Snake Oil
When I was in my mid twenties I had a roommate named Brett. Even though our philosophies differed we were close friends. He was skeptical of the work I did, yet he was a pragmatist and was impressed that I made a living from doing readings. He doubted whether my oracles (Tarot, Numerology, Astrology, Runes) really worked at all. Even though I offered to read for him, he never allowed me to read his cards. I suspected that, like many people, he was more afraid that some of his dirty little secrets might leak out. He wore a shield of indifference and practicality, his mask of protection. It might rock his world if all that “metaphysical mumbo jumbo” really worked.
One night we went to a party and someone asked me what I did for a living. At that time I was in my twenties, insecure and feared that people would think I was a fraud when I told them I was what many people called a “psychic,” and didn’t actually have a ‘real job.” Brett jumped into the conversation and said that “Jim is a snake oil salesman,” which preyed on my insecurities. At first I was annoyed at his rude comment, but after a short time I realized it was funny. Snake oil salesmen have been the traveling hucksters, the “shysters” who sold potions and magical cures for various ailments. They were often seen as miraculous healers, and charlatans at the same time. They were praised and rewarded for their “gifts,” and alternately tarred and feathered. Usually the snake oil was actually part alcohol which simply allowed people living in puritanical times to feel good and help them to rest. This is not too far from how in “modern times” we use things like Nyquil. Many “snake oil salesmen” simply are changers of beliefs. They convince us out of our illness, and allow our bodies to heal naturally. The magic potions they sold offered the possibility of love, prosperity, or the healing of physical and emotional ailments. In many cases the elixirs actually did work.
Throughout all of our recorded history and even in what we would call “primitive societies,” healers, witch doctors, and other therapists used suggestion and hypnosis to shift their patient’s energy toward concentrating on changing illness to health. The theatrics that were part of their therapies, like dances, chants, burning of herbs, and even loud commands were meant to startle the patients. Their purpose was to shock them out of their previous beliefs and perspectives and bring them back to a belief that they were healthy. Now, in our current western medical model we consider ourselves to be more evolved and our methods far more scientific and sophisticated, yet we still use forms of hypnosis in similar ways. Highly skilled, educated doctors will scoff, or even react with disgust at the idea of a bird or chicken being ceremonially sacrificed by primitive, untrained witch doctors. At the same time, they use the “reality of science” to explain why a man may need to lose part of his throat or a woman may have to lose a breast to cancer. Our modern day physicians will hold firmly to the statistics they believe to be true and will often see no other viable solutions and neither will their patients.
It is easy to laugh at all the “silly cultures” that believe in curses, voodoo practitioners, and influences of evil spirits. At the same time we are bombarded by endless advertisements and commercials that tell us we will get the flu if we don’t get a flu shot. You will get cancer if you don’t eat the right food. You need to be medicated if you feel depressed. Have we really advanced, or have we just exchanged our old demons for more modern devils? Have we really progressed in our world physically, psychologically and emotionally or have we arrogantly convinced ourselves that every other culture’s healing arts have been wrong?
I have studied and used many different types of healing therapies from herbs to acupuncture to hands on Reiki healing, and found that quite practically, many of these things do really work. I understand the usefulness of modern medicine, psychology, psychiatry, and other forms of healing, yet also know that there are alternative ways to approach healing. My work with oracles and metaphysical concepts have been repeatedly tested. Doing readings with oracles like selling snake oil, is unconventional, raises suspicion, yet without question works. Rune stones, Astrology, Tarot, and Numerology have been around far longer than modern psychology and western medicine. Proudly, they are this snake oil salesman's tools.
Jim Ventura 8-2003
Notes:
July, so far has been my busiest month all year. This was not expected because a summer slow down is a more common pattern here, but glad it went that way. I still enjoy working (well 25-30 hours a week for a max) but there has been a lot going on in other ways (all very positive) that absorbed up my time. It is likely that in 2020 I will do the column every other month. I will get the “promised” column about Saturn retrograde, and fear traps out next month though.
We have just finished a Mercury retrograde in Leo. This would be all about looking at your self-esteem, creatively, and hopefully triggering your recognition of valuing the part of you that needs to shine even if you aren’t specifically a Leo! August first also marks the Lughnasadh according to the Druid calendar. This is the beginning of the harvest season. This is a reminder to look at your harvest and potentially reap the rewards of the inner or outer growth you have been working on. Here is a little more information about this time:
“Also known as Lammas, or First Harvest, the name of this festival as Lughnasadh is Irish Gaelic for "Commemoration of Lugh". Some authors give the meaning as marriage, gathering or feast (in the name of) of Lugh. The meaning remains basically the same: Lugh is the Deity of Lughnasadh, and there is a feast.
Although Lugh gives his name to this festival, it is also associated with Lugh's foster mother Tailtiu, who is said to have cleared the way for the introduction of agriculture in Ireland, thus linking Lughnasadh to the land and the harvest.
Lughnasadh marks the beginning of the noticeable descent of the Sun into the darkness of winter. From the connection between the Earth (female principle) and the Sun (male principle), the marriage of the Sky Father (Sun God) with the Earth Mother we celebrated at Bealtaine, emerge the fruits of the first harvest of the year. Lughnasadh is a time of joy about the first fruits. It is also a time of tension, because the dark days of winter are coming nearer, and most of the harvest is not brought in and stored away yet.”
Now that August is here we are truly in the heart of the summer, great for some places and a bit of a test here in Phoenix. That said, I see benefits too; a lot less people on the roads because many of the snowbirds have flown back home! I think our monsoon storm season will be coming a bit later than usual because the searing temps were delayed. Monsoon will probably come a little later and maybe even end a bit later than usual. Bring on the rains!
Wishing everyone a Happy August. Cheers, Jim V
In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself.” Jiddu Krishnamurti
New Client Special 2019:
January 1st 2019 thru October 31st, 2019 Special: New Client introductory offer:
$10-15 off listed rates for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email at Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!
$10-15 off listed rates for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email at Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!
My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $85. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130. Sessions can be in-office or by phone.
Part of my areas of metaphysical study and the work I do both within myself and with empowering my clients was many years of studying the works of Author Dick Sutphen. He was noted for his unique, empowered, and self-actualized perspectives that often made some people in the New Age field of the 80s and 90s walk out on his seminars! Here is a short piece about guilt to consider:
Guilt
Guilt is the primary manipulation people use to entrap one another, especially within families and other close relationships. There are only two reasons for someone to want you to feel guilty: either to control you or to hurt you. Neither is worthy of your consideration. Think about some of the common lines used to trigger guilt: ‘How can you treat me like this?’; It was your fault that I was upset and didn’t get enough sleep!’; I’ve been waiting by the phone all week for you to call.’ But if you feel guilty, don’t blame them-blame yourself for allowing someone to manipulate you.
There are three kinds of guilt: 1. Current Guilt, such as not spending enough time with the kids or not calling your parents as often as you think you should; 2. Long-standing Guilt, such as guilt over leaving your ex-mate, or guilt over refusing to allow your ailing father to move in; 3. Philosophical Guilt, such as not tithing to a church or giving to a worthwhile charity when you feel it is your responsibility.
After you’ve felt guilty long enough to balance the emotion with your actions, you can feel okay with yourself. But the common pattern is to repeat the guilt-inducing actions all over again, in a never-ending spiral. If you’re going to do something about this most useless emotion, do it. If not, file it away, labeling it ‘experience,’ and get on with your life.”
Dick Sutphen The Oracle Within
Intuitive and Oracle reading classes 2019
While I no longer host group classes in my home, some of my most popular classes are still available! I will be adding a possible Skype option in late November of 2019 as well. Now classes can be in-office, by phone, or through FaceTime.
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 may 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 one person class: $55.00 or 3 classes pre-paid $150.
2 people $70 for each class ($35.00 each) 3 classes pre-paid $180 ($90.00 each).
Email me for more information and my availability calendar to book your personal intuitive and oracle development classes. Venturasag@yahoo.com
Current options:
1. TAROT CARD READING
Whether you have some experience with Tarot or have never used this oracle before, Tarot classes will assist you in understanding the wisdom and insight contained in Tarot cards. The classes will focus on teaching you how to read the Tarot for yourself and eventually for others. The Tarot can be used for prediction, to accelerate spiritual growth, and increase your awareness or “navigational life skills.” 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 for self guidance, or wish to expand into doing readings professionally, the classes will assist you on your road to mastering the Tarot.
2. ASTROLOGY-101
Astrology classes will teach you all of the basics to read any Astrology chart. You will learn to interpret your own chart, as well as those of others. You will gain insight into house placements, signs, symbols, angles, retrograde planets, cusps, transits, etc... We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives. Working with your unique astrology chart (western astrology, Placidus house system) will help you with understanding yourself, your unique skills, challenges, and how to use this knowledge to navigate through this life with more empowerment.
3. MICHAEL MATERIAL
* What is your soul age? The soul age of friends, family, and people all around you ?
* 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, discrimination, growth, reevaluation, 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 is your centering and 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. This series is highly recommended!
4. PAST LIFE JOURNEYS
All aspects of past life exploration, from hypnosis, dreaming techniques, past life regressions 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. The classes will increase understanding of relationship patterns, release fear and phobia’s, letting go of allergies, and other blockades are some of the many possibilities connected with this type of study. “Desire to live again, because that will be your lot in any case.” Nietzsche
5. INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT
I have been studying many different aspects of metaphysics for 35 years now. This has made me well versed on many different subjects in the field. You can tap into this data base of knowledge! I am like a living breathing huge set of encyclopedia’s! You can use a class or a series of classes to discuss developing your intuitive abilities in a number of different areas. Some examples: Lucid dreaming, out of body experiences, crystals, how often should you do readings, developing empathic abilities and boundary setting with others, talking to angels and spirit guides, meditation, What do repeating number messages say to us, adjusting vibrations as you grow, channeling, chakra clearing, etc...When we commit to listening more to our inner self it is natural to change many different aspects of the way we live life in the process.
“Relationships based upon need, are based upon how to avoid losing. When you resist loss, you draw it to you.” Dick Sutphen
“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” Brennan Manning
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcast this period)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, August 8 Th. at 3:30 p.m. mountain time. Usually one or two Thursdays each month you can catch a new show, and once a month on Sunday at 2 pm. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to 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.
“Many of the most deeply spiritual moments of my life haven’t happened just in my mind or in my soul. They happened while holding my son in the middle of the night, or watching the water break along the shore, or around my table, watching the people I love feel nourished in all sorts of ways.” Shauna Niequist
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 2019 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). mini phone session 15-20 minutes $35. 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.
