Discussion Topic: Price Changes in Vodou
This topic recently came up in a chat, and I've seen this topic come around in Ocha-Ifa circles, and thought it be worth asking for educational purposes in a discussion post.
1.) For those of y'all that have been practicing for a while, how has the price of different materials, consultation, and services changed over time? What do y'all remember the prices being like in the 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and whatnot versus now? I've seen botanicas shift Pompeia prices from $28 to $60 (once saw a place charge $120, which was pure insanity), or Florida Water from $4 to an exorbitant $10 (once saw $20 although it was in a non-Caribbean metaphysical store). And I suppose while we're on the matter, how much did it cost to kanzo in say the 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s for members of the diaspora as opposed to now?
2.) Houngan Liam brought up an interesting point on material prices in New Zealand (was rather shocked to hear 5 Zetwal cost $200 with all that shipping!). Are there any Canadian folks here who might have insight on pricing compared to say Florida or NY folks?
3.) How did a marginalized religion practiced by everyday locals now become so expensive to practice? If you live in the Haitian countryside, it's a different reality when you have direct access to the materials for everyday folks but even for the diaspora in places like Florida, how did it become so pricey?
4.) With inflation and political tensions affecting the economy at this time of period (and likely in future scenarios), how do y'all imagine Vodou is going to be affected for clients, practitioners, etc.?