Snake Oil The End Times are Near
Since the early eighties, when I began to study metaphysics, a variety of people have subjected me to new theories about the “coming of the end of the world.” Channeler's have predicted catastrophes, radical earth changes, California slipping into the ocean, governments collapse, and a host of other dire predictions. Many religious groups and cults sell apocalyptic visions of how near the end of the world is. A few years ago I was in a Walmart in a small town in northern Arizona and noticed this very theme in many of the religious books being sold. I was amazed at the amount of material devoted to prophesies of doom and gloom. I’ve seen magazines and books with theories from scientists to conservationist groups who also predict an assortment of disasters. One has to wonder: is catastrophe inevitable? Is the world coming to an end?
I was first exposed to this idea back in the late seventies when I was in the ninth grade. Someone brought copies of a tabloid to school. The tabloid reported that a comet would hit the United States at twelve noon that day, causing massive destruction all over the planet. That day, lunchtime was divided between fearful students, some actually in tears, and the rest of us making deliciously cruel comments to the “dumb asses” who actually believed this stuff. 1999 brought on the most dramatic set of crazy predictions. I had a few people tell me I was foolish to be in Phoenix during this time. They had attended seminars telling them that the national guard would be surrounding the city, electricity would stop, rioting and looting would be rampant, and planes would fall from the sky. One wealthy woman with too much time and paranoia on her hands informed me she had stocked her shed with two years worth of dry food and water. She had also purchased a pedal car for the crisis times that were “inevitable.” She would be one of the few wise enough to have planned for transportation.
Like all the other crazy predictions I had been handed over the years, 2000 came and went with things more or less continuing on as they always have. Things like the second coming, the tribulation, a new ice age, or sun going nova and aliens conquering our planet, or the end of life as we know it may still loom ahead of us. I guess all of these things are possible. Still, my perception in all of this has always been the same. What does it really matter if any of this comes to pass? Why waste time worrying about it? I have noticed that the majority of people claiming to have all this powerful, secret information all seem to have similar patterns. When your marriage is a disaster, your job sucks, you are sexually frustrated, you struggle with whether your life has meaning, and emotional issues are left unresolved, having secret doom-and-gloom knowledge can make us feel powerful again. Most men and women waiting for the aliens to land in their yard and contact them “again” are starved for a sense of purpose and aliveness. They have a distorted, honest desire to help the world in some way. This is their way of expressing that desire.
I am not blind to the problems in this world. Conservationists make good points at times: we can’t continue pillaging this planet without expecting repercussions. Things in many areas need to change; screwed up weather patterns, global warming and ozone depletion are realities in some respects in this world. It is possible we have had alien contact. Assuming we are the only planet with life on it is rather narcissistic. Metaphysical and biblical predictions may have some accuracy as well, although misinterpretations in both areas are abundant. Still, why do so many people think that everything predicted in the Bible, written thousands of years ago, has anything to do with the present time? Why would people in 80 AD be obsessed and tuned into what 2025 will bring?
The way I look at it is, what good is focusing on these negative predictions anyway? From my studies of life in this world, we can’t really get out of our Earth school lessons. We signed on to learn and grow and play here on Earth. Even if we were to take our own life to avoid lessons or potential happiness, we would still have self karma to deal with and eventually reincarnate and play out whatever we dodged the last time around. Better yet, rather than focusing on all the problems and cringing in fear about “inevitable” catastrophes, why not be part of the ones taking steps to make positive changes? It may sound corny, but why not be part of the solution? Even if we go so far as to destroy ourselves and our world collectively, I am guessing we would recreate another world, plane or experience, to finish our karmic lessons and evolution. If nuclear war or some other catastrophe hits, do I really want to be alive in some bunker or bomb shelter with any of the annoying, denigrating, surviving pain-in-the-asses who predicted all this crap anyway? I would rather go out with everyone else, living my life, growing, learning, and having fun right up until the very end. I would rather enjoy intimacy with my partner, smoking a tasty cigar, or drinking a delicious cup of coffee with a few of my friends in a cool coffee house. To me, a life spent worrying and preparing for the end of the world is a far bigger catastrophe than any world crisis could ever be.
Jim Ventura 12-2003
Notes
This original story appears in my book Snake Oil Volume One. It was first published in my column in early 2004! I am guessing those of a more fear based perspective will be annoyed at my perspective, and notably sarcastic take on all of this and I may have a higher than usual amount of requests to “unsubscribe from my mailing list,.” I am of course, good with that. One of the many blessings of being well over fifty is not needing to be loved my everyone! My position on the subject has not in any way changed, in spite of how many people think things are currently “so much worse, or so much better.” One thing that further confirms why I do not get caught up in the many variations of the sale of this fear is knowledge of Astrology. There are twelve houses of life in everyone’s Natal chart. Personality, body, and the early childhood wiring of the first house, and planets and signs there remain the same (for the most part) throughout a lifetime: The sixth house is the house of work, service, health, and the need to focus on repairing. The eighth house is the house of sex, power, inheritance, death, transformation. The eleventh house is the house of friendships, goal setting, group associations, and how we receive, are all examples of constants that exist through ALL of time in our world. A zombie apocalypse, the end of people needing to work any type of job because of a robot takeover, or even the far left fantasy of enough vaccines that no one ever experiences any form of health challenge, are all equally ludicrous. There are of course always changes and variations but this is one of the many reasons why we came to experience life in a human body. Simply put; this is the game we signed up for. Until we transition back to the Other-world inevitably when we die, we will have certain structures to follow while alive. And to reiterate a point if it “All is destroyed,” what is the point in worrying about it?
Speaking of Astrology, I am offering a special for anyone on my mailing list for just the month of March 2025. You can finally have your chart explained (really getting to understand the life blueprint you chose to experience before you were born) if you have not done this, or need a refresher if it’s been awhile. You may also want to consider looking at current transits, relationship charts, etc... This also an ideal time to purchase a gift session for family or friends at the special rate! Very few, if anyone actually finishes a session with me after getting this incredible insight with a “well, that was a waste of time.” Getting your DNA analyzed to see your heritage patterns is pretty cool, but Astrology is quite a bit more interesting, far more in depth and personally detailed!
The year seems to be going a lot like I thought it would so far with some interesting twists and turns along the way! I have had some profound breakthroughs personally, and have been finding parallels to share and explore with my regular clients connected to these insights. Even sessions with any of my clients whether they see me just once, or twice a year, are always enlightening for them, and increase my knowledge as well, what I like to call a Win-Win! Quarterly, every other month, and monthly regulars though are able to really get into deeper life changing insights. I have been really pulling in some truly powerful mediations and other techniques for creating a more empowered fulfilling life path. If you are interested in my Regular Client Program but unable to commit for any reason, there is always another option to consider. Check out my free insights on BuyMeaCoffee.com/VenturaWora. And, for a minimal charge of $5 a month you can access my Navigational tips, extra materials, some of my best older columns, and BuyMeaCoffee subscribers also get quarterly regular client rates if you decide to have a session at any time!
We are about to begin the spring season, so wishing everyone some amazing new beginnings during my second favorite season (although they all have some notable perks!) Cheers, Jim V
ASTROLOGICAL READING Special
March 11th, 2025-April 7th 2025. $15.00-$20 discount off my listed rates for all 45-90 minute Astrology consultations. In-office or phone sessions.
All astrological consultations are discounted $15 off my listed rates. While no other discounts will apply at this time, in-office clients may take advantage of another $5 discount for cash or check payments.
The Astrological natal chart reading is a great way to begin to understand your unique astrology. By looking beyond your Sun sign (the stuff the newspapers, and magazines tend to focus on) and exploring your Ascendant, Moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Lunar Nodes, and Chiron, you can begin to gain clarity about the focus and primary themes of your life. House placements, aspects (easy angles, and challenging ones), and elements will help you see your patterns in greater detail. Transits will show what areas of your life are currently highlighted, and pinpoint upcoming astrological triggers for the future. Relationships, career, money, friendships, spiritual growth, family, health... all interpreted for you so you don't have to do the work. You will need to know your birth time for this reading (a solar chart can be done instead of a Natal chart if you don’t know your birth-time).
Sessions can be either at my home office or by phone consultations. You many record your session on your phone if you would like, or take notes.
Understanding your own chart is a tremendously valuable way to understand your life purpose. It can also be a huge help in understanding your relationships with the people around you. There are many different types of astrological charts that can be tremendously useful:
Relationship composite charts
A look at the positive and negative themes that surface in any relationship you are currently in, or considering committing to one. Midpoint astrology will show the positive and challenging ways the relationship works for both of you. By looking at your partner’s chart you can gain quite a bit of understanding about what makes them tick. This can be very beneficial in relating more effectively to each other.
Astrology charts can be drawn up and interpreted for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc.., of course these charts can be incredible gifts for both parents and the children themselves! When you understand the primary motivations, talents and challenges of the people in your life, you are often more compassionate, empathetic and better able to help and assist the people you truly care about.
Astrology charts for when to begin a business, marriages, or considering relocating are also great ways to plan life more efficiently. Solar return charts are an excellent way to see the themes of the year ahead.
Understanding current astrological and near future transits is also n excellent way to see both restrictions as well as opportunities and to make the best of timing cycles.
Email me at Venturasag@yahoo.com to book your discounted March session or to purchase (maximum of two at this current rate) gift certificates purchased for yourself and/or a friend. They can be used anytime in 2025! Mention the Astrological Special when booking.
“You were born with a vibrational rate you earned in the past. How you live your life will determine if you raise or lower this rate. Which way do you think you’re going?” Dick Sutphen
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Mahatma Gandhi
Snake Oil Volume One
Jim Ventura has been writing his monthly Snake Oil column for 20 years. Volume One is a collection of his first five years of Snake Oil. This volume also includes nine Snake Charms. Practical explanations and instruction for meditation, ear conning, lucid dreaming, etc... Jim’s Snake Oil philosophy is all about changing the perceptions of how we view life to include metaphysical perspectives into all of our experiences. We can not only do this with the benefit of expanding our consciousness, but still keeping our feet planted firmly on the ground in this world at the same time. Snake Oil reminds us that we can also grow to become more enlightened while finding both wisdom of humor in ourselves and the world around us.
To order a copy contact me by phone or email. Cost: $12.00 including sales tax. Please include $5.00 for shipping ($17.00 total).
Or send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix Az 85008. You can also pay by charge or debit, thru Paypal, or Zelle. You can request to have your copy signed! Avoid shipping charges by picking up a copy when you visit my office for a session.
“Children are happy because they don't have a file in their minds called "All the Things That Could Go Wrong.” Marianne Williamson
“Who you resist you will eventually become. All resistance is fear. If after repeated opportunities, you do not cease to resist a particular race, sexual orientation, those who believe differently, or who have character traits you despise, you will have to reincarnate as one of ‘them’ so you can learn acceptance.” Dick Sutphen
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channeler's in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.
“...It is fair to say that any person with whom you share a intense relationship in this life has also joined with you in other reincarnational lives. This is because the intent of the greater entities for you to be together is also strengthened by you, and your other reincarnational selves, through those experiences. Your greater entity sets you free, but you then go about creating your own reality; and whenever you choose to tighten or intensify a bond with a given individual, that bond will therefore be strengthened in every other manifestation in time that you share. A happy fifty-year marriage in this time span, then, may well serve to strengthen the bond manifesting as master-slave, brother-sister, father-daughter, etc... (monads) in other incarnations you share.
You have all experienced meeting someone for the first time and feeling something ‘click’ between you, feeling an immediate ease or, perhaps, an immediate tension and loathing. Why? Because you are always unconsciously connected with every other historical manifestation, and you are recognizing the intent behind that person’s coming into your life, recognizing the work to be shared, the lessons to be learned together. Since at deepest terms there is no ‘time’ as you think of it, you are tapping directly into the grid of intent that your greater entities have established, recognizing the intent; how you choose to express that intent is your free choice. You pull into physical actualization those experiences with this other person that reflect your own individual beliefs, intents and desires.
Not all relationships last a lifetime, as you know. What happens in a relationship that was born in a feeling of intense closeness-say, young schoolmates, who as they age see each other less and less frequently, perhaps dropping each other a Christmas card once a year? In this case, the grid of intent behind such a relationship was virtually exhausted, or entirely expressed, within the span of time you shared as schoolmates. Beyond that, there is no need for you to stay together, and since you are always infusing your life with fresh energy and avenues of exploration, it would be of no benefit to maintain, in constant and intense consciousness, a relationship that has served its purpose...”
From Whatever happened to Divine Grace by Jose Stevens
“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” Sitting Bull
New Client Special 2025:
January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2025 Special: New Client introductory offer:
$5-15 off listed rates! A $5 discount off of all 45 minute sessions. Both 70, or 90 minute session can take a $10 discount. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can choose an extra $5 off the current rates for cash or check payments for sessions! Pricing is at the end of this newsletter or just request a session and availability calendar. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates and use the above discounts!
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (BEST method for contact).
text only: (602) 349-0746 Phone calls: (602) 957-3035
Information about the different sessions and types of readings, classes and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: http://JimVentura.com.
“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials. Simply click on “like” on the fan page and you will automatically get my weekly updates.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl
I also have a few other media channels other than Face-Book:
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (approximately once a month 6-12 minute videos) at J Ventura Snake Oil.
Instagram at Venturawords ( Astrology updates and other insight on short 90 second reels)
Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-6 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals!
All personal sessions/readings for 2025 are: Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $90.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 minutes $40. Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. Purchasing 3 prepaid sessions also brings sizable discounts. Some examples; 3 prepaid 45 minute monthly sessions is $155 total or about $52 a session. 3 prepaid quarterly 70 minute session are $245 or about $82 a session.
