In this solo episode of Eye Opener Society, host Gary Dean dives into one of the most debated and emotionally charged topics in the spiritual and metaphysical community: should lightworkers, healers, empaths, and spiritual practitioners charge for their services?

With co-creator Lizzie away caring for sick children, Gary leads an honest, grounded conversation examining the ethical, emotional, and real-world economics of paid spiritual work. This episode explores the fine line between fair compensation and spiritual exploitation, and why money can trigger deep trust, vulnerability, and skepticism when it intersects with healing.

Listeners are guided through real examples—including tarot readings, meditation coaching, empathic and energy healing—to better understand how time, emotional labor, training, and personal sacrifice become currency for many practitioners. Gary also addresses common objections, such as references to Jesus and historical models of free healing, concerns around certifications, and fears of being sold false hope in the modern spiritual marketplace.

Drawing from personal experience, Gary shares insight into his wife’s empathic work, his own meditation practice and metaphysical studies, and his long-term vision of starting a donation-based spiritual church. The discussion also covers why certifications, liability, and transparency matter in today’s world—and how modern expectations differ from ancient spiritual traditions.

This episode offers practical guidance for seekers, including how to evaluate spiritual practitioners, recognize red flags, ask the right questions, and find ethical healers who may offer free content, sliding-scale pricing, or barter options. At its core, the message is empowering: true healing comes from within, and spiritual practitioners are tools—not saviors—in that process.

Gary closes with a balanced, compassionate stance on accessibility, fairness, and personal responsibility, advocating for a hybrid spiritual model that honors both service and sustainability.

🎧 Tune in for a grounded, no-nonsense exploration of spirituality, money, ethics, and self-empowerment—designed to help both practitioners and seekers navigate modern spiritual services with clarity and confidence.