Snake Oil September 2013/ Along Came a Spider

Snake Oil   Along Came a Spider

I woke up one morning a few months ago to two rather large and elaborate spider webs that covered the fire place area in my condominium home. I was amazed at how much work these two spiders were able to accomplish in one night. While I appreciated their creations and their obvious interest in helping to catch some of the annoying flies that get in my house more often than usual in the spring, I already have a talented fly catcher - my cat! When flies or other flying insects gets into my home, she usually spots them within an hour or so and catches and happily eats them. I solved the issue in a gentle old soul way by catching each spider in a jar, thanked them for their efforts, and put them outside to find a new place to set up shop. While I cleaned up the webs around the fireplace, I could feel my intuitive self screaming in tandem with my intellect that there was a definite message in all of this!

Around eight years ago I decided to switch to Eastern Feng Shui as opposed to following the Western methods that had actually worked well for me in the past. This change in placement put my fireplace area in the “helpful people, travel area” of my homes Bagua map.* Over the last few months I had been contemplating making some changes in these areas of my life, yet I knew there was definitely something deeper connected with this area that I wasn’t seeing. I knew from Lakota teachings that spider represented being trapped in a web of fear. From an astrological perspective spiders relate to the negative side of the Saturn influence. It signifies areas where we are cautious, inhibited, blocked, and have uncomfortable lessons to learn. I decided to meditate, and to be open to insight from spirit for a few days on the spiders message to see what I could pick up.

Two days later a client who came in for a session offered me some helpful information. She was happy with the insight she received in our reading, but when she was getting ready to leave, she said, “I want to share something with you if this is okay? She had done some Feng Shui work years ago and couldn’t help noticing that my fire place area was in the wealth, prosperity, financial area of the Bagua map. She followed the maps and placement of Western Feng Shui. She shared her insight and said that she guessed I had been having some financial struggles for awhile. “It’s likely that you have been feeling like that when you get money it burns up rapidly or slips away too quickly.” She shared a bit more wisdom with me and suggested some cures to solve the problems.

I was happy she was willing to share her insight and she was absolutely right. My business and finances were not terrible by any means, but they were not where I wanted them to be. The extreme financial struggles I had purged through during the peak of the recession a few years back were thankfully over, yet it still was far tighter than I wanted it to ideally be, and money did seem to burn up too rapidly. I decided to take action and use some of her cures and suggestions, while researching a bit more on my own. I cleaned out my fireplace that had been filled with soot and ashes for months. Probably even more important that the fireplace itself was what was behind it. There was an outside storage closet filled with mostly useless crap, boxes, and things that were covered in dust. It also had a 12 year old bicycle that I never used, or really ever even liked that had two flat tires! There were quite a few things I had stored in that closet that were negative and the door to the closet itself was often hard to open. There were so many things that were blocking, broken, and useless, no wonder my finances had been blocked in some respects for the last few years.

As I cleaned out the area over a span of three of four days, and picked up some cool knick-knacks to make the area look and feel better, I could feel things shifting around in my psyche. Old limiting beliefs, anger, and fear from my past moved uncomfortably into my conscious mind. As I became more aware of the limitations I found it easier to release them. New ideas and memories of the many times when things were good in the past surfaced as well. I was releasing the negative parts of the past and reconnecting to good experiences and times of past prosperity. While I was doing squats at my gym during this transition I kept noticing a sign on the wall in front of me that listed some of the rules of the gym. The line that my eyes kept focusing on each time I came up from a squat said, “Allow Access.” It began to dawn on me that in some ways I was still “hiding,” and not as aggressive as I could be in reaching new clients. I was very much out there with social media, my column, books, and radio shows, but I was resistant to any other forms of advertising because I feared I might get “too busy.” I also had some problems in the past when I used advertising. I did bring in some new clients from magazine and newspaper ads years ago, yet I also got my share of oddballs. From crazy people who believed they were being molested by ghosts every night, to delusional oversexed gay men who contacted me because somehow they saw my picture in the ad and decided I was a “sensual massage therapist,” who might help them in a way that I was definitely never going to do. I had even more no-show appointments, people canceling at the last minute, and other assorted irritations that were part of non-referral client connections. Past advertising experiences had left me a bit phobic to say the least.

After I did my cleaning and fixed up the area around my fire place, I became mildly obsessed with studying ways to advertise inexpensively and often for free online. For two weeks I researched and discovered many different opportunities for reaching a larger audience. My commitment to go “back to school” kept me up some nights until 3 am. I realized that I was resistant to advertising again because I was waiting for someone to come along who would do my marketing for me. I have never been a big fan of self-promotion. It became clear that I needed to take this job, so I plunged right in. I allowed more people access to me with ads, videos, and great first time promotions. My business increased by around 30 percent in the first few weeks. 

A few weeks later, while cooking breakfast one morning, I realized I really liked the look of the fireplace now. I really was never happy with it before. Western Feng Shui was a better fit for me and I would go back to using it in other areas as well. The whole area of my house had really improved and I was feeling good about the progress.While cooking and thinking about all of the changes that were happening, I saw a hummingbird buzzing around my patio. The next day I saw another one that came right up to the glass door. My cat saw it also and I thought she would explode with excitement with her desire to catch it. Fortunately she was not able to do so. I decided to look up the totem of Hummingbird. It symbolized joy and playfulness, as well as adaptability. It was about lifting up negativity, being more present, and developing the ability to respond quickly to anything. Hummingbirds can change direction quickly and smoothly, gliding easily from one place to another. Hummingbird was an invitation to shift your path, and to be willing to bend forward and backward. The wisdom carried in this spirit totem is all about flexibility and a lighter approach. From spiders to hummingbirds - fear and restriction, to lightness and adaptability. What if I had to deal with a few more “crazies” and I occasionally got a little overwhelmed from being “too busy?” I also got some great new clients from advertising and I could adapt to the increased business, and the increased prosperity was awesome! The Universe was prompting me, guiding me, and helping me. All it took was a willingness to ask for help, and an openness to pay attention and act on the answers that came my way.

 Jim Ventura 7-2013

Editors note:

*Bagua map

If you are not familiar with Feng Shui you may not know how Feng Shui or Bagua maps work. Feng Shui is the art of placement. The Bagua is essentially a diagram of the areas of your home that relate to both the compass directions and the primary focuses of our lives (Relationships, health, career, family, etc...). When an area of your home and corresponding Bagua placement are out of balance, then we often experience blocks and difficulties in that area. Working with a competent Feng Shui practitioner or studying Feng Shui yourself, and applying cures is something I highly recommend to assist in manifesting more harmony, flow, and abundance. If you live in Phoenix and you are looking for a Feng Shui practitioner feel free to request the email addresses of either of the two I have worked with.

I am currently working to put together online classes and seminars for 2014. These classes will be video conference calls. If you are not a local here in Phoenix, you will be able to attend classes online with other students all over the country.  The maximum number of students for each seminar will be 8. The price of these online classes will be quite inexpensive, about $15-$25 for each class.

My summer special is over, but I have decided to offer a fall special to new clients for $20 off my listed prices for all sessions booked in September through November of 2013. Please mention this to friends and family members so they can take advantage of the opportunity. Any new referrals sent my way will earn my session clients and Snake Oil subscribers $10-$25 off of your next session for each referral! I send emails with your collected discount(s) out every six months. Four or more referrals can earn you a free session!

There are still openings in my fall classes. Email me if you are interested in attending before they get filled. We still have another painfully hot month here in Phoenix and no more monsoon storms to cool things down. September is that uncomfortable month in Phoenix when the nicer weather is just so close, yet so far... My happy thought is fall is around the corner though, and it’s my favorite season. Wishing everyone a happy September. Cheers, Jim V

“Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.” Buddha

“To be upset over what you don’t have is to waste what you do have.”  Ken S. Keyes

FALL CLASSES:

Past Life Journeys

Does reincarnation exist, and if so, how does it work? How can I become aware of my other lifetimes? What value is there in exploring my past lifetimes? What is karma?

Many aspects of past life exploration, from hypnosis to dreaming techniques will be discussed. By understanding the influence of karma and the past lives we have already lived, we will show how our past experiences affect us in our present life. The class focuses on setting up a past life journal, and explores the progression of our soul’s journeys. Astrology, Numerology, and many other tools will be utilized to aid you in becoming aware of your past lifetimes. “Desire to live again, because that will be your lot in any case.” Nietzsche

Saturday October 19th, 10 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-paid $20. $25 on day of the class (current Regular clients $15 pre-paid $20 day of the class). Maximum of 8 students, minimum of four to hold class.

Exploring The Dream State

What are dreams? Does everyone dream? Is there a way for me to remember my dreams? What value is there in increasing dream recall? Is it possible for me to Astral project (travel out of body)?

This workshop will focus on increasing awareness of the many different elements of the dream state. We will explore astral projection, remote viewing, lucid dreaming and analyzing your dream symbols. Dreams can be recalled and enhanced with simple techniques that are easy to learn. By becoming more conscious of your dreaming self you can awaken tremendous untapped potential. In addition, by expanding your memory and the activities of your dreaming self, you will tap into valuable, practical tools for expanding your waking life.

Sunday November 3rd, 10 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-paid $20. $25 on day of the class (current Regular clients $15 pre-paid $20 day of the class). Maximum of 8 students, minimum of four to hold class.

New Client Promotion

New clients who have never had a session with me before can take advantage of the last month of my summer special. Any of the sessions I offer (check out the different options on my website) are discounted $20 off my listed rates! 45 minute - 90 minute sessions all receive the discount. No other offers or discounts apply with this special. The new client’s $20 discount is good for in office or phone sessions and will run from September 1st, 2013 through November 30th 2013. You can buy one for a friend (new client) at this rate even if you have already had a session with me in the past if you want to give someone a gift!

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, September 5th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost 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 through some of the shows 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 foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” J. Robert Oppenheimer

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602) 957-3035 text: 602-349-0746 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! 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. 

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions. Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash payments.

All sessions/readings for 2013 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  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. 

I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes. Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.

August 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura

August 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura

Snake Oil 

Safety Dance  (This column was originally printed in January 2009)

When I put pen to paper to write this column, I was listening to a radio station that was playing eighties songs. “Safety Dance,” a song by a bizarre group called Men without Hats was playing. I temporarily stopped writing and marveled at the cosmic timing. I began thinking about where I was in my life when this song was popular. It was the mid eighties and back then the world seemed to be a much safer place than it is today. We were not in a war and our economy was not as shaky as it is today. In my mind I kept seeing images of the bizarre video made for this song. The crazy costumes, weird lyrics and dancing little people made me smile. Still, I thought about how unsafe I felt during that time in history. As bad as things are today, with America going through turmoil and needing a complete restructure, I had far more personal fear twenty-something years ago.

In the early eighties, I felt unsure of what my place was in this world. Would I find the right career? Would I find a partner? Would I be successful? Did I really have any talent? I also had an added fear that plagued me. I was fearful about coming to terms with my sexuality. This was a time long before “Will and Grace” and “Ellen.” It was scary back then to risk rejection from friends and family if I admitted that I wasn’t straight. Fortunately, I had already begun to study metaphysics and philosophy, so I was open to more positive perspectives. I had already started letting go of the false religious imprinting that made me believe I was a sinful person. Still, I had some aspects of Catholic guilt and martyrdom (fear of victimization) that were hanging around. Even more scary than accepting my sexuality, was coming out about my metaphysical studies. I was beginning to sense that my developing intuitive skills and use of Astrology, Numerology and Tarot were going to take me somewhere. I knew that I was meant to use these talents in the world, but it scared the shit out of me to think what people might say if they knew about my “weird interests.” I knew I was very different in many ways from “normal” people and this made me nervous and fearful about being rejected.

I began looking at the idea of feeling safe in an unsafe world. I also knew I would have to grasp the notion that safety was actually an inside job. The idea of feeling safe started when I began to read books by Jane Roberts. Jane spoke for a nonphysical entity who called himself Seth. The Seth material is one of the most brilliant channeled metaphysical writings on record. Jane Roberts shared my Catholic upbringing and fear that she was sinful. Yet, when she channeled Seth he said that we could live in a Safe Universe. This idea excited me. If indeed my thoughts and beliefs created my reality, (the main message of the Seth Material), then I should be able to create a world around me that was safe. Even though the current evidence seemed contrary to the idea, I decided to embrace the idea of creating a life of peace and protection. I wanted to believe that I was lovable, valuable and that the world would be safe for me. I began to focus on a new belief - that I had nothing to protect myself from.*

My work with oracles and looking at other cultural perspectives was a very beneficial part of my road to developing confidence and a sense of security. When I bought a deck of Druid animal cards in my late twenties, I encountered another perspective around the idea of protection. According to Druid teachings (Pagan culture) they believed that when you were born, you were protected and loved by the Goddess. Unlike most Christian teachings, Druids did not believe in original sin (Adam and Eve stuff). They believed that the soul and body were not tainted at birth. Druids saw the cow as a gift to us and a representation of the love and protection of the Goddess. Her milk and its nourishing power were a reminder of how the Goddess takes care of each and every one of us. If you think about what cows represent, everything about them is useful, with the potential to truly nourish us. The Druids took this idea even further - they believed that if you sat in the spot from which a cow just moved, you would be protected from all harmful spells and anyone who might want to hurt you. I began to meditate on the protection of cow in my life and began feeling safer. As I began to feel safer inside, my outer world became more harmonious and less scary.

About six years ago, I had a major car accident. It happened a few months after a very painful relationship ended. For months after the accident I would get somewhat phobic each time I got into my car to drive. It was especially difficult when I drove on the 101 freeway in Scottsdale where my accident occurred. A few months after my accident, I was in a bookstore that had an open deck of angel cards for customers to look at. I pulled one of Doreen Virtue’s angel cards and received a message from an angel named Zanna. The card said, “You are protected from all types of harm. The worst is now behind you. I ask you to relax and feel safe.” The card went into further detail and mentioned that angels were even protecting my vehicles. It took effort not to cry when I purchased my first deck of angel cards. I held back happy tears. One of the good things I was taught in Catholic school was that we all have guardian angels who watch over us and protect us. While I have no plans to go back to Catholicism, I could see that this angel stuff was really of value. I had resistance to getting into the angel concept and angel cards because of the screwed up religious teachings I had encountered in the past. I lumped all religious things into one basket and lost site of the good things that were part of my religious experiences. I began to see that a belief in angels was not about religion. It is a way to tap into another dimension of support that really does exist. The angel cards have since been a major component in my sense of safety and the experience of miracles for me and many of my clients. I believe we are supported by things we simply cannot physically see.

Along the way, I used practical, tangible tools to help me develop a sense of safety. This started even earlier than my metaphysical studies. When I was sixteen, I bought a set of weights and began to work out religiously. When I turned eighteen, I joined a gym and stepped up my workouts even more. I even learned how to do some boxing a few years ago. For me, the process of creating a solid, muscular body has been tremendously influential in feeling safe in this world. A person who is looking to victimize another person in any way is far less likely to do this with someone who looks physically strong. The last time I had to defend myself from any type of physical threat was nearly thirty years ago, therefore this must be working. It’s more than my physical strength and solid body that keeps me protected. It’s the knowledge that I unconsciously broadcast that I can easily defend myself.

There is no question that the world is a bit darker these days and many people feel unsafe. This decade has really brought fear into more prominence for everyone. However, it’s this same fear that will be responsible for making it more clear about what fear really is and how we allow ourselves to be manipulated by it. Perhaps the extreme corruption that is so blatantly part of our economic and political systems, and the Christian right’s obnoxious attempts to bring us back into the “good old days of the 1950’s,” will turn out to be beneficial. Maybe all of this darkness is being exposed so we can finally reject this crap once and for all, and create a harmonious world.

Over fourteen years ago, I gave up fear around being judged about my sexuality. Today, I feel completely safe about expressing this part of myself and also couldn’t give a damn if someone disapproves of my sexuality, my spiritual interests or anything else I do. The narrow, morally bigoted opinions that still exist no longer influence me. I have grown more comfortable about talking and writing about my metaphysical studies. Feeling safe is an inside job. When we shift our focus to feeling safe as opposed to being afraid, we create safety for ourselves. It is up to us create this. No one can do it for us. The idea that, “I will be happy and safe when I am finally married,” or “I will feel safe when I have medical insurance,” or “ I will be safe when I make a hundred thousand dollars a year,” etc..., are all attempts to use an outer structure to promote internal safety. These things may work for a while but inevitably aren’t strong enough to create a permanent sense of safety. We use our beliefs to create structures and experiences. If we are willing to recognize this, we can begin to realize the true power that we have always had: to consciously create the life we choose to live. Believing in things such as angel cards is just one of many ways to tap into a part of ourselves that trusts in unseen guidance and support. The trick is to be willing to change the fearful beliefs we often cling to so tenaciously. Knowing that our beliefs always form our reality, why would any enlightened person choose to believe that the world is unsafe?

I am far stronger now and more confident than I was before I began to study metaphysics and philosophy. The wise teachings of many other cultures have contributed to this sense of safety. I have added another form of safety into my life. On the rare occasion I start to worry about the future or feel unsafe in any area, I mentally play the safety dance song in my head. I am still not sure what the hell the safety dance actually is, but it doesn’t matter. This makes me laugh and I inevitably smile and forget what was causing me to feel anxious and unsafe. The power of humor to puncture some of the ridiculous structures and fears we hold onto is a valuable power anyone can tap into. When I was younger I would have occasional panic attacks. Now in my mid-forties, these are almost non-existent. There is nothing to panic about. It doesn’t matter what is happening in the outside world, I will be more than okay. All of this internal and external safety work has paid off. Recognize that no matter what is going on around us, we are safe and protected. The only thing that can truly block this is to buy into the negative fears that exist in this world and let them become a part of your personal reality .    Jim Ventura 10-2008

*Check out part of the passage from one of Seth’s book called “Safe Universe” at the end of this newsletter. 

Editors note:

July was one of the busiest months for me all year. After a some shifts in the Feng Shui in my home both internally and externally (they are both interconnected) and a commitment to do more marketing and advertising, I had a busy, prosperous month. It was exciting to reach so many new clients this way, although I think I will always prefer referrals. Almost half of the people who find an online ad of mine inquire about sessions but never actually book one. I think that some of them are looking for quick 5 minute palm readings or quick psychic shock value predictions as opposed to helpful insight and an opportunity for some real transformation, increased awareness, and healing. There’s nothing wrong with anyone looking for this type of thing, but it’s not my style. I really learned a lot about how to market and advertise inexpensively and in many cases for free online. This Scholar can be extremely thorough when I decide to “go back to school.” I will be sharing some of this information over the next few months here in future Snake Oil newsletters, for anyone who wants to market their business this way. 

I will be listing some online (via Skype and other similar ways of doing online classes) upcoming classes at the end of the year. In the meantime, I will be doing a few home mini classes this fall and winter. The first two are listed in this month’s newsletter. If you are a local or plan on being in the valley when these classes are happening, contact me to reserve a space in any of the classes you are interested in. I keep the maximum of students in any series at 8, so reserve a spot early in case the class fills.

While my workload of personal sessions has increased recently I will keep my commitment to offering the new client special of $25 off an introductory session (any of my listed sessions from 45-90 minutes). If you have never had a session before with me, or want to buy one for a new client as a gift, take advantage of the offer while it is still  from now until August 31st, of 2013. Cheers. Jim V

“Buddha was asked. ‘What have you gained from meditation?’ He replied, “Nothing!’ 

‘However. Buddha said, let me tell you what I lost:

Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Insecurity, Fear of Old Age and Death.”

Phoenix Fall Classes w Jim Ventura: 

PAST LIFE JOURNEYS

Does reincarnation exist, and if so, how does it work? How can I become aware of my other lifetimes? What value is there in exploring my past lifetimes? What is karma?

Many aspects of past life exploration, from hypnosis to dreaming techniques will be discussed. By understanding the influence of karma and the past lives we have already lived, we will show how our past experiences affect us in our present life. The class focuses on setting up a past life journal, and explores the progression of our soul’s journeys. Astrology, Numerology, and many other tools will be utilized to aid you in becoming aware of your past lifetimes. “Desire to live again, because that will be your lot in any case.” Nietzsche

Saturday October 19th, 10 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-paid $20. $25 on day of the class (current Regular clients $15 pre-paid $20 day of the class). Maximum of 8 students, minimum of four to hold class.

EXPLORING THE DREAM STATE

What are dreams? Does everyone dream? Is there a way for me to remember my dreams? What value is there in increasing dream recall? Is it possible for me to Astral project (travel out of body)?

This workshop will focus on increasing awareness of the many different elements of the dream state. We will explore astral projection, remote viewing, lucid dreaming and analyzing your dream symbols. Dreams can be recalled and enhanced with simple techniques that are easy to learn. By becoming more conscious of your dreaming self you can awaken tremendous untapped potential. In addition, by expanding your memory and the activities of your dreaming self, you will tap into valuable, practical tools for expanding your waking life.

Sunday November 3rd, 10 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-paid $20. $25 on day of the class (current Regular clients $15 pre-paid $20 day of the class). Maximum of 8 students, minimum of four to hold class.

“The tragedy is that what you disapprove of in others is the very thing you disapprove of in yourself.” Stephen Richards

New client promotion

New clients who have never had a session with me before can take advantage of the last month of my summer special. Any of the sessions I offer (check out the different options on my website) are discounted $25 off my listed rates! 45 minute - 90 minute sessions all receive the discount. No other offers or discounts apply with this special. The new clients $25 discount is good for in office or phone sessions and will run until August 31st of 2013. You can buy one for a friend at this rate if you have already had a session with me in the past if you want to give someone a gift!

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, August 8th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost 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 through some of the shows 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.

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602) 957-3035 text: 602-349-0746 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! 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 

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions. Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash payments.

All sessions/readings for 2013 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). 

I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes. Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.

Spotlight on one of the unique readings I offer:

Past Lifetimes reading

“Many of us feel strong affinities for places, times, and cultures that supersede our early experience in this life. Perhaps we even feel alien to our current era, or have a deep emotional response, much like homesickness, for certain ethnic groups, peoples, countries, and societies beyond our present environment. We may consider the possibility of reincarnation-that dark, mystical subject that seems so complex, so unreachable. The knowledge we seek is often unclear, much like a reflection on muddy waters.

How can we know when we lived and where? How much of what we were then are we now? What are the lessons that still must be learned?” Susan Sheppard creator of the Phoenix cards

The idea of living past lives was never something I struggled with. When I was a child I remembered living other lifetimes, so it was never something that I questioned. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I began to do past life regressions, meditations, and practiced lucid dreaming techniques to begin to get a clearer picture of some of my past lifetimes. I logged quite a few in my explorations, reinforcing the awareness that I was a bit of an old soul. In my mid twenties I picked up a really cool deck of cards that help to unravel information about other lifetimes. I have been working with the Phoenix cards for over 20 years now.They are an excellent tool for tapping into other cultures, times, and places where we may have lived before. I have been doing sessions with these cards for clients successfully for many years. The cards tap into different places and my intuitive abilities are often able to pull out specific details connected with these lives for my clients. (Old Soul Scholar skill in accessing the Akashic records.) Jim V

“If you have a past life reading, you probably won’t be surprised at the outcome of your past-life reading. Most of us have dim ghostly ideas of who we really are. The realization of our fate casts an aura of affirmation over our lives. Whatever affects our world happens first internally as an idea, a feeling, or a dream. It is through our dreams, waking and unconscious, that past-life memories are felt and then brought again to the surface. The Phoenix cards are a powerful tool to help you reconnect with a larger awareness of who you really are.” S. Sheppard

I will be doing a class on how you can become more aware of your past lifetimes on October 19th. If you are interested in a Past Life reading you can contact me to book one at any time. Snake Oil subscribers get $5 off my listed prices (check website for session prices and more information). I also still have my new client discount offer until the end of August for $25 off 45-90 minutes session. You can use this offer if you have never had a session with me before or buy one for a friend!

“Good friends are like stars...you don’t always see them but you know they are always there.” Unknown

Safe Universe

“Each of you, to some extent or another, believe that the universe is not safe, and therefore you must set up defenses against it. The official one-line consciousness with which you are familiar says, the world is not safe. I cannot trust it. Nor can I trust the conditions of experience or the conditions of my own existence. Nor can I trust myself. I can look at a squirrel and rejoice, but I cannot look at myself and rejoice, for I am filled with inequity and I am, to some extent evil.

Seth spoke with rich irony here, looking from one person to another. I am not only evil as myself, but I come from a tainted and flawed race. My mother and my father were flawed before me and I send these tragic flaws into the future. Therefore, I must set up my defenses in whatever way I can, to protect myself in a universe that I cannot trust, and from a self that is evil and flawed.

Now, as long as you hold on to these beliefs, then you must indeed set up defenses. As long as you believe that you dwell in a universe that is a threat, you must defend yourself against it. As long as you believe that the self is flawed and that the race is doomed and evil, you must defend yourself against yourself. And how can you trust the voice of the psyche? When I say to you, be spontaneous, how dare you take that step? To be spontaneous would obviously give rise to all the lust, passion, murder, and hatred that to you in inherent in the human heart.

So you say, I try to be spontaneous, but how can I? I try to believe that I am good, but how can I be good when I come from a race that is evil? You try to say, the universe is safe, and then you watch the television news or read the newspaper and you say, what lie is this? How can the universe be safe when I read about wholesale murder war, trickery, and greed? How can I be myself, for if I am myself will I not unleash into the world only more of the horror I see about me? For surely human nature cannot change, and human nature is evil. Look already what evil it has worked upon the planet, then tell me Seth, be spontaneous! What do you ask of me, and how can I stand upon the authority of the psyche or tell myself I am good?

My last book, The Nature of Personal Reality, is a good book. It is a helpful book, and it is far trickier than you realize. It will lead you automatically, if you use it, out of the official line-of consciousness. You will begin to question not only your own private beliefs for your own purposes, but the nature of beliefs. And you will be led to discover other strands of consciousness.

The one-line stage of consciousness was necessary, but it contained within it tis own impetus for development. It set up challenges that could not be solved at that stage, and that would automatically lead you to other kinds of awareness. Only when you sense these, can old contradictions make sense.

You need no say, the universe is safe, for at your present level, that will only enrage you. Say instead, I live in a safe universe, and so you shall. Those defenses you have set up will crumble for they will not be needed.”

One of Seth’s students asked Seth about his discomfort with the woman he is dating because she does not know of Seth’s ideas. Seth responds:

“Now there are people who are quite involved with my ideas who do not know my name. There are people quite content with their lot and they do not know my name. They know themselves. They are aware of the vitality of their beings and they do not need me to tell them that they are important. The flowers and cats and trees don’t need me to tell them they are important either, and there are many people who do not need me for the same reason.

These people recognize the vitality of their existence. They ignore the belief systems of their times. They are ancient children. They may not read philosophy, but they listen to the wind. They watch the behavior of the season... If you were satisfied with the nature of your existence, you would not be here. Those who are satisfied, do not need my voice. They find sufficient reinforcement from the dawn and the twilight.

They may build ditches or work in fields or factories. They do not need to listen to my voice because they listen to the voice of the oak trees and the birds, and the voices of their own beings. I am a poor imitation of the voices of your own psyches to which you do not listen. I will be unneeded, and gladly so, when you realize that the vitality and reinforcement and joy are your own, and rise from the fountain of your own beings; when you realize that you do not need me for protection, for there is nothing you need protect yourself against.”

Psychic Politics by Jane Roberts

July 2013 Snake Oil/Jim V

Snake Oil

Pig-ignorance

Every time I saw him at my gym, he showed an obvious interest in getting into a conversation with me. He often worked out or played basketball around the same time I worked out. He was in his early twenties, ridiculously good looking, with a sculptured body and a pretty-boy-kinda-guy that made me immediately think he was probably a jerk. Even though I thought this, I noticed that he seemed to be friendly with everyone he interacted with, so I had no real reason to think he was arrogant. He reminded me of the genetically blessed types of guys and girls that I remember from high school; the “popular people,” the cheerleaders, jocks, and terminally attractive types who were usually shallow and for whom most things in life came easily. I resented “the beautiful, popular ones” because I was not one of these types of people in high school. Even though I am in my forties now, I still remember the sting of being snubbed by these types because I was a quiet, shy high school student and tried my best to remain invisible. This young man brought that part of me to the surface and I found myself avoiding making eye contact with him and ignoring his clear signals to chat with me.

I saw him a number of times at the gym before he finally just walked up to me and aggressively introduced himself. He had a firm handshake, great smile and nearly flawless features. Dirk told me that he recently graduated from college and was looking for work. He was bummed out that it was so difficult to find a job in the current market in his particular field. At one level I was right about Dirk. He was an ex-football player and a quarterback in high school. He was clearly a popular guy. When he told me that he was helping his handicapped older brother and working part-time setting up big inflatable balloons for children at kid’s parties until he found work in his field, I had to immediately rethink my position. The more I listened to him, I began to find myself being impressed by this sharp, hard-working young man. He was down to earth, smart, nice and clearly a genuinely cool person. It would be difficult for anyone not to like Dirk, and I found myself feeling a little ashamed of putting him in a category that turned out to be inaccurate.

In the Druid tradition one of the ways they perceive all of the sacred animals here on Earth is that they represent elements of human characteristics. Sow (pigs) represent abundance, generosity, and discovery. If a person’s “sow-energy” is out of balance, then it can represent greed or “Pig-ignorance.” This negative human tendency often comes into play when we judge others only on outer beauty alone. It can also apply when we resent someone for having something we may wish we had. It represents prejudiced perceptions we often have toward any person or group of people. When we shut off the excitement of discovering the beauty of every individual, we close our lives off and limit our perceptions. It is common for people to pre-judge, and put people into categories. This often starts when we follow the beliefs about others from parental influences, siblings, other family members, or friends that we grow up with that teach us how certain people “really are.” More often than not, this is something we decide without actually finding out who and what people are as individuals. Other influences that tend to create this are when we have a “bad” previous experience with someone who belongs to one of these groups or categories. The experience contributes to our putting people into tiny boxes. These beliefs and opinions often stay with us into adulthood. We hold tightly to these beliefs and may resist releasing these judgments, even if we are presented with new information that is contrary. Most of us have some pig-ignorance inside of us. My encounter with Dirk made me realize that even though I thought I had let go of judgement, I still had a pocket or two of this prejudiced energy inside of me. 

The funny thing about my placing Dirk into the “pretty popular, shallow people” category is that on a number of occasions people put me in the very same category! There have been times when I’ve experienced people talking to me and telling me that they were surprised to find that I was smart, friendly and not nearly as arrogant as they thought I would be on first impression. Most of the times this has happened have been in bars, especially among gay men who put me in the arrogant, attractive, dumb-muscle-guy category. The strangest part of these pre-judgments about me is that they are extremely inaccurate. I once remember standing in a bar with a friend of mine who was twenty years older than me and somewhat out of shape. I was handed a flyer to attend a late night party by some good-looking guy I didn’t even know. He did not invite or hand my friend an invitation. He was only handing the flyers to the people he thought were attractive in the bar. I threw the flyer away because I would never attend a party hosted by someone who was that rude and shallow. The whole idea of it sickened me. But the sad part is I could see the pain on my buddy’s face, even though he pretended it didn’t bother him. I could only feel empathy for him, since there have been times when I was treated the very same way.

Lets face it, almost everyone has been guilty of judging others by outer appearances at one time or another. Pig-ignorance is a common practice. We pre-judge people with different nationalities, sexual orientations, body differences, classes of wealth, religions, and a host of other elements. I have been guilty of this myself, especially when I was younger. And, I recently did it with a new potential friend at my gym. This made me start to think about all the people in my past that I had perceived as “obnoxious, pretty, popular people,” whom I had either ignored or shut myself off from getting to know. I may have gotten some of this from my mother. She was sometimes harsh about judging others. Still, no matter where this attribute came from, it is now time to let go of these false assumptions. I’m an adult and I am not a victim of past programming unless I choose to be. My guess is that some of the people in my past that I labeled “too popular” never tried to talk to me because I was shutting them out and never gave them a chance. I now know that many of the times in my past when I felt “snubbed” I was actually doing the snubbing!

The “pig,” in its more positive sense, represents experiencing everything in life from a sense of wonder, discovery, and taking delight in approaching new people and experiences as exciting opportunities. Like the wise Sow, we can learn to dive into all of the abundance that life has to offer. When we begin to relish the many diverse, unique individuals that we can meet and learn from, we get to be generous. And that generosity will make people more generous with us as well. When we let go of pig-ignorance we stop prejudging and negatively categorizing everyone and placing them in neat little inaccurate stereotypical boxes. Then we can actually take some time to open up to new ways of perceiving the world around us. Like the wise pig, we can actually enjoy the feast of life and celebrate everything it has to offer!

Jim Ventura 7-2009

Editors note:

Summer is here and like most Phoenician’s I have adapted to the 110 degree temperature high that is so common in late June and July. I go to the gym, do food shopping, and other assorted errands in the early morning, while covering other things like getting gas and depositing checks at the bank whenever possible when the sun goes down. Not my favorite time of year, but my Ac is working fine so I can handle it. Fall is quite a ways away...

I sent out referral comps this month. Special thanks to all of my clients who referred people to check out the session options I offer and successfully encouraged clients to book. I always appreciate referrals and reward my “sales people” with $10-20 off discounts for each referral sent my way. It is even easier than ever to send referrals this summer because I am offering a new client discount of $25 off any 45-90 minute session I offer for all of July and August of 2013! More information is available on my website and later in this email. While referrals have always been the strongest source of new clients for me, I have been advertising on a number of different sites on the internet and I am bringing in a lot of new clients this way. It is amazing to see how many free or extremely inexpensive ways there are to advertise on the net. I have also learned how to get to show up in the top spots on search engines. I am compiling all of this information with a list of all of the available sites and I will probably publish a mini book on this in the next year. I will be giving this information out to all of my current Regular clients as a gift in the next few months. Just another perk for my Regulars.

Mercury is retrograde in Cancer until July 21st. I mentioned a bit about this on FaceBook (go to my business page and put in an I-like and you will see all of the posts and receive the new ones about once a week.) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371

You can also check out my last radio show in June for even more information about this transit.

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jim-ventura/2013/06/27/snake-oil-radiocurrent-astrology-show

I am holding off on scheduling new classes until October and I will have information about the upcoming fall classes in my August newsletter. New Snake Oil’s are also in the works. I have been so busy researching online advertising and finishing my Tarot interpretation book that I have gotten behind on column writing. When I was a kid I used to read Dear Abby and Ann Lander’s. They would often run old columns when they were busy with other things or on vacation. They were writing columns for so long that it was rare for me to remember ever reading any of their re-runs. I have over 100 Snake Oil columns counting the “Snake Charm” pieces, so now I get to do what they did from time to time - for me, a real sense of accomplishment! Wishing everyone a happy summer! Cheers Jim V

“Trying to change ‘what is’ usually doesn’t work. Trying to change how you feel about ‘what is’ usually does.” Dick Sutphen

“When the past calls, let it go to voicemail, believe me, it has nothing new to say.” Unknown

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, July 11th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost 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 through some of the shows 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.

Join me on July 18th for my interview with Karla Lamley. Karla is a Transformational Life Coach, Mentor and Healer with over 25 years experience in the field of human potential and spiritual growth. In addition to Life Coaching she has a Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner and serves her clients/patients using both alternative and conventional therapies. She has studied Eastern and Western philosophies, which has shaped and developed her unique understanding and ability to assist individuals in integrating spiritual living-ness into everyday life. One of the most profound tools she uses for herself and her clients are essential oils. www.ylwebsite.com/heartofeverything

Karla has studied and worked with the Tz'utujiil Mayan Shaman in the highlands of Santiago Atitlan Guatemala for the last seven years and have been practicing Kriya Yoga since 1998 with Swami Paramahamsa Prajnanananda.

She works with individuals and groups to support their spiritual development, and to open communication between the seen and unseen aspects of life. If you are ready to increase and expand your intelligence, join Karla on this sacred journey we call Life who is ready to support and guide you.

Sessions

Individual session packages are available. For more information or to schedule an Appointment Call 602-509-0185
Email: Heartofeverything@me.com

“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered there is opportunity for growth.” Unknown

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602) 957-3035 text: 602-349-0746 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 or give an I-Like thumbs up on my business page 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.

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for 45-90 minute sessions.

All sessions/readings for 2013 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). 

I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes. Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.

New client promotion

New clients who have never had a session with me before (including Snake Oil subscribers) can take advantage of my summer special. Any of the sessions I offer (check out the different options on my website) are discounted $25 off my listed rates. 45 minute - 90 minute sessions all receive the discount. No other offers or discounts apply with this special. The new clients $25 off discount is good for in office or phone sessions and will run until August 31st of 2013. You may also buy one extra (at this rate) to give as a gift to someone!