for those. I still didn’t get it, then Mary said, “In the old days, the village would bring the wise women food and firewood and keep your house safe. No one is going to bring you food these days, so there has to be an exchange”. There really does have to be an exchange.
Since I’ve been doing this for so long, I feel confident enough in my skills to charge about $100/hour.
2. Then why do you discount readings?
Because, I know what it’s like to be broke and needing an answer. I’m very lucky to have friends that would swap readings with me when I was having hard times, but I know not everyone does. I know that sometimes, you just need a little light to shine down and it would be great if you could find someone reputable to hold the flashlight.
I’m not a Reader for the money. I’m a Reader because I like to do it. I actually need to do it. I’m not sure really how to turn it off. However, I think that if you undervalue yourself, it diminishes the value of your service. I think, too, that if 80% of my readings are done at regular rates, it behooves me to make sure that 20% of them are affordable and within reach.
SO, in conclusion, I hope that makes sense. For the month of February, I’m giving one question phone readings about LOVE for $25.00. Because sometimes, a little light shining your way can be so comforting.
xo – Lis
