June 2016 Snake Oil/Tragedy

Snake Oil /Tragedy

I received some unsettling news last month right before I left for a vacation. A now 59 year old friend and client I hadn’t spoken to in almost two years was discovered missing from a solo hiking trip in Sedona. The story was on the news and many friends contacted me to ask me if the missing person they were talking about was indeed my friend. They found her abandoned car and belongings at her campsite. The police searched for a few days and eventually found her at the bottom of a ravine. She had slipped and fallen to her death. Even before they found her I knew she was deceased. I wasn’t sure what had happened yet, but intuitively I knew she was no longer in this world. 

I had actually stopped hanging out with her a few years before. She was an English professor at ASU, creative, smart, definitely an Artisan, we shared a number of fun times together and we even once participated in a huge bonfire and drumming circle. She was very cool in a number of different ways. The problem that contributed to my cutting ties was she had issues with the way I spoke. She seemed to really love me in so many ways, but she also found me to be “too crude.” She reprimanded me a number of times about cursing and being too blunt. It was like a bizarre flashback to my Catholic elementary school teachers when the nuns reprimanded us when we were “out of line.” Not something I really want to ever revisit. I tried to overlook this irritating aspect of her, but the final straw for me was after she invited me to the movies with free passes for a premiere. She also invited two other friends, a gay couple as well since she had four tickets. She sent me an email beforehand asking that I “tone down how I speak at our upcoming movie plan because they were classy guys who weren't used to my type of rough talk.” Needless to say I didn’t join her for the free movie. There is nothing worse to me than someone trying to censor the way I speak. This is the kind of thing that makes a Sagittarius head explode, especially one whose primary focus is on communication. She was difficult in other ways. It was scary driving with her when in the passenger seat of her car as she was spacey and swerved into other lanes. She also had too many rules about what we could and could not do in her car for two of my other friends when she drove us on Halloween night a few years back. She drove them nuts with her bizarre rules and worry. She was overly-critical and often self-deprecating at the same time. Even though her death made sense to me intuitively, I still felt the tragic sting of this loss. It hurts to lose a friend who is, or was part of your life.

The event triggered some other losses in my emotional body again. The loss of my childhood family pets and my beloved cat Monte 10 years ago resurfaced. The sad loss of my father 7 years ago. Losses of other friends both physically removed and emotional losses from my past hit me like a tornado of memories. I felt a wave of sadness that lingered for about two days. While I am generally a happy person (mainly because I am blessed in many respects and have very little to be sad about personally) I am no stranger to feelings of sadness. About once a month I experience a morning where I just want to go right back to bed after eating my breakfast. Overwhelming feelings of sadness grip me that are not attached to anything specifically. Usually after I get up again a few hours later, go to the gym, and have some coffee the sadness has completely passed. I think most people go through this from time to time. When I mention my occasional hits of depression to friends, family, and clients they are often relieved because they experience this as well. Some people experience depression often or even chronically. Many of those people take antidepressants to combat the pain. This isn’t something I would ever recommend, but I would never judge anyone for the way they choose to handle their sadness.

There are occasional times when I choose to feel sad for a bit. I purposely watch a Lifetime or similar channel movie or listen to sad music. I think old Carpenters or similar music often fills this need for me. The happy and bittersweet music triggers something. The memory of such a talented woman succumbing to anorexia alone is so sad. My sadness times are often connected to feelings of nostalgia for my childhood, friends I am no longer close to, and other endings from long ago. I immerse myself fully into these feelings. There is an element to sentimentality that is difficult and relieving at the same time. I used to smoke a fair amount of weed when I was in my late teens and early twenties. It was really fun and rebellious, but likely more of a natural medicine to mask my old soul sadness. It can be a useful natural medicine for helping people in this and other areas. Now I like to have my occasional brief times of profound sadness. I don’t need or want to mask it. I want to feel all of it.

Sometimes the levels of tragedy people experience are really difficult to move through. I had a client about twenty years ago who lost three of her four children to various tragedies in the span of a decade. She wisely turned this into purpose and wrote a book of published poems for people who experienced similar types of extreme loss. This was a brilliant way to transform the energy of something that most people could never imagine. Children and some adults often wonder why “God” allows tragedies. There are endless theories about why. It is interesting to me that people associate tragedy with God inflicting some form of punishment as part of the “why.” Some religions have ideas about the why and this may be one of the reasons people are drawn to religion. To me, the simple truth is that we all experience karma. Through multiple lifetimes we experience times of great joy, and also times of tragedy. Earthquakes, tidal waves, tornadoes, and similar catastrophes are a reality in this world. They are still horrible but we know they are also natural. There is no punishment from God connected to any type of tragedy. It is part of our experience in human bodies and lifetimes in this world. The contrast is part of why we are here. There are hazards on the physical plane and there is only one true certainty: we will all eventually die. Some lifetimes are brief and some lives we live to a ripe old age, yet even then we die. But death is only transforming from one form to another. Our souls go on to other experiences and we never truly die. How we pass is in some respects another form of creative expression. The tragedy of the loss of my friend was sad but it was creative and she was truly creative.

I know my occasional choice about experiencing sadness is not really about the sadness of death. My sadness is usually more about how humans continue to be so cruel to each other and that they don’t seem to learn. Things like gun violence, war, bombings, judgment and cruelty toward other races, sexual orientations, innocent animals, children, and to each other are hard to absorb. Personal pains for me, like the recent loss of another friend of 16 years who self-destructively cut herself off from me by doing something so abusive and callous that I simply couldn’t continue the friendship, triggered some really difficult emotions. I have experienced this a number of times before in my life when self-destructive people force me to self-protect myself and cut them out. This is why I feel my times of sadness. Melancholy is connected to purposeful tragedy that others choose to commit. Misdirected fear in the guise of righteousness that harms others. Tragedy created by human beings, things that are no accident. Life can be tragic at times, but for most of us, in the larger picture it is usually more joyful or at least neutral. Some tragedies are simply harder to move through and heal from. It isn’t a weakness to feel sadness sometimes. In some respects it is truly a strength, the willingness to feel. I take solace in my ability to understand and see the purpose of sadness. And more importantly I allow myself to heal through grief, forgive, and do my best to create more good and less pain to others whenever I am able to in my corner of the Universe.

Jim V 5-2016

Notes:

Summer has arrived. We stayed reasonably cool for most of May, but June is usually when the 100 and higher temperatures during the days really begin to lock in. The nights are usually still cool, but July usually ends that too! I used to love my summers as a kid living in New York. Arizona changes that dynamic a bit, but the falls, winters, and springs are so nice that the “price” is worth it! I have a vacation each month planned for this summer. Vegas of course, but also visiting Redondo Beach to see my brother and his family will be a wonderful break from the heat of July. 

We have been moving through some difficult retrogrades of planets in the last few months. If May felt a bit choppy for most people I would not be surprised. I post astrology information on my Facebook fan page and also for friends on the site every few weeks. There is a link at the end of this newsletter if you would like the free access to that. Current Regular clients also get access to my astrology updates by email and in more depth during their sessions.

I have extended the new client special until the end of June and with it an added bonus. Returning clients will also get the $10 off my listed rates (no other discounts apply during the special, although in office clients can take an additional $5 off for cash or check payments!) for all sessions booked in June. If you can’t make it in June, you can request buying a gift certificate at this time to be used at any other time in 2016.

I also recommend looking into my Regular Client program. This form of Life Coaching and increasing spiritual awareness and skills is incredibly valuable. Regulars have sessions either quarterly or monthly. For as little as $240 a year (Four 45 minute quarterly sessions) you can transform your life permanently.More information about the program in this newsletter.

Wishing everyone a happy June. Cheers, Jim V

“I believe that summer is our time, a time for the people, and that no politician should be allowed to speak to us during the summer. They can start talking again after Labor Day.” Lewis Black

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them-that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.

Shock or Love Therapy?

“Depression establishes itself through the biochemistry, as a strong pattern which is repeated and repeated and therefore becomes almost a natural state, which of course, it is designed to be. And for some of these people, a good shock will often cure them of depression.

The young mother, for instance, may experience a period of depression after the birth of a child. This is perfectly natural. But if there were a fire and the child were in danger of being burned to death, she would not sit there and moan. She would grab the child and run. It is such shocks that we’ve often forsworn by taking action to activate the higher spiritual influences. We do not believe that your hospitals realize this form of therapy, for it might be considered too strong. But perhaps in the natural flow of life when one faces a time of danger, a threat to a loved one or to oneself, even then there is little thought of depression, there is only thought of action.

For many who undergo these long periods of depression, it is rather like an illness. And for them we would suggest love therapy. It is a little bit easier to take than shock therapy. And here we mean for them to actively seek out persons for whom they can do kind acts of love. This shows they care. And if they are transferring their focus to others, to improve the life of others, to make them feel a little better, to make them feel wanted-then this very action will initiate the flow of higher spiritual energies and before long the depression will have forgotten how to continue.

Depression tends to lock a person within the confines of their memories.

And so the most positive thing that can be achieved is not for one’s self but for others. And then once you have leaped out of your own mind to help aid the lives of others, you find yourselves indeed creating that positive quality in your life for which you have been preparing. So if persons would look upon depression as something they need to stir up the old feelings of guilt at this and decide that they don’t any longer need it and then replace it with self esteem which is gained my making oneself useful.”

Li Sung from Spirit Speaks magazine issue 18

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Confucius

New Client Special: And returning Client Special all this month!

Both new clients and returning clients can take advantage of this months discount special on all of the sessions I offer now through July 1st.

January 1st 2016 thru July 1st 2016 Special: New Client introductory offer
$10-15 off listed rates  for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!

My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck

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, June 2nd. at 4:00 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so it’s the same as pacific time). 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. 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 the site and 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.

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 2007-2016 have been:

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

Regular client discounted rates for 2016-2017:

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 $175.00 (3) -  70 minute sessions $240. 00(3) - 90 minute sessions $285.00.

(prepaid three monthly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $150.00 (3) - 70 minute sessions $210.00 (3) - 90 minute sessions $250.00.

* Regular clients get to choose whether they will come in for a full, 45, or extended session. You may vary the length of each session each time you come in for your appointments, and still keep your discounted rates. 

* I will contact you a few weeks before your next appointment by email or phone for scheduling. If there is a need for a few weeks delay or to come in sooner or for an extra appointment this is also an option.

* Sessions can be used for all of the different readings I offer, transformation sessions, reality change sessions, or personalized instruction on how to read oracles yourself.

* Regular Clients can purchase gift certificates for sessions to give to friends and family at their discounted rates. Regulars also receive discounts on classes, CDS, and books.

* If at any point you decide to come in more often or less often, or even exit the program, simply let me know. I have worked with clients who have come monthly for two years, then switched to quarterly, etc... Clients who exit the program can still come in randomly for sessions, although they will be required to pay current non-regular rates. Email me for information about how to join this program. Venturasag@yahoo.com

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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2016 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. 

  

May 2016 Snake Oil/Traffic School

Snake Oil  Traffic School 

I silently cursed the cop who pulled me over for speeding in a residential area. Going fifteen miles over the ridiculously low speed limit had earned me a $150.00 ticket. This was hardly worth the two-second frown I was trying to avoid from the owners of the French restaurant where I worked. The police officer told me I was “lucky.” I could attend traffic school one Saturday and avoid points on my driving record, and this obnoxious fine. Money was tight at the time. I had recently separated from living with my partner, and I was earning extra income by waiting tables. The idea of eight hours in traffic school made me feel like life really sucked.

A few weeks later, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, I bit the bullet and paid $90.00 for traffic school and attended the class. Could I endure this and still put in six hours of smiling, pouring wine, and serving escargot to wealthy socialites? I was not a happy man that day.

There were about one hundred other offenders in the same boat as me, stuck against their wills in this tedious class. The instructor did his best to make things as interesting as possible, and even offered to answer questions we might have had about traffic safety. I groaned when I looked at my watch and realized I had four more hours of this crap before I was free.

My fellow violators were raising their hands and asking questions. Their questions were not about traffic safety. They were all excruciatingly long, detailed reports of how each person should not have received a ticket in the first place. “A huge semi blocked my view of the cop who nailed me. How fair is that?” “I got pegged by a speed radar trap-what makes Arizona think that this is an acceptable way to make money?” “I was only going like two miles over the speed limit. You would think they would go after the real criminals!” The “poor me, life is unfair” tirade went on for hours.

Everyone who raised their hands to talk had been screwed over by the system. Each person believed they had been victimized in one way or another. I began to feel sorry for the instructor. How many times had this poor man been subjected to this parade of delusional casualties? I wondered why the victim theme is so prevalent, not only here but across the country. Frivolous lawsuits; coffee that is too hot, tobacco companies that are responsible for making people smoke, people wrongfully arrested for driving while intoxicated, glandular-problems making me fat, the list of questionable reasons people come up with is very long. What makes so many Americans believe they are victims? I sat in class and began to feel ashamed to be part of this collection of spoiled brats. How many people suffer with real cases of victimization, rape, violence, robbery, and a host of other tragedies and don’t complain nearly to the degree these losers were?

I wondered if I was the only one there who was sickened by all of this whining. I was guilty. I had gone way over the speed limit and was caught. A police officer did his job appropriately. I was doing time here deservedly. All things considered, I got off easy. The study of metaphysics teaches that we are never really victims, and I was reminded that the majority of people in this world do not know this fact or pretend they don’t. As the class finished, the instructor announced he would hand out the certificates. Since elementary school I have been accustomed to my name being called nearly at the end of every list, never something I have been a fan of. My last name starts with a “V.” But a pushy, loud mouthed young woman behind me insisted that he reverse the alphabet this time. Not surprisingly, her name started with a “Z” and she received her freedom first. My name was called second, which saved me a good twenty minutes off my wait to get out of the class. Perhaps the universe was telling me that I had learned some valuable things in traffic school after all.

Jim Ventura 10-2003

Notes:

This Snake Oil was written more than a decade ago. If you like reading my columns and never got to read this as well as the first few years of my original columns, you can purchase Snake Oil Volume One by contacting me or thru Amazon.com

It is funny how much more conservative we often become as we get older. While I am never going to move into right-wing-conservative thinking, I definitely see a bit more value to some elements of conservative logic. Not the fear based, judgmental hogwash, but the perspective on personal responsibility. I went out a few weeks ago and found that driving home at one am on a Saturday night was a bit harrowing. There were far too many insane people doing 85 or more miles an hour on 55-65 MPH roads. People cutting you off and just doing all kinds of unsafe maneuvers did not make my trip home very enjoyable. While I am probably in the minority on this perspective, I would actually like to see more photo speed radar traps and more cops pulling speeders off the road and ticketing them. Hell, if you are doing more than 20 miles over the speed limit there should be a few days in jail. My cranky old man aspect is surfacing here, but I don’t speed excessively not because I fear getting a ticket. I don’t speed because I would hate to cause an accident and hit a human or animal!

If you are not able to make the May Creating Prosperity classes you can book a private Reality Creating session to go through this material and benefit. If you split the cost of a 90 minute session with a friend (2 people maximum to fit in my office) you can take advantage of an added discount. I constantly hear people around me complaining about not making enough money. You can change your mindset, make practical changes (classes and the reality change sessions focus on both) to change your life in this area. The only thing stuck is your decision to not do something about it.

Summer is almost here, wishing everyone a Happy May. Cheer, Jim V

Snake Oil Volume One

Jim Ventura has been writing his monthly Snake Oil column for 14 years. Volume One is a collection of his first four years of Snake Oil. This volume also includes nine Snake Charms. Practical explanations and instruction for meditation, ear conning, lucid dreaming, etc... Jim’s Snake Oil philosophy is all about changing the perceptions of how we view life to include metaphysical perspectives into all of our experiences. We benefit by expanding our consciousness, while we keep our feet planted firmly on the ground in this world at the same time. Snake Oil reminds us that we can also grow to become more enlightened while finding the wisdom of humor in ourselves and the world around us.

$11 including tax 

($4 for shipping for each book in US). $15 total. 

To request any or all three of my books email Venturasag@yahoo.com or ask for a copy next time you are here in the office.

You can 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. Feel free to request to have any of your copies signed!

“Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it can.” Nicholas Sparks

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.

“On the one hand, quite simply and in way that you cannot presently understand, evil does not exist. However, you are obviously confronted with what seem to be quite evil effects. Now it has been said often that there is a god, so there must be a devil-or if there is good there must be evil. This is like saying that because an apple has a top, it must have a bottom-but without any understanding of the fact that both are a portion of the apple.

We go back to our fundamentals: you create reality through your feelings, thoughts, and mental actions. Some of these are physically materialized, others are actualized in probably systems. You are presented with an endless series of choices, it seems, at any point, some more or less favorable than others.

You must understand that each mental act is a reality for which you are responsible. That is what you are in this particular system of reality for. As long as you believe in a devil, for example, you will create one that is real enough for you, and for the others who continue to create him. 

Because of the energy he is given by others, he will have a certain consciousness of his own, but such a mock devil has no power or reality to those who do not believe in his existence, and who do not give him energy through their belief. He is, in other words, a superlative hallucination. As mentioned earlier, those who believe in a hell and assign themselves to it through their belief can indeed experience one, but certainly in nothing like eternal terms. No soul is forever ignorant.

Now those who have such beliefs actually lack a necessary deep trust in the nature of consciousness, of the soul, and All That Is. They concentrate upon not what they think of as the power of good, but fearfully upon what they think of as the power of evil.

The hallucination is created, therefore, out  of fear and of restriction. The devil idea is merely the mass projection of certain fears-mass in that it is produced by many people, but also limited in that there have always been those who reject his principle...

Seth Speaks. Jane Roberts

Note: Jane struggled quite a bit when she Channeled Seth insights, especially when he talked about religion and the early church (and he talked about it a lot!). She was raised by by a somewhat fundamentalist Christian mother. In the late sixties and early seventies when much of the material that was written was seen as very controversial...

“People come, people go-they’ll drift in and out of your life, almost like characters in a favorite book. When you finally close the cover, the characters have told their story and you start up again with another book, complete with new characters and adventures. Then you find yourself focusing on the new ones, not the ones from the past.” Nicholas Sparks

New Client Special:

January 1st 2016 thru July 1st 2016 Special: New Client introductory offer
$10-15 off listed rates  for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!

My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.

“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.” Oscar Wilde

Creating Wealth!

Getting Your piece of the Pie by making Peace!

Most of us wish we had more money. Whether you are already comfortable financially or struggling there is often (understandably) a part of us that wants more money and the opportunities and security that can come with it! 

No matter where you are in life now it is possible to create more personal wealth. By changing our beliefs around money, success, and letting go of limiting beliefs we can shift our reality to accept and experience more abundance. This workshop will help you to focus on both practical and metaphysical tools to bring your current and future experience with success (whether you are self-employed or working a job) to a more prosperous reality. 

Learn about the three pillars necessary to become a magnet to more prosperity. 

This class will take place in my home for two consecutive Saturdays in late May.  A maximum of 7 local students (a minimum of 4 to hold the series) and one call in from out-of-area (FaceTime may be an option or simply speaker phone). $40 for both classes. Current Regular clients and pre-paid students $35 for both classes. 

Saturdays May 21st and June 4th. 10 am until 12:30 pm.  Email me at Venturasag@yahoo.com to hold a space. 

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Kierkegaard

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, May 5th. at 3:30 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so it’s the same as pacific time). 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. 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 the site and 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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2016 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. 

  

April 2016 Snake Oil/Morning Has Broken

Snake Oil 

Morning Has Broken

We live in a world of duality. To a large extent, this is one of the primary reasons we choose to spend a lifetime(s) in this world. It is easy to forget this reality when difficulties surface. When things are tough we can easily get pulled into “suffering over our own suffering.”* Behind opportunity is often challenge. When we are lucky, there will be times when we are very unlucky. “Good” and “bad” co-exist, but how we choose to view these experiences are ultimately subjective. While for the most part I am very healthy, I got hit with the flu in early February. I seem to get the flu about every 6-7 years. I guess it was “time,” but when it hit me like a tornado on a Saturday night it truly was horrible. It ended up becoming bronchitis, and while I never went to a regular doctor, it is likely that I had a touch of pneumonia. I laid in bed for the first few days often getting up to cough and hack up the seemingly endless gunk from my chest, while shivering and sweating at the same time. The first week was the worst, but it lingered for almost two and a half weeks. Eating itself was a chore. I slept a lot! Thankfully a thoughtful friend brought me soup, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The only thing I ate for almost a week was fruit because I felt so feverish for many days. My tastebuds were not working well, along with many other parts of my body. 

When I get the rare flu or even a sinus infection, I normally make an appointment with my Chinese Herbalist who also does acupuncture. He never returned my calls, and I suspected that he went out of business. I took for granted having this valuable option for so many years. If I had been able to see him it would have cut the severity and duration of my illness in half. A week into my flu I finally went to an herbalist at the Chinese cultural center. He was the one who diagnosed me with Bronchitis. He provided some herbs and roots that I was to make into a tea and drink each night for one week to help heal me. I made and drank this terrible tasting tea each night and it likely helped speed up my healing. I know of many, many people who had this flu for even longer than a month. A week into my illness my family was visiting. This wasn’t ideal and it was really difficult to meet with them to be social while I was sick. I did my best to see my family and also minimized the amount of appointments I took simply because just about anything I did would leave me exhausted after a few hours, and I needed to rest and stay in a place of withdrawal as much as possible. 

I had a Vegas trip planned for nine days after I caught the flu. I should have just canceled it, but my Sagittarius optimism convinced me to go anyway because each day “I would eventually feel better.” I was wrong. I loaded up my usual cigars, snacks, and other fun Vegas trip treats (along with three days of my doctor’s prescribed herbal tea that I cooked up in advance) and went on my vacation. It was not one of my better trips. The drive itself was strained, and I couldn’t smoke, drink and didn’t even gamble that much while I was there. I wasn’t even able to drink coffee! These and so many parts of my vacation that I love were removed. I did still gamble a bit, but slept often, mainly watching television and napping in my room about 11 hours each of the three days I was on vacation. While I did feel a little better each day, it was a very slow process of healing. I kept hoping I would feel better tomorrow, but I never really made it to having fun in Vegas standards. I drove home early and shortened my trip. The highlight was a trip to the Caesars Palace spa where I was able to use the steam-rooms and sauna to help clear some of the toxins in my lungs.

I guess I could have smoked a cigar or two, had coffee, or even a drink while I was sick in Vegas. Yet, as indulgent as I normally am (Taurus Ascendent) I also have a lot of practical self control. I know that if I do some of the things that I truly love when I am sick, it will taint those things long afterwards. I will still associate those things with being ill. I did this once with eating shelled sunflower seeds when I was sick. I didn’t eat sunflower seeds for over a year afterwards. The parts of life that I see as delicious, and pleasurable I will not damage. I simply love them too much to risk the potential negative association, so I knew I needed to be patient. Not being able to feel sexual, taste good food, enjoy coffee, exercise, and many of the other things I truly enjoy is not fun. To me physical sensations and the pleasure they bring us are a huge part of why life is awesome. Still, I knew that resisting the reality of my being sick would have been futile as well so I showed major restraint.

By the end of February I felt really good again. I lost nine pounds. Not a great diet plan, but since I wanted to lose about 15 pounds by summer anyway this was a benefit of a lousy situation. Each day that I felt good enough to do something delicious was truly awesome. The first time I had coffee was amazing. My fist workout at the gym after three weeks off was inspiring. I was weak as hell, but I pulled it off and each day got stronger. I felt “workout sore” again, which while painful, is actually one of the goals. I went to my local casino and gambled and smoked two cigars, it was magical! I flirted with a hottie in the supermarket and I remembered what it felt like to feel the intoxicating pulse of attraction and possibility. Just meeting, talking to people, and being socially out in the world was sorely missed. I went back to work again and I realized how much I missed it. Everything is new again and tastes even more delicious than ever. My appetite for life itself has returned.

Jim Ventura 3-2016

“I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow; but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.” Agatha Christie

 Notes:

*This reference is from the Viking Rune “Thurisaz.”

One of the strangely positive things that came out of my experience with the flu was it reset my sleep clock. Even though I haven’t waited tables or bar-tendered in a number of years, I did it for so many years that my sleep schedule was still tuned into that pattern of going to bed late each night. For most of my life it is rare for me to go to bed before 1-2 am. While I was sick, I slept often, but also simply needed to go to bed early (for me anyway) each night at around 11:30 pm. Now that I am healthy again, I am still going to bed around 11:30-midnight and able to get up earlier. I am actually happy that I am getting on a better sleep and waking schedule!

I have the dates scheduled for my upcoming classes (there will be two) on Creating Wealth. There will be one class in late May and the other in early June. More information about these classes in this newsletter. Sign up early to reserve a space.

Wishing everyone a Happy April! Cheers, Jim V 

New Client Special:

January 1st 2016 thru May 1st 2016 Special: New Client introductory offer
$10-15 off listed rates  for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!

My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.

Fear

A projection into the future

“Fear is the opposite of love. Fear is based upon not knowing, upon preparing for the unknown, for what might happen, for that which is not actually present in the moment. Fear is based totally upon future projection, which comes from evaluating the past, not only of your own lives but of other’s, and drawing deductions about what might happen to you in the future. This is what your insurance companies do: they project at what age you are likely to get sick, be disabled, or die, how many of you are likely to do that, and in what way. Now, read enough statistics and you will necessarily start making yourself believe that this must be the way it is. And, in this way, society, group mind, and industry dictate the nature of your beliefs. Metaphysically, fear is the opposite of love, the opposite of love based upon the absence of knowledge, because you can love and be comfortable with that which you know. It is always the unknown that you fear the most.”

Seth

Creating Wealth!

Getting Your piece of the Pie by making Peace!

Most of us wish we had more money. Whether you are already comfortable financially or struggling there is often (understandably) a part of us that wants more money and the opportunities and security that can come with it! 

No matter where you are in life now it is possible to create more personal wealth. By changing our beliefs around money, success, and letting go of limiting beliefs we can shift our reality to accept and experience more abundance. This workshop will help you to focus on both practical and metaphysical tools to bring your current and future experience with success (whether you are self-employed or working a job) to a more prosperous reality. 

Learn about the three pillars necessary to become a magnet to more prosperity. 

This class will take place in my home for two consecutive Saturdays in late May.  A maximum of 7 local students (a minimum of 4 to hold the series) and one call in from out-of-area (FaceTime may be an option or simply speaker phone). $40 for both classes. Current Regular clients and pre-paid students $35 for both classes. 

Saturdays May 21st and June 4th. 10 am until 12:30 pm.  Email me at Venturasag@yahoo.com to hold a space. 

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein

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, April 14th. at 3:30 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so it’s the same as pacific time). 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. 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 the site. 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.

Spotlight on One of the many oracle sessions I offer:

 Usually in March and early April there are a number of days where the winds pick up heavily. Like all things in this world they have a physical purpose and reason while also having a spiritual or metaphysical aspect to be considered as well.

Lakota Indians believed that the winds were a reminder that change is coming. The intensified winds in the North (Chinook) and the Santa Ana’s have deeper meanings spiritually:

Lakota Indians believed that the Santa Ana's, or Chinook winds as they are called in the east, were meant to remind us of self protection and the wisdom of change. They winds come from the four points in between Northeast, Southeast, etc...

“You are being asked to look at your safety and protection, to take steps to protect yourself from internal and external interference while keeping your self-esteem intact. Reinforce your strength and abilities, and deflect anything that diminishes your sense of higher purpose.

As you open up and express your Higher Self, you open yourself to accelerated lessons and growth experiences. You may find yourself facing some difficult teachers among the people with whom you come in contact. You may find yourself confronting issues you’d prefer to keep quietly buried. We often encounter emotional manipulation when we have resisted letting go and moving forward or when we have missed opportunities to face a particular lesson.

Free yourself from the attitude that internalizes every situation and interaction. Remember that the people with whom you interact have their own challenges and driving forces. Be kind to yourself and be understanding of others. If it is time to remove yourself from a situation or relationship, do so. Ask for internal guidance. If there is no need to remain in an uncomfortable, unsupportive relationship, job, or circumstance, get out and move on to the next step.”

Meditation: I seek and find wisdom during times of change. I seek and find within change the opportunity to be more fully myself.”

From the Lakota Sweat Lodge cards One of the Oracles I sometimes use with clients in sessions.

You can specifically request a session with these cards or even just to add one to any other session.

“There is some kind of a sweet innocence in being human- in not having to be just happy or just sad- in the nature of being able to be both broken and whole, at the same time.” C.JoyBell

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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2016 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. 

March 2016 Snake Oil/Bark at the Moon. Logic or Intuition?

Snake Oil 

Bark at the Moon. Logic or Intuition?

Over New years weekend my 13 year old cat came down with the flu. I wasn’t sure this was even possible, but looked it up online. Yes, cats can get a type of feline flu. Unfortunately my indoor cat goes outside from time to time. She sniffs and rubs against the areas the outside feral cats hang out on my stairway sometimes. This is likely where she picked up the illness. She was extremely sick, with a clogged nose, lethargic, and looked really, really bad. She didn’t eat or even drink water for almost three days. She began to smell a bit from the lack of the self cleaning she so prides herself on. I tried to feed her water and tuna juice with a dropper but she was resistant. I debated whether I should take her to the vet. It had been 12 years since she travelled in a cat carrier in the car and I wondered about whether it would have been more traumatic in her weakened state to put her though the extra stress. I uncomfortably prepared for the possibility that she might die. The signs were not good. Yet, I kept hearing another internal voice telling me she would be okay because it was not her time to leave. I appreciated that optimistic soothing voice, but doubted whether it was right.

It was a difficult few days. I took all the practical preparations necessary and borrowed a cat carrier from my neighbor in case she got worse. I even contemplated how I would handle her passing. At one point I felt so powerless that I got in my car to go food shopping and sat for a few minutes simply weeping in my car. Still, that other voice kept telling me she would be fine in a few days. I have used the natural anti-biotic Colloidal Silver myself a few times over the years and on impulse looked up its use for animals on the Internet. I found out that in some places like the UK, they put it in their dogs and cats water bowls so I did this as well. On the third day of the ordeal she was drinking water out of her bowl. That night I fed her tuna juice and she lapped it up. On the fourth day she ate some wet cat food. A day or two later she started eating her dry cat-food again. Now she is completely fine! She is even getting just a little chubby again after dropping some weight.

This wasn’t the first time in my life when some trauma had me battling between logic and intuition. Some years ago one of my closest friends was diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis was not good. About a year or so after this my forty year old brother in law experienced kidney failure. He spent about two years on dialysis. I needed to plan for the possibility that they might pass. In both cases that internal voice told me they would make it. My friend became cancer free about a year later when the chemotherapy treatments and other methods he was using worked for him. My brother-in-law had a kidney transplant (given to him by an extremely thoughtful friend), it took and he is still doing quite well. While all of these examples are positive, the intuitive messages I get are not always positive ones. There have been times when I have also hoped that a friend or relative might recover when that internal voice also told me they would not likely make it. Far more often than not, my inner voice has been right.

One of the Archetypal cards in the Tarot is the Moon (18). The artwork is often dramatic and ominous with an image of two dogs howling at the moon. It symbolizes the subconscious, unconscious, psychic, and astral contact. It represents awareness from other layers that stretch beyond the input we get from logic. The troubling part of this archetype is that it can represent the negative aspects of self-deception, delusion, and preferring fantasy over reality. It can also show the sometimes extraordinary influences of the lunar pulls of the moon (although the influence of Neptune is actually a better fit for what this represents) and messages from our heart. On the positive side, it can represent intuition, knowingness, and tuning into other vibrations and aspects of life that go far beyond the more singular channels that we get from logic. It is the part of us that can read and see things that we don’t necessarily figure out with just our intellect. For most of us, the path to developing our ability to “see things” involves tapping into the more difficult and darker aspects of life in this world. Confusing circumstances, people trying to pull the wool over our eyes, and uncomfortable experiences are part of this life. Yet, they can act as triggers for expanding our awareness. Each time we are tested this way we can open ourselves to other channels of input and ways of seeing things. The Moon archetype embodies this process.

It can be difficult to navigate between true knowingness and what we want, or wish to happen for ourselves and the people we care about. Most of us have experienced this at one time or another. One example is when we are in love and hope that we will get to be with someone we have strong feelings for. Even when signals are telling us that something is amiss, we often turn off our logic and only listen to the pull of what our heart wants. We may be left disappointed because we deceive ourselves or are subject to someone who tries to deceive us. I went through this in a painful way in my early thirties with someone I felt a powerful connection with. Even though I wanted it to work-out, I remember hearing that voice telling me it would not. I ignored this voice because it wasn’t how I wanted it to go. That voice was right.

Sometimes people become too immersed in intuitive or lunar pulls. The power of sensing and knowing things, the ability to tap into undercurrents of what is beneath the surface of things can lead to amazing knowledge, but it can also sometimes lead to delusion and extremes. Some people become consumed with finding “BigFoot, and looking for “Leprechauns with pots of gold.” There are people who become conspiracy theorists about nearly everything. Sensing something is amiss and tapping into undercurrents can be carried too far: “The government is completely evil and corrupt.” “Anytime my boyfriend speaks to another woman he is cheating on me, or planning to do so.”  “Obama wants to take our guns away.” “The end times are here because it says so in the Bible.” Crazy beliefs become a focus when not balanced with some use of logic. As we develop our ability to read layers of things and encounter troubling situations or difficulties we can use the lunar pull to ultimately learn how to read things more clearly. Of course this takes some real practice. Talk shows where a transgender guest reveals to a “straight guy” that they are actually a man are theatrical, but this is an aspect of deception that is very real. Talk to any woman who has been in the dating scene for a while and the smart ones have learned to smell a bullshitter from miles away. They can easily spot the liars, and married ones! But it is likely that they were fooled more than a few times along the way by silver tongues while coming to a wiser point of view. If on the other side they decide that ALL men are liars and cheaters they are off base as well.

It is not easy to always navigate between logic and intuition. If we attempt to shut off our intuitive voice, we can become dry and emotionally sterile when we only rely on logic and intellect. We can miss the undercurrents that pulse though events. If we shut our logical voice down and only listen to our lunar pulls we can become delusional and live in a fantasy world. In either case we suffer the problems that arise from a lack of balance. With practice we can find a way to blend these elements together very nicely. The Moon archetype represents mastering the skills of intuition. It was a gift for me to have started developing my intuitive abilities at such a young age. I got caught up in illusion a number of times along the way, but at the same time I definitely experienced some real awareness and knowingness that was powerful. Sources of information come to me through many different channels including but not limited to intellect and logic. Now in my fifties the balance between logic and intuition is extremely strong. I see things clearly while allowing my intuition and heart to have an equal say in my decisions.

Jim Ventura 2-2016 

Editors Note:

It took many years to fully (still always learning) understand the Archetype of the Moon card (18) in the Tarot deck. Some are easier to grasp than others, and this one wasn’t easy! It can be confusing  to know whether lunar pulls are beneficial or tests in clarity. But they are a part of this world and ultimately beneficial. There is an obvious connection in astrology of the moon to this Archetype, yet the vibration of Pisces or Neptune is even a stronger aspect in many ways to the Moon card. I will cover more of the other 21 Major Arcana trumps in future columns.

I got a bad case of flu (bronchitis) in mid February myself. I don’t get sick very often, but although this was a tough two weeks, I know lots of people who had it a lot longer and some who are still struggling to move it through. Always the good part of recovering from any illness is getting to taste food again, enjoying coffee, or a good cigar, and getting back to the gym. Not an ideal weight loss plan, but I did lost 9 pounds in two weeks. Hell, all I wanted was grapefruit and oranges for the first five days when I had a fever. Very happy to be healthy again! 

2016 seems to be off to a reasonably good start. The vibration of universal numerology year of 9 seems to be much softer than 2015 was (8). It did kick off with a number of celebrity deaths and I had some friends and clients lose family members, human and pet as well. Unfortunately another aspect of 9 but also apart of life we must learn to accept if we are to ever have peace..

I am working on a new book (mentioned in last months newsletter also) about creating prosperity. I will be doing a home class for locals (maximum of eight students) about this subject in May/June. More information in next months newsletter. Contact me asap to grab one of the spots, since it is likely to fill up quickly. If the class fills you can also book a session(s) on Reality Creating privately (in office or by phone) so you can learn these amazing techniques.

Happy March. Jim V

“Don’t ever  become a pessimist...a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events.” Robert Heinlein

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.

Divine Grace in the Physical World

“How does one recognize Divine Grace? How does one know its face? And how does one know when Divine Grace has been shunted aside, betrayed, in pursuit of some less worthy goal? 

Again, Divine Grace is the source of your world, the great limitless fuel that powers your every moment, from the smallest atomic building block to your mass civilizations.  Always, always, it seeks to bring into actuality those events that will be of greatest benefit to those involved.

Divine Grace manifests most clearly on your plane as respect. What is respect? Respect is when you allow all others the right to ride their own Divine Grace as they see fit, understanding that you each live in a cocoon on your own creation, a highly private yet publicly shared existence in which each individual, pursuing his/her own greatest fulfillment, automatically and unconsciously contributes to the advancement of the species and planet as a whole.

Respect, then is when you allow all others of your species, and all others of all species, their private place, time and path. Respect allows no place to coercion, force or violence against another. Respect is an intuitive acknowledgment of the uniqueness of each individual, each species, each form physical matter can take, a deep understanding of the greater cooperation that underlies your world, as each species and individual contributes its unique perspective, its private experience, to the shared venture on which you have embarked.

Respect is how Divine Grace manifests itself in your world. When you respect another, you recognize and acknowledge the Divine Grace within the other, understanding that it is not necessary for him or her to follow your footsteps in order to reach greatest fulfillment.

Notice we do not use the word “love.” It is not necessary that you run around flinging your arms about every person and four-legged manifestation of Divine Grace you stumble upon. There will be those whose paths differ so markedly from yours, whose inner awareness of Divine Grace has been so blunted by fear, that you are unable to connect. You need not love such individuals. You must, however, respect their right to pursue their path as they see fit, regardless of how obvious the deleterious outcome is to you.

You need not love all you meet. Understanding that they share the same source as you. All That Is poring itself into the physical world through the fluid medium of Divine Grace, you grant them respect.

The rule of thumb to follow then, when considering a choice or decision, whether individually or en masse, is to ask: Does this course of action respect my integrity and that of all others who may be affected? Will this action be only of benefit to others, or do some stand to be harmed by it? Am I, or are we, acknowledging the Divine Grace manifest in every aspect of creation...”

Whatever Happened to Divine Grace? Ramon Stevens

“There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life happiness, freedom, and peace of mind are always attained by giving them to someone else.” Peyton Conway

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, March 3rd. at 3:30 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so it’s the same as pacific time). 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. 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 is the secret of inspiration: Tell yourself that thousands and tens of thousands of people, not very intelligent and certainly no more intelligent that the rest of us, have mastered problems as difficult as those that now baffle you.” William Feather

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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2016 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.