Since my recent blog writing addresses the Whys and the Hows of dream interpretation, I thought it would be perfect timing, if such a thing is possible, to process the oft-repeated touchy question, “Why do you charge for dream interpretation?”
I try not to get defensive when people ask. After all, I do a lot of outreach—free stuff—but those venues often cost me beaucoup buckaroos. I built and maintain my dream website that is packed with lots of really cool, FREE stuff—but it costs money to host it. Dream interpreters have bills to pay, just like everyone else. Why should my massage therapist charge for her massages? What gives lawyers the right to charge for their expertise? Why should I have to pay for haircuts? Anyone who provides service most likely comes from a background of training, practice, and a wealth of experience.
Perhaps the main reason folks balk at paying for dream interpretation is the mindset that if it is a ‘spiritual’ service, it should be free. People have told me, “You have freely been given a gift, so therefore, you should also give it away—freely.” True, and most ministers I know do—give, give, give.
If following this reasoning, pastors, teachers, spiritual counselors, any kind of minister should devote all their time to helping people without hoping to receive any compensation.
It requires great personal resources to develop insight and accuracy—much of my money and time were invested in learning to develop my gift of dream interpretation and to train other interpreters.
How does one put a price on their gift?
Currently I charge $20 for a dream interpretation on my website, a figure quite low compared to most of my other colleagues. We keep costs low for interpretations--and classes. One friend of mine on the web charges $400 per interpretation and she seems to be thriving.
It is not so much about the money—though everyone needs money to make ends meet in the world. My husband and I have been taught to honor the ones who bless us—both with words as well as with money. If they have ‘sown’ good things into us, then we will benefit by ‘sowing’ or giving back into their lives…so that they can continue doing what they do best. We recognize value by putting our 'stamp of approval' on it.
If someone spends time pouring wisdom into my life, rather than sporting a ‘gimme’ attitude on my part, I want to bless them back, and giving money is a good way to say, “I think you are a good, quality source in life for me to support.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject!
I agree. For some reason
I agree. For some reason Christians are expected to provide things for free, be it dream interpretations or courses. However, if the same services are provided by secular, or new age, organisations people will pay large sums of money for what's on offer without questioning the price. It takes a long time to train in dream interpretation, I know as I've been at it for 5 years now ... so bless you Merry and may you be rewarded for the time and effort you put in!
Thanks!
Thank you--it does take time to train--is so very rewarding and worth every bit of time and effort!
Clearly and non-defensively stated
I can't seem to recall an abundance of seminaries who award master's degrees in dream interpretation. They do for pastoring, administration, teaching, counseling, etc. So tradition says that helping people to hear God's voice through written sources is important. But traditional religion obviously does not adequately value hearing God's voice through dreams.
Aren't you glad that Abraham paid attention to God's voice in his dreams? How would the nation of Israel have fared without Joseph valuing his dreams? Or how about a virgin's husband in Nazareth 2000 years ago? Or dozens of others?
Maybe you could have detailed your classroom hours, tuition invested, travel, textbooks, and hours helping people brighten up with hope after discovering the wonder of God's personal messages to them. Possibly some institution might grant an honorary doctorate degree for your work. But in the meantime I'm thankful for the people who understand and don't despise your gift. Some recognize you're offering cashmere even though the $20 price tag makes it look like it's on clearance.
charging for dream interpretation
My opinion is that people who want something for nothing would probably argue with a "clearance sale" sign...and I have seen people do that. These are the people who will stop a doctor at a restaurant to keep from paying for an office visit, and ask him if their burning symptoms suggest hemorrhoids, and if so, what should they do about them? (I can only smile at what a doctor might be thinking if he is approached during an evening out by a "pain in the hemorrhoid.")
Since I am stating my opinions and assumptions, I would also assume that if you offered to interpret dreams for "whatever they could pay," these same individuals would pay nothing. I don't think they would even offer to barter for your service, because they wouldn't 'give away' what they are gifted to do. Oh, do I sound irritated? I am. Sorry. There is a difference between being poor and being cheap...we are talking about the cheap ones. Cheap denotes selfishness.
I, for one, appreciate all the freebies you have posted on your site. I can see that it must have taken hours to study and present this for our use. You have a great heart. I hope you get abundantly rich interpreting dreams on your web site. I have heard that you freely interpret in many situations and in areas where that service is valued...for FREE...and it costs both time and money to provide "free" services in your field of expertise at a fair or convention or art walk or whatever.
Bottom line...if we live in our gifting, we do it automatically, whether we get paid or not. But we have to set boundaries so we can be responsible with our time and money, and not be taken advantage of.
Hmmmm, it almost feels like a waste of time writing this to people who probably won't read it, because they are not looking for a hand up, but a hand out.
My advice, at the end of my opinions (LOL!):: Spend your time where you are valued, and the people who see your value, will bless you beyond your fees.
Wow!
Wow! Thank you dreamgirl! You've blessed me so today with your encouraging words! You made me laugh out loud. Blessings!
Well said, Dreamgirl!
Great points!