Snake Oil
Finding your Life Purpose
Some people become aware at a fairly young age of the purpose of their lives. This is wonderful and often chosen at a higher Self level to get an early start. Most of us will have to inevitably figure it all out, and this can take some time with lots of trial and error along the way. When we are young, natural talents, skills, and abilities may be encouraged by parents or guardians that see the potential and help motivate us to achieve our goals. Still, the majority of us will experience little motivation and even at times disdain about our natural inclinations. This can be difficult to overcome. Often parents have their own vision of what is best for us. There may even be unfulfilled dreams of their own projected upon children. Another common and at times a spoken or unspoken blockade or hindrance is “this is what all of our family members are supposed to be or do.” A good number of people experience apathy from family about motivating us at all.
I was very aware of natural skills and things that excited me at a very young age. Many of the things I inevitably excelled at later in life had noticeable roots. I had a number of artistic skills, an interest in philosophy, strong leanings toward self help, astronomy that led to astrology, writing skills, and an urge to perform and even a strong interest in television and radio. I have always been someone people asked for advice about things they were struggling with. This led to doing counseling, coaching, and a career as a Navigational Consultant. While most of my skills were not encouraged by my parents, they didn’t try to stop me in any way either. Early on though we were encouraged to seek service fields and to persevere and work our way up the ladder. This was tempered with a suggestion that we don’t go too far up the ladder. This had roots in both of my parents being servers essences,* and also a common Catholic theme of not being too big in the world and to remember humility.
I had the many benefits of early studies with Numerology and Astrology, two arts that can be extremely helpful in directing one towards life purpose. I also had some notable skills that were frowned upon. A natural urge to make people laugh and to even shock an audience at times with my weird viewpoints did not always get favorable responses. I got a lot of flack from two of my sisters and a number of other people with frequent messages like “You shouldn’t say things like that,” “That is very inappropriate,” “Stop being such a wise ass.” In contrast I had some friends that loved my humor and were thrilled when I told a story. The polarizing themes were confusing and contributed to an early disposition with self deprecation and a fear of being judged.
When I turned twenty-five I had been working with oracles and studying for almost seven years but I had just moved to Phoenix and had not yet began to do readings professionally. I moved here with a young criminal, lost boy that I believed I was helping to start his life over to get on a better track. Instead of appreciation he stole from me, took over my identity, and even inevitably joined the army under my name to escape the law closing in on him. It was clear that I was paying a massive karmic debt, or just simply naive. In the middle of all of this waking nightmare, I needed to get away from him and went up to Sedona to clear my head. While I was there I had a reading from a Native American woman at a local shop and asked about my life purpose. She laid out some cards, explained a few things, than excitedly told me I was meant to be a storyteller. It made sense in many ways but my limited 25-year old mind thought “Well how is this going to pay the bills?”
Another significant memory I had about finding life purpose was when I was about fourteen. I had a vivid dream where I was in a large library and drawn to an area of books. I pulled one out that was written by Jim Ventura. Then I pulled out a few more and there were lots of them, all written by me! It took some time but inevitably I did write my first book in my mid-thirties and began writing a column at about age forty. Now as I approach sixty I am also writing a series of books that are humor and memoir based called My Cast of Characters. It took some time for me to allow myself to put these types of stories and writing into the world. This was in part about needing time to collect more stories and characters to write about, but also to confront and overcome my fear of judgement and allowing myself to use my humor talents without fear of backlash. Better yet, to not be concerned over possible backlash at all. People with a lack of understanding about the gifts of humor will always find a way to be upset.
There is a significant card in the Tarot, part of the Major Arcana, or larger life archetypes called the Sun (19). It represents accomplishing the life task and purpose, inevitably bringing light to not only ourselves but often others. In its reverse position it can be depression related to not finding your goal, or doing things that are out of alignment or unfulfilling. Everyone of us is here for a reason, often for many different reasons. The process of finding our life purpose is more of a process and not necessarily a category. It may change at some point as well. We may happily focus in one area for many years and later in life shift gears and do something somewhat or completely different.
We tend to think of life purpose in relation to what we do for career, work, and income. Yet for many people this can be secondary and far less important. We may precisely find something not overly challenging or even routine for work. This may free some people to become the most amazing parents, and raise emotionally and physically healthy children. Some people might even accomplish this later in life and become wise, loving, and very needed grandparents. There are people who prioritize taking care of animals with a deep desire to help dogs, cats, or other animals. There are people that are meant to become the type of person who bring people together, the peacemakers, the reliable ones, the shoulder for many. Life purpose may be about transforming a neighborhood, or motivating others around an important cause. It may be about studying health, wellness, or even beauty, but not necessarily as a career. The possibilities are vast. The point is to remind everyone that career and work are just some aspects in our lives.
As much as we don’t want to see it, there are also the disruptors. And while their numbers may be far smaller overall, they have purpose too. They may struggle with problems they could potentially overcome but may fall short and become angry, develop a belief in victimization, get caught in a focus of unrelenting fear, greed, and controlling or destructive behavior. In extreme cases there are addicts, narcissist, control freaks, and those that are exploring a lifetime of being unhappy and even cruel to others because they believe they have a right too. And as much as we may wish these people didn’t exist, they serve a purpose. Their harshness may be difficult to bear if they are involved in any way in our lives. The saving grace is they may act as a catalyst to give purpose and strength by pushing people to overcome what was experienced and to hopefully become strong teachers who can speak from experience. Most cultures have names for these types of individuals; they are the cosmic clowns or those who teach by doing things backwards. Fortunately a good portion of these types also inevitably grow and see the light. The character in Dickens Ebenezer Scrooge would be an excellent example. Still, some may not make the enlightened shift during a lifetime and return in future lifetimes to correct the imbalances.
There are no wasted lifetimes. While some may be very challenging to deal with, the idea of a life being a mistake is a human judgment. Even if darkness is chosen there is inevitable learning, and eventually movement to wisdom, love and purpose. Everyone is here for a reason and often numerous ones. Whether you have already found your life purpose or are still seeking it, know that you have at least one. Rather than fear, dread, doubt, or struggle to find your life purpose, see it as an exciting process of discovery. The ultimate task for all of us is to find personal happiness and fulfillment, and to make the world a little, or maybe a lot better before we leave it. This is how we transform ourselves and quite possibly the world.
*There are seven types of essences servers generally make up about 20 percent of the worlds population. From the Michael teachings.
Jim Ventura 4-2024
Notes
There has been quite a bit of interesting astrology triggers in the last few months, April 2024 was a peak. Most notably Uranus started moving direct again in Taurus. This can play itself out as disruption in financial matters both in the world at large, and in personal matters related to what makes us feel secure. The houses and planetary placements in ones unique natal chart are a key in seeing how it influences us more specifically. For me it took place in my 1st house and made a nice conjunction to my natal Jupiter. This was mostly beneficial. I do know a number of friends and clients with these aspects in relationship houses, all creating needed disruption or a more advanced perspective on what we need in order to feel secure and grounded with friends, family, and partnerships.
I have been getting some amazing “downloads” or insights from an apparently good place, wherever that may be. The 12th house in astrology contains some traps, but also potential messages from the collective and even higher centers, and I have quite a few transits moving through that house. I would label these as manifestation methods that really work! I posted one of these at my new still growing site at BuyMeaCoffee.com/Venturawora, for everyone to read if they choose (along with a lot of other great free stuff). I also recently added a more advanced, but somewhat easier formula for this manifestation exercise, along with some material and stories for people who subscribe to my site. It is only $60 a year ($5 a month) and has the added benefit of giving my subscribers quarterly regular client rates. There is also an added perk to be able to book personal sessions whenever you choose, at a notably discounted rate that works for you according to your schedule. Some of my regular clients get busy and lose track of staying on a consistent quarterly, every other month, or monthly plan and inevitably lose the benefits of the program including the discounted rates. This new option may make it a bit less structured but still available. Of course, I am currently sharing these new formulas for manifesting with current regular clients and even new or returning random clients that just have great timing!
My Patreon site is continuing to grow also: Patreon.com/MyCastofCharacters)
This is where I am posting ideas and stories from my new upcoming books, My Cast of Characters. The books are a collection of memoirs and stories about some of the many wonderful friends, family members, dates, childhood memories, and some not so pleasant characters as well. I just finished my 37th essay for the first book. A few are posted on the site for anyone to read. Like BuyMeaCoffee, you can also purchase a membership there to read a number of stories exclusively posted for members on the site. A added benefit will be an invited quarterly radio show where you can either listen later in archives or catch the show live and call in with questions, comments and to share any of your stories. I will focus on sharing new upcoming story ideas, how to get into writing and storytelling yourself. You will also be listed in the book when published as a contributor. Like my other site it is only $60 a year for all the extras. I have also moved a good portion of my Instagram reels to shorter versions of some of My Cast of Characters stories, and a bit of occasional fun, and at times shocking humor. My popular Tik-Tok will be staying all metaphysical!
If you haven’t booked a personal session in a while, it might be a good time for your check in. Both in-office, phone, and Zoom or Face-Time sessions are an option. Current subscribers to my every other month column here (free) Snake Oil get $5-10 off listed rates.
Wishing everyone a happy start to summer. Cheers, Jim V
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” Oscar Wilde
New Client Special 2024
January 1st thru October 31 st., 2024 Special:
$10-15 off listed rates for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45, 70, and 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 for a friend or family member you can also take advantage of these discounted rates!
“If summer had one defining scent, it’d definitely be the smell of barbecue.” Katie Lee
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcasts this period)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, May 23rd at 3:30 p.m. mountain (Phoenix) time. This 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 website’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on iTunes and similar locations for podcasts.
To hear a live show, all you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura or on your phone. 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 IF the show is offering that (please check, many of my column shows don’t).
“Change is not a four letter word...but often your reaction to it is!” Jeffrey Gitomer
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. 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.
Seth on creativity and play
“Most people, however, are so utterly serious that they suspect their own creativity. They expect that its products will be unreal or not valid in the physical world. Yet there is a great correlation between what you think of as creativity, altered states of consciousness, play, and ‘spiritual’ development.
When you create a poem or song or a painting you are in a state of play, of enjoyment, of freedom. You intend to make something different, to produce a new version of reality. You create out of love, for the sake of experience. At one time or another almost everyone has that kind of experience, but children have it often. They compose songs and music and paintings in their heads. They alter the focus of their consciousness frequently. They do not stop to ask whether or not the play is real or pertinent. Physically, play develops their body mechanisms. It also flexes the great capabilities of their minds.
When you think: ‘Life is earnest,’ and decide to put away childish things, then often you lose sight of your own creativity and become so deadly serious that you cannot play, even mentally. Spiritual development becomes a goal that MUST be attained. The goal is to be achieved through hard work, and as long as you believe this you do not understand what the spirit is.
I keep returning to natural analogies-but plants do not work at developing their potential. They are not beautiful because they believe it is their responsibility to please your eye. They are beautiful because they love themselves and beauty. When you are so serious, you almost always distort the nature of your own spirit as far as your understanding of it is concerned. You cannot let your guard down long enough to discover what it is. You keep looking for new rules or regulations, or methods of discipline. You keep searching for a new ‘ascended master.’ or guru, to keep you in line and point out THE WAY...”
The Unknown Reality Volume Two Jane Roberts Channeling Seth.
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Confucius
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 have a few other media channels other than my monthly radio shows and 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 brief humor talks from upcoming essays from my upcoming book on short 90 second reels)
Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-7 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals, and many other metaphysical subjects!
All personal sessions/readings for 2024 are: Full (70 minutes) $120.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $90.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $145.00 (Two people can split an extended session back to back for $150.00 total although no other discounts will apply). Mini phone session 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.
