August 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura blog

August 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura newsletter

Snake Charm 11/ Nature Fix

When I first started doing readings professionally, I found that from time to time I would get clients that were going through some really painful struggles in their lives. Sometimes they were even in extreme crisis. Part of being able to “read” for someone is to temporarily connect with them energetically and allow yourself to “feel” what they are going through. Even after the clients who were in tremendous pain left, I would sometimes have trouble sleeping, feel emotionally drained, depressed, or even a little sick. I wasn’t able to quickly shake the uncomfortable energy I picked up. I knew how to do clearing techniques and meditations to become balanced again, but this was often time consuming and not always easy to do between sessions. Many people who get involved in this and similar fields, encounter problems with absorbing negative energy. I needed an easier solution to discharge the extremely difficult energy I would sometimes pick up from the people in my work and in my personal life.

Early on in my counseling career a solution found its way to me. I was living in an apartment complex and had my first home office. The property next door was horse property and some farmland. It seemed that the owner sold some of the property and they were developing part of it to be made into another apartment complex. They had plowed the land leaving large fields of dirt to the west of my place. The projects completion was delayed for almost a year. During that time I began to go outside after some of my sessions and just sit, or simply put my hands or feet in the abundant soil. It felt really good, and I could feel the Earth quickly absorbing the toxins I had brought in. Sometimes I did this to let go of client’s energy, sometimes it was my own twenty-something-anguish. In either case, it would only take a few minutes for me to feel completely cleared when I did this. It seemed that the soil itself was a powerful healing agent.

I also discovered that another effective way to clear negative energy was a simple process of sitting in, touching, or even embracing trees. The solid, thick, old, larger trees seemed to be the most healing. I did this almost every night for weeks when I was going through a painful long term relationship breakup. I stumbled upon a tree that was shaped in a way that I could sit cradled at its base. I shed quite a few tears in that tree during a particularly emotional period in my life. I always felt supported, safe, and more stable each time I did this. Trees have their own form of consciousness and their strong roots and stable energy can be tremendously powerful in absorbing emotional pain. 

Trees, soil, and plants can receive negative energy and use it as a form of fertilizer.  This can be valuable to them. Fortunately, our emotional and energetic angst doesn’t hurt them. They are able to transform painful emotion and negative human energy. Even if you live in a city and can’t easily access trees or plants in your own garden, you can plant flowers in small pots (make sure they have a drainage hole at the bottom) or even simply keep a bag of potting soil around. Going to a plant nursery and walking around can also be extremely effective. This is a powerful form of clearing and also a kind of meditation. We all go through times when we are emotionally upset or have friends, family, or clients that are energetically out of balance. The simple act of putting your hands in soil or asking a tree to absorb your toxins or sadness is an inexpensive (even free) way to restore emotional harmony. 

Jim Ventura 7-2012

Editors note:

Some of you may have noticed that my website was down for most of July. The Mac site  it was hosted on (Mobile Me) made its final appearance on June 30th. They made the transition to becoming I-Cloud and shut down their websites. Even though they told me months in advance I chose denial and tried to ignore this fact as long as I could. As usual, the annoyance of having to pay for and set up a new website inevitably turned out to be a good thing. The new website will have a shopping cart. As my library of books and class CD’s build, it will be easier for clients to order these things anytime they want. The expanded website will also help me to expand the amount of people I can reach and help with their intuitive development studies.

My goal in the next three years is to create a lot more books, CD’s, instructional videos, Talisman symbols and other tools to help everyone (who is interested) develop their metaphysical talents and abilities. I am very close to finishing the Tarot card interpretation book. I will keep everyone on my mailing list informed each time a new title comes out. Check out the new website and feel free to pass the new one along to any friends and family who may be interested: www.JimVentura.com

It seems that my radio show is gaining in popularity. Archive listens for many of the Snake Oil radio shows are climbing to over 500 for each show. It seems that the most popular shows are the ones about Astrology. I also seem to get a lot of interest in my extra current astrological transit posts on FaceBook. Since there are a lot of people interested in Astrology lately, for the month of August everyone on my mailing list can take advantage of the Astrological consultation special this month. All Astrology sessions are $20.00 (August 1 through 30th 2012) off my listed prices. Get a session for yourself and even buy one for a friend or family member. It makes a great gift for new parents to have their child's Astrology chart interpreted. My sister’s son is now 18 and she still raves about how helpful and accurate it was when I did her son’s chart when he was 2.

Its the mid point of a hot summer, stay cool! Wishing everyone a happy August and happy Birthday Leo and Virgo. Cheers. Jim V

“There is nothing divine about morality: it is a purely human affair.” Albert Einstein

Mercury retrograde in Leo

Sometimes Mercury retrogrades become “textbook” examples of the problems that can be connected with the planet that rules how we think and communicate. Mercury retrogrades last for a little over 3 weeks, and the current one started in mid-July.

My home phone (landline) has been screwed up for two weeks now and it started almost to the minute of the current retrograde. The first week I had a week of no messages going to my voicemail. I was in Las Vegas and had no idea that this was actually happening for the first few days. The problem started and continues with some obnoxious static on the line that makes using this phone a challenge. I have had to triple my cell phone use (and pay for it) and have all of my calls forwarded to my cell phone voice mailbox. Century Link came to repair the line, but it is still not working correctly. (something about a bad connector in our area that is “something they are continuing to work on resolving...”)

This retrograde is in Leo. What does that mean for all of us? Leo in our chart (yes, even if you aren’t Leo, it is in your chart and ruling one or two of your houses of life.) corresponds to where we are creative, confident, giving, playful, and where we like to be recognized for being a “Prince” or “Princess.” It rules how we like to shine in this world. It also can be where we are ego-centric. Mercury retrograde in Leo will bring up old issues (and maybe a few new ones) around how others view us, and whether they respect and value what we feel makes us great! This can bring up some sticky themes with anyone we perceive as “disrespecting us” or not valuing “how much we give.”The house(s) Leo rules in your chart will show more specifically what part of our life this will influence most. Mercury is transiting though my 4th house (home, family, roots, place we retreat to for security...). I have had to work to not kill some of my family members at this time, so far so good... lol

Good news is we can also remember how to play again and have fun during this transit! More good news: it goes direct again on August 8th :)

ASTROLOGICAL READING SPECIAL (available to everyone who receives my monthly newsletter)

$20.00 off my normal prices for any sessions booked from August 1st 2012 until August 31st. Mention the special when requesting a session. You can also purchase up to three gift certificates for friends and family during this time at this rate (good for one full year).

My second most requested session is the Astrological reading, which interprets your personal astrology and aids in self awareness. By looking beyond your Sun sign (the stuff the newspapers focus on) and exploring your Moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Ascendant, etc... you can begin to gain clarity about the focus and primary themes of your life. House placements, aspects, and elements will help you see your patterns in greater detail. Transits will show what areas of your life are currently highlighted, and pinpoint upcoming astrological triggers for the future. Relationships, career, money, friendships, spiritual growth, family, health... all interpreted for you so you don't have to do the work. You will need to know your birth time for this reading.

“Ask and you shall receive. It pays to know how to ask and how to receive.” Dick Sutphen

Snake Oil Radio

Thursday's at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, August 9th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Every Thursday 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. Halfway though the show you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. 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).

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 blogtalkradio.com. 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.

“The only reason you ever do anything is because you want to. All other “reasons’ are part of the game. “Michael

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com 

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!

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices below on any 40 minutes or longer session.

All sessions/readings for 2012-2013 are: (70 minutes) $110.00; (40 minutes) $80.00;  Extended (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). 

July 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura Blog

July 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura newsletter

Snake Oil/  Carry on our wayward son

I have always enjoyed music. I grew up in a house where all kinds of music was played often. My Mother listened to her large collection of albums during the daytime. My older siblings were frequently playing music in their rooms and had what my mom called “concerts.” In reality more often than not, they were listening to music and smoking weed. Mom was oblivious to that part. They often used incense to cover up the smell. The sounds of America, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Bread, The Stylistics, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and popular music on the radio was often a part of our world. If music wasn’t coming from our home it was coming from the radio in everyone’s cars. I listened to pop music when I was a kid, but began to get brave and considered buying albums of the music I liked when I reached my teen years. I already had a collection of 45’s (if you are too young to know what a 45 is, it was a record of a single song.) but I was ready to take the plunge into purchasing albums. Because of the tremendous musical knowledge in my family this was a bit daunting to me. I finally got brave at around 14 and bought my first album. I bought an album by a group called Kansas that was only a few years old. It had songs like “Carry on our wayward son,” “Dust in the wind,” and “Point of no return.” I was thrilled to buy my first album, but bringing the album home made me very nervous. What would my siblings think of my choice?

My oldest brother saw me walk in the door and asked what album I had bought. Albums were far harder to hide the CD versions that came out in the mid eighties. My oldest brother rarely ever even acknowledged my existence, but because he probably though he could borrow my album if it was one he liked he got nosey. I hesitantly showed him my purchase. He looked at it and mildly grunted with no comment. I was extremely uncomfortable and felt he was judging me and finding me lacking in my musical purchase. This wasn’t the first time I felt I had been judged by a family member. I had experienced this many times before from neighbors, classmates, and family as well. Childhood is when our Chief Negative Features first surface (Seven different primary fears that create blocks to happiness. Most human beings have two of them by the time they reach adulthood). I experienced a little bit more of judgment than most people do and it triggered a fear of inadequacy and subsequent fear of vulnerability. My first album purchase was one of many experiences that created my acquiring a chief negative feature of Arrogance.

Arrogance has it positive expression of “pride” and a negative being “vanity.” I became aware of what arrogance actually was and how it was blocking me at around twenty. I was very lucky to have found some excellent channeled material that talked about the stumbling blocks of Chief negative feature (Michael material). I began to work on putting a stop to the problems arrogance creates for everyone who acquires it, and made some real progress on minimizing its hold earlier than most people do. While only approximately 15 percent of the population has this fear, in my practice of navigational consultations, the percentages rise to about 35 percent. We are actually not born with our chief negative features. They are not part of who we are. Still, because fear is such a powerful trap in this world it is nearly impossible for us to not get pulled into one or more of these as we develop into adults. I of course, was no exception to the rule. 

In the case of arrogance, criticism and judgment in early conditioning is more than most children can handle. Love feels conditional in the home and in the world around them. Early experiences create a dread of being judged and compared. Children who develop this fear decide that there is something wrong with them. This produces an attempt to act as if they are indifferent to all the judgment. They either act as if they don’t care about what others think or they work to develop a false personality that will make everyone around them think they they are great or special. This urge to cover up the pain and to shine brighter than others has a value. Many who develop this fear become quite smart, attractive, beautiful, funny, or anything else that might make people like them. They develop a heightened ability to scrutinize the world for anything that might bring scorn upon them. This can create some extremely observant, sharp minds, and attractive people. Unfortunately, it also creates a constant fear of vulnerability and true shyness. Arrogance can be seen by others as an individual who either brags too much or wants to hide who they are. Usually there is a bit of both of these things operating at different times.

I struggled in my teens and early twenties with arrogance. I didn’t believe I was attractive physically. I worked to resolve this by working out and even tanned obsessively for a short time. I thought the suntan would also clear up my teenage acne. I did everything I could to make myself look better although I was popular and had a number of friends, at the same time I had a number of areas in my life where I was painfully shy. In my teen years, my fear of being judged and laughed at was so bad that when I was around eighteen, I remember walking into a party and hearing someone laughing in the distance. I couldn’t even see who it was, yet my distorted sense of self worth convinced me they were laughing at me and what I was wearing. I also remember walking down the street late at night when I was around 16 and some drunk idiot in a car with some other teenagers threw a beer can out the window that almost hit me. I was convinced that he threw it because I was hideous. Arrogance initially starts out with experiencing too much judgment and criticism by others. In time, it progresses into not actually needing anyone to judge you to trigger a feeling of inadequacy. This is carried out expertly inside the self. Situations that have nothing to do with anyone judging you are met with a response as if this were actually the case. The Arrogance “dragon” masters the art of making you feel bad about yourself. Often it pushes you to feel judgement when one is actually judging you!

All people who develop this fear become hyper critical of themselves and others. Like all chief negative features, this does have some benefits. Often their critical eye makes for some real experts who have tremendous skills because of their extremely sharp, observation skills. The drive to succeed or to look really good can create some extremely talented, and even beautiful people. (witness talk shows where picked on, unattractive nerds return to confront their abusers and now look stunning). The problem is that while outwardly people afflicted by arrogance often look or sound good, inwardly there is still a scared child who can become obsessive about getting rid of any flaws anyone might see in them. They fear vulnerability and often find themselves mating with people who inevitably leave them because they hide parts of themselves from the people they are close to. They create false personalities that they hope will give them the approval they always desired. This can cause them to lose touch with being authentic. Like all chief negative features, the fear voice convinces you to cling more to its bad suggestions in hopes that it will help you. 

I myself followed many of these classic arrogance patterns. In addition to fearing that I was inadequate physically, I also had other demons. I struggled with shame around my sexual orientation. My Catholic upbringing and fear of rejection heightened this fear. I was studying philosophy, metaphysics, and all kinds of advanced things at a young age. Yet, I feared that people would disprove of these things and think I was even more of a weirdo if they found out. Because I developed this chief negative feature I have a tremendous understanding and compassion for people struggling with arrogance. Part of the process of breaking from this “dragon” is to realize that people are too self absorbed to pay much attention to us in the first place! To heal the arrogance fear you have to face it head on and risk being vulnerable. This is the very thing the fear will repeatedly tell you is most dangerous to your survival. This is one of many tools that can release us from its grip. I made great progress on conquering my arrogance at a fairly young age because I was blessed to have the tools to combat it.

Many of the things I feared made me inadequate turned out to be the very things that made me valuable. When I broke the grip of this fear I began to see things differently. My sexual orientation was a gift. Being gay makes it easier to work with women. They tend to feel safe and trust someone who isn’t going to try and sleep with them. In addition, this part of me enables me to have a more balanced awareness of male and female perspectives. When I came out about my spiritual studies, it helped a lot of people, and it opened up the door to a career that I love. All of the things that the fear convinced me were bad turned out to be good! I recently listened to my Kansas album (now I have it on CD). It is a really good album. It was a pretty brilliant choice in early music for a 14 year old. For anyone with this chief feature, when you accept who you are and risk vulnerability, you will find yourself getting happier and far more peaceful. I believed I was too much of a weirdo, but that was my gift, not my curse. At some level we are all a bit odd. Yet, when we let our individual “music” out, the world inevitably sounds and looks a hell of a lot better because we did! 

Jim Ventura 6-2012

Editors note:

It’s hard to believe that we are already in the heart (heat) of the summer. It’s hot outside here in Phoenix! Even when I take my every other month trips to Las Vegas, it’s really hot there as well. Still, my free hotel rooms A/C is usually set to around 68 degrees. I actually find myself freezing some nights when I sleep.  And people wonder why I like to go to Vegas so often... strangely, the part of me that is drawn to an enjoyment of extremes in temperatures likes all of this craziness. I am a true Sagittarius and love my road trips!

Any of my sharp, observant readers who have followed my columns over the years will probably see that I have just covered the fourth installment of information about the influences of the seven chief negative features. I have now covered impatience, martyrdom, greed, and arrogance. I will tackle stubbornness, self deprecation, and self destruction in future columns. If you missed the previous columns you can purchase a copy of Snake Oil Volume One to catch up. If you want help with breaking free of yours you can book a Transformation session with me. Joining my regular client program is one of the best ways to help loosen the grip of chief negative features. In addition to experiencing many different types of sessions, we always get to the process of breaking chief negative feature. More information about signing up for this program is in the newsletter. Take advantage of the regular sessions, discounts, and benefits of the program. Congratulations to my current and to many of my previous Regular clients for tackling their “dragons”  - the results have been monumental.

If you are on Facebook, feel free to friend request me. Facebook friends get discounts on sessions, extra session offers, as well as lots of extra posts about current Astrology and other influences. You can also ask to be added to my promotional birthday special list by “asking to be added” and giving me your Birthday information by email. I already have some of my mailing list clients birthdays. Clients who I have a list of birth-dates get a discounted session each year on their birthday!

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing...” George Bernard Shaw

Regular Client Program 

One of the best programs I have been doing for nearly ten 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 is also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. Session prices are discounted for Regular clients.  Regulars also receive discounts on classes, books and CD’s. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to use the signs and signals that are all around us, and permanently conquering fear-based programming. My Regular client program has resulted in some tremendous spiritual evolution for hundreds of people over the years. Many 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. I feel like a proud Dad when I see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have helped to motivate. 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.

Regular client rates for 2012-2014: (My session rates may go up, but Regulars will stay at these discounted  rates)

Quarterly (every three months) Regulars:

70 minute sessions $90.00, 40 minute sessions $60.00, Extended 90 minute sessions $105.00.

Every two months Regulars:

70 minute sessions $85.00, 40 minute sessions $55.00, Extended 90 minute sessions $100.00.

Monthly Regulars: 

70 minute sessions $80.00, 40 minute sessions $50.00, Extended 90 minute sessions $95.00.

(Prepaid sessions of 4 or more also receive another 5 percent discount)

Contact me by phone or email for more information and to sign up to be part of the Regular Client program.

Snake Oil Radio

Every Thursday at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, July 5th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Every Thursday 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. Halfway though the show you can even ask me for a free 5 minute reading with your personal question. 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).

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 blogtalkradio.com. 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.

My monthly interview show will be on July 12th with Maren Nelson:

Maren Nelson is a healer and a certified Master Teacher of Connected Breathing and Founder of the renowned Life Breath Integrations, a center for holistic healing and personal growth in Scottsdale, AZ and Los Angeles, CA. She works with private clients, trains and certifies practitioners in Life Breathing (Holotropic Breathing/Connected Breathing), and has been facilitating workshops internationally since 1987.

Maren is a Minister of Mind/Body Healing for the Association of the Integration of the Whole Person (AIWP). She is a sought after speaker and continues to develop innovative workshops and seminars across the country.

“Good things can have bad outcomes. Bad things can have good outcomes. Rather than jumping to conclusions, wait and see.” Dick Sutphen

Summer classes (All at my home in Phoenix) 

MICHAEL MATERIAL (5 class series)

* 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.

There are no tests to pass, just some great information. 5 classes, 2 hours each.

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.

Sunday afternoons 12:30- 2:45 pm. July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19th.  $90.00 for all five classes ($80.00 pre-paid and for Regular clients). Maximum of eight students and minimum of four. $20.00 non-refundable deposit  to hold a space in the classes.

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Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com 

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://web.mac.com/Venturawords

Blog column for 1 year of published columns: http://playingwithuranus.blogspot.com/

“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras!

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices below.

All sessions/readings for 2011-2012 are: (70 minutes) $110.00; (40 minutes) $75.00;  Extended (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). 

June 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura newsletter

June 2012 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura newsletter.

Snake Oil/Pretzel Logic

When I was about eleven years old, I remember jumping on my yellow banana seat bicycle and heading over to Pergaments department store for a treat. I had scraped up enough money to buy myself a hot pretzel at this Long Island department stores snack bar. It was a big thrill for me to be able to buy myself something so I was excited. The girl that worked behind the counter was about sixteen years old, and a miserable, pimple-faced, angry-at-the-world teenager. Not exactly a rarity in this world by any means. I ordered my big salty pretzel and she grumpily told me it would be thirty five cents. I started to carefully count out the pennies I had crammed in my pocket when she stopped me halfway through my count. With a disgusted look on her face she said, “I am not taking all pennies, give me REAL money or you are not getting this pretzel. I was mortified. I weakly told her I had no other money and she responded with “Well tough for you then, no pretzel.”

I slunk away from the snack-bar in despair. I had a difficult time holding back the tears as I rode my bike home. I hated that monster. She humiliated me for no reason. I struggled with my emotions as I rode home. Shame and abasement alternated with anger as I rehashed the incident in my mind. Later when I recounted the story of the “ugly bitch who wouldn’t give me a pretzel” to my friends, I used all kinds of colorful language to describe the nasty, bitter, evil troll who refused to serve me. Even throughout my tirade of angry recounting I never thought of mentioning her race as part of my despair. She was African American, it had nothing to do with why I hated her. I never made a connection in my mind between race and her bad behavior.

I grew up in the predominantly white suburbs of Long Island, New York, yet I saw people of all colors and nationalities around me. In my own home we never really heard racist language. My mom often had a few choice comments about many of the neighbors. She was not lacking in opinions. She wasn’t thrilled with the divorced mother of one of my friends and she didn’t approve of the way many of the neighbors parented their kids. She wasn’t fond of a lot of the neighbors and made her viewpoints known to us. Still, I never really heard my mother or father make “colorful” negative comments about Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, and anyone else who wasn’t like us. My siblings and I often followed suit and we also hated many of our neighbors, but it was never really racially motivated. Some of my friends parents were clearly prejudiced. I heard a few shocking comments from time to time. But I wasn’t around them enough to let them influence my beliefs. And, even if I did hear more of their ugly ideas, it simply never made any real sense to me to think this way. To me, people were either annoying or cool. Race had no bearing on whether I liked someone or not. Something inside of me never allowed me to get twisted into seeing people in such a perverse way.

I encountered racism more as an adult. I had friends who had boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, and wives that believed or said some horrible racially prejudiced things and actually meant the things they said. Usually these boyfriends and girlfriends had short shelf lives though. The people with whom I have socialized with, for the most part, have always thought the way I do. This is one of the reasons why I considered them to be my friends. I have even had a few occasions in my life where I was the victim of reverse racism. There were a few times when I got nasty looks when I have been in places where I was the only Caucasian guy. I even encountered a bit of this once when I was the only guy at an all Lesbian party. It seemed a few of the girls were blatantly disgusted by my presence there. Still, I can honestly count the number of times I noticeably experienced this type of thing on one hand. Since I’m extremely white with a fair complexion, I stand out like a sore thumb among darker races.Yet, I haven’t found that I suffered in any real way because of this. Even though I had a few times when I got some dirty looks, the disdain never really bothered me. I realized a long time ago that I have definitely gotten some extra privileges because of my skin color. It isn’t fair, but it is a reality. The world is not balanced and fair by any means. There are some real benefits that come from being a white male. I don’t blame some minorities for feeling uncomfortable about this imbalance. It does exist in the world. Many have experienced some really shitty things because of this kind of obnoxious prejudice. Hell, I might occasionally feel the same way If I had to walk in their shoes and deal with being mistreated because of my race.

While I have never been or will ever be a racist by any means, people who know me have often heard me say some of the worst racist comments of all! But my reasons for doing this are purely for getting laughs and to break the bubbles of protection that many people have around their racial wounds. I am also from NY and we are all wise-asses in some respects. It comes with the territory (add Uranus in the 5th house Astrologically for me). I have said some amazingly derogatory things about Gay people, Blacks, Asians and pretty much everyone else. This includes men, Germans, Italians, and homo’s, all groups and cultures that I belong to! But my terrible comments are always done with a smile and a shit-eating grin. Its the wise-ass, shock-the-audience, lover of words in me that just loves to shake up his audience from time to time. I enjoy pointing out the absurd. Racism is so painfully un-evolved that it gives comedians an endless supply of material to work with. My goal is to remind everyone that racism, sexism, homophobia, and every other idiotic “ism” is simply that, idiotic!

Racism and extreme prejudice have thankfully shrunk somewhat over time, yet they are still sadly alive and well. There are a number of reasons why I think this racism exists. People who have had bad experiences with someone from another race or culture will often form beliefs that are then myopically projected to everyone in that group or race. They get stuck in a lifelong lack of ability to break free from learned, limited perspectives even though evidence often later proves those beliefs to be invalid. Some people simply still buy into prejudiced thinking they learned from their family or communities. They seem to be missing the ability and maturity to make judgments of their own. They show their loyalty by following their families or religion’s beliefs!. Often these types of people are incapable of healthy empathy. In addition, they never evolve enough to throw away old beliefs and limited narrow prejudices. The majority who still think in racist terms are simply playing a projection game. They project their own hidden fears, weakness, and even ideals and assign them to a particular race or group “that is taking something they want or feel they deserve away from them.” This then becomes a game of love/hate toward members of these groups. 

All of the people who actually think with hatred and prejudice use a kind of pretzel logic and twist themselves into something grotesque. Many spend entire lifetimes clinging tightly to their racist perceptions. Ultimately they remain stunted and lack spiritual, emotional, and analytical mutability. They will inevitably sign up for the karma of being born in another life as a member of the very groups that they mistreated. Everyone eventually evolves and reaches a healthy neutrality, but it may take lifetimes to get there. Racists inevitably choose to walk a difficult road. Carrying around hate and anger will take its toll on us physically and emotionally.  In many cases this can be the seeds for cancer and other types of disease. They end up creating suffering and pain for others and themselves. Sadly, pretzel logic damages everyone it comes into contact with.

Jim Ventura 5-2012

Editors note:

Racism, sexism, homophobia, and any other judgmental and dark element that exist in the human population’s psyche have not gone away. I do believe that we are evolving and more people (especially enlightened older people and young people in general) are letting go of these toxic types of beliefs. Still, I remind my readers that when any dark element in society is in the process of being discharged it often gets uglier for a while before it leaves. Anyone who has ever read some of the internet posts on yahoo (and others like it) know how ugly some of the comments from people can really be. 

I had an extremely lucky experience last month. In late April and early May I had a Jupiter return. Jupiter in our natal Astrology charts represents where we are optimistic, lucky, and where we are often able to create abundance. Jupiter returns only come around about every twelve years, and usually lasts for about a week or two. My last Jupiter return was also lucky so I thought I would take advantage of the this beneficial Astrological transit. I went on vacation to Vegas during the lucky transit and had a nearly free vacation because I won enough money to cover almost all of of my costs. This was followed by a local casino trip a week later where I was dealt four aces (on a 9 times multiplier) on a video poker machine for $720.00 on just a 36 cent bet. This was followed 5 minutes later with another $720.00 four ace deal (6 times multiplier) on a 48 cent bet. The probable mathematics of this occurring once is extremely rare, but for it to happen twice in 5 minutes is mind-boggling! While by no means is Astrology to be primarily used as a tool to track luck cycles or to win money, it is one of the many perks to understanding our personal Astrology!

I have rescheduled my Michael classes for late July. Check out some information (Michael quotes) in this newsletter about understanding soul-age. Learning to identify soul-age in ourselves and others is a tremendously powerful ability to be able to utilize. This will be the last time I run this series in 2012. If you have been thinking about taking these amazing classes, let me know. I may also get the series recorded on audio CD, but this will probably not be available until 2014. 

Wishing everyone a happy June. May Jupiter (moves into Gemini on June 12th) give you a happy boost as well this month. Cheers. Jim V

Snake Oil Radio

Every Thursday at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, June 7th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Every Thursday 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. Halfway though the show you can even ask me for a free 5 minute reading with your personal question. 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).

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 blogtalkradio.com. 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.

June extra:

Understanding Soul age (from the Michael teachings). Some of this information  is quoted from Jose Stevens book The Michael Handbook.

Lots of people are asking me about some of the crazy stuff happening in the world. Baby souls (and some young souls) struggle with things like gay marriage, women's right etc...

I thought a short informative piece about soul ages would be helpful. There are five levels of soul age manifest on the physical plane. All people cycle through all of the soul-age stages and then finish their reincarnation cycles on Earth to rejoin the Tao (God). Infant souls, Baby souls, Young souls, Mature souls, Old souls. (physical age has nothing to do with soul age). 

Infant souls are concerned with basic survival. They often don’t live very long lives and there are not many Infant souls left on Earth at this time. The average soul age on Earth is now First level Mature. This accounts for why so many younger souls are struggling right now. The world seems far more complicated and scary to Infant and Baby souls. The Michael classes I teach go into more depth about this subject. All soul ages are capable of love, kindness, as well as acts that might seem reprehensible. Mature and older souls are somewhat less inclined to commit cruelty simply because of the nature of the cycles, and the tendency to be more focused on resolving karma as opposed to creating more.

Baby Souls

“That’s the rule and that’s what we will do”

“I need someone ( or Bible, cultural rules, political party, etc...) to tell me where I fit in and what I should do.”

“If you don’t do what is RIGHT unbelievably nasty things could happen to you.”

“Do whats right, or not at all!”

Baby soul development is somewhat more sophisticated than infant soul experience.

“Typical Baby soul communities, everything runs like clockwork. Everything has its place: church on Sunday, softball for the men, quilting for the women, long traditional work hours for men, childrearing for the women, and so on...

Baby souls seek out higher authorities who can lay out firm clear rules. They like structure just as young children like structure, and find comfort in knowing what to expect. Tradition, rituals, and law and order provide an underlying sense of security. There is often a lack of real original thought. 

Baby souls tend to be unshakable in their beliefs and if opposed with another point of view they may be confused and even hostile. They can fight and kill for their beliefs if they have been taught that this is acceptable by their culture. Historically Baby soul activities include the crusades, the Inquisition, religious campaigns, and missionary work.

Baby souls like to be solid citizens and community leaders - seen as righteous and as models, such as a highly orthodox minister or preacher, sheriff, mayor. They may zealously follow the rules and seek to force other members of society to do likewise. They are guardians of society and civilization, and oppose anything that seems to threaten the existing structure - even change itself!

Baby souls have a strong belief in dichotomy - including for example the belief in good and evil or that God is a male authority opposed by a wicked devil. They seek punishment for nonconformists - hence the origin of the notion that God will strike you down as punishment for a ‘bad deed.’ Around sexual matters there is often an uneasiness, with some degree of shame and guilt. At times the baby soul will decry sex altogether or simply tolerate it for procreation only.” Jose Stevens 

Famous Examples of baby souls and baby soul organizations: Klu Klux Klan, most terrorists in any form, groups bombing Planned parenthood, Jerry Fallwell, Richard Nixon, Charlton Heston. Current and local example of Baby souls: Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, Sheriff J Arpio...

Young soul, Mature Soul and Old soul information to come in future newsletters.

“Love is a state of Being. Your love is not outside; it is deep within you. You can never lose it, and it cannot leave you.”

Eckhart Tolle

Spring/Summer classes (All at my home in Phoenix) 

MICHAEL MATERIAL (5 class series)

* 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.

There are no tests to pass, just some great information. 5 classes, 2 hours each.

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.

Sunday afternoons 12:30- 2:45 pm. July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19th.  $90.00 for all five classes ($80.00 pre-paid and for Regular clients). Maximum of eight students and minimum of four. $20.00 non-refundable deposit  to hold a space in the classes.

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Something interesting to check out from Ron Baron: “I came up with some cool Mini-Meditations that come with a Free download App and intro on your smart phone.

Barons Miracle Meditations is the link on your smart phone.”

The website is www.baronsminimeds.com

“You cannot be someone you’re not. Stop trying.” Dick Sutphen

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com or Venturawords@mac.com

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://web.mac.com/Venturawords

Blog column for 1 year of published columns: http://playingwithuranus.blogspot.com/

“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras!

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices below.

All sessions/readings for 2011-2012 are: (70 minutes) $110.00; (40 minutes) $75.00;  Extended (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). 

Mini $30.00 for 15 minute unrecorded phone sessions. Payments can be made by either cash, check, debit, and some credit cards. Gift certificates are always available for purchase.