April 2013 Snake Oil

April 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura Blog

Snake Oil 

Sensitive Suzy

I was hanging out with a long time friend a few weeks ago when I told him that I experienced a night during my last vacation where I drank way too much alcohol. I usually have one drink a night when I go to las Vegas for the three day and night trips that I take every other month. The bartender in the Diamond lounge over-poured my Courvoisier to make it more like three drinks. As opposed to one strong drink, I figured since I was on vacation and not driving, what would it matter if I indulged beyond my normal limits? Of course my intuitive self, and practical self told me that it was not a good idea. I foolishly ignored those wiser voices. I drink infrequently and very little when I do, so this heavy amount made me a bit drunk. Like most intoxicants it was fun for a few hours then quickly followed with a headache and other discomforts. I crashed in my hotel room that night early and had a lousy night of sleep. I woke up every two hours to urinate, and I did not feel well rested when I got up the next morning. I felt crappy for most of the next day and I couldn’t seem to drink enough water to feel comfortably hydrated. Indulgence in any form usually has a expensive price tag attached to it. The fun of indulgence usually isn’t worth the after effects.

The buddy I told about my brief indulgence with alcohol is Mormon. I told him that I think the Mormons are right about the negative aspects of intoxicants like alcohol, drugs, and caffeine. He was thrilled that I validated the wisdom of an aspect of his religious and spiritual convictions. He is a good friend, and my designated driver when we go out to bars, or other events 4 or 5 times a year. Even though I often don’t actually drink most of the time, his willingness to be a driver is greatly appreciated. I realized that I often forget to verbally acknowledge the wisdom and value of my friends. I have great friends and thats why I hang out with them in the first place! This experience reminded me to compliment them more often.

My sensitivity to certain foods, drugs and alcohol became noticeable in my early twenties. All fast food ended at about age 23. Diet anything ended the first time I tasted something with artificial sugar. It always tasted lousy to me (Crystal light nightmares of my mother trying to sell us on its benefits and tastiness!) and any product that contains it never appeals to me. In my late teens and early twenties I briefly experimented with a few harder drugs like cocaine, and even ecstasy, but they were never things that I was truly comfortable with. I always found that the toll of these substances on my body, spirit, and wallet didn’t justify their value. Even over the counter medications like allergy medication and pain medications have always made me feel uncomfortable. They would temporarily fix what was wrong, but ten other negative things would be the uncomfortable price I payed for using them. The only “drug” that never seemed to really bother me or cause me any real ill effects was marijuana. I am guessing this is because it is a natural plant from the Earth and less harsh to the body. I was happily stoned a lot while I was in college. 

In my late twenties and early thirties my tolerance for alcohol began to wane as well. I would be fine when I drank top shelf alcohol and good wines and beers, but still in small doses. I discovered that I was able to drink reasonable amounts of alcohol if I had a bottle of water between drinks (now when I drink its usually 2 bottles of water for each drink). Caffeine became far less tolerable when I got into my early thirties. When I would go back to New York to visit friends and family the straight (not cut with decaf) coffee we would drink would leave me feeling irritable and uncomfortably wired for hours. At home when I make coffee it is generally 75 percent decaffeinated. Now that I am in my forties, I even have difficulty if I have too much sugar. Over time, I have definitely become a “sensitive Suzy.”

I have already discussed the emotional and psychological influences of intoxicants in previous Snake Oil columns. Things like alcohol, tobacco, sugar, caffeine and other “drugs” all mask uncomfortable feelings. Like fear, anger, feeling unlovable, and a bit of everything - respectively. If we are moderate with these types of things they actually can be enjoyable and not necessarily damaging to our bodies. Yet, when we begin to develop spiritually then there are other difficulties that can surface as we awaken. Not only our physical bodies become more sensitive, but out emotional and intuitive bodies become increasingly sensitive as well. Hard to absorb substances become not only uncomfortable, but difficult people, environments, and many other things can also become toxic to us.

Many years ago I noticed that when I am in bars, or places where people are “checking each other out,” that I often have to frequently urinate. Even if I haven’t had a lot of liquids, I still notice this frequent need to eliminate. Often when I get home I still find myself going to the bathroom more than normal when I am trying to sleep at night. When people are attracted to us or simply energetically “poking around” this can be pressure on our second chakra. The second chakra is the energy center below our navel that governs relationships, balance, and much of our sexual energy. I find a similar thing happens when I am around couples that are fighting or arguing around me. This area of my body gets uncomfortable and instinctively wants to release more than usual.

On a more positive note, as we develop our intuitive abilities and our vibrational level increases (we become more enlightened) we can become more tuned into knowing how to avoid toxic environments and difficult people. Our increased intuitive development can help us to avoid things that can harm us. We link our intuitive and instinctive centers in a productive way. There are many different benefits that can come from developing our intuitive abilities. We can actually train ourselves to allow negativity to flow through us, yet this is not always easy to do. 

While I have never been able to completely commit to a vegetarian diet, I do respect and understand why vegetarians have chosen this path. Eating meat that is pumped up with antibiotics and other toxic substances can be extremely hard on the body. Much of the meat most Americans ingest is also from animals that are treated quite poorly. To a large extent the energy of cruel conditions, animals being killed in inhumane ways, and the fear they experience becomes part of their meat and by-products and can be energetically and physically uncomfortable to put in our bodies. I have committed to eating a lot less meat over the years. When I do buy and cook meat I purchase free-range and organic meats. It is a bit more expensive, but worth it. I find that the meat I eat at some restaurants and buffets where the meat is a poorer quality usually ends up making me sick.

It may seem that we are not becoming weaker as we develop spiritually and the extra sensitivity limits us in some ways. Other people may see us as “too fussy” because we can’t eat certain things or avoid some people and places. Yet, the benefits to the increased sensitivity and fussiness will often allow us age a lot better, become less likely to develop illness, and we will become healthier physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The good news is that no matter how “good” or ‘”fussy” we become we can still have a little indulgence from time to time if we keep it reasonable. My “bad thing” is an occasional cigar. The buzz from tobacco is a little hard for me to handle, especially if I smoke before going to bed. Still, an occasional good cigar is just so good, and if I go there I only smoke high end tobacco. Not surprisingly, the cheap cigars make me physically sick. One of the great things about being alive is to enjoy the sensual delights of this world. Even if you are becoming more and more of a “sensitive Suzy” like me, you can still enjoy an occasional indulgence. It can be a bit of a balancing act, yet it can be done! And, no matter how much more sensitive I become I am never going to give up cheese, eggs, bagels and really good chocolate - damn-it!

Jim Ventura 3-2013

Editor’s note:

The last Mercury retrograde in Pisces (Mercury went direct again on the 18th of March) really brought up a lot of issues around how we protect ourselves and our need for personal boundaries. For many of us, it brought to the surface viewing where we may even be victimized by others because we may be too kind and tolerant in ways that gets us “walked all over.” The positive side of this retrograde was a reminder to reconnect us with our source God/All That Is/Higher Self and a reconnection to who we really are and what we are willing to sacrifice to achieve our goals. The clients I worked with during this time really did some excellent work in healing some difficult aspects in their lives and many were successful in charting a more empowered course for their future - well done!

Now we are firmly in Aries. The push of many planets (Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Uranus) currently in Aries will fire us up again to begin new projects and may even reignite us to finish some things we may have put aside for awhile. The house in our chart where Aries is will show us more specifically where this fire energy and some new beginnings will be likely to ignite in the near future!

In the next few months I will be scheduling some of my classes via Web Seminars. You will be able to join me and other students all over the country via Skype! I will be posting more information about this and upcoming WebSeminars in my June newsletter. There are still a few openings in the Rune class (here in my home for locals) in May. Contact me before the class fills.

I have not done much with marketing a program that I started two years ago, but I am opening my calendar to allow more students to participate. It’s called the Apprentice Program. Some of my Snake Oil subscribers are eager to advance their studies of Oracle reading. Whether you are new to studying and working with Oracles or just really want to advance your current studies, the program is an inexpensive and incredibly comprehensive way to increase your abilities to read any Oracles you are interested in learning. You can choose Astrology, Numerology, Tarot, Runes or any other type of oracle that interests you. Some of the apprentices I have worked with in the past have gone on to helping friends and family with their increased skills. Some have moved on to working professionally in either  part-time or full time work in this field.

If you receive this monthly newsletter, keep in mind that your email address is hidden from other subscribers. If you receive any marketing materials from anyone else these things are not connected to Snake Oil. Also, the ads that are placed from Goggle on my pages for astrologer, readers, and anything else are not placed or endorsed by me. I have no idea whether they are worth checking into, this is entirely up to you if you want to check any of these services out.

Wishing everyone a happy Spring. Cheers. Jim V 

“When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.” Jonathan Swift

Apprentice program

Many people come to a point when they recognize that they have intuitive and psychic inclinations from early childhood, or that surface later on in their lives. While many people have these skills not everyone is willing or interested in learning to hone and develop these talents. Reading books, taking classes and self study can be an excellent way to develop ones psychic abilities. These are some examples of the methods I used when I began to study many different types of metaphysical disciplines back when I was 17 years old and started exploring. 

The benefits of working with a gifted Master/teacher can be tremendously invaluable. I often do some of this type of training with my Regular clients. Most of them still prefer to leave the expertise and study of oracles to me. I have had some requests over the years from students who are eager to master intuitive skills, oracles, meditation and other metaphysical arts with a true passion. Rather than rely solely on me to interpret for them, they prefer to learn how to develop their intuitive abilities with my guidance. 

I developed the apprentice program with the goal of helping a select group of students to fine-tune their abilities. Whether the goal is to simply be able to read oracles for yourself, friends, and family, or to inevitably start a career in metaphysics, the apprentice program is an excellent way for a committed student to develop their skills.

Right now I have 3 openings for apprentice spots. I have chosen at this time to only take on a maximum of four apprentice students each month. Apprentices come in once a month for 70 minute instructional sessions. Different metaphysical arts will be taught each month. The program is tailored to specifically fit each individual. I do require an interview to talk with each potential student to lay out a plan and to see how far along each candidate is with their intuitive abilities. Some of the sessions will be geared toward learning different types of oracles such as  Astrology, Numerology, Tarot, Runes and other tools for divination. Some of the sessions will be for fine-tuning skills like clairvoyance, dream analysis, meditation, astral projection, psychometry, channeling, etc.

Apprentices sign up for 6 month blocks (generally six sessions) of monthly instruction. I also offer the apprentice program for clients by phone for out-of-area students (I will soon be doing many of these Via Skype.) Each instruction session is $55.00. If three to six sessions are prepaid they are discounted to $50.00 each. I also allow 2 apprentices to share sessions together. This can be with close friends or family members. The cost for these sessions are $70.00 per session ($35.00 each) ($65.00) prepaid. 

If the student’s skills notably increase and the desire (and Dharma - direction karma) to move toward helping others professionally is strong we will also devote sessions to practical development of learning how to advertise and get yourself out there to do this work professionally full or part-time.

If you feel this program would be of benefit to you, contact me for more information and to check availability. 602-957-3035 Venturasag@yahoo.com 

Spring classes

VIKING RUNE STONES (3 spots remaining as of April 1st)

“The Runes will speak to you of change and growth. The only negativity you will find here relates to the blockage of appropriate growth, while all the positive aspects are transcendent, transforming and lead to breakthroughs...” Martin Rayner

 This class will focus on understanding the meaning and rich symbolism behind the Viking Rune stones. The Runes are an easy-to-learn Oracle. Study of the Runes can rapidly increase your spiritual growth. Runes can be used as a navigational aid for correct conduct. We will also explore how to inexpensively create your own personal set of Runes.  Saturday May 11th, 10 am - 12:30 pm. 8 students maximum (minimum of 4 to hold class). $20 pre-paid or $25 if space is available on day of class. Class will be held at my home in Phoenix. Contact me to reserve one of the spots in this class. At this point there are still five openings available. 

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, April 4 Th., at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

All you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura  You may also access it by going to blogtalkradio.com. Type “Snake Oil” into the search option.

You can also go to the shows that are currently “On air” at that time and find me. The call in number is 646-200-3966 for questions and comments.

Join me on April 18th for my interview show with karla Lamley:

Karla is a Transformational Life Coach, Mentor and Healer with over 25 years experience in the field of human potential and spiritual growth. In addition to her Life Coaching she has a Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner working with clients with both alternative and conventional therapies. Karla has studied both Eastern and Western philosophy which has helped to shape and develop her unique understanding and ability to assist individual to integrate spiritual living-ness into everyday life.
She has studied and worked with the Tz'utujiil Mayan Shaman in the highlands of Santiago Atitlan Guatemala for the last 7years She works with both individuals and groups to assist in spiritual development, to open the communication between the seen and unseen aspects of life to create oneness consciousness .

Sessions
Individual session packages are available.For more information or to schedule an Appointment Call 602-509-0185
Email: Heartofeverything@me.com
If you are ready to increase and expand your intelligence, we are ready to support and guide you.Join me, consciously, on this sacred journey we call Life!

Continuing with the 11 human rights (by Dick Sutphen) and of course with added comments by Jim Ventura

3. It is your right to be what you are without changing your ideas or behavior to satisfy someone else.

“ No one can change someone else nor should they expect another person to become anything other than what they are. This is faulty thinking, for any forced change will not last or will result in new eruptions of unsatisfactory behavior. We are all free human beings and should be respected for what we are, not what someone else wants us to be. If your behavior makes someone else uncomfortable they have the right to leave. The same goes for you. 

Often in close relationship one person will compromise in hopes of achieving harmony. They change, and thus the other person in now reacting to a different (changed) person and often they also change. In this sort of situation the change is natural and will probably last.” D. Sutphen.

“We often battle with others (especially close relationships) by wanting to change the ones we love. Unless the other person recognizes that an aspect of who they are is not working and is willing to change for the better any pushes on our part will usually be met with resistance. In addition, the things we react to most in others are frequently aspects of ourselves cartoonishly exaggerated in the people (the good and the bad stuff) who we are intimate with. A willingness to heal the areas of fear and dysfunction in ourselves is the most powerful trigger that can open the door for the people we love to make positive changes in themselves (people are more apt to learn by example). Stop wasting your energy in trying to change anyone who has not actually asked for your help.” Jim V

Number 4 It is your right not to care.

“Life is filled with ‘you should’s.’ You should improve yourself. You should care about all 500 of the charity operations in this city. You should care about banning the bomb and Aunt Nellie’s broken leg. Your mother is getting old and is worrying about it, so she thinks you should be concerned about old people in general. The PTA thinks you should attend monthly meetings and the FCC thinks you should be concerned about violence on television. Your husband thinks you should roll his pairs of socks together instead of just dumping them all in a heap in the dresser drawer. There are so many ‘should’s’ that if ‘you did,’ you’d have no time left for anything else. You, and you alone, should decide what to care about.” D.S.

I remember when I first read this (when I was in my early twenties) and I thought this sounded really harsh. Yet, it is completely true. If we are concerned about everything, then we become effectively useless in accomplishing anything, Dump your internal and external “should’s” unless they are in alignment with your intuition and ethical priorities. Jim V

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

Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com 

“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials.

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

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

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

March 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura Blog

Snake Oil

Good times Bad Times (March 2008 column)

A few years ago the real estate market was booming. Luckily for me, I bought my condominium one year before the market went through the roof. Housing prices rose in record numbers. In Arizona, as well as other places in America, people listed their home at a fair price while taking advantage of an added perks there were often bidding wars to buy homes above the asking price. A lot of people in real estate were making money right and left. I had only owned my condominium for three years and it had doubled in value! This was probably the easiest money I have “theoretically” ever made. Still, while people scrambled to buy and sell, capitalizing on this trend, many went way over their budgets to purchase high-end homes. At the same time, many new realtors were hurriedly diving into the real estate field. Today, things have certainly changed. We are in a time of record-breaking foreclosures and home values have dropped. This pattern is not a new one. Human beings often forget that life is built on waves of “cycles.” Ignoring these cycles is the very thing that creates problems for people who get caught in the mania of greed. Any area of life where things rise rapidly will eventually balance itself in the other direction.

We hear simplistic phrases like; “what goes up must come down.” We smile at the simplicity of such perspectives yet in almost all cliche expressions, there are hints of truth within these sayings. In all of life, things are built and designed with cycles of “checks and balances.” In practical terms, the stock market is one such example. In the long run, the market can be a good place to invest money. Over many years, most solid companies will strategically continue to gain over the long haul. But, like anything else, in the short run it will go up and down. When we forget these cycles, problems arise. When home values rose dramatically a few years ago, I often heard comments like; “I made $60,000 in one year on my house.” In actuality, this is not an accurate perspective. Unless they actually sold their homes and had the money in their pockets, they didn’t have $60,000. This type of thinking is one of the biggest contributions to the financial difficulties many people now experience.

The Tarot illustrates this Archetypal theme of cycles in the Major Arcana symbol of the Wheel of Fortune card. In its upright position it represents a beneficial cycle consisting of, opportunities, lucking out, and profitable ventures in many, or all areas of life. The probability of abundance is indicated by this card when it shows up in a spread. Even the most cynical people can recognize that we all have times when this apples to our lives. In its reversed position, the Wheel of Fortune represents a difficult cycle, a period of blocked opportunities or bad luck. Tarot experts understand that this up and down aspect of reality is nothing to fret about. A dark period will always give way to a period of light. An extremely opportune period will inevitably come back down and potentially trigger disappointment for anyone who believed it would always stay that way.

Wise Soothsayers (Oracle readers), philosophers and people who have acquired wisdom understand that the universe is built on yin and yang, positive and negative, and dark and light cycles. There is no need to rally against unfavorable conditions. Things will inevitably turn around if one perseveres. Even when conditions are going extremely well, one should not behave recklessly. We absolutely should enjoy the opportunity to celebrate our good fortune, but also put some of the prosperity to the side to help cover the inevitable lean times. Even difficult cycles can be advantageous. We may use these cycles to repair areas that need attending. Fisherman repair nets when the weather conditions are unfavorable and they cannot fish. The universe was wired to move through all kinds of cycles. When the sun comes up and brings daylight, nightfall will follow. A cold winter will be followed by a warm lush spring. When we understand this duality we become more balanced and always remember not to collapse ourselves into the highs as well as the lows.

Maybe I understand this so well because for fun I like to gamble. I tend to play fairly low stakes blackjack and video poker. Often, no matter how lucky I am, I inevitably hit cold periods. Sometimes the cards, dice, or slot machines just don’t go my way. There are occasional times when I am so unlucky that I find it almost comical! Things don’t always go our way. Good and bad seasons come and go. Difficult times and challenges are not only a part of life, but can be valuable to us if we learn to surf these waves. In the

late sixties the rock group “the Byrds” turned a quote from the book of Ecclesiastics into a song that expressed this idea of cycles in a really cool way:

“To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose under heaven...”

Jim Ventura 3-2008

Editors Note:

I originally ran this piece back in 2008. I think many of my readers could benefit from a reminder about the nature o cycles. Toward the end of January and early February when I usually write my March column, I found myself experiencing a bit of writers block. I have learned over the years to avoid struggling with this (although it is still a bit frustrating) because I am in a collecting phase. If I try to “push out” a creative piece before it is “ready” I find that it takes a significant amount of extra editing before it is done and the writing isn’t usually as good as the material that just naturally flows out of me when it is ready. Forced creativity can be  a bit like trying to get oneself to have a bowel movement before it is “time.” A crude analogy to be sure, but one that everyone can identify with. Pluto is in Virgo in my 5th house of creatively. The astrological translation (into words that will make sense to my readers who don’t completely understand the language of astrology) is: The part of us where we are intense and powerful like a volcano erupts on its own schedule and its own time. Often this powerful part of us lies dormant, yet when this part of us (Pluto) focuses its talents and skills it can be very powerful indeed. I am very nit-picking and a bit of a perfectionist (Pluto in Virgo) so my creative work tends to be about reforming, solving, and repairing. I have a number of different creative talents and I enjoy a bit of showmanship, playfulness, and sometimes even enjoy shocking my audience a bit (Pluto and Uranus in the 5th house). Finding out and understanding where Pluto is in your natal chart and where it is currently transiting can be a great way to understand where you have tremendous potential and power that can sometimes be annoyingly dormant for long periods of time. Scorpio’s ruling planet is Pluto, so this is something every person with their Sun, Moon, or Ascendent in Scorpio can completely understand.

I have found that I am doing more frequent posts on FaceBook. I have included some of these posts in this newsletter for those of you who do not use FaceBook or are not following my fan page or haven’t yet friend requested me on FaceBook. I usually post about twice a week. I will continue to keep my Snake Oil column to once a month (occasionally I do a mid month newsletter) because I know that many of the subscribers to my column are busy and it can even be weeks before they get to read my current columns. But, if you do want to catch more of my work you can simply connect on FaceBook. If you have only been receiving my column for the last few years you have missed some really good material in the early years of Snake Oil. Snake Oil Volume One is in print and Snake Oil Volume Two should be available sometime in 2014. You can get a copy of Snake Oil - or Dirty Little Secrets - on Amazon.com or order directly through me. I really still really enjoy sitting down and reading a good book and the smell and touch of paper. One of my favorite things is to take a bath once a week and read a book or magazine. Kindle and online reading is nice, but paper still rules! Wishing everyone a happy March. Cheers. Jim V

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, March 7 Th., at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

All you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura  You may also access it by going to blogtalkradio.com. Type “Snake Oil” into the search option.

You can also go to the shows that are currently “On air” at that time and find me. The call in number is 646-200-3966 for questions and comments.

Join me for an interview show on March 14th with psychic Jean Hemp. 

Jean is a Spiritual Intuitive Counselor, guiding individuals for the past 26 plus years with insights, using a variety of methods / gifts.

Numerology, Palmistry, Graphology, ‘Face-ology’ & Mah Jongg cards are my favorites, also stone readings, tea leaf / coffee ground readings, bits of astrology and there are times when communications with those that have ‘crossed over’…   Whatever and however the message comes for the individual.

Over the past years, been on the radio, performed lectures, classes, sales training seminars, psychic fairs and fund-raisers, here in Arizona, Michigan, California & Colorado.

Some of Jean’s satisfied clients are Politicians, Singers, DJ, Movie Stars, Producers, Authors, and Doctors & Lawyers.

Currently coordinating Readers for Corporate & Private Events throughout Arizona. 

Jean’s also available for private consultations. 

Being an Ordained Minister, have performed Weddings, Baptisms, and preparing those ready for their transitions out of here.

Have done paranormal investigations, clearing & blessings home blessings.

Jean can be reached at 489-525-3047

Spring Classes:

VIKING RUNE STONES

“The Runes will speak to you of change and growth. The only negativity you will find here relates to the blockage of appropriate growth, while all the positive aspects are transcendent, transforming and lead to breakthroughs...” Martin Rayner

 This class will focus on understanding the meaning and rich symbolism behind the Viking Rune stones. The Runes are an easy-to-learn Oracle. Study of the Runes can rapidly increase your spiritual growth. Runes can be used as a navigational aid for correct conduct. We will also explore how to inexpensively create your own personal set of Runes.  Saturday May 11th, 10 am - 12:30 pm. 8 students maximum (minimum of 4 to hold class). $20 pre-paid or $25 if space is available on day of class. Class will be held at my home in Phoenix. Contact me to reserve one of the spots in this class.

I posted these last month on FaceBook and received a tremendously positive response. They are the 11 Human Rights. I will add a few more to each of my monthly newsletter over the next few months.

11 Human rights by Dick Sutphen (with added comments from me):

1. You have the right to do anything as long as you do not purposely hurt someone else and you are willing to accept the consequences.

“An example: let’s say that you are a fairly good painter and you decide to show your work with a local art association one Sunday a month. You win a best-of-show award, but your husband is not enthusiastic and he soon begins to work against your participation. He may feel insecure because you are doing something on your own or because you might meet interesting men, but the fact is you are doing something that is creatively fulfilling and you are certainly not hurting anyone else. In a situation such as this, unless there are extenuating circumstances, you should assert for your rights.” D.Sutphen.

“In relationships, we are often manipulated by others because of their insecurities. If we inhibit or shut down our creative potential and what is truly fulfilling for us, we will inevitably resent our partners and this will contribute to a relationship’s potential failure. Pay attention to the reality that we may do the same type of things to our mates and close friends and family as well... 

In other circumstances people may try to tell us that we ‘can’t’ or ‘should not’ do something because it is ‘morally wrong.’ This is often another manipulative attempt to block people from expressing who they are. As long as BOTH aspects of this human right listed above are in harmony than it is okay to do the things that bring you joy.” Jim V

Number 2 of 11 Human Rights:

It is your right to maintain your self-respect by answering honestly even if it does hurt someone else (as long as you are being assertive rather than aggressive).

“For a moment imagine yourself in the following situation. Your mother: “I have a big dinner planned for the entire family this Sunday, so you, John, and the children come over about one.”

You: “We can’t do that, Mother. We are going to rent a cabin in the woods this weekend.”

Mother: “Well, I have this all planned. You can rent a cabin another weekend.”

You: “We could rent the cabin another weekend, but I want to go this weekend.”

Mother: “You mean you’d rather go to an old cabin in the woods than make your mother happy by coming over to her house for dinner?”

You: “This weekend I would rather go to the woods. Another weekend I might prefer to have dinner with you, Mother.”

All right, your mother is now hurt because she put herself in a ‘choose between me and something else’ contest, and you chose something else. It was a manipulative attempt to use guilt by oversimplifying the decision down to your mother’s happiness vs. an inanimate bunch of boards in the woods. Obviously this wasn’t at all the basis of the decision. You handled it in a kind way, even offering the compromise for dinner on another weekend, so you have no reason to feel bad. If your mother feels bad it is her own doing, and she will simply have to learn that you aren’t going to fall for her old tricks anymore.

Now, let’s look at the same situation, but this time you respond with aggression.

You: “We can’t do that, Mother. We’re going to rent a cabin in the woods this weekend, and anyway, I’m not up to listening to John grumble about indigestion for a week like he did after the last dinner we had with you.”

That statement was designed to hurt and would be considered aggressive behavior and thus is unacceptable.

The key words on this particular right are “self-respect.” A phony excuse or an unfelt apology will cause you to lose your self-respect and that is never acceptable. D.S.

“We often get so immersed into relationships with others that we unconsciously (or consciously) choose to battle unnecessarily or strike back rather than be simply honest. We also may end up doing things we would prefer not to do by getting guilted into it. We also may find ourselves doing the very same thing to others. Many of these human rights I have listed bring up the idea of the difference between assertiveness (healthy) and aggressiveness (combative). Healthy assertiveness can take time to master (still working on it myself) but it is amazing when we achieve it. Imagine doing only what you choose to do in life and letting go of the need to manipulate others. When I started practicing these things myself almost twenty years ago, I thought people would start to dislike me if I was totally honest. It was the exact opposite, people liked me more. And the ones who didn’t dropped away, another gift :) Jim V”

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

Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com 

“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials.

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

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

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

I often like to pull a Rune for a navigational message at the beginning of each month. This was the Rune I pulled for myself and 5 of the 11 clients I worked with at that time also pulled the same Rune!

Ansuz (upright)

Signals, Messenger Rune, The God Loki

“The keynote here is receiving: messages, signals, gifts. Even a timely warning may be seen as a gift. The message may be that of a new life unfolding. New lives begin with new connections, surprising linkages that direct you onto new pathways. Take care now to be especially aware during meetings, visits, chance encounters, particularly with persons wiser than yourself. When the Messenger Rune brings sacred knowledge, you are truly blessed.

Loki is the ancient trickster from the pantheon of Norse gods. He is the Heyeohokah of the Native Americans, a mocking shadow of the creator god, as well as the bringer of benefits to humankind. He is a reminder that even scoundrels and arch-thieves can be the bearers of wisdom. When you draw this Rune, expect the unexpected: The message is always a call, a call to new life.

Ansuz is the first of the thirteen Runes that make up the cycle of Initiation-Runes that focus directly on the mechanism of self-change-and as such, addresses our need to integrate unconscious motive with conscious intent.

Drawing Ansuz tells you that connection with the Divine is at hand. It is a signal to explore the depths. the foundation of life, and to experience the inexhaustible wellspring of the Divine in your nature.

At the same time, you are reminded that you must first draw from the well to nourish and give to yourself. Then there will be more than enough to nourish others. A new sense of family solidarity, invests this Rune.” R.B.

Something notably shifted when January ended for me this year (Jupiter went direct again). All kinds of signals have been coming my way, and most have been extremely positive. Even a negative encounter I had turned out to be of real value. I saw a negative behavioral pattern that I was also doing exaggerated in a far more dramatic way in someone else, and it helped me to let go of something I was holding onto. I had a misperception and victimization response toward some people (Negative side of Neptune) and events and this was one of the primary things blocking me. All of these recent signals have contributed to recognizing that I had been feeding too much fear (unconscious intent) and could not understand why what I consciously wanted was not happening. This above quote from Ralph Blum about the Signals Rune - Ansuz - beautifully explains how the signals (if we pay attention to them) can tap us back into that “inexhaustible wellspring” that we are all connected to. Even the last part fits perfectly for me. I have decided that it is time to prioritize doing the things that I have put off doing for myself (nourishing and giving to oneself) even though some family members have been telling me what “I should be doing now.” As I take care of these things in the right order for me (and it has been so fun doing each and every one!), I will inevitably be in a better spot to truly nourish others.

The Runes are a tremendously valuable form of navigational aid if you are willing to learn to use them and consider their guidance. This mini-explanation (using me as example) is a small example of how I use the Runes to also guide my clients in personal session. Sessions are always far more than just “seeing what cards or Runes come up.” The battle of the Spiritual Warrior is always with the Self. When we know what our issues are, and how to end “the war,” and are willing to take Right action necessary, life can get pretty damn good. Cheers, Jim V

I like to share posts like these from time to time to illustrate how readings/sessions are not primarily about “seeing the future.” Sessions with me are about understanding the process of how we create our reality and how cards and Runes can show where we may be blocked or how to change our perceptions to navigate our life path more successfully. They also show us where we are doing really well already and what may be supporting us!

 Anyone requesting a session/reading who mentions that they want Runes to be part of their reading will get $10 (instead of usual $5) off of my listed prices for any sessions booked in March of 2013.

February 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura Blog

Snake Oil  Angel stuff

While they are actually one of the easiest oracles to learn to use, it was actually far easier for me to learn about Astrology, Tarot, Runes and Druid animal totems than it was to consider learning how to use Angel cards. While I immersed myself in mastering using many different types of oracles, I held off on the “Angel card thing.” Maybe it was because I saw it as something that was connected with being too religious. Maybe I just saw it as too “cheesy.” Well meaning but often corny shows and movies like “Touched by an Angel” (which may have actually been a good show, but I never even saw it) and “Angels in the outfield” made me even less interested in the subject. The sarcastic side of me thought; “yeah, like we all have a bunch of winged helpers that fly around, playing harps and trying to protect us?” Aspects of the whole subject made the male side of me more inclined to poke fun at the whole idea rather than embrace the possibility of angels being not only a real presence at some levels, but even tremendously valuable.

It wasn’t until my mid thirties and after years of metaphysical studies and already being very comfortable with things that others would see as “woo-woo,” did I begin to feel the angelic realm reaching out to me. I had just left an extremely difficult relationship break-up (talked about in more detail in my first book - Dirty Little Secrets). I had a lingering sense of hurt, anger, sadness, and I could not stop thinking about how badly I had been mistreated by someone that I thought really loved me. I was in a book store and was drawn to some of the Doreen Virtue Angel cards. They had an open deck on display so you could look at them more closely. I picked up the deck, shuffled them while thinking about my issue. After a few shuffles the card on the top felt like the right one. It was Archangel Uriel: “Your emotions are healing which enables you to open to greater love. I will help you release anger and unforgiveness from your heart and mind. I am called the ‘psychologist angel’ because I help to heal toxins from peoples thoughts and emotions. I am especially able to release stubborn anger and unforgiveness. I am with you right now to clear away such toxins...” I was blown away. It was difficult for me to keep the intense emotions that were surfacing reasonably contained as I quickly bought the deck and left the bookstore.

In the years I have worked with Angel cards for myself and with clients the guidance and insight have not only transformed me but many other people. In addition, it has opened me to allowing far more help from the angelic realm in my everyday life. The more I practiced asking for help and protection, the more it seemed to come. Now it has become a normal part of my life. I get signs, insight, messages, help, and even little miracles often. After a few years of working with the cards and becoming more attuned to how the angelic realm communicates with us, I started getting messages in the form of white feathers. I started to find that when I got caught in worry or just needed a reminder that everything was going to be okay I would find white feathers. Sometimes they were just on the ground obviously left by pigeons and other birds. My logical mind rationalized this as being not exactly an amazing thing to find outside. It was when they showed up in pants pockets, inside the door of hotel rooms when I just checked in, on my car seat, or other strange places that I felt that increasingly familiar sense of warmth, joy, safety and protection that would wash over me. These types of feelings are often a sign of spirit guide or angelic contact.

One of the most profound experiences I have ever had with white-feather-angelic-contact happened about five years ago. I was at a friend’s house for a summer part comprised of mostly couples with young children running around. There were many children happily playing, while the adults enjoyed a barbecue and a few cold drinks. I have never actually regretted not having children of my own and as a creative person it was simply not the right road for me. Yet that day as I watched the kids playing and all the couples who seemed so happy together I felt very alone. I felt a wave of heavy sadness come over me. I began to feel painfully single and depressed. My buddy’s three year old daughter walked up to me and said: “Uncle Jim, they told me to give you this.” She handed me a beautiful white feather, smiled and then skipped off to continue playing with her friends.

Months after I had a car accident a few years back, I was still a bit phobic each time I got into my car. A driver had ignored a stop sign and totaled my previous car. The phobia was a nagging fear that someone might do this to me again. I asked the angel cards for advice one day to help release the pieces of fear that still lingered. The card I pulled was an angel named Zanna: “You are protected from all types of harm. The worst is now behind you. I ask you to relax and feel safe. No matter what has happened in your past, your present and future are now safely protected by angels. I am helping to heal your heart of worry and fear... The other angels and I stand guard around you, your home, your family, your vehicles, and your workplace. You can rest assured that no lower energies can permeate our protective fields...”

There are other planes of existence that coincide with our world. The angelic realm is one of many. We tend to think of it as “above us.” Yet, this is just our way of attempting to understand concepts that we can’t explain in words. Being religious is not a requirement for connecting with angels (although it can be also). The angelic realm is there for us if we are open to asking for protection and guidance. They love unconditionally. There is never anything we could ever do or have ever done that will close off this love and assistance if we are open to it. Toxic, angry people resistant to letting go of past hurts are not “punished” by seemingly not having access to this. They feel unworthy, so they block insight from higher chakras and close off to it. Opening yourself to the unconditional love and guidance of angelic assistance will not weaken your position in the functioning tangible world. You will not become ungrounded or delusional or crazy. We can live and deal with the practical rules and laws of the physical plane, while opening to the messages and help from the Otherworld. In fact, adding more of a connection to the Otherworld can make our ability to do positive things in this world even more powerful. 

Jim Ventura 1-2013 

Editors Note:

I’m happy to say that I think this has been a good year so far for me. And the majority of my Regular clients seem to concur. It seems that the turbulence that I experienced toward the near end of 2012 cleared the way for some major shifts in my thinking. As usual, the Universe responded with a physical reflection of good things around me in my corner of the universe. The holidays and family issues that surfaced brought up a lot of issues for many people. Yet, it has also strengthened their resolve to plan and implement creative ideas and goals for the new year. When adversity and difficulties in life surface (like illness) they have emotional stagnancy and limiting beliefs behind their appearance.  Problems that surface are our “helpers,” when we are willing to look at and deal with their origins. We may need to adjust our external behavior or/and change limiting beliefs, but when we do, life changes for the better! 

I “sold out” and agreed to have a 30 second video commercial to help pay for the costs of doing my Thursday radio show. You will now have to suffer through a video of Chili’s restaurants at this time to listen to archived shows lol. All of my past shows are archived. Remember you can listen to any of them at your leisure. I am opening my schedule to take in a few more Regular clients now. Check out the information about the program later in the newsletter and see if it is something that feels right for you to do at this time.

It’s the month for Valentine’s Day. Love is such a popular question that comes up in many of the sessions I do. Yet, it seems that love seems to come more easily when we are not specifically looking for it. Fulfilling love also comes more easily when we are internally happy and know how to be good to ourselves. When we treat ourselves well and feel deserving of being treated well by others we can experience a relationship with someone that mirrors this type of healthy love. Happy Valentine’s Day! Cheers, Jim V

“ If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for.” Florence Scoval Shinn

Regular Client Program 

One of the best programs I have been doing for nearly ten years now is my Regular client program. The program is designed to benefit my clients at multiple levels. Clients who enroll in the program come in every three months for personal sessions (monthly, or every other month is also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. Session prices are discounted for Regular clients.  Regulars also receive discounts on classes, books, and CD’s. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to use the signs and signals that are all around us, and 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. I feel like a proud Dad when I see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have helped to motivate. So many of my Regular clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You too can join this program, 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. This 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 life coach then the Regular Client Program may be right for you.

Dirty Little Secrets (available in print, audio CD, or kindle) 

Storyteller and professional oracle reader Jim Ventura takes his readers on a wild literary ride. Dirty Little Secrets is a collection of short essays. The book explores some of society’s perceptions about what people often consider to be dirty little secrets best kept to oneself. The book tackles subjects with unflinching honesty: drug use, sexual addiction, unrequited love, revenge, childhood weirdness, homosexuality, and the old souls quest to experience magic and miracles in everyday life. The author holds little back in expressing his quest for enlightenment. Dirty Little Secrets illustrates how meaning, spirituality and humor can be found to be embedded in every experience.

Excerpts from Dirty Little Secrets:

Light as a feather, stiff as a board “Childhood for me was a time of experimentation. I was attracted to the occult, there was something about its danger and mystery that was compelling...”

What’s wrong in this world? My belief has always been this: life is meaningful and safe, and people are basically good by nature...”

Criminal “My nightmare with the bad-boy showed me parts of myself that were not honorable. While I never even came close to the type of thievery Jim was involved in, I had still been a thief when we met. I tried to manipulate this young man, by making him need me, and he manipulated me right back, tenfold...”

The Raven “I began to remember every violation done to me in past relationships, every client who was loving and kind in relationships and was treated like garbage ran through my head. Every piece of slime who walked all over my brothers and sisters, and close friends passed through my head. I felt rage, someone needed to take a stand, someone needed to fight back. I appointed myself, through an imaginary election, to the position of righter of all wrongs...”

Another queen singing I’m coming out! “Everyone who knew me was comfortably aware that I was gay, except my parents, After they went back home it nagged at me for days. I could not carry this anymore, it no longer mattered that they might be upset. It was the truth; it was who I was and the last part of me still in hiding...”

To order a CD audio recording of the book (this is a dvd audio and will play on most computers and dvd players) read by the author, or a soft cover print version of Dirty Little Secrets, contact the author directly at Venturasag@yahoo.com

Either CD recording or print version $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. I can also be contacted my e mail if you want to use a debit card over the phone or pay pal to order.

Dirty Little Secrets is also available at Amazon.com

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, February 7th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). 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 the show you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

All you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura  You may also access it by going to blogtalkradio.com Type “Snake Oil” into the search option.

You can also go to the shows that are currently “On air” at that time and find me. The call in number is 646-200-3966 for questions and comments.

“The thoughts that you think, regarding those things that you want, set into motion the creation, and eventual fulfillment, of that which you want. And likewise, the thoughts that you think, regarding those things that you do not want, set into motion the creation, and eventual fulfillment, of that which you do NOT want.” Abraham Hicks

Spring Classes

MICHAEL MATERIAL

* What is your soul age? The soul age of friends and family ?

* How do past lifetimes influence us in the present ?

* What does karma feel like, and how does it work ?

* How does your chief negative feature impact your life, and can it be changed?

* What happens when your partner is an idealist and you are a realist ?

* What is your life goal? Is it dominance, acceptance, flow or submission ?

*What is your essence, your soul mate’s essence ? Artisan, priest, king, server, sage, warrior or scholar ?

* What is a soul mate, task companion, heart link ?

* What do the higher centers feel like?

After this workshop you will understand all of these questions and many more, and more importantly have the answers.

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

What is the Michael teaching?

The main goal of the Michael teaching is agape or unconditional love. The teaching views life as a learning game in which fragments of the Tao - that essential part of each human being - set up lessons which continue over lifetimes. These lessons are learned via the personality which Essence chooses each lifetime. Michael teaches us what the components of the personality are so that we can learn to use and see these components in ourselves and in others. In that way we can learn to understand why human beings behave as they do. Michael is composed of 1,050 individual Essences who have lived on the physical plane and now teach from another plane. One of the most basic and important principles of the teaching is that it is not a religion or a belief system. Michael encourages their students to self validate all of the information they receive. The system was originally in print in over 12 volumes of information. “My studies of this material have been extensive and now I offer what I have learned to my students” Jim Ventura (Old Scholar). The classes will help you to use and understand the material without the need to read all the out-of-print books.

Saturday mornings 10 am till noon March 9th, 16, 23, 30th and April 6th. $90.00 for all five classes ($80.00 pre-paid and for current Regular clients). Maximum of 8 students for this home class (one student may call in out-of-area on speaker phone) and minimum of 4 sign-ups to hold the classes. A $20 deposit is required to hold your space in this series.

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

Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com 

“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials.

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

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

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

End of newsletter February Special.

Clients requesting the Valentine’s day special can have a 45 minute, 70 minute or 90 session that is all about healing our relationship patterns or drawing new relationships to us. We will use a combination of angel cards, Runes, and uncovering and changing limiting beliefs that block us from experiencing balanced, fulfilling relationships. Current Snake Oil subscribers receive $20 off my listed prices for this session (february 2013 only) exclusively!

“The best way to love is to love like you have never been hurt.” Unknown author