Is Selling Magick Oils Considered Against Magickal Laws?

[AriaCarmen]

Hello Everyone! I know I should have introduced myself in the introductions section, but this matter has been bothering me for a long time and I just couldn't wait to hear what others with more experience in Magick had to say about it.

So I've been doing a lot mixing and experimenting with various types of Magickal oils for different purposes at home for over 6 months now and I really do enjoy it. I've seen shops on etsy that actually sell Magick Oils and some with intentions already infused. I wouldn't mind making my own oils available for others, too, but then...I've read from different sources, including the Wiccan Rede, that Magick should not be done for money. And that doing so, slowly lessens the affects of Magick and eventually it would be lost completely(That info, I obtained from Scott Cunningham's Herbal video or his Magical Herbalism book). Now that last part sounds very scary, but I also can't completely believe it.

And So if that's the case, selling Magical oils is actually bad for your Magickal Energy? Or worse, looked upon as unsavory in the eyes The Divine? I'd like to sell my oils but not at such a cost if its true.

Thoughts on this?

[Astro Logical 1]

If it makes you're gut feel wrong to charge for it, then that's a corruption of your magick.
But... there's always a workaround.

Look at it this way- if someone is buying a prepared oil, they're doing it because it's more comfortable to them.
If you did it for nothing, you're taking from yourself.
If you did it and broke even, you're telling the universe that your time and effort is worthless.

So what if you did it by donation? Start with the break even cost as the base price and then leave it to the ones who are utilizing your expertise to do what they feel is right.

Another option is to sell a kit that the buyer mixes themself, and include an intention setting ritual for them to do to consecrate the elixir.

Or, if you feel more eclectic, just do your thing.

There's no right or wrong, there's only what resonates with your moral compass or not.

[Siona]

The truth is there are no universally accepted magical laws. Different traditions and individual practitioners will have their own rules, belief on how magic works, etc. These different views may often contradict each other. As an example, the rede is Wiccan, it is less than 100 years old, and many other traditions do not follow it - yet before the rede, and these other traditions, they practice magic just fine. But, I assume you are Wiccan? So, to examine the rede, the word rede itself means advice. It was not meant to be taken as a law or commandment. There is also nothing within the rede that directly says selling magic, or magical supplies, is something one should not do. What part do you think says you can't?

People have been selling magical workings and supplies since, well... since selling things came into fashion, or trading goods for services, etc, I would guess. Certainly for thousands of years now, at any rate. From a magical perspective, I think it makes sense, anyway. If you're going to put your time, energy, and effort into a working for someone... they need to be putting in something, as well. That something doesn't necessarily have to be money, but in our modern society, why not? Time is money, money is time... they give their time for yours, in that way. There is an exchange of energy, and they are putting something of themselves into the working that way.

But other people aren't comfortable selling magic, or things used in magic, and that's fine, too! They might have a variety of beliefs why it should not be sold, just as people who do sell have their own varied beliefs on why it is okay. In the end, it is a very personal decision, you have to decide how you feel about it.

[SpiritTalker]

I'd interpret it that if magic-for-profit is the primary reason for using the talents of the Craft then the talent is superficial & the link weak. If bringing aid, comfort & relief to others is the primary motive then the talent is strengthened. There's honor in being reasonably compensated for expenses in materials (plus packaging & shipping) & investment of time. It is respectful to pay as-able for services received. Bartering & exchange has been the time honored practice of compensation. Money represents bartering to a point but all too quickly can become ease without sacrifice. It's not black & white & requires thoughtful balance.

An example is purchasing an athame - the blade used for magical ritual. Few people can mine & mix metals to make steel & then forge a blank into a balanced blade, put a comfortable handle on it & attractively decorate it. So this most important magical tool, by default, must be purchased from a craftsman. Custom says a fair price should be named by the artisan that reflects his production costs & the buyer should show due respect & not bargain. Human nature is seldom so pure-spirited but the intent is that nobody is taken advantage of & respect & honor is exchanged. These traits are the grass roots of man-made magical "laws" as opposed to laws of Nature.

And of course we have mass produced manufacturing. Human nature again. For the little amount i use, i sure don't want to invest in the equipment for extracting volatile essential oils nor grow the plants & experiment with blending scents & plant properties. I'm grateful there are people with the set-up & know-how to blend oils so I don't have to.

I do prefer to set my own intention. If a person is so unskilled at spell crafting that they need someone to do that for them, what's the point in doing a spell? Yet people who aren't witches themselves need that added touch for confidence to do a spell at home -- at least show willing to be involved in their own lives. Non-magical people do "hire" the Craft-wise to spell for them. They believe in magic but can't do it themselves.

[Astro Logical 1]

the intent is that nobody is taken advantage of & respect & honor is exchanged

This. So much this...

[AriaCarmen]

Thanks to all of you for your well-detailed answers. I really enjoyed reading them!

I did think to myself, that there had to be a little potions shop at the very edge of a small village at some point in time, where goods were offered for money at reasonable compensation. Their Magicks had to have been working just fine, lol...but still it bothered me even though I knew that deep down, Magick can't just vanish inside you from simple compensation, right? But I still had to ask to be sure as I'm still learning every day. I'm going to go on selling my oils, but without intentions included...that's just going a little too far.

[SpiritTalker]

I imagine the apothecary grew out of Mother Em's kitchen.