A Shift in The Light

Five years ago this week, I had the first check-in with my Shifu to review my quarterly studies. I don’t remember much about the actual session, but as I was driving home, I could feel the subtle shift in the early September evening light. Southeast Texas was still weeks away from noticeably cooler weather, but the atmosphere felt softer, like summer was beginning to exhale surrender into fall.

I’ve always loved September for this reason, but the pronouncement from one hour to the next struck me as something that he and I brought about as we discussed the insights, progress, and setbacks, I’d experienced during the first few months of my Daoist priest journey. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew it was where I was supposed to go.

Aside from my genuine interest in the mystic path of Daoism, I also wanted to prove to myself that I could see this through to the end. I’m a quitter by nature and thought that, by going the distance, in three years I’d be done, and better for the experience. The second half of this statement is true. The first half, well, I’ll just say that universe has a sense of humor. I’m still on the path and it is never ending.

I’m still a quitter. Sometimes, it’s good to quit. I know when to cut my losses and I don’t subscribe to the sunk cost fallacy. But I’m learning to persevere, not to give up when the result is important. After my Daoist ordination, the next phase was three years on my own, following where the path took me, which happened to be Laurie Cabot. Her books were the catalyst for the science-based mysticism that is the cornerstone of my beliefs. She was teaching the first two introductory in her tradition online. She was in her late 80’s at the time so I signed up without hesitation.

The first course, The Science of Witchcraft, focused on psychic development, my strength in my wheelhouse, and I sailed right through. The second course, The Art of Witchcraft, focused on ritual and structure. Not my strongest points and the timing at work could not have been worse. I knew I was going to fail the final exam and I did so, spectacularly.  I decided then and there to quit. No retest. I’d remain a First-Degree Witch. I was already an ordained Daoist priest. That was fine. Everything was fine.

Except it wasn’t. The light shifted and I changed. I was part of a tradition where all my contemporary classmates, who are now dear friends, were Second Degree Priests and Priestesses. Plus, there was a cool Cabot Crest pin for Second Degrees. I worked hard, retook the exam, and I passed. I persevered. I’m now pursuing another goal where I was not successful on the first try. I was open to the constructive criticism I received, it both deepens and broadens my understanding of my practice, and I will continue to improve until I reach the height of that bar. More about that when I succeed.

Perseverance can and does pay off, but sometimes financial success isn’t possible or sustainable. I’m referring specifically to the concept of a spiritual business. There are a few successful ones out there, certainly, but they are run by business-minded people with a focus on business goals. They may very well be spiritual but the two are compartmentalized. This is why yoga teachers, tarot readers, psychics, and the like often struggle to keep afloat. Businesses based on material goods that supplement yoga, tarot, herbalism, etc. fare better than the practitioners who utilize the goods to provide spiritual services. You may see those who provide a spiritual service working in tandem with those who own or run a shop, but the names and faces are ever-changing while the brick and mortar remains standing. Although, in this Amazon-dependent world, these foundations can also be a bit shaky.

In my case, the work I do is more important than the financial return on the work. The traditional business world operates in reverse. In business we work for the money, but with spiritual service transactions we deliver a product that has immeasurable value. This is why the best yoga businesses fail, many of the best yoga teachers become disappointed and disillusioned and why the most talented and skilled psychics and tarot readers often struggle to keep a roof over their heads and the lights on. Those who market themselves as spiritual entrepreneurs are either perceived as selling snake oil, go bankrupt, or both. I think a big part of the problem is with this terminology and constant marketing approach. There must be a better way to use our gifts and strengths to help those who need us.

Religious organizations rely on donations from their congregation. They don’t charge for their services. Ever think about why that is? It’s a mutual exchange of energy – not a business. In its purest form it’s the service of a higher calling. The same can be said of the artists, inventors, astrologists, psychics, and diviners throughout history whose survival depended on the support from their patrons. Without a benefactor, they did not have the means to practice their craft.

Justice Sandra Day O’Conner said the secret to happiness is work worth doing. Worthwhile pursuits. This is much easier when you have additional and reliable income streams such as a full-time job, investments, or a partner who is willing and able financially, and in other ways, to help you realize your dream. A rare few are fortunate to live and work in places where people go in search of spiritual guidance, such as Sedona, New Orleans, Glastonbury or Salem.

When my Shifu transitioned last year the light in my life shifted once again. Since that memorable September afternoon my spirituality, and my approach as how I can best serve others, has continued to shift, evolve, and change as I join paths with others along the way. The only Daoist rule is ‘maybe’ because context is imperative, and while I believe remaining true to my spiritual principles in the business world is both possible and beneficial, a spiritual business by its nature is an oxymoron because it’s the work that matters.

These statements may seem hypocritical of me, as I practice metaphysical arts and charge for my services. The difference is that The Mystic’s Parlour is not a business. There is no end game. There are no balance sheets, no earnings goals. There is only this work and what I’m called to do, and there is no value in it for anyone involved without an exchange of energy. That might be in the form of the money for which you exchanged a measure of your time. It’s just as likely to be something else entirely.

I welcome respectful opposing views on this subject. You’re encouraged to share your views or insight about how to run a successful spiritual services business with me at the email address below. I’m always open for a little shift in the light.

If you would like to know more about my ancestral connection work, or my other offerings such as tarot readings, spiritual guidance and mindset coaching, you can find more detailed information by using the drop-down menu on my website: The Mystic’s Parlour (the-mystics-parlour.ghost.io)

You can also contact me via email at themysticsparlour@gmail.com. Your continued support and encouragement are greatly appreciated.