Cottonwood Tarot’s Financial Philosophy
(writing from July 2020: I have lately felt the importance of reorienting my approach to finances and fair exchange with my practice. This philosophy and set of corresponding commitments is where I’ve landed, but I also expect some further growth in the coming months and years.)
My work is valuable and needs to be exchanged fairly, and there’s also room for flexibility in that fair exchange. All readings are available at three price points: Standard, Reduced, and Generous. Anyone is welcome to choose the price point that’s most appropriate for them without need to explain and without compromising the level of attention and care they receive.
I’m eager to live in a world where money isn’t the only widely-respected form of currency. Readings can be procured free of charge as long as both parties (myself and the person receiving the reading) can make an agreement we’re excited to enact. Anyone can choose to book a reading via trade arrangement, and I’ll communicate with them afterwards to figure out what’s possible. Trades can involve both services and tangible objects.
The financial compensation I receive from readings is best used to create a world of greater fairness, humility, and healing. Half the money I make through Cottonwood Tarot is paid forward in the form of reparative giving (similar in concept to reparations, but on a personal rather than governmental scale). I use my judgment and intuition in terms of what this means specifically, but in the past, this has meant paying Black and indigenous creators as thanks for their generous work, donating to bail funds, supporting organizations that empower BIPOC and queer communities, and so forth. The other half of the money I make through Cottonwood Tarot is dedicated to my continuing education as a tarot reader, ritual facilitator, and witch, with an emphasis on supporting teachers and creators who are anti-racist, trauma-informed, and deeply committed to community and to their own healing.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I’m open to correction and further reflection.
Many thanks,
Sara Hanks | Cottonwood Tarot