THIS IS A GIFT
Friend, all offerings are made in the gift economy. In Chinese, the word for economy is 經濟 (pronounced jing ji) and it means “to undergo” and “to aid and to help.” If the purpose of an economy is to allow us to undergo aid, how do we make that happen? Could it be — that if we shared our resources abundantly with each other, we could all experience the resource and aid we need?
The gift economy is one way to build collective wealth. By sharing our gifts freely with each other, we take care of each other and ensure our interdependent wellness.
That’s why I offer astrology as a gift. It is offered freely with joy, because as a wise elder once taught me: “I don’t do anything I wouldn’t do for free.” Not assigning a dollar amount keeps me clear that I do not own these things. However, for astrology to thrive, we must take care of it. That’s why your donation matters.
REAL TALK ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
Others may not tell you the reasoning behind their rates… but in the gift economy, transparency and honesty is the backbone of our relationship. Below is a summary of my finances as an astrologer (or go to my statement of full financial transparency).
I need to resource $3,000 a month to sustain my work as a part-time astrologer.
$1,000 of monthly income comes in through workshops. The rest depends on donations for readings.
I spend 1 - 2 hours preparing, in addition to the time allotted for the reading.
Among my peers in the field, the standard rate for a reading is between $150-300 USD.
I offer 15 readings per month, which averages to $200 USD per session.
VENMO me @agardenofstars. Thank you for donating! Your contribution pays it forward.
Due to our capitalist training, most people are conditioned to look for a bargain. Whether consciously or not, most people give the lowest amount they can without feeling guilty. But the point of the gift economy is to decolonize our minds. To move away from scarcity and competition, and return ourselves to generosity and collective care.
DISCERN HOW MUCH TO DONATE
Money is like water: it must flow to stay alive. When money is hoarded, it rots like water and dies. Since we live in an inequitable world, we know not everyone has equal access to resources. To keep the gift flowing, it is key for those who can to give more, so that those who have less can give less. Below are some invitations you can consider as you discern how much you can donate. I encourage you to donate an amount that combines a feeling of “easeful” and “generous.”
Pay-It-Forward $250-$350: Consider paying in this range if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs*, own the home you live in or rent a higher end property, have access to savings and/or investments and/or inherited wealth, and have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs. This is a pay-it-forward rate that paves for the way for others.
At Cost $150-250: Consider paying in this range if the reading would be an investment, but not create hardship for you. You might choose this rate if you are regularly able to meet your basic needs*, have some expendable income, and have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the at-cost rate.
Reparative $100-150: Consider paying in this range if it is a stretch to meet your basic needs*, you have limited expendable income and limited to no savings, have significant debt, no financial safety net from family, and paying more would pose a significant hardship. This is a reparative rate to redistribute healing resources in the face of systemic oppression.
*Basic needs defined for these purposes as housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and childcare.
Please refer to the above as considerations in your decision making rather than fixed rates. I never want money to be a barrier to access.
FREE(DOM) FRIDAYS
As part of my ongoing commitment to accessibility, I offer 100% free readings every First Friday. These are 20-minute mini-readings. You can choose between a Sun-Moon-Rising reading, or a horary divination in which you ask a question and I astrologically divine the answer. I especially extend a big, warm welcome to anyone who otherwise finds it financially challenging to access mental and spiritual health resources. No need to make a donation. Come and practice just receiving! Please contact me directly to schedule a Free(dom) Friday reading.
DONATIONS
Guess what? I, too, need practice in receiving. If you are moved by my work and would like to support it, I would humbly and gratefully receive it. I am always interested in receiving offers of help from those who have professional web and/or graphic design skills. Otherwise, you can offer financial support below — no amount is too big or small.