May June 2026 Snake Oil
Whose Side Are You On Anyway?
When I went from a Catholic elementary school and began my four years of high school at a new public school in the ninth grade, I was made aware of something that was important that I should care about. There was a rival school that, for reasons I can’t remember, we were supposed to hate. One Saturday in early spring when it was finally getting warm on Long Island after a long winter, a few of my friends were on our bikes just hanging out in front of my house joyfully doing nothing. I had an impulse to go inside to shower. For some reason, I just felt dirty. I told them I would be back out again in half an hour or so. When I finished my shower and returned, I saw two cop cars taking off. My friends excitedly filled me in on what I had missed. There was an altercation that started minutes after I went inside. One of our neighbors who was a senior got into an intense fight. A car from the rival school with two guys inside pulled up and lured him out of his home. I am sure there was more to the ordeal, but it ended up in a fistfight, and the cops were called. My friends were still excited about all of the discord, but I honestly wasn’t upset that I missed any of it. Even back then, I often went out of my way to avoid idiot people making commotions, fighting over often silly things, and subjecting others to their energetic nonsense. It was also an early sign that my intuitive abilities were there to protect me. The impulse to shower thankfully helped me to avoid what was on its way.
There are positive sides to competitiveness. I do remember a fair amount of joy connected to things that involved competition in my childhood years. I loved playing board games, volleyball, whiffle ball, video games, and all kinds of competitive things. I enjoyed the adrenaline triggered by a competitive spirit and frequently won many of the things I played at, especially card and board games. I thoroughly enjoyed playfully taunting my friends and family members when they were losing or lost. In my early twenties, I played racquetball and loved the trash talk that went on while we played at the gym. Still, this never was something I was excessive about. I was always aware that we were playing a game and it was still just for fun, and my being extremely cruel was not something I did very often. Any remaining aspects of mean competitiveness were something that I mostly grew out of by my mid-twenties. I did notice other people who would push the boundaries of fun and competitiveness into real cruelty. I would inevitably make a point of avoiding those types of individuals when they got too toxic. People that were really into sport teams, musical groups, political perspectives, and other areas of life that were heavy-handed about taking sides and were obnoxious about despising those not on their side became types I purposely avoided. I especially remember the “disco sucks” movement. I actually preferred pop and rock and roll during that era, but also did like some disco, often weakly pretending I didn’t. The ones who screamed loudly about how you “should hate disco” would torture you if you didn’t side with them. Sadly, throughout my lifetime, I have seen so many people, full-grown adults, who seem to forever keep focused on seeing no gray areas in the things they believe to be correct and spewing out verbal venom. Before the internet and social media, there were limits to saying things you disagreed with. You had to run the risk of saying it right to other people’s faces or, at best send in a magazine or newspaper column letter. This had the potential of actual consequence for getting into someone’s face, because you couldn’t hide behind a phone or computer.
Unfortunately, in the last twenty years, and notably ramping up even more in the last ten years or so, this theme of absolutely hating anyone not on your side has grown expeditiously. This would be one of the negative sides to social media. While it is great that social media brings the collective together from all over the world with an opportunity to share unique points of view and ideas, the negative volume has been turned up far too high. I saw this during Covid with pro-vaccine versus anti-vaccine perspectives, and so many layers of viciousness and fear connected with different aspects of that insane “comply or else” period of our history. More recently, even more anti-LGBT perspectives and extremes from both sides of that equation have ramped up. The searching for scapegoats that cause all of “society’s ills” is seemingly never-ending. Religious intolerance for those who prioritize religious faith has gotten louder. This also is demonstrated in the other direction with pious religious people also angry with “nonbelievers.” Still, the most notable area out of all of this is politics. The obsessive taking of sides on right or left perspectives is currently very explosive. It is now more clear than ever that many social media posts (especially Facebook) are actually bots, or just people trying to bait anger from the other side. Many of these posts are truly ridiculous. Anger posts are heavily invested in getting a rise out of the “bad ones,” not on your side. The tactic is to get people to comment. This drives algorithms to get one’s post to be seen even more, and many are literally banking on this. Good or bad comments and interaction in general make the creators actual money!
Part of evolving and growing as a human being is ideally about learning how to not be reactive, and to not take what other people do or say so personally. Wisdom includes realizing that we are supposed to recognize that we share the world together collectively and to focus more on what “unites” us versus what separates us. We hopefully learn to stop petty thievery, often a rite of passage for young people, cheating on girlfriends and boyfriends, spreading gossip, perpetual lying or slander, and other childish low-vibrational aspects of human behavior. We are supposed to mature and evolve and to recognize when things like obsessive jealousy and possessiveness, and retaliation are not good things. It is okay to briefly think about doing something to get back at someone that may have pissed us off; actually acting on it is another thing entirely. Wisdom is rightly connected to being able to observe past mistakes, childish behaviors, and to not repeat them. Reaching the point in adulthood of being able to comfortably say “I would never do that again” is something to be proud of.
I understand why people may prefer leaning politically left or right. Very few of us, though, are actually completely one hundred percent conservative or liberal. One may be conservative but feel women have a right to body autonomy and choice. Left-leaning people who want equal rights for all may actually be fiscally conservative. When I see someone who is completely loyal to every aspect of one side, I honestly think they are a bit nuts! I will still stand for their right to be that nutty, as long as it doesn’t actually hurt others. Yet, I also tend to step away from such extremes with the philosophy of “do it anywhere but near me, though.” There are still people who believe that being gay or bisexual is wrong and that being straight is the only right way to be, which is absolute nonsense. I still occasionally see people on social media talking about “the good or bad races.” Years ago, I remember Cher on a talk show suggesting to a mostly female audience that “who needs men anyway?” to hysterical laughs and nods of agreement from most of the audience around her. The childish idea that one sex is better than another trope still plays far too often. I have also known many men who physically are attracted to women but think that they are less than men in intelligence or value. All of these things and many others are examples of this limited thinking, and honestly often idiotic perspectives. Still, I don’t yell at people for believing what they believe.
I recently saw a far-left-leaning friend on Instagram who proclaimed that “if you are a centrist, you are invisible and making the world a worse place because of your weakness for not taking a side more loudly.” Yeah, we really need more people on opposite sides yelling at each other; that will fix things! Notice the obvious sarcasm in my last statement… Having opinions about what you believe to be right or wrong, liking or not liking political candidates, current politicians, sports teams, celebrities, and even what type of people you find appealing or attractive are necessary parts of having healthy human discernment. We absolutely have the right and need to carve out what we want around us and who we choose to support. There are times when it is completely okay to share what we feel or believe. And yes, some of the things people actually believe are mind-numbing. Perpetual screaming, name-calling, demonizing those that don’t agree, and attacks on who YOU believe to be the “Bad Ones,” because they don’t see it your way, is part of why the world seems so much more volatile than ever before. Has yelling and name-calling of anyone ever been a successful catalyst for changing anyone's perspectives? The stubborn (and this is the most common fear, or chief negative feature out of the seven humans develop—The Michael teachings) tend to dig their heels in deeper when confronted. Thankfully, verbal ugliness and a lack of respect for diversity inevitably become more obvious and unappealing as people evolve. Contrary to what we may see around us currently, it is on its way out, or at least beginning to decrease. As we evolve and progress further into the age of Aquarius (also as the planet moves to a mature soul consciousness), more people will begin to find this lower energy less appealing, but as is often the case, things like this can take time to shift.
5-2026 Jim Ventura
Notes:
I have a friend at my gym that I have know for over twenty years now. He is a die hard Trump fan. I enjoy the banter that we have once or twice a week about many different things including discussing political perspectives. Two fire signs debating the things we agree on and things we don’t. I clearly have some Greek blood or past lifetime influences that contribute to my actually loving a good debate. We never get into name calling because I have respect for him. I point out the times when I think the Orange one has actually done something good. I also point out the nonsense and BS I see more often than the positive things with this administration. I also did a similar when Biden and other Presidents were in charge. We agree to disagree on a lot of things, but still remain friends. I think it is clearly possible to find common ground, and one is not betraying their side when we respect different beliefs. I also have a number of clients that are fans on this president, and I respect their perspectives as well. Again, I think there are far too many negatives to balance out the positive with this man and his cabinet, but I often understand why they believe what they believe, even when I don’t share a similar view. It is important for me to respect those differences. And, anyone who understands astrology knows a Libra moon individual like myself is likely to prefer to maintain harmony and balance over discord. My opinions about the current President were formed long before he took this position. I watched the Apprentice once, years ago for about thirty minutes and just thought, ugh I am seeing 4-6 chief negative features on display with this guy: Arrogance, Impatience, Stubbornness, Greed, and hints of self destruction and even martyrdom that surfaced later. Most people have two primary fears or chief features, four to six of them are just too much. He is also a mid level young soul, often a karmic creating cycle, with the common slogan of “He who dies with the most toys and power wins.” This is a cycle that has minimally developed empathy. I prefer mature soul Presidents, and we likely won’t see an old soul one in this lifetime, so not holding my breath for that lol.
I took a hard spill on the stairs of my condo almost two months ago, badly spraining my left ankle and foot. It was a painful first two weeks and a slow recovery process. I, being true to form chose a holistic approach to healing versus going to a doctor. At this point I am about 90 percent healed. The down time, and being forced to move slowly forced me, or from a more enlightened perspective allowed me to think about what my ankle and left foot represents. I was able to get clarity on aspects of where I created limited fear based beliefs at a young age that no longer serve me. Many of these limits had to do with my Mom and especially my siblings. I will be talking in more detail about all of this in my next column tentatively titled “I’ll tumble for ya.”
This experience itself was quite eye opening. I have been studying this subject for many years; looking at where I have limited myself in ability to receive abundance, prosperity, success, love, and joy. And while I never fully shut these things down in my life, I did limit myself. I often work with clients to uncover the aspects of ourselves that we, for many different reasons have shut down or limited. My goal is to assist in the healing of old wounds and limiting beliefs and opening up to more self love and abundance. This can be seen or explained with the Major Arcana card of the Empress (3) in the Tarot, by looking at both the positive and negative (reversed) aspects of this Archetype. As I rectify this in myself, I of course share these insight and noticeable transformative energies with clients. Clients currently in my Regular Client Program have and will continue to benefit from these insights, especially because I prioritize helping to uncover how this applies specifically to them. I will continue to do this with more notable insights and formulas for expanding one’s ability to receive; one the many reason I refer to myself as a Navigational Consultant! A number of my Regulars have already made major break throughs, some of them huge, and I am happy I have been able to assist in this process. Some are still working on this (It can take some time) and dealing with the often darker phases still. When Pandora’s box has been opened, people often do not may realize they are actually making progress. The key is perseverance! Email for information about joining my Regular Client Program.
Summer is almost here. I do plan on traveling a little more than usual, but will still be available for sessions by phone. About 80 precent of my sessions now are by phone, so there will be very little interruption. And my returning and new clients who are locals who prefer in-person sessions will still find most months will still have around three weeks of availability for that option. Wishing everyone the best for the start of the summer season ahead! Cheers, Jim V
“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.” Langston Hughes
“Empathy is really the opposite of spiritual meanness. It’s the capacity to understand that every war is both won and lost. And that someone else’s pain is as meaningful as your own.” Barbara Kingsolver
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.
“Before we proceed with further examples, let us examine one more aspect of fear’s expression.
By Now you should intuitively understand that the end can never justify the means, no matter how legitimate the cause a second violation, perpetrated in response to an initial denial of Divine Grace; serves only to strengthen the thought or belief that led to the first violation. In deepest terms there is no time, thus when you respond to a violation with a second violation, you solve nothing. instead you merely energize the concept that led to the initial violation.
Let us suppose you are at bat in a championship softball game, with two out’s and the bases loaded. The pitcher sends strike three whizzing past you into the catcher’s mitt. When the umpire yells, ‘you’re out!’ and the game seems lost, you determined that your team shall clinch the pennant, pull a gun, aim it at the umpire and demand one more pitch.
Most likely you will have it. And let us suppose you nail the fourth pitch right over the outfield wall, round the bases, grab the trophy, hug your teammates, and waltz off, the supposed ‘victor’ of the game.
What have you done? You have ‘won’ not by playing according to the established rules but by violating them with force, the threat of death. And your ‘victory’ as manifested in the trophy you cart off, is an empty one indeed, born as it is of the illegitimacy of defying the rules of the game.
This ties in with our discussion of fear. One further characteristic of fear is that it will always seek to justify the use of any means to obtain the desired end. If the rules of the game do not suit it, it does not seek too change them but to violate them, in its determination to mask itself and to win final victory over the imagined threat. Such a victory, as we have seen, is always hollow and empty, resulting ultimately in the precise opposite of the proclaimed goal. Knowing that fear will justify the use of any means to achieve its end, let us proceed to examine fear in your society with further examples…”
From Whatever Happened to Divine Grace by Ramon Stevens
New Client Special 2026:
January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2026 Special: New Client introductory offer:
$10-15 off listed rates! A $10 discount off of all 45 minute, 70, or 90 minute sessions. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients may choose an extra $5 discount 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!
Regular Client Program
My Regular Clients enjoy working with the many different types of oracles I work with for enlightenment. But a good portion of them work with me in the form of an enlightened counselor and life coach. Discussing what you are going through or working on at each time is definitely healing but also allows added insight from my many years of navigational consultations and the wisdom of working with me, a very old soul!
One of the best programs I have been doing for 26 years now is my Regular Client Program. The program is designed to benefit my clients at multiple levels. Clients who enroll in the program come in every three months for personal sessions (monthly or every-other-month sessions are also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. Session prices are notably discounted for Regular Clients. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to navigate more effectively through life by using the signs and signals that are all around us, and conquering fear-based programming permanently. We also get to work with all of the many different oracles I currently work with! My Regular Client Program has resulted in some tremendous spiritual evolution for hundreds of people over the years. Some of my regulars have gone on to do spiritual counseling or similar types of work and some are healing and guiding others personally and professionally. The progress I have seen over the years among the majority of my Regular Clients has been phenomenal. It is wonderful to see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have assisted in motivating. So many of my Regular Clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You too can join this program as well, just ask.
More about the Regular Client Program... This program was designed to create an easy, cost-effective way for my clients to progress in their spiritual development. When we are consistent at attending to our body/mind/spirit, we naturally move through life with more harmony and greater joy. When our spiritual awareness is heightened and fine-tuned, we are often happier which helps us to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including occasional personal challenges because we see them as inevitably beneficial. We can truly assist the people around us. Human beings learn by example. Your intimate partnerships, friendships, family, and children benefit when you are in a good space. The Regular Client Program makes it easier to prioritize keeping your spiritual, emotional and even physical “garden” free of weeds. Email me for more information and pricing.
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” Oscar Wilde
“Don’t take Anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” Don Miguel Ruitz
Intuitive and Oracle reading classes 2026
While I no longer host group classes in my home, some of my most popular classes are still available! Now classes can be in-office, by phone, or through Face-Time, or even Zoom.
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: $60.00 or 3 classes prepaid $165.00.
2 people option: $70 for each class ($35.00 each) 3 classes prepaid $180 ($90.00 each).
Email me for more information (more expansive info about each class series) and my availability calendar to book your personal intuitive and oracle development classes. my email is Venturasag@yahoo.com
Current options:
Tarot Card Reading
2. Astrology-101, and advanced classes
3. Michael teachings
4. Past life Journeys
5. Intuitive development
6. Creating Prosperity
7. Viking Rune Stones
8. Healing with color
9. Understanding Shamanism
10. Reinventing yourself
11. How to use Animal totems for empowerment.
12. Channeling and automatic writing
13. Numerology
14. Remote viewing, astral projection, and working with your dream state
15. Angels and Spirit Guide.
“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
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, can be found at BuyMeaCoffee.com/VenturaWora (both on the site info and gift sessions available in the shop section).
Website: JVentura44.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 insights generally on short 90 second reels)
Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-8 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals, and a number of other metaphysical topics.
All personal sessions/readings for 2026 are: Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $95.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 minutes $45. 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.
