OK, this is going to sound like a rant ... you've been warned. ;-)

--->

I'd like to know if anyone is making money (at least $30K/yr) in Portland, doing "metaphysical" work? This would include things like Reiki, general energy work, Tarot, meditation classes, or psychic information. It would NOT include mainstreams like acupuncture, massage, or anything that technically needs to be licensed by the State.

My contention - and I'll admit that it's become a prejudice - is that Portland is a lousy market for metaphysical "healing".

I'll concede that a few places/people who have been "working it" for at least 10 years have become icons in the area. Portland LOVES its icons! To wit:
If you want coffee, you go to Starbucks.
If you want to read or buy a book, you go to Powell's.
If you want beer, you go to McMenamin's.
If you want metaphysical books, it's New Renaissance Bookstore.
If you want cable T.V, Comcast is your only choice (Dish or DirectTV, for satellite - again, only 2 choices)
In each major category, there are only 1 or 2 choices.

The reasons for this low success rate for "healers" is both simple and complex. Here are the assumptions, and the reasoning behind them:

1. Portland is a city of addictions. This wouldn't seem very obvious, to most people. Portland leads the nation in the following categories:
Highest per capita adult book stores and nude dancing establishments.
High Meth rate.
Largest bookstore west of the Mississippi. (Powell's)
Highest (or in the top 4, at least) per capita Internet connectivity, per household.
For at least one Native American tribe, the word "Willamette" (river) means "river of sorrows". Seems that the natives have always believed that people come to this area to heal, and having succeeded, are expected to leave. This area, according to the lore, is a mecca for the "damaged".
People here LOVE to "medicate". They drink (alcohol & coffee), read, take drugs, smoke, and protest to avoid doing work on themselves.

2. The "Body, Mind & Spirit Expo" (bmse.net) attracts a lot of people to its biannual event. However, the speakers and vendors are long on "services" and short on "tools". (Just TRY to find a decent selection of crystals in this town!) People here, especially, want quick fixes that don't cost them anything. They want to "hire" the effort, or want to take some pill, class, or buy some pendant that will make it all better. It's about feeling better, not being better. For example ...

3. The Portland area is heavy on East Indian and Buddist teachings - in that order. Guru's and maharishis, swamis are the order of the day. Portlanders want to find someone to give over their will and personal responsibilities to - PLEASE take responsibility for our karma, swami. We'll pay you (with the procedes from the sale of our house and personal belongings) to tell us what to think and believe. (Remember Rashneespuram? Many of those people still live around here.)
If all else fails, meditate on it with other Buddhists. ... Oh, and you can buy all of your Buddhist trinkets at New Ren.

Rant over ... Whew! That's better. ;-)

So, anyone care to rebut my assertions? I'd really like to hear from someone who "made it" (makes at least $30,000/yr) here, and did it in less than 5 years. 'Cause, I know several "prominent" metaphysical people who seem to have realized the folly of trying to make money in Portland plying their trade and have taken "regular" jobs in order to keep afloat.

-- Patrick