December 2014 Snake Oil

December 2014 Snake Oil

Snake Oil  

Tinfoil Covering The Baby Jesus

I grew up in a large Catholic family where Christmas rituals were an important part of our holiday experience. Amidst the craziness of Santa Claus, Christmas shopping and stuffing our faces full of sugar through most of December, our family still celebrated “the true meaning of Christmas.” It was the time when Christ the savior was born. Like almost every child raised in a Christian home, we were taught the importance of remembering “the truth” about Christmas. Even from what we believed to be our enlightened perspective, we were still all about the indulgence that Christmas seemed to usher in, and as a child I loved every minute of it.

During the holidays, atop the television set was placed a small figurine of the baby Jesus. The figurine was part of a nativity scene. In our family we placed a piece of tinfoil over the small statue. My mother explained this practice to us: “until Christmas Day comes, Jesus had not yet been born.” She would inevitably ask us each Christmas morning if we had pulled the tinfoil off of Jesus before we began opening our presents. We never remembered. The excitement and lure of greedily tearing open presents far outweighed any interest in mom's custom. Still, we dutifully faked reverence in front of Mom, pulling off the tinfoil only to instantly place all of our attention back to the presents.

Young children, understandably, aren't into philosophy, morality and religious rituals. As a child, most of the things I was taught about Christian teachings weren't really interesting and were often scary. Pictures of Christ nailed to a cross with bleeding hands and feet were horrifying. The picture common in Christian homes of Christ praying with a huge beating, burning heart in his chest terrified me. To please my mother, I pretended to be interested in the Bible. Our children's Bible was illustrated with pictures that mostly gave me nightmares. Stories and pictures of pestilence, lepers, children being sacrificed, people dying and a man who was hung to die on a cross did not make for comfortable bedtime stories.

Understanding parables, Christ's message of love and other biblical stories can be excellent ways to connect to our spiritual sides. Children, though, simply are not ready for this type of thing. I can safely guarantee that any child of any religion that is happy about learning this stuff is faking it to please their parents or guardians. Young children are not able to grasp the significance of spiritual teachings, and that is exactly as it should be. Why not let children enjoy Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, and all the fun stuff until they are old enough to grasp the deeper meanings of religion and spirituality?

Even as we approach our forties, around Christmas, my little sister and I still tease each other about whether we have pulled the tinfoil off of the baby Jesus. We playfully and sarcastically joke about this and some of the other bizarre rituals we were taught. Maybe we haven't really grown up yet, maybe we never will.

Jim Ventura 10-2003

Editors Note:

This month’s holiday column was originally printed in 2003!

Last months column must have hit a few nerves for a number of my readers. Every few months I get a request or two to “unsubscribe” from receiving my monthly column. There are many reasons why this happens, so it doesn’t concern me. I see it as one of the realities of reaching a large audience (Snake Oil is sent out now to about 1400 people each month). People will understandably decide for their own unique reasons why they no longer want to receive the column. But, when I get a number of requests to be removed in the same month, I often wonder what the trigger was. In this case, my column about people writing mean comments thru the internet (cyber bullies) and this being one of the five evils that are part of human nature must have made some people really uncomfortable. I had 7 “unsubscribe” requests after this one! This ties my previous record back in 2009 when I published a column about why I was against war, explaining that this creates difficult karma, and more importantly, because we don’t take care of our soldiers the way we should when they return. In the book the Secret Language of Birthdays, my birthday is the “day of the instigator.” I think they got it right. I really do enjoy pushing a few buttons from time to time. People seem to love me or hate me, but at least I trigger a response!

The holiday season is here again. December is a free pass for me to eat a lot more of the crap I try to keep down to a minimum the rest of the year. My Taurus rising personality does enjoy the excuse to indulge! Last year I gained six extra pounds in November and December. It is worth it though. Getting the weight off again in January and February is usually not very difficult. One of the responses I normally have after indulging is to lose interest in indulging again for a while! I see cake, cookies, turkey, lasagna, and a lot of “bad” stuff in the cards for me for the rest of the month. I also see salads, very little sugar, and remarkable self control again when 2015 kicks in!

I have decided to keep my prices for sessions at the same rate for 2015. There will be no price increase for sessions this coming year. I am also offering a really good special this month. ALL sessions booked for both new clients as well as returning clients, and anyone who receives Snake Oil currently will be at my REGULAR CLEINT rates for the whole month. Regulars always get $15-25 off my normal rates, and this December, so do you! You may also purchase gift certificates at these discounted rates for friends and family, and yourself to use anytime in the coming year ahead! Quarterly clients in my Regular Client program pay $90 for a full session. $65 for 45 minute sessions and $105 for extended 90 minute sessions. Any appointments for December of 2014 will be at these rates. This special ends on December 31st. Email me at Venturasag@yahoo.com to book your December session, or to purchase gift certificates. 

I have some new classes scheduled for Winter/Spring 2015. Check out the class options if you are interested. Wishing everyone a Happy holiday season and a great start to 2015! Cheers, Jim V 

“The price of being negative to another person is turbulence or disturbance within yourself.” Dick Sutphen

Gift Certificates and an Extremely Good Snake Oil Subscriber Special for December 2014

December 1-31st 2014: ALL sessions booked for both new clients as well as returning clients, and anyone who receives Snake Oil currently, will be at my REGULAR CLEINT rates for the whole month! 

Regulars always get $15-25 off my normal rates. Quarterly clients in my Regular Client program pay $90 for full sessions. $65 for 45 minute sessions and $105 for extended 90 minute sessions. Any appointments for December of 2014 will be at these rates. This special ends on December 31st.

You may also purchase gift certificates at these rates for friends and family, and yourself to use anytime in the coming year ahead! A maximum of three gift certificates can be purchased at these rates this month. Any of the many different types of sessions I offer are options for this special. You can get more information about the different sessions available on my website at JimVentura.com. 

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years. 

One’s astrological birth chart has been described as the blueprint of one’s soul. Could you comment?

“Indeed I can. A natal chart is a bit like a chess problem, in which your beginning position determines how you will play. Rather than start the game neutrally, with rooks, pawns, and knights in their traditional places on the board, you array them in ‘conjunction’ or ‘opposition’ to one another, so that they can exert challenges of different sorts.

You astrological birth chart is not as deterministic as you may have heard. Rather, it is a symbolic statement of the ‘game plan’ you have chosen for yourself. But you want to use a diving board as something to propel you, not to restrict you.

A typical Gemini or an archetypal Capricorn has, in a sense, chosen to play from his or her natal power base. But like a chess piece, even they can move to a different square! If others do not at all fit the astrological pattern, the astrologers say, ‘Ah, this person was not born at the stated time,’ or ‘One planet must have been overlooked when the chart was first drawn up.’

You are not bound or ‘ruled’ by your natal birth chart. It is more of an opportunity. But because opportunities are usually grasped, you take advantage of it. Because the positions of the planets at your birth do give a certain emphasis, you are more likely to run with these existing energies than you are to rebel needlessly.”

From: Answers from a Grander Self Channeled and edited by Tam Mossman

Classes for 2015

Getting Your Star On The Map And Making It Shine!

This class will focus on how you can successfully market your own business. If you already have a business or are contemplating launching one in the near future, this class will help you to do this successfully. You may be looking to create a side business in addition to your current job, or may be contemplating working completely for yourself. There are now many options for a creating a successful home based business! My self included, I know a number of people who have successfully done this.

Instructor Jim Ventura is a navigational consultant who started his own home based business twenty-two years ago. His background as an advertising art major, in addition to perseverance through many difficult types of marketing trial and errors has given him quite a bit of information that he will now share with his students in this class.

Nearly any type of business can become a successful one if you know what tools are available. We will also go deeper into looking at how to recognize and eliminate the internal blocks that may keep you from being a success. This class will help you to identify and remove these blocks permanently. 

Some of the areas we will cover are:

Yelp and other review sites

Marketing with Business cards, brochures, and building your own website.

Social media

Internet search engines

Radio and television

Practical business planning for establishing your own home based business.

Managing the practical details of home (or other locale) based businesses.

Students who already took my Prosperity classes in 2014 will get first chance to take the available spots. Because I am doing 2 different dates there will likely be some openings for others in this class. Ask to sign up early to reserve a spot. $25 on day of class, or $20 pre-paid before February 1st 2014. (Current Regular clients get a $5 discount). Maximum of 8 students (one call in) in each class. There will be 2 dates available for this class. Saturday February 7th at 10 am until 12:30 pm. Sunday March 8th noon until 2:30 pm. Email me to reserve a spot(s).

HIGHLIGHT ON READINGS:

This reading example illustrates how I often combine two different types of oracles in one session. 

Jim Remembers that he can read his own cards!

It would be easy to assume that because I am able to read my own cards (Tarot and other Oracles) I would be doing it all the time. Yet, sometimes many months go by before I even remember to sit down and do a spread to get a feel for the opportunities and challenges present and likely to surface in the next few months. 

I had a day off in early November and decided it was time to do this. After 30 years of working with these tools, I am still amazed at how often accurate and helpful Oracle readings can be. Here are just a few highlights of the reading:

My Tarot card spread for next few months came up Ace of Cups reversed in the past, or basis of question position. This means a period of being closed off from intimate relationships and partnerships, or not finding a suitable match. This is correct. I have been single for many years now. I am VERY comfortable being single, but I have been thinking about opening up to the idea of a relationship again. The recent past position came up Death Archetype (13) upright. This means a period of change and movement from one stage of life to another. My present came up the 8 Cups reversed covered me with the Empress (3) crossing me. This combination suggests a period of prosperity and celebration. It can suggest a bit of indulgence as well. I am leaving for Vegas next week for a few days, there is definitely going to be some indulgence. I even packed extra cigars for the trip! It also suggests that many of the seeds I have planted in business, friendships and other areas are flourishing at this time. The Empress also highlights creativity. I started working on a drawing for my next book (I was an art major in college and quite good at it) which is something I haven’t done in a number of years. Business, health and life in general are good right now, so this combination of cards really fit. The near future came up the Fool card (0). This means a period of risk and opportunity ahead that is likely to be beneficial. Life force, opportunities, and new enthusiasm make life exciting. The 8 Wands  reversed hangs over me; this means there may be a few delays ahead in some areas, and to not try to push or force anything. The delays will be frustrating at times, but temporary and may prove useful. There are some annoying things happening in my HOA right now and I am pretty sure this card primarily refers to this issue. The outcome for the next few months came up many different Court cards, and the 2 of Pentacles upright. Court cards are the people currently in my life and also a suggestion of new people coming in. All the court cards came up upright, this suggests more harmony as opposed to challenge in my relationships with others. The 2 of Pentacles shows juggling many different things, but also being able to go with the flow of life’s changes.

I also pulled some animal totems. The (Sow) Pigs came up reversed in my present. It can represent overindulgence and being a little bit of a Pig. This is funny and true. After almost 8 months of purposeful celibacy, and reasonably curbing other potential indulgences I broke and did a few “bad boys things.” I am sure a few of the people I briefly went out with have decided I am a pig! I never called any of them back afterwards, even though I could see that a few were interested in me. My dipping briefly into some meaningless sexual play was beneficial though. I needed a little fun and it just reminded me that while enjoyable, it is ultimately a hollow experience and not where my energy needs to be at this time. I indulged a bit in other a few other ways, and even put on a few pounds from eating like a pig for the last few weeks. A few nights last month I baked homemade chocolate chip cookies and ate them at 10 pm, delicious but not wise...

The near future totem came up Hawk upright and the Water Dragon. Hawk suggests being able to see the puzzle pieces of one’s life coming together. He helps us develop confidence, nobility and a broader view of things. The Water Dragon suggests emotional memories from my past resurfacing that both clear old patterns, and bring up hopes and  dreams that may have long been buried. It can also suggest new emotional connections. I feel good about this reading. It really fit, and I actually feel very clear again. I like having the assistance of a Tarot and animal totem map!

I always remind my clients that we create our own reality through our thoughts and beliefs. A good reading will be able to give you clarity and an increased awareness of your own reality creating process. You can clearly see what is working and not working! When you are open and willing to use oracles to assist in your growth, you can enhance your own intuition and awareness while navigating through your life in a much more empowered way. The cards (and my intuitive feelings, guidance, and suggestions in sessions) are not meant to replace your intuitive wisdom and creative process, they are meant to provide validation and help you see even more clearly!    Jim V 11-12-14 

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, December 4th at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). This month’s second show will actually be on Wednesday the 26th at 3:30 pm. Most Thursdays 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).

To hear a live show, 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 (best method for contact)

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?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 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. 

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive  another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments. 

I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes in office. Phone session will need to be by check or thru Paypal.

Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.

November 2014 Snake Oil/Cyber Bullies

Snake Oil/ Cyber Bullies

I saw an article on the Yahoo home page that made me smile at first. Someone was interviewing the actress Gabriel Sidebe. During her interview she talked about how she once dated a guy who eventually realized he was gay and broke up with her. She expressed no anger about the experience and remarked that a lot of girls go thru something similar. She brought up a good point, many women and men have experienced something like this in their lives. She felt it was not uncommon, or shameful and it could be seen as a rite of passage or one of many difficult aspects involved in the dating process. I was impressed by her willingness to speak about something in such a healthy matter-of-fact-way. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of deciding to look at the comments section that Yahoo allows following its articles. I thought others may have also been impressed by her candid insights. A few people were, yet for the most part I was very mistaken. 

Cruel, vicious, childish, derogatory comments were the brunt of the “insights” the commentaries shared: “She probably crushed him when they were having sex anyway...” “ Anyone would go gay after being with a fat pig like that...” These and similar ugly comments were abundant. I think many of the people who commented were trying to be funny, yet not only were they not funny, they seemed more like mean-spirited cyber attacks from bullies. Gabriel is an excellent actress. Her being a plus sized woman has likely inspired many other big women to see themselves in a more positive light. The sadly noticeable level of disrespect from people commenting safely behind a computer is truly a modern form of bullying. Bullying itself is certainly not something new.

I am not a Saint and there were a few times when I was a child when I bullied other kids. For the most part, my cruelty was infrequent and fairly tame. I definitely did a few mean things, but always felt bad about it soon after my attacks. My bullying sarcasm was usually verbal as opposed to physically hurting anyone. When I grew up and moved out of my teen years my bullying stopped, and often took the position of a protector of those who were bullied by others. I always was and will continue to be a wise ass, but I do this to make people laugh more than to hurt anyone. My Natal Moon in Libra tends to keep me more on the nicer side of this ability. I really do feel uncomfortable if I do something mean spirited, so I avoid it. 

While I wasn’t often bullied when I was younger I did have a few nasty encounters with bullies. I remember being a shy 9th grade student going to a brand new school and riding a new bus. A bigger 10th grader thought it would be funny to clap his sneakers over my head covering me with dirt. It was painful and humiliating, especially because I did nothing to deserve or provoke it. Thankfully a 12th grade student came to my rescue and scolded the jerk on my behalf. I can honestly say one of the motivating factors for my decision to start working out at age 16 had to do with ending the possibility of me getting bullied in the future. It worked well. No one has attempted to physically bully me in any real way for decades now. Muscle and confidence are valuable attributes in a number of ways. 

Many people like to think the world has become a darker place. It is easy to say the “world and people are getting worse.” The truth is cruelty is no more rampant now then it was hundreds or thousands of years ago. This darker side of being a human has always been a part of our race. In Zen Buddhism they refer to this part of us as the Five Evils. The first evil is cruelty. The strong attack the weak, the weak deceive the strong. Second is the lack of clear demarcation between the right of individuals. Third is the lack of clear boundaries in the behavior of men and women. People sometimes act questionably on lascivious thoughts. The fourth is the tendency for people to exaggerate their own importance, to set bad examples of behavior, to be unjust in speech by slandering others. The fifth is the tendency for people to neglect their duties towards others. Bullying easily slides into a number of these five evil categories.

Unfortunately cyber bullying has become rampant because of the popularity of social media. People abuse this form of expression often. FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, yahoo articles, and similar sites are an easy way for angry people to express themselves. Most of us have heard brutal stories about teenagers being cyber bullied. Sadly the abuse can be so relentless that suicides have resulted. The variations of bullying have certainly increased. Every-time I see an online article about legalizing gay marriage, minority rights, and a host of other human rights violations, the cyber trolls come out in droves to comment. I think this because It is safer for negative people to spout their ugly thoughts when they are safely tucked away behind the protection of a computer identity. 

I have gotten a few bad reviews connected with my work, and writing before so it isn’t new to me. Yet, when I received my first cyber bully review a few months ago, I have to admit some dark thoughts ran through my head. I thought of some cruel things to say to the individual who trashed my work and me so publicly. Thankfully, I held my tongue and my response. I know that karma is a reality in this world. I knew if I struck back at her I would be setting myself up for energetic repercussions and I am far smarter than that. The more recognizable and famous we allow ourselves to become, along with the positive praise and compliments we may receive, the more criticism and cyber bullying we will invite into our lives. I knew this would be a reality when my columns, counseling work, books, and YouTube videos began to go out into the world. I think I may have chosen a slower rise to success, in part to develop a thicker skin from the inevitable attacks that would follow.* 

We all have said and done things at one time or another that we probably regret. Very few of us have not committed one or more of the five evils at one time or another. We’ve all been victims of these types of things as well. Pretending that darkness and evil don’t exist is silly. We won’t make it go away by pretending. Focusing on its existence compulsively, worrying about it, and brewing on it are far more damaging. We waste creative energy and our potential for increased happiness when we keep thinking about how “ugly people can be, or were to us.” If we allow wisdom, empathy, compassion to be our motivation in this world we can understand why people sometimes do cruel things to each other. We don’t have to agree with it by any means, but at least we can understand why it exists. Cyber bully attacks have very little to do with the bullies having any real insight in their expressed comments and more to do with the way they see themselves. Most bullies have been bullied themselves and retaliate by attacking others rather than deal with the pain. While it isn’t always and easy thing to do, we can choose to spiritually evolve and make choices that are far more loving and peaceful. We can recognize that the five evils exist (cyber-bullying is just a new one) and choose not to act, or react to them.

*This is a good example of how we create our own reality through our thoughts and beliefs. An unconscious worry about handling criticism can be a blocking force in our success. 

Jim Ventura 10-2014    

Editors Note:

The holiday season is upon us once again. I especially enjoy this time of year. The weather in Phoenix is essentially flawless, and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.

Last month the buzz on the news was even more focused than usual on “what we need to be afraid of now:” Ebola and Isis were big sellers. I notice that there always seems to be an extra dose of things to potentially scare us around election times. While there is never a lack of dramatic and scary news stories, there just seems to always be a bit extra at this time. I will be glad when this election is over (yes, I did vote). The television ads are the usual attack ads with a little extra mud-slinging and a huge helping of Obama hating focus. I remember a bit of this in reverse back in 2004 and 2008 with the Bush hating stuff, although this “Obama is cause of all problems stuff,” is selling really well. I am far more interested in intelligent, wise (we can dream anyway) candidates and the political parties solutions for problems, and a positive focus on what they want to do, as opposed to who they hate...

I have been making some changes to my website and shifting away from the focus in my readings about predicting the future. While I will still use these skills in my sessions because it can be fun and helpful, I am shifting my focus more toward giving insight and helping my clients to become more aware of their reality creating process. I find some people get too caught up in wanting to know exactly how something is going to go. While there is nothing wrong with using Tarot and other oracles in this way, rarely are things unchangeable and definitive. Too much of a focus on the prediction viewpoint can take away my client’s ability to recognize their part in how their lives unfold. I highly recommend my regular client program. More information about this in the newsletter. Everyone can develop their spiritual abilities, and reprogram their lives to a stronger focus on empowerment and living a fulfilling life. This is mainly what the program is all about!

I have finished my third book about learning how to take advantage of casino comps. There have been quite a few blockades in getting this book out in the last 2 years, but I expect to see this resolved by the new year. I am now printing copies of the book at home (I can only do about 7 each month because it is time consuming). If you are interested in an early copy of Free Ride Volume One, let me know. The cost is $11. You can purchase a copy in office if you are here, or request I mail one to you for an extra $4 for shipping. Only 7 each month for now, but you will be put first on the next month’s list If I am sold out for month. Anyone who gambles even occasionally or plans a Vegas trip will save quite a bit by reading Free Ride!

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. May your blessing multiply! Cheers, Jim V  

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channel's in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years. 

From Lazaris interviews Book One

Question: Some in the metaphysical community have stated that 15 percent of illness is karmic and that the rest of the 85 percent of illnesses manifested are due to mental and emotional causes. Would you comment on that?

“We suggest that 100 percent of illness is emotionally induced. It’s no less devastating. We’re not saying everybody’s a hypochondriac. We didn’t say that at all. Every disease has its emotional origin, even if it’s a past lifetime emotional origin that you are choosing in this lifetime to deal with (not that you have to, not that anybody’ twisting your arm or making you’). There is an emotional causation in this lifetime that is causing you to reach into that past and drag that ‘other-life’ influence here. One hundred percent of all illness is emotionally induced.

Added to that are the beliefs, the attitudes, the thoughts and feeling, the choices and decisions about illness. If you believe that a contagious disease is contagious, then it will be. If the consensus reality says it’s contagious, then it’s going to be more difficult to break the belief. If a disease is contagious and you come in contact with that person, will you get the disease? It depends on whether you choose to create it. Even contact contagiousness is emotionally induced.

Now we’re not going to talk about all the emotional inducements, but we will say this. Anger is the biggest one. Anger and hurt are the biggest emotional inducements of illness. Simply said, cancer is anger, as we’ve suggested many times-anger that you feel is hopeless and beyond repair. In the general sense, all back difficulty, no matter how physiologically induced, has its seed in pain - emotional pain - hurt. 

You see, responsibility scares you. You live under this myth that somehow if you don’t want to be responsible for your reality you don’t have to be. Therefore, you stuff your feelings-except there’s nowhere to stuff them, right? So you stuff your anger in various organs of the body, in various parts of the body, right on down to the bone. It often depends on what kind of anger it is as to where you stuff it. The various organs of the body speak to different components.

Hurt you tend to stuff in your spinal column. ‘here’s this lovely little column. It’s pretty much hollow. Stuff it like a Christmas stocking.’ You tend to lodge your hurts in your spine. Any kind of back difficulty has an origin in hurt. Cancers have an origin in anger. Bulimia and various forms of other food disorders such as anorexia have a tremendous amount to do with self-hatred. ‘I hate myself. I don’t deserve to be nurtured. I don’t deserve to receive love,’ and therefore I won’t eat....

...Though we state these things simply, they do not work simply. Seldom do emotional inducements work singularly. They work in complexes and in intricate matrices with each other. Therefore because you are angry does not mean you are destined to get cancer. Nor does it mean that if you are hurt it is only a matter of time before your back gives out...” 

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, November 13th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). This months second show will actually be on Wednesday the 26th at 3:30 pm. Most Thursdays 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).

To hear a live show, 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.

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly. Richard Bach

Regular Client Program 

One of the best programs I have been doing for nearly 14 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 sessions are 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 conquering fear-based programming permanently. We also get to do work with all the many different oracles I currently work with! My Regular client program has resulted in some tremendous spiritual evolution for hundreds of people over the years. 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. It is wonderful to see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have assisted in motivating. So many of my Regular clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You too can join this program as well, just ask.

More about the Regular Client Program... This program was designed to create an easy, cost effective way for my clients to progress in their spiritual development. 

When we are consistent at attending to our body/mind/spirit, we naturally move through life with more harmony and greater joy. When our spiritual awareness is heightened and fine tuned we are often happier which helps us to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including occasional personal challenges because we see them as inevitably beneficial. We can truly assist the people around us. Human beings learn by example. Your intimate partnerships, friendships, family, and children benefit when you are in a good space.

The Regular Client Program makes it easier to prioritize keeping your spiritual, emotional and even physical “garden” free of weeds. In China, the professional soothsayer is a reverent and dignified calling.  It does not attract the sort of suspicion it does in the western world. In fact, in most eastern cultures, seeing an oracle reader is a sign of wisdom, success, and prestige. If you have an interest in increasing these attributes and working with a highly skilled navigational consultant then the Regular Client Program may be right for you.

My non-regular rates for 2007-2014:

Full session (70 minutes) $110.00. shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00. Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00.

Regular client discounted rates for 2014-2015:

Quarterly (every three months) Regulars:

Full 70 minute sessions $90.00 shorter sessions $65.00 Extended sessions $105.00

Monthly Regulars: 

Full 70 sessions $80.00 shorter sessions $55.00 Extended sessions $95.00

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PREPAY 3 OR MORE SESSIONS YOU RECEIVE AN EVEN BIGGER DISCOUNT. 

(prepaid three quarterly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $175. (3) -  70 minute sessions $240. (3) - 90 minute sessions $285.

(prepaid three monthly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $150. (3) - 70 minute sessions $210. (3) - 90 minute sessions $250.

Snake Oil Volume One

To order a copy contact me by phone or email. Cost: $11.00 including sales tax. Please include $4.00 for shipping ($15.00 total).

Or send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix Az 85008. You can also pay by charge or Debit thru Paypal. You can request to have your copy signed!

Snake Oil Volume One is also available at Amazon.com

Free Ride Volume One (first limited edition prints)

Introduction:
Is it possible to gamble for free? Can you gamble and actually win money every time? Are there tricks and systems that can help you beat the games? The answer to these questions for most of you is going to be no. It is nearly impossible to be able to gamble without spending money or to consistently win. The majority of people who gamble will lose and rarely have any big wins. Casino slot machines and table games have built-in formulas to make the casinos a consistent long term profit. Most “systems” to beat the house don’t work. 

Now with that painful bit of reality out of the way we can get to the good stuff, You can still come out even or ahead fairly often if you learn how to play smarter.  You can learn to be a savvy gambler who takes advantage of comps, gets free invitations to slot tournaments with huge prizes, spends very little money out-of-pocket, gets free rooms in Vegas and casinos all over the country, and receives brand new appliances, free money to gamble with, and a ton of other freebies. This is what Free Ride is all about. A wise and knowledgeable gambler can frequently take free rides!

$11 including tax. $15 total for shipping. Only seven will be printed each month. So their may be a month or two wait (but it is soo worth it...) 

Send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix Az 85008. You can also pay by charge or Debit thru Paypal. You can request to have your copy signed!

“Enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you’re going to miss in the years ahead.” Unknown

New client offer for October and November 2014! 

If you have never had a session before or want to buy a gift certificate for a new client you can take advantage of a $10-$20 discount on sessions. Email me at Ventursag@yahoo.com for more information.

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 (best method for contact)

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?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 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. 

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive  another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments. 

I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes in office. Phone session will need to be by check or thru Paypal.

Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.

“Change is never a loss, it is only change.” Vernon Howard

October 2014 Snake Oil/Sweet Nothings

Snake Oil  Sweet Nothings

I’ve spent most of my life craving something sweet after meals. This quite physical craving has decreased dramatically over time. Throughout my childhood, we typically had dessert after dinner, and sugary cereals were part of most of our breakfasts. Mom kept chocolate bars or some other similar special treats in the top drawer of her dresser, and every once in a while she would surprise us with a treat from that magical place. As a child I loved that freaking drawer! Sweets became associated with my feeling lovable. Mom had learned from her strict German mother not to be comfortable with physical displays of affection. She was more at ease giving her children these love substitutes rather than hugs or telling us that she loved us.

Today my body no longer has such a strong craving for sugar. On the rare occasion that I do indulge and eat too much of it, I feel physically uncomfortable afterwards. My recent physical shift to no longer crave sweets coincided with a psychological emotional shift. I finally no longer need a treat to feel good about myself or to know that I am lovable.

When I was twenty-two, after four years of working out with weights, I was still eating fast food fairly often. As I pursued enlightenment physically as well as spiritually, my body also became more sensitive. I began to have difficult reactions to every fast food place I visited. After eating this type of food, I would experience uncomfortable stomach aches, followed by even more painful bathroom trips. It wasn’t long before I stopped eating fast food once and for all.

I have always listened to my body. Overindulgence with alcohol has never been a problem for me. Even when I was younger and drank a little too much alcohol, I still knew my limits. I feel discomfort in my lower right side if I drink more than my body can handle. A few times in my life when I did “push the envelope. “ I would end up gladly skipping any form of alcohol for days and sometimes weeks to clean my system out. I have always had ease around this and all form of intoxicants. I have never been addicted to any substance for any extended length of time.

I sometimes see long lines at Taco Bell and other fast food places. Lots of young men and women, as well as a number of people in their thirties and forties, wait at the drive through to pick up their “food.” I wonder how their bodies still let them get away with eating this type of garbage. To the fast food chain’s credit, they are beginning to add salads and healthier foods to their menus. This is, without question, a wise move. Still, I know that any type of food, good or bad, is better when prepared with care and love. Aside from eating food that is easier for the body to digest, energy and intention do influence us whether we believe it does or not. Eat garbage, and food prepared without caring for the art of cooking itself (does anyone really think that the often pissed off seventeen year old making your fries loves what he does?) and the result is a body and spirit that feel like garbage. Our bodies speak to us all the time. The trick is to learn how to listen.

As I approach forty, my body is lean and healthy, and I am in the best shape of my life. I am beginning to see washboard abs hiding happily beneath my shirt. No South Beach diet, no pills or cabbage diet, had anything to do with this. This seems to be opposite of what I have been told all my life. The typical belief I have endlessly heard is that it all goes downhill after forty. “Your midsection will expand and you will inevitably get fatter with age. There is nothing you can do about it.” I am not interested in programming my life with these and other types of negative beliefs. I may have kicked my sugar addiction, but the holidays are right around the corner. Christmas cookies, candy, and homemade lasagna and turkey with all the trimmings await me. Pig-out time of year will come and go, and I will enjoy it. I always do. I may even gain a few pounds, but it doesn’t worry me. Self control seems easier now. I like this lighter lean body and have no doubt that I will keep it for a while.

Jim Ventura 10- 2004

Editors Note:

This post marks just two months over the 10 year anniversary of the first Snake Oil column. I was getting ready to turn 40 when I wrote it. Now I am two months away from 50. I have to say that the only real difference physically for me ten years later is being in better shape because I am a bit more muscular. I still workout 4 or 5 days a week so this isn’t a surprising result. I am still about as lean, ideally wanting to loose about 7-10 pounds to get “really lean” but also not really caring that much about have a perfect six pack either. I tend to get a bit leaner in summer and a little thicker in winter - go figure! I’ve made staying fit a priority in my life. Due to my perseverance I can easily carry a few extra pounds and still look buff! To me, this is so worth the gym time. The other changes in the last decade have been a little more gray mixed in with my blond, red, and brown hair. I also now have to wear dollar store reading glasses to read small type. This started around the age of 44. Not too much change in a whole decade. I am actually healthier (far less allergy issues) and in better shape.  I still eat reasonably, but not TOO reasonably. A little indulgence from time to time (especially for someone with Taurus rising and Jupiter on his ascendant is not an oddity by any means!

Another change has been more of a shift emotionally and psychologically. I am more comfortable with who I am. My concern about whether people like me, and the normal human urge for approval has shifted. I feel more comfortable in my skin at even more levels than ever before. Not everyone is going to like me, and it is really okay. I like that I push narrow-minded people’s buttons!

We had some serious rain storms here in Phoenix this summer. Monsoon season was a powerful one. Many parts of the country are suffering with drought but Arizona has plenty of water. We would gladly send some of it every ones way if it was possible. Fall is here and I seriously love the Fall. It has always been my favorite season. I am actually going back to New York for a few days in early October. It has been almost four years since my last visit! Looking forward to seeing friends and family but also Italian bakeries, Salt Bagels, and NY pizza! I will indulge more than normal for a few days, and make it upon my return.

Check out my website to see some of the many types of readings I offer. People generally come in for Tarot, Numerology, and Astrology sessions and this is a good thing. Yet, some of my other offerings are truly transforming. Check out the options before you book your next appointment. 

I have decided to extend my new client special promotion for first timers until the end of November 2014. Send friends and family my way to take advantage of the $10-$20 off my listed prices. You can also purchase gift certificates for new clients at this rate and take advantage of the discount!

Wishing everyone a happy October. Cheers, Jim V

“The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.” John Maxwell

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.

YOU ARE PERFECT

“On a Higher level of mind you are perfect-who you are is perfect, even though what you do is not always perfect. For just a few moments, dwell only on your perfection. Silently in your mind repeat this affirmation over and over for a minute or two: ‘I know that who I am is perfect.’

That’s right. You are perfect. But is your ego-self challenging your perfection, saying, ‘What a dumb idea, I am not perfect.’ If so, this affirmation seriously threatens your ego. Your ego needs to remind you how un-perfect you are because your ego prefers you to identify with your actions and to feel guilty about them. It wants you to judge, condemn, and blame yourself and others.

You can neutralize your ego by loving yourself and your own perfection. Remember, in life you experience what you are deeply convinced is so. Meditate on loving yourself and accepting your perfection.” Dick Sutphen from The Oracle Within

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, October 2nd, 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).

To hear a live show, 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 greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” Benjamin Disraeli

Snake Oil Volume One

The first four years of snake Oil and 9 Added unpublished Snake Charms

To order a copy contact me by phone or email. Cost: $12.00 including sales tax. Please include $3.00 for shipping ($15.00 total).

Or send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix Az 85008. You can also pay by charge or Debit thru Paypal. You can request to have your copy signed!

Snake Oil Volume One is also available at Amazon.com

Upcoming home classes:

CREATING PROSPERITY (there are two remaining spots, for in person attendance. Email me or call to grab the last two spots!)

Quite a few people have struggled with some financial difficulties in the last few years. The recession/depression that began in 2008 was a difficult period for many people. The economy has continued to improve, and this is a good thing. Yet, we always have the power and ability to tap into our potential to create prosperity, no matter what is happening around us!

Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about! The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Sunday October 5th. noon- 2:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before August 25th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class. 

ASTROLOGY-101 (beginner class)
This class will teach you the basics of Astrology. By the end of this class, you will be on the road to interpreting your own chart, as well as those of others. You will learn about the house placements, signs, symbols, angles, etc... We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives. If you already have your own chart, please bring it to the class. If you need your chart done, I will give information about how to get a free one to bring with you. Understanding your unique astrological chart is an excellent way to get more clear about your life path. Saturday November 8th 10 am until 12:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before October 28th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class. 

“True humility is being able to accept criticisms as graciously as we accept compliments.” Sabrina Newby 

New client offer for October and November 2014! 

If you have never had a session before or want to buy a gift certificate for a new client you can take advantage of a $10-$20 discount on sessions. Email me at Ventursag@yahoo.com for more information.

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 (best method for contact)

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?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 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. 

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive  another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments. 

I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes in office. Phone session will need to be by check or thru Paypal.

Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.