August 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura newsletter
Snake Charm 11/ Nature Fix
When I first started doing readings professionally, I found that from time to time I would get clients that were going through some really painful struggles in their lives. Sometimes they were even in extreme crisis. Part of being able to “read” for someone is to temporarily connect with them energetically and allow yourself to “feel” what they are going through. Even after the clients who were in tremendous pain left, I would sometimes have trouble sleeping, feel emotionally drained, depressed, or even a little sick. I wasn’t able to quickly shake the uncomfortable energy I picked up. I knew how to do clearing techniques and meditations to become balanced again, but this was often time consuming and not always easy to do between sessions. Many people who get involved in this and similar fields, encounter problems with absorbing negative energy. I needed an easier solution to discharge the extremely difficult energy I would sometimes pick up from the people in my work and in my personal life.
Early on in my counseling career a solution found its way to me. I was living in an apartment complex and had my first home office. The property next door was horse property and some farmland. It seemed that the owner sold some of the property and they were developing part of it to be made into another apartment complex. They had plowed the land leaving large fields of dirt to the west of my place. The projects completion was delayed for almost a year. During that time I began to go outside after some of my sessions and just sit, or simply put my hands or feet in the abundant soil. It felt really good, and I could feel the Earth quickly absorbing the toxins I had brought in. Sometimes I did this to let go of client’s energy, sometimes it was my own twenty-something-anguish. In either case, it would only take a few minutes for me to feel completely cleared when I did this. It seemed that the soil itself was a powerful healing agent.
I also discovered that another effective way to clear negative energy was a simple process of sitting in, touching, or even embracing trees. The solid, thick, old, larger trees seemed to be the most healing. I did this almost every night for weeks when I was going through a painful long term relationship breakup. I stumbled upon a tree that was shaped in a way that I could sit cradled at its base. I shed quite a few tears in that tree during a particularly emotional period in my life. I always felt supported, safe, and more stable each time I did this. Trees have their own form of consciousness and their strong roots and stable energy can be tremendously powerful in absorbing emotional pain.
Trees, soil, and plants can receive negative energy and use it as a form of fertilizer. This can be valuable to them. Fortunately, our emotional and energetic angst doesn’t hurt them. They are able to transform painful emotion and negative human energy. Even if you live in a city and can’t easily access trees or plants in your own garden, you can plant flowers in small pots (make sure they have a drainage hole at the bottom) or even simply keep a bag of potting soil around. Going to a plant nursery and walking around can also be extremely effective. This is a powerful form of clearing and also a kind of meditation. We all go through times when we are emotionally upset or have friends, family, or clients that are energetically out of balance. The simple act of putting your hands in soil or asking a tree to absorb your toxins or sadness is an inexpensive (even free) way to restore emotional harmony.
Jim Ventura 7-2012
Editors note:
Some of you may have noticed that my website was down for most of July. The Mac site it was hosted on (Mobile Me) made its final appearance on June 30th. They made the transition to becoming I-Cloud and shut down their websites. Even though they told me months in advance I chose denial and tried to ignore this fact as long as I could. As usual, the annoyance of having to pay for and set up a new website inevitably turned out to be a good thing. The new website will have a shopping cart. As my library of books and class CD’s build, it will be easier for clients to order these things anytime they want. The expanded website will also help me to expand the amount of people I can reach and help with their intuitive development studies.
My goal in the next three years is to create a lot more books, CD’s, instructional videos, Talisman symbols and other tools to help everyone (who is interested) develop their metaphysical talents and abilities. I am very close to finishing the Tarot card interpretation book. I will keep everyone on my mailing list informed each time a new title comes out. Check out the new website and feel free to pass the new one along to any friends and family who may be interested: www.JimVentura.com
It seems that my radio show is gaining in popularity. Archive listens for many of the Snake Oil radio shows are climbing to over 500 for each show. It seems that the most popular shows are the ones about Astrology. I also seem to get a lot of interest in my extra current astrological transit posts on FaceBook. Since there are a lot of people interested in Astrology lately, for the month of August everyone on my mailing list can take advantage of the Astrological consultation special this month. All Astrology sessions are $20.00 (August 1 through 30th 2012) off my listed prices. Get a session for yourself and even buy one for a friend or family member. It makes a great gift for new parents to have their child's Astrology chart interpreted. My sister’s son is now 18 and she still raves about how helpful and accurate it was when I did her son’s chart when he was 2.
Its the mid point of a hot summer, stay cool! Wishing everyone a happy August and happy Birthday Leo and Virgo. Cheers. Jim V
“There is nothing divine about morality: it is a purely human affair.” Albert Einstein
Mercury retrograde in Leo
Sometimes Mercury retrogrades become “textbook” examples of the problems that can be connected with the planet that rules how we think and communicate. Mercury retrogrades last for a little over 3 weeks, and the current one started in mid-July.
My home phone (landline) has been screwed up for two weeks now and it started almost to the minute of the current retrograde. The first week I had a week of no messages going to my voicemail. I was in Las Vegas and had no idea that this was actually happening for the first few days. The problem started and continues with some obnoxious static on the line that makes using this phone a challenge. I have had to triple my cell phone use (and pay for it) and have all of my calls forwarded to my cell phone voice mailbox. Century Link came to repair the line, but it is still not working correctly. (something about a bad connector in our area that is “something they are continuing to work on resolving...”)
This retrograde is in Leo. What does that mean for all of us? Leo in our chart (yes, even if you aren’t Leo, it is in your chart and ruling one or two of your houses of life.) corresponds to where we are creative, confident, giving, playful, and where we like to be recognized for being a “Prince” or “Princess.” It rules how we like to shine in this world. It also can be where we are ego-centric. Mercury retrograde in Leo will bring up old issues (and maybe a few new ones) around how others view us, and whether they respect and value what we feel makes us great! This can bring up some sticky themes with anyone we perceive as “disrespecting us” or not valuing “how much we give.”The house(s) Leo rules in your chart will show more specifically what part of our life this will influence most. Mercury is transiting though my 4th house (home, family, roots, place we retreat to for security...). I have had to work to not kill some of my family members at this time, so far so good... lol
Good news is we can also remember how to play again and have fun during this transit! More good news: it goes direct again on August 8th :)
ASTROLOGICAL READING SPECIAL (available to everyone who receives my monthly newsletter)
$20.00 off my normal prices for any sessions booked from August 1st 2012 until August 31st. Mention the special when requesting a session. You can also purchase up to three gift certificates for friends and family during this time at this rate (good for one full year).
My second most requested session is the Astrological reading, which interprets your personal astrology and aids in self awareness. By looking beyond your Sun sign (the stuff the newspapers focus on) and exploring your Moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Ascendant, etc... you can begin to gain clarity about the focus and primary themes of your life. House placements, aspects, 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.
“Ask and you shall receive. It pays to know how to ask and how to receive.” Dick Sutphen
Snake Oil Radio
Thursday's at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, August 9th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway though the show you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on i-tunes (download my pod-casts there).
All you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura You may also access it by going to blogtalkradio.com. Type “Snake Oil” into the search option.
You can also go to the shows that are currently “On air” at that time and find me. The call in number is 646-200-3966 for questions and comments.
“The only reason you ever do anything is because you want to. All other “reasons’ are part of the game. “Michael
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com
Information about the different sessions and types of readings 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!
All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices below on any 40 minutes or longer session.
All sessions/readings for 2012-2013 are: (70 minutes) $110.00; (40 minutes) $80.00; Extended (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).
