Damon and I were discussing this the other day - about how the Pagan and Witchy communities could definitely take a leaf out of the Christian community book and hire pagans when they need a service done or product made. I remember distinctly how the Christian churches I belonged to either worked within itself - need your computer fixed? Hire the Deacon who also has an IT business! - or they hired businesses that had "Christian values."
Some pagans might feel that it is the purpose of the pagan community to be different from the christian community, however, my point here is there is a reason to christian community is larger and has more influence in our society. While we aren't necessarily competing with this community, we should consider our own growth, strengthening, and development.
I Don't Just Mean Metaphysical Industries
Supporting other pagans should be something we do to better ourselves and our community.
What do I mean by taking our business to other pagans?
I don't just mean occult shops, tarot readers, and other metaphysical businesses.
What do I mean by taking our business to other pagans?
I don't just mean occult shops, tarot readers, and other metaphysical businesses.
Witchvox had an article years ago Why Pagan Shops Fail and How Some Succeed. In the article, Pennanti explains that many occult industry businesses are failing not because Pagans don't want to buy from Pagan's but because there aren't Pagan Businesses that are meeting the needs of the community. "There’s a level of entitlement in the pleas to buy Pagan – that they deserve it just because they’re Pagan. Stores aren’t charity, though, and I shouldn’t feel obligated to toss money at people selling stuff I don’t need. What do I need? What do Pagans need? I would love to see, say, a hardware store that was Pagan owned. A craft supply store. A garden store."
I suggest that when we need any business done, we should consider local and we should consider pagan. If you need catering for an event, ask the kitchen witch with the catering business. If you need website design, ask the druid that is also a computer and graphic design wiz. Want to hire a baby sitter or tutor for your kids, consider the young witch that helped out at the pagan community park clean up.
Business & Community, Not Charity
Now, I'm not saying that you should lower the bar for a Pagan Business - if they aren't as good as the Jewish, Christian, or Atheist business around the corner, then, by all means, go where you will get the best service. All we're saying is to make community part of your consideration.
We also are active on Facebook Pagan Business communities:
Pagan Business Network_
Pagan Business Networking
Pagan Business Network_
Pagan Business Networking