SNAKE OIL
CREATING VINES
I have beautiful vines that wrap around the stairway of my home. They hug the entrance way to my upstairs condominium. Many of the upstairs units in my complex have them. I like the look of the vines, even though my Feng Shui consultant says they block some of the flow of energy to my home. I think that while they make it a little harder to grasp the handrail when walking up my stairs, their beauty outweighs any aspects that could be perceived as negative. I trim them from time to time and occasionally water them when I water the flower pots that are on my stairway.
The homeowners association of my complex decided to paint our buildings about eight months ago. An unfortunate part of this process was that all of the vines would have to be pulled out for the painters to accomplish this task. I was there at the homeowners meeting when they made the decision to do this. One of the condo owners told us that, “It is a good idea to remove the vines because they absorb too much moisture from the building.” I wondered why concrete would contain moisture. And why would that have any bearing on the situation in the first place. While his logic seemed questionable to say the least, I knew painting the building would increase the value of our property and I was all for that.
The big day came and I felt a little uncomfortable as they tore all of the vines away. I felt the same type of discomfort when the landscapers sawed off large branches from the tree that guards my home. It felt like they were cutting parts of me in some ways. I have always viewed the plants and animals that surround all of the homes I have ever lived in as parts of my family. They are protective pieces of my reality just like my cat who sits on top of my stairway each night. She proudly surveys and guards our space. I’ve always believed that all of nature will do this for us. I sat quietly in the back bedroom while they removed the vines that day. It felt like they were tearing up a small but valuable piece of my home.
After the painters finished their job I could see the building did look better. Still, my front steps looked barren, naked, and lifeless. I decided I would somehow make the vines grow back; I visualized this happening. This was easy to do because my visualization skills have been honed over the years. Even though there were no signs left of the vines I trusted they would return. I watered the ground a few times and visualized the plants growing back effortlessly. Within weeks the vines began to spring up! Within three months they were again growing all over my stairwell. A few of the neighbors have had some regrowth, but nothing compared to the lush plant growth that now graced my home.
It dawned on me during this process that I had easily manifested this reality. My intention, combined with a desire for beauty, positive growth and abundance, helped make this happen. Skeptics might argue that I did nothing amazing here, or that I had nothing to do with the regrowth. They might point out that the roots were already in the ground. They wouldn’t believe that magic had occurred. But why did my vines grow so much faster than everyone else's? The difference in my vines was dramatic. They are far more abundant than the other stairways. My response to skeptics is that the practical details necessary for the growth of the vines inserted themselves into physical reality, fueled by my beliefs. Focusing ONLY on the tangible details, or scientific aspects of life is where people limit themselves and do not recognize the power of their beliefs. They miss an understanding of the multiple layers behind cause and effect.
When I was seventeen I read a series of channeled books that enlightened me (Seth speaks by Jane Roberts). I learned that our thoughts create our reality and the world around us, so this idea wasn't new to me. What stunned me was how easily and quickly I had made the vines return. There was nothing to block this creation. No belief that it wasn't possible. No core fears that I was unworthy of having lush vines again. There were no mental, physical or emotional blocks that needed to first be removed to allow this manifestation to occur. The process was nearly effortless. Something clicked inside of me. I now intend to apply the same principles to areas of my life that have been blocked and stagnant. Then I will sit back and trust that these things will flower and grow just like the healthy greenery that now lovingly and abundantly wraps itself around my home.
Jim Ventura 10-06
“Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New year’s Eve. Middle age is when you 're forced to.” Bill Vaughan
Notes:
This month’s Snake Oil was actually written back in late 2006. I wanted to start the New year off with a really positive message and this column that is part of my book Snake Oil Volume One still has a message that it well worth repeating. And my vines are still doing really well!
I was on local and national television last month on the ABC show The List. It is a syndicated show that runs all over the country but typically airs at 4:30 pm here in Phoenix on ABC 15. The show was all about cartoon characters and their Astrology. It was really fun doing the show. The producer, cameraman, and host (I also want to mention the excellent work the many people behind the scenes did editing for the clip and web-post) were all incredibly professional and it was an interesting project. There is a good chance I will do other spots at some time in the future. This is actually a return for me to television. I have done a few appearances in the past (Sonoran Living), lots of radio, and actually produced and hosted a public access show (Body, Mind, and Spirit of AZ) for two years (22 shows) back in the late 1990’s. I enjoy doing in front of the camera work and will do more in the next few years (while I am still relatively pretty lol), but ultimately I would like to eventually get into television writing!
The new year is here. 2017 was choppy to say the least. Check out my New year reading options later in the newsletter. January can be a great time to get an overview of the major themes for the coming year.
I am now offering some of my classes for students both locally (in-office) and out of area via phone or FaceTime for I-Phone users. More information about the current class options in this newsletter.
Wishing everyone a Happy 2018! Cheers, Jimmy V
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers 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.
This is a fascinating explanation about some of the after death conditions channelled by Jane Roberts (Channeling William James). This brief passage from the book talks about the author’s experience of living in the “Otherworld” or “Heaven.” I think both metaphysical and religious people will find this information to be very insightful. Jim V
“Nowhere have I encountered the furnishings of a conventional heaven, or glimpsed the face of God. On the other hand, certainly I dwell in a psychological heaven by earth’s standards, for everywhere I sense a presence, or atmosphere, or atmospheric presence that is well-intentioned, gentle yet powerful, and all-knowing. This seems to be a psychological presence of such stunning parts, however, that I can point to no one place and identify it as being there in contrast to being somewhere else. At the risk of understating, this presence seems more like a loving condition that permeates existence, and from which all existence springs.
The feeling of safety mentioned earlier is definitely connected here, in that I know no evil or harm can befall me, that each of my choices will yield benefits, and that this loving condition upholds me in all of my ways. As in life I was always aware of an underlying melancholy, I am here always delightfully conscious of an extraordinary sense of safety that leads, say, to heroic acts and courage-naturally. There is the constant feeling that the universe is with me, for me, and with and for all others at the same time. Not only does it not conspire against me, but ever lends its active support.
This willingness to help is everywhere apparent and promotes, of course, a sense of ease that, at the same time, stimulates the personalities abilities in ways most difficult to describe. While I mention this presence as itself, so thoroughly does it pervade everything that attempts to isolate it are useless. All theological and intellectual theories are beside the point in the reality of this phenomenon. I know that this presence or loving condition forms itself actively to seek my good in the most particular and individual ways; yet that good is in no way contrary to the good of anyone else, but beneficial...
...The living often equate death with darkness, for how can the dead see? Even if the spirit hovers beside the body, the corpse’s eyes are closed. How can the spirit have vision, disconnected from the organs of sight? Yet here I am surrounded by illumination that emanates from everywhere-colors more sparkling than any I knew on earth, light of enchanting varieties, not even or monotonous but strangely alive in its own fashion. It emanates from what I see, but also seems to be inherent all about me, whether or not there is anything so to be perceived otherwise...”
Jane Roberts The after death Journal of an American Philosopher. The World View of William James
Intuitive and Oracle reading classes 2018
In office or FaceTime (by phone) apprentice classes will be available in January of 2018! I will be adding a possible Skype option in late February of 2018 as well.
You can take one introductory class or continue with a monthly class for up to six months for any of the classes offered. Each instructional class is 90 minutes. You can schedule a one on one class in office or by phone for yourself, or have a friend or family member join you and split the costs.
Single class: $55.00 or 3 classes pre-paid $150.
2 people $70 for each class ($35.00 each) 3 classes pre-paid $180.
Email me for more information and my availability calendar to book your personal intuitive development classes.
Current options:
1. TAROT CARD READING
Whether you have investigated the Tarot or have never used this oracle before, this class will assist you in understanding the wisdom contained in Tarot cards. The class will focus on teaching you how to read the Tarot for yourself and others. The Tarot can be used for prediction and to accelerate spiritual growth. If you don’t have a deck, assistance will also be provided on choosing the right deck for you. Whether you plan on using oracles just to guide yourself, or wish to expand into doing readings professionally, this class will assist you on your road to mastery.
2. ASTROLOGY-101
This class will teach you the basics of Astrology. By the end of this class, you will be on the road to interpreting your own chart, as well as those of others. You will learn about the house placements, signs, symbols, angles, etc... We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives.
3. MICHAEL MATERIAL
* What is your soul age? The soul age of friends and family ?
* How do past lifetimes influence us in the present ?
* What does karma feel like, and how does it work ?
* How does your chief negative feature impact your life, and can it be changed?
* What happens when your partner is an idealist and you are a realist ?
* What is your life goal? Is it dominance, acceptance, flow or submission ?
*What is your essence, your soul mate’s essence ? Artisan, priest, king, server, sage, warrior or scholar. ?
* What is a soul mate, task companion, heart link ?
* What do the higher centers feel like?
After this workshop you will understand all of these questions and many more, and more importantly have the answers.
What is the Michael teaching?
The main goal of the Michael teaching is agape or unconditional love. The teaching views life as a learning game in which fragments of the Tao - that essential part of each human being - set up lessons which continue over lifetimes. These lessons are learned via the personality which Essence chooses each lifetime. Michael teaches us what the components of the personality are so that we can learn to use and see these components in ourselves and in others. In that way we can learn to understand why human beings behave as they do. Michael is composed of 1,050 individual Essences who have lived on the physical plane and now teach from another plane. One of the most basic and important principles of the teaching is that it is not a religion or a belief system. Michael encourages their students to self validate all of the information they receive. The system was originally in print in over 12 volumes of information. “My studies of this material have been extensive and now I offer what I have learned to my students” Jim Ventura (Old Scholar). The classes will help you to use and understand the material without the need to read all the out of print books.
4. PAST LIFE JOURNEYS
All aspects of past life exploration, from hypnosis to dreaming techniques will be discussed. By understanding the influence of karma and the past lives we have already lived, we will show how our past experiences affect us in our present life. The class focuses on setting up a past life journal, and explores the progression of our soul’s journeys. Astrology, numerology, and many other tools will be utilized to aid you in becoming aware of your past lifetimes. “Desire to live again, because that will be your lot in any case.” Nietzsche
“All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.”
Wayne Dyer
Wayne Dyer
January’s New year newsletter Special!
January is a great month to have a New Year overview session to look at primary themes, challenges, and opportunities for the coming year. One symbol from each of the many different oracles I work with will be pulled to highlight 2018 for you. A New Year reading is a great way to start off your New year! Your new year reading will include:
Angel card
Viking Rune stones
Druid animal totem
Lakota Indian card
Color Oracle
Tarot Archetype
Your session can be a 45 minute, full 70 minute, or extended 90 minute reading. Clients currently receiving my Snake Oil column each month get $5 off my listed rates. Local in-office clients who choose to pay for their session in cash or by check can take advantage of another $5 discount! Credit and debit payments are always an acceptable way to cover costs of session but do not receive the added discount. Email (easiest way to book) or call to set up your January appointment: Venturasag@yahoo.com
“The Person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” Chinese Proverb
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be one live broadcast this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, January 4th at 3:30 p.m. mountain time (same as Pacific time now). Most Thursdays 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. 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).
To hear a live show, 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 the site and 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.
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).
Phone calls: (602) 957-3035 text only: (602) 349-0746
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! 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.
You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog
All sessions/readings for 2017 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $85.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each, although no other discounts will apply). 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.
All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments.
