Snake Oil
Dr. Dolittle
For the last few years I have made a point to post a specific message for my local clients to be aware of the possibility of a few cats on or under my stairway. There are six apartment feral’s that some of the residents of my condominium complex feed on a regular basis. I have fed them consistently for about four years now. My stairs are definitely one of their favorite hangout spots. Even from personal experience, I know it can be unnerving to walk up the stairs and see a cat or two jump off the stairway running. It is sort of comical and probably gets a few of my new and more superstitious clients to feel even more nervous when a black cat is part of the introduction. The cats are all fixed and actually fairly friendly. A few of them even cautiously let some of the residents pet them. Almost all of them let me pet them, and a few of them want me to do it even when I am not handing out food. They, like all animals that were bred to be part of human families, just need affection and human touch. They swirl around my legs happily when I go outside at feeding time and show little or no fear of me at all. I have been called Doctor Dolittle by people a number of times in my life and take it as a compliment. Doctor Dolittle was a fictitious character from a movie with Rex Harrison in the sixties and also revamped in the late nineties and played by Eddie Murphy. He could talk to the animals. My mother and two of my six siblings have similar skills.
My ability to talk to animals, calm them, and earn their trust started at a very young age. Rather than fear most animals, my urge to communicate with them, pet them, and interact with them always far exceeded any fear of being bitten or hurt. Some of this was fueled by my mother. She was very good with animals, especially dogs. We adopted many pets from shelters and even took a few strays in along the way. My mother had a gentle touch with our dogs and cats. When my brother started collecting iguana’s, turtles, snakes, other reptiles, and an assortment of other odd pets, she had no fear of them either. Me and a few of my siblings followed suit. My other brothers and sisters weren’t as “into” animals or the family pets, as they had other things they were passionate about. At times they might have resented mom and believed she prioritized the pets over them.
I have surprised a number of people when I am in their homes for the first time when their dog or cat comes over to me without much hesitation. I have often heard things like this often: “She usually doesn’t trust men.” Wow he really likes you!” Many times they end up in my lap or sitting at my feet. Part of my ability to create this level of comfort in pets springs from knowing how to approach them by letting them come to me without any force. I will often take practical steps to calm them down if I feel they may be skittish. On the other hand an immediately friendly dog or cat will respond really well to prompts like “aren’t you a handsome boy,” or clapping your hands playfully. I am not uncomfortable if they jump on me or try to lick my face. My weird ability to sound like a cat makes all of them incredibly intrigued. Their ears perk up comically and they wonder where the sound is coming from. There are a lot of ways to make the situation flow and knowing what type of animal you are dealing with and responding to goes a long way.
The most important thing to recognize with animals is that while they may not understand words and their specific meanings they can read intention. They operate quite well at being able to pick up images and vibrational intentions. This isn’t as esoteric as it sounds. Human babies, small children, and animals read quite a bit this way. Telepathy is the basis of how we communicate and the bedrock of how language and communication operates. Often in sessions with clients I pick up on questions they are about to ask or begin to tell stories I have recently, or in the past, have gone through that resonates with what they are wanting to share. The reverse has also occurred when clients pick up on what I am trying to say without me even using clear words to express my thoughts. Their intuitive and telepathic abilities increase when they are around me. So much information is exchanged this way between both human to human interactions as well as with animals.
My Doctor Dolittle skills primarily come from a place of love and respect. I really love dogs and cats and pretty much animals in general. They are innocent creatures who benefit and assist us just as much as we benefit them. We are often healthier and happier when we have pets. A constant stream of unconditional love is not always achievable with other human beings, but animals do it effortlessly. The times in my life when I felt lost or fearful, especially during my childhood, were often healed by the presence of a dog or cat. My awareness of the influences of animals as totem have helped transform me and many of the people I have worked with. Just the process of watching animals can give us insight and clarity around our own challenges.
I have always seen other things in this world as alive and having a form of consciousness. Whether they be trees, plants, bodies of water, stones, and just about everything else, I always knew that they have a type of awareness and perceive us just as much as we perceive them. Their vibrations may be slower or different and they may not think and process with the use of a brain the same the way we do, but that makes them no less conscious and aware. Some religious and scientific viewpoints have contributed to us thinking of ourselves and humankind as “the top of the ladder.” This belief limits us from connecting to other parts of this world. Now if I expected animals and plants to talk back to me with actual words I could be easily be accused of being a bit nuts. I don’t. My ability to communicate with animals, and many other parts of nature has helped me to navigate more effectively in my life. I never saw myself “above” them, I’ve always perceived them as different but equal to me in value. Having more allies and friends in the animal realm supporting us on our life journey makes the journey itself a more enlightened trip.
Jim Ventura 10-2015
Notes
I originally published this story ten years ago. Our six apartment cats are all still with us and now around fourteen years old. The summers are always hard for them, but they have adapted well. I never thought they would live this long, but I’m very happy that they have. While we got all of them fixed initially, none of them have ever been given the “required” vaccines and shots. This does bring up some interesting food for thought. I won’t get into a detailed discussion about my perspectives on the subject. Still, after more than thirty years of study and following a more holistic approach to health and wellness, I think the vaccine schedules while likely having some value, have also become excessive in both humans and animals. My perspective on this in no way takes away from the value of doctors and Veterinarians, and I believe there are so many areas where they do great work, but aspects of this also are questionable. The main reason I avoid discussing this topic too heavily is mainly because vaccination perspectives have become another subject arena for people to disagree and even become angry with those who don’t share their point of view. We already have so many areas where people argue and often stop speaking to each other, frequently blaming or hating and labeling those on the other side as the ‘bad ones.” I choose not to participate in the taking of sides and to avoid adding to the polarization and drama. I am also comfortable with people don’t like my perspectives about subjects I have spent decades studying and gaining knowledge about. tThey can choose to move away from interacting with me. I can easily handle some people convincing themselves I somehow fall into the “bad ones” category. It is nonsense of course, but other people’s beliefs about me have absolutely nothing to do with me. The benefits of age and wisdom have moved me more toward the approach in most matters that “If u don’t agree with me or like me, then you do your thing, I will do my thing.”
It is slow in coming as usual, but the hint of Autumn is on its way! We experience this seasonal weather shift in a bit of a slower pace here in Phoenix, but I am sure many of my readers in other parts of the country are already out of the heat of the summer. Unquestionably Fall has always been my favorite season. Even growing up on Long Island, I absolutely loved the season, although summers there were almost as close to amazing. The mostly crappy winters were part of what pushed me to move to Phoenix!
I have been talking about a number of astrological triggers on some of my social media outlets, and many of them are very notable both in the world at large as well as the impacts we experience individually. Fortunately this can be seen, and understood by looking at an astrological natal chart. If you choose to do the work to study all of it, or working with a really good Astrologer it can be incredibly beneficial to understand how these aspects impact us. Uranus has moved into Gemini, Jupiter into Cancer, Saturn and Neptune also recently moved into Aries. I frequently point out that our natal astrology doesn’t not make us do anything, but boy can it nudge us! Becoming aware of some of these pushes can help explain challenges you are dealing with, but also opportunities that may be current, or on the horizon that you can maximize by being aware of them. A look at your current astrology for the present and near future can be very, very valuable. And/or you may also want to choose to do a Tarot reading for the remainder of the year or buy a gift session for a friend with either option. Email is still the best way to book (VenturaSag@yahoo.com) although texting is also an option.
October and late fall and winter are typically the busiest months for home or office parties (with mini readings). Information about booking a party event or even a virtual one in this newsletter.
Happy pumpkin spice in everything, and finally feeling some nighttime chill in the air season. Cheers, Jim V
New Client Special 2025:
January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2025 Special:
New Client introductory offer: $5-15 off listed rates! A $5 discount off of all 45 minute sessions. Both 70, or 90 minute session can take a $10 discount. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can choose an extra $5 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!
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” Jim Bishop
“If you say you can or you can’t you are right either way.” Henry Ford
“It isn’t by getting out of the world that we become enlightened, but by getting into the world...by getting so tuned in that we can ride the waves of our existence and never get tossed because we become the waves.” Ken Kesey
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.
Can you explain how the emotion of fear originated?
“Fear, originally, was a signal that one should back off and not get involved until one had more developed skills for handling that given situation. Fear ensured that a young animal-or human-could survive without the mother or father constantly monitoring every decision that the child wished to make.
At its healthiest level, fear is a message that tells you to defer a given challenge or exercise until you are older, wiser, or more accomplished. That time may be only a few minutes hence, or may even be right now! It is worth listening quite carefully to what the fear has to teach you. Once its ‘lesson’ has been learned, you come away with a new resolve-and, eventually, new skills you can employ to overcome the challenge that once you found so fearsome.
Chronic fear, then, is a form of internal nagging: You are being reminded, again and again, that a previous challenge of your development has not been faced squarely. You resist it not so much because of the original fear as out of a sense that-because the fear-message has been repeated throughout your life-you are perhaps incompetent to counteract the fear stimulus.
There is no one who is, or should be, fearless. But healthy individuals shed fears the same way they discard dead skin cells or hairs, or scrub off the mud adhering to their hands after a productive day.
Whenever you fear anything, you are in a sense identifying with your adversary-which you see as more powerful than you. You are a society (notice we did not say ‘race’ or ‘species’) that believes in playing imaginative games, much as when your Pentagon asks. ‘What will the Russians do next?’ The mother cat who defends her kittens feels little fear indeed, for she does not stop to identify with whatever is threatening them. To do so would scatter her energies-and she is singleminded upon the defense of her kittens.
So if you wish to be fearless, start by learning precisely who and what you are, and who and what you want to be. Security lies only in ability, but you cannot begin to develop those abilities that are uniquely your own until you allow the Divine Itch to show you where to begin scratching...”
Answers From a Grander self Tam Mossman
Spotlight on one of the sessions I offer, Druid Animal totem cards.
Understanding the Sacred Animals of the Druid tradition is one of many powerful ways to connect with nature and our “animal power.” When we let go of believing we are superior to nature, we open ourselves to the experience of living in the community of nature, being part of it, not separate from it. We are welcomed back into the circle we never really left, except in our delusion.
Animal teachers Our ancestors revered every aspect of the natural world and considered each part of this world capable of being an ally, guide, and teacher...
“From Sacred Animals of Druid tradition. When animals show up in our path they often have messages for us. One example:
Goose or Duck In many different cultures and traditions Geese and Ducks were often believed to mate for life.
Goose upright (if your energy is flowing harmoniously with this part of ourselves) Vigilance, Parenthood, Productive power.
This card may indicate that you are ready to take on the responsibilities of raising a family, or of committing yourself to a long-term partnership. Goose brings creative and productive power. It allows you to open to this power, secure in the knowledge that your relationship or family or working partnership will provide a stable environment to act as a crucible for your creativity. Raising children is one of the most joyful and worthwhile activities we can undertake,and the goose, with its strong attachment to its family, combined with its ability to fly extraordinarily high from one continent to another, shows us that it is possible to be both grounded and spiritual in our daily lives.
Goose Reversed (if you are struggling with a relationship or aspects connected to this area of life).
This card may indicate that you need to be aware of being overly concerned about your rights, possessions or territory. You may not need to strut and hiss quite so much, and you may not need to be so possessive of your partner. Many geese mate for life, but not all humans do, and in the end staying together may not be in your best interests. If the relationship is really to last it will thrive on mutual respect and freedom, rather than jealousy and possessiveness.
The ancient Celts kept geese for their eggs rather than their flesh. They knew it was better to keep the goose alive and productive, rather than destroying its productive capacity by eating it. They kept sheep in the same way - for their wool and milk rather than their meat. The lesson for us is that if we want to ensure our productive power, our capacity for creativity, we must look after ourselves. To make sure the goose keeps laying the golden eggs, we must keep the goose alive - well fed, well rested, well exercised.”
Animal totems are one of many different oracles I use when working with clients.
Navigational Consultant/Astrologer Jim Ventura. You can specifically request this as a part or specifically in a personal session.
“Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.” Fyodor Dostoevsky
“Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals ‘love’ them. But those who respect their natures and wish to let them live normal loves, love them more.” Edwin Way Teale
“The animal world shows us the potential we can unfold. But to learn from them, we must first learn to speak with them.” Ted Andrews
Home and Special Event Parties
My party rate is only $100 per hour. If you are interested in hiring me to do a party or event, let me know and I can check on availability options. There are a number of formats for setting up parties and here is some basic information. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about booking parties.
I am available to do private parties (Phoenix and surrounding cities) with “mini readings” for your guests. Parties can be booked with either 10-15 minute or 30 minute session blocks for smaller group parties. Many of the different oracles I work with can be chosen for your specific event.
The parties are a fun way to enable family and friends to become more comfortable with the benefits of oracle readings. I have done many of these parties in the past and they are truly memorable events for all of the guests.
Minimum and maximum numbers of readings/hours are required to book a party at your home or office location. The minimum is a 3 hour booking. I offer the option of a 2 and a half hour minimum for locations within 15 miles of my home. Minimum of $250 fee for any booked party. A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a party date. The 20-30 minute sessions can be great options to consider when there are small groups looking for a personal reading at your event. Shorter 5-10 minute sessions are also an option for really large events.
You can either book me for the $100 an hour rate for your party or event so your guests don’t have to cover any costs, or guests can cover their own costs for readings. Both options work very well, although I still prefer that the host collects all of the payments from guests for their readings with second option to help things move along more efficiently. If your guests are paying for their sessions they are still able to take advantage of the discount that comes with parties at bulk rates.
Parties can now be virtual!
If you live out-of-area or even if you simply prefer-mini reading parties they can be by phone or Face-time, Zoom etc...
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)
“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 2025 are: Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $90.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 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.
