August 2014 Snake Oil

Snake Oil/ We Just Disagree

I love to sing. Every month or two, I find a way to get out and do karaoke with a few of my friends. It was something I started doing nearly fifteen years ago. With practice, my singing voice has become better and my confidence has risen along with it. I actually enjoy the opportunity to influence an audience and take center stage for a few minutes. I have a list of songs that I know I can perform really well. Yes, its a real list and I am a little bit of a geek. I also have an unwritten list, that’s far longer, of songs that I could never pull off! My voice tends to be stronger with songs and keys that are on the low side. I can’t comfortably reach high notes, so this is what eliminates quite a few of the songs that I love, so I never attempt to sing them. I remember to challenge myself each time I go by doing a song that I have never done before. I prioritize the value of “stretching myself,” even if afterwards I have to scratch that song off my list permanently. One of my favorite “easy songs” is a song from the late seventies by Dave Mason called “We just disagree.” I have performed it countless times and I can honestly say that it is one of a number of songs that I can sing flawlessly.

The song has an amazing sound and simple lyrics but has meaning for me. It took me some time to understand the clear wisdom of the lyrics, but in my mid thirties, I finally understood its meaning. Dave Mason sings about a past relationship that didn’t work out:

“So let’s leave it alone. Cause we can’t see eye to eye. There ain’t no good guy. There ain’t no bad guy. There’s only you and me and we just disagree. oh oh oh.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmdaa1QX6TU

I remember when one of my long term relationships ended some years ago. We separated after almost three years together and I was bitter. My heart was broken and I clung to the idea that my ex was the “bad guy.” I believed that I was the “good guy.” He had an affair toward the end of the relationship, so it was easy for me to convince my friends and family that I was the loyal one who had gotten screwed over by him. Needless to say, they sided with me and reinforced my belief that I was the good one and he didn’t deserve me. I felt supported by my friends and validated that I had been mistreated. This helped me to move through the grieving process at first. It didn’t take long before I began to see things differently though.

After the anger and self pity faded, I was able to look at the experience from what I had learned from my many years of metaphysical studies. This shifted my viewpoint. When I looked at the situation through the lens of why and how I created this, I began to see that I had also contributed to the collapse of the relationship. After two years into the relationship I had begun to withhold affection, and was simply falling out of love. I was often finding myself irritated by many aspects of his personality. When I took an honest look at what had happened, I began to see it completely from an enlightened point of view. I could see that the joy in the relationship was no longer there and it needed to end for both of us. We were each moving in different directions. There was no good guy. There was no bad guy. There was only the two of us and we just were not in synch anymore. His affairs were simply the tangible excuse for us to both break away. Since that time, I have found it easier to see all of the relationships I have explored from a similar enlightened perspective. This has been tremendously empowering and I no longer participate in the illusion of victimization.

Once upon a time, I worked in a restaurant where some controversy started to brew around a year after we opened. The restaurant was not as successful as the owner had initially planned. He was not able to give the head chef some of the profits he believed he would have theoretically “acquired by now.” This contributed toward the chef finding himself dealing with some difficult financial struggles. The owner was struggling as well, but had some help from family and was less strained financially than the chef was. He was also more patient and willing to give things time to grow. The chef grew angry and felt victimized. The situation became progressively toxic. Many of the people that I worked with began to talk about how the owner had “screwed over” the chef. A few people thought that the chef was the bad guy, and “ungrateful.” It was uncomfortable for me to be around all of this opinionated speculation. It seemed that everyone around me was taking sides and wanted me to see why they were right, and who the “bad guy” was. It was clear to me that the owner had overestimated how much money he would bring in and was overly optimistic in what he could deliver. The chef was impatient, and while very talented and creative, was a bit of a martyr. He often spoke of times and circumstances where he “got screwed over” by others. People often steal to make up for what “should be theirs” and the chef did a bit of this to “balance the scales.” Eventually things resolved when the chef left the job. Still, there was still some bad vibes left behind over the whole situation, and many people were still convinced that they were on the side of “the good one.”

When we are willing to detach from taking sides and seeing things from the who is the “good one” and who is the “bad one” point of view, we can shift into a more evolved perspective. Some people take another extreme perspective in situations like this. Rather than decide that someone is the “bad guy,” they beat themselves up for getting caught in situations or with someone who is a “terrible person.” Their focus is more self deprecating and often centers around “how stupid they were for not being able to see what was happening.” They intensely berate themselves for their stupidity and “how they should have known better.” This is equally toxic, and also of little value. Even if we did “screw up,” and not see the signs or get out sooner, there is always wisdom in forgiving ourselves and the parties involved. 

Difficult experiences are sometimes part of our learning process. If we had all the answers without physical experience, there would be no need for life on the physical plane. Forgiveness is always the key in all cases. We don’t need to continue a relationship with someone we distrust, however it is always beneficial to purge ourselves of rehashing the experience and holding onto anger. Wisdom and maturity are about releasing the idea of taking sides. When we let go of self-recrimination and stubbornly hating someone forever for “what they did to us, or didn’t do for us,” we are free to be happy again. It is not only far wiser, but ultimately freeing to let go of the illusion of sides. If that is too difficult for some people to do, then I suggest just singing a little song: “There ain’t no good guy. There ain’t no bad guy. There’s only you and me and we just disagree. Oh Oh Oh.”

Jim Ventura 8-2010

Editors Note:

This Snake Oil originally ran in October of 2010. One of the things I really like about re-running a Snake Oil from only a few years ago is observing how my writing skills have improved over the years. I have very few re-writes and edits to do in comparison to my work from ten years ago, when I first started the column! Perseverance and a bunch of planets in a Virgo conjunction in my 5th house Natal chart have served me well.  

A few months ago when Mars was retrograde in Libra I really saw many people struggling with relationship issues. Mars rules what we get excited about and what we can get impatient about... While relationship challenges are always a common theme for many people, things seem to be less strained overall in this area since Mars went direct again. 

I often remind my clients that forgiveness doesn’t mean that we agree with what someone did, or didn’t do for us. Wisdom is the ability to look at what part you had in it’s creation, without adding self-recrimination to the mix... Forgiveness is not about pretending that you no longer care and forced detachment. We can often love someone and at the same time, not really like them very much... Forgiveness is about letting go of the part of ourselves that keeps rehashing, stressing, and getting irritated with the trespasses we may have experienced. We are choosing to let go of anguish and to be at peace. I always humorously remind my clients that even if we do go through a break-up  “all ex’s get hit with the ugly stick!” Meaning, after some time apart we often realize we are no longer attracted to that person. In most cases we should see that it happened for a reason, even if we don’t understand why yet. Often the doors open later to something much better in our lives. Not all relationships are meant to be “for life.”

There are still a few openings in September’s Prosperity class. Grab one of the last remaining spots before this class fills. I probably won’t be doing this class again until the summer of 2015. I will be doing some Tarot classes, and Astrology classes though in the winter.  More information about this in next months newsletter. Wishing everyone a Happy August. Cheers, Jim V

“When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?” Sydney Harris

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

Bartholomew talks about our endless focus, and battle with “the curtain.” The curtain is what we believe separates us or causes us pain: Our job, our relationship, our family, body, what we lack, what we want, etc...

“...You keep trying to make sense out of the motions of this thin undulating curtain... I would like to tell you something, even though you have heard it before. YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE WRONG THING! You feel there will be a moment when that curtain, with its infinite number of ripples and tucks, is going to be in perfect alignment; and then you will have the perfect curtain, the perfect life! This drive for curtain perfection is so strong that you spend all your time trying to achieve it. It is humorous, but it is also very painful. No matter how much you try to understand the curtain, you cannot fit it into Divine Law. It follows the law of its own motion, which you know as the motion of the ego. When you fix your eyes on the motion of the curtain and try to make cosmic sense out of it, you are doomed to failure. The motion of the ego curtain is caused by ego energy. So stop looking at the wrong thing.

I am going to ask you to quickly complete a sentence for me in your mind. “I am unhappy because...”

However you finish that sentence, my friends, has something to do with the motion of the ego curtain. As long as you believe you are unhappy because the curtain is not in a particular place, as long as you believe you will never be happy until the curtain has a particular look, you are doomed to misery; because it changes endlessly. As soon as you have reconciled or resolved one of the folds of the curtain to your liking, look down three inches and you will find something else has moved out of place.

You ego tries to convince you that by paying enough attention to the curtain, you will get it to hang right. How many more lifetimes are you going to believe this? The motion of the ego curtain has nothing to do with your happiness. You truly believe when you have a very difficult situation in your life that you would feel more peaceful if this situation were not there. But as painful as your lives are, you need to keep the following in mind: the coming together of the seemingly separated powers is the only solution to your problems. Anything else is simply patching the curtain. You can choose one thing over another. You can leave this or you can keep that. You can make endless choices about the curtain, but in the end, it remains a curtain. The problem is not the shape, size, or number of folds it has, the problem is your transfixed gaze upon it...”

From the book Bartholomew Planetary Brother

“Before reacting negatively, ask yourself, Does it really matter or am I just acting out of a need to be right?” Dick Sutphen

Current classes:

CREATING PROSPERITY

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

Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about! The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Sunday September 7th. noon- 2:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before August 25th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class. 

“Never let your morals prevent you from doing what is right.” Isaac Asimov

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, August 7th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

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

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

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 text: (602)349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact)

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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

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

July 2014 Snake Oil

Snake Oil

More and More Stuff

About a year ago a client gave me a pair of expensive sunglasses. While I appreciated her generosity, it is rare for me to own anything as extravagant as a pair of $300.00 sunglasses. I’m content to have a $30.00 pair and consider them to be just as valuable. In fact, owning a pair of expensive sunglasses might make me overly concerned about whether I would lose or break them. My client gave them to me partly out of generosity, but more to spite her husband. Her wealthy, overbearing spouse was playing all kinds of manipulative games of power and control with her. She contemplated throwing them away but recognized that it would be a far more brutal retaliation to give them to me. He doesn’t believe in therapists and any form of “metaphysical mumbo jumbo,”so I am guessing she would purposely tell him she gave them to me. While I didn’t want to get caught up in their domestic retaliation war, the sunglasses were innocent. If they were going to be thrown away it was probably better for me to take them.

I have never been one to put much energy into “showy acquisition.” I drive a moderate car and shop for most of my clothes at places like Ross and Burlington’s. While I am very much a fan of being comfortable and consider it a high priority, most of the things I own are not expensive items. I briefly went through a stage in my late teens when I wanted designer labels and high-priced items. However, this stage was extremely brief. By the time I reached my early twenties, I realized I was more interested in comfort, not glitter. Owning expensive things makes me more likely to get upset if I lose them. It also carries the trap of being too concerned about what could happen to the material things I might make too important. Expensive items can be stolen, they can break, they often require upkeep, and I simply never wanted to deal with all of that added worry.

In order to earn more money, I worked forty-five hours a week in my early twenties for about one year. I waited on tables at two different jobs. I made more money but realized that I preferred a little less money and more free time over the extra income. I think almost everyone has a few areas where they can be somewhat extravagant. I think there is nothing wrong with having a few areas in life where we have sophisticated tastes. Some people like expensive meals at restaurants. Some people like to own fine jewelry. Many people want to have the best looking home on the block. Some people spend exorbitant amounts of money on plastic surgery just to make their bodies look perfect. My biggest extravagance, in most of my friends and family’s eyes, are my trips to Las Vegas five or six times a year. They are surprised that I spend so much money on these trips and a few other vacations. The truth is, Vegas is one of the least expensive places for me to travel to. My mathematical skills give me an edge that most people don’t have when they gamble. When I play, I typically play low stakes and occasionally even win. My rooms and all of my meals are comped; these trips usually cost me very little in comparison to what most people spend on vacations. It’s actually far less costly for me to spend three days of luxury in Vegas than three days in San Diego (even though I do love San Diego!), where I have to pay for hotel rooms and meals.

I have never been interested in the “he who dies with the most toys wins” philosophy. I attribute this to being an “old soul.” Having lived many lifetimes, I think one begins to acquire wisdom and an ability to see how little value there is in obsessive acquisition. The more we strive to acquire things and get caught in the grips of greed, the more we will inevitably suffer. When taken to an extreme, competitiveness and voracity can be very unattractive. An obsessive need to have the best cars, largest house, designer shoes, and even the most elaborate parties (see if you can make it through an episode of the television show My Sweet Sixteen to know what I mean) carries a heavy price tag. When we get caught up with “keeping up with the Jones” we will probably eventually lose. Someone will always have more money and better “stuff.” We will feel like we have failed, or need to work harder to compete. If we have to work long hours at a job we don’t really enjoy, are we wealthy and successful or just a slave to the system of acquisition? 

I have also run across people who live at the far end of the bell curve in relation to having too much stuff. There are people who look with utter disdain at anything that smacks of materialism. This type of perspective is sometimes found among metaphysical people. Having been in the New Age world for many years, I have also run into a few people who consider any type of acquisition, or even the maintenance and needs of our bodies as lacking in spiritual worthiness. About five years ago, I received a message on my answering machine that was the epitome of the nuttiness of people who are far to the other extreme:

“Hi Jim, my name is Serendipity, a client gave me your name. We have a lot in common. I have been studying crystals, and I read Tarot cards. Right now I don’t have a home or a phone. I don’t believe in overvaluing material things, and choose not to participate in that kind of negativity. It will be difficult for you to reach me but I would like to talk. I will give you a friend’s phone number. He is really hard to reach also but if you keep trying he might be able to find me. His number is....”
I felt very little guilt when I erased this silly message from my voicemail and never returned the call.

We are born into physical body for a reason. When we pass back into spirit we will have no need for this vehicle, but while we are alive it is important to deal with the care, feeding, maintenance, and practical needs of the body. Having a comfortable home, a job we enjoy, some nice things, tools that help us to communicate with each other and a few luxuries to sweeten the experience are no less valuable than our spirituality. Too many spiritual seekers try to rise above the needs of the body. I often remind these types that it is very difficult to pay for your phone bill or air-conditioning in the hot summer with “good intentions” and “positive thoughts.” Money and “things” are a necessity and it is not wise to completely avoid this aspect of life. 

When it comes to acquisition I follow the perspective that comfort is what matters most. The things I acquire are tools to help me to enjoy the things that are of real value. I prefer to have memorable experiences over expensive possessions: meaningful conversations with friends. The happy relief I experience the first cool night in Arizona in October when I can open the front and back door and turn off the A/C, has nothing to do with material things. Cuddling up with my mate in a comfy bed is not really about having an expensive bed. When I see my clients excited about developing their intuitive abilities I feel a sense of wealth. My nephews’ excited reactions to a creative gift I recently sent them cost very little, but it had another type of value. It was memorable and fun, and it reminded them that their Uncle does care about them. The home I own brings comfort and security to the people, plants, and animals that are part of my life. It is not impressive by any means, but it is really cozy. Any piece of beautiful music, book, or a movie that makes me go mushy inside is priceless. Philosopher Art Buchwald said it perfectly: “The best things in life aren’t things.”

Jim Ventura 1-2008

Editors note:

This column was originally written in early 2008. the reference to MTV’s my Sweet Sixteen marks this! The sunglasses lasted about a year, I had a car accident about a year later in 2009 and when I went to pull my stuff from my totaled car (a woman ran a stop sign because she was texting and drinking a cup of coffee) I forgot that they were even in the car and simply left them behind. Just another reminder of how much importance I place on “stuff.”

Last month’s Creating Prosperity class went very well! I have a small waiting list of people who couldn’t get into the June class, so I am rescheduling another beginner class for early September. More information about this is in this newsletter. Grab one of the remaining spots while there are still a few left. I will also be doing an advanced class on how to market your own business in October. Students who took Creating Prosperity One will be first to have an option for taking one of the 8 spots. If there are openings after that I will allow anyone who wants to attend to join us. Creating Prosperity is not about being wealthy. It is more about recognizing that we each hold the keys to creating security and we can decide for ourselves what our level of success will be!

We are smack in the middle of summer. I love living in phoenix, but the summer months can be a real test. Monsoon season usually begins around mid July, so we will get a little relief. I bought a portable standing air conditioning unit for my bedroom. While I already have central air, my goal was to take some of the pressure off the roof unit. They can be quite costly to replace. The portable unit is amazing. Even at a 79 degree setting my bedroom is almost cold. My cat was scared of the noise it made for the first week or two, now it’s hard to get her to leave that room!

I haven’t been back east in almost four years and I am taking a trip back to New York in early October (where I am from originally). It will be great to get back east and to see family and friends. I moved away 24 years ago, and I’d I would go back more often, but I just don’t like flying. It’s not a fear of flying-just seems to be way overpriced, and I seem to get pulled out and molested by security about one out of every four times. I am not sure why they pull me out and go through my stuff so frequently, but it seems to happen too often! The last time I flew to Las Vegas, they searched me and my carry-on because I had a cigar cutter in with the 18 cigars I brought with me, ugh...

2014 has been a really good year. I reached the number one spot on Yelp recently. Special thanks to all the thoughtful clients who put reviews up about me. The positive karma of helping me to reach more people and be prosperous will be coming your way. You already put it in motion...

Wishing everyone a happy Summer, Cheers, Jim V

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

A projection into the future from Seth  quoted from Spirit Speaks magazine

“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

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive.” Howard Thurman

Current classes:

CREATING PROSPERITY

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

Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about! The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Sunday September 7th. noon- 2:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before August 25th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class. 

“In Order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” Bill Cosby

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, July 11th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

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.

“Self confidence is the most attractive quality a person can have. How can anyone see how awesome you are if you can’t see it yourself?” Unknown

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 text: (602)349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact)

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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

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

June 2014 Snake Oil/Excess Striving

Snake Oil

Excessive Striving

Like many people, I’ve spent a good portion of my life wondering if I am ever “doing enough.” When I was a waiter and bartender, I would often feel bad when I turned down extra shifts. This was in part, because I knew the restaurants could really use me and appreciated my competent, reliable work ethic and skills. Most of the owners, and managers I worked for were happier when I was there. The other part was the inevitable discomfort I would feel when I got my paycheck and realized it could have been a bigger one. The uncomfortable feelings I often felt were mostly about me feeling like I was being too lazy. My parents installed a strong work ethic in me and my other siblings. We’re not afraid of doing a bit of hard work, especially when we’re paid for it. We all started working at a young age to earn extra funds which was probably prompted by the fact that they never gave us any actual money. As strong as my willingness to work has always been, I have also always prioritized the value in taking equal time to rest and play. I learned early on that staying healthy involves getting enough sleep, exercise, play, and enjoying occasional vacations. This all contributes toward keeping me sane and able to return to work again, after all, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy!

Over the years, I have gotten a lot better about worrying about whether I am too lazy, yet the struggle still surfaces more often than I would like it to. The usual list of what I “should be doing” include: “I could easily get another book done. I could be months ahead on writing my columns. I should do more radio shows. I could work out five days a week instead of the 3-4 I currently do. The house could be cleaner. I should be doing more self-promotion...” While I know I am at my best when I average around 16 appointments a week for navigational consultations, I sometimes get annoyed with my self when I have slow weeks. I wonder if I should have put more energy into marketing. As of late, and more often than not, I don’t lack getting enough business and often have a full schedule of appointments booked about a week in advance. I sometimes feel badly when I have to make clients wait a week or two for their sessions when I have these busy weeks. I know they could use the insight and I hate to disappoint, yet I know I am at my best when I don’t overbook. When I overshoot too far above my average by taking on too many clients, I am not as clear and focused. Still that small voice inside still tells me I should work more, and more.

Excessive striving is not uncommon for people who have some impatience embedded in their wiring. Impatience is one of seven fears (chief negative features*) Impatience centers around a fear of being victimized by time. We tend to get intolerant of the way others do, or don’t do things and we often get annoyed with ourselves as well! In numerology we often see this tendency in people who have the number 8 prominently in their charts. The inner voice pushes at us to feel guilty if we are not doing enough. It’s like having an internal lion tamer and whip as a motivator. It often originates from familial or cultural influences, but needs no outer prompt when we become an adult because it is now firmly embedded inside. Yet, often excessive striving is not a good thing. We can get caught in the unhealthy trap of trying to do too much. 

As much as I still get tormented by my own sense of whether I am being too lazy, I am extremely good at relaxing. I have truly perfected the ability to enjoy and prioritize down time. I often joke that I live like I am semi-retired in some ways. I like to buy fresh groceries every two or three days and I cook almost all of my own meals. I take one or two naps every day, in addition to sleeping 7-8 hours most nights. I go to the gym 4 days a week for an hour each time. I meditate a few times a week and I watch a few hours of television almost every day. I take baths once or twice a week (especially in the winter). I take about seven vacations every year and I take mini vacations (one afternoon, evening, and night) to my local casino two or three times a month. I often stay in the hotel and drive back the next morning. When I was told by a Michael channel years ago that I have a goal of flow or relaxation* it was no surprise.

Amidst all of this relaxation and fun, I still get a lot done each week. I write a monthly blog column. I have published three books so far, and I am working on two others. The amount of time and effort that go into editing is considerable. I do three radio shows each month. I do all of my own marketing and continue to read and research to improve my skills in my field. I put a good amount of energy into eating well and taking care of myself both internally and externally. I comfortably and easily take care of endless details of life and do it really well. As much as my “your not doing enough” voice inside taunts me with how much more I should be doing, I really do get a lot done.

While it is rarely not beneficial to make more money, most people encounter another type of discomfort when they work too much. Often they end up sick or simply exhausted from overwork. Relationships with one’s children, friends, family, and mate often become strained. Most people experience the same thing when they begin to work excessively and make more money they still don’t ever seem to have enough money! Standards for what we purchase then tend to rise and never go down again. More things require more maintenance. We rarely end up happier because we are working and making more money. We gain in one way and lose in others.

Excessive striving isn’t always about earning more money or increasing our success. We can get excessive about being ready to date after a break up. We can overreach to go back to work after a flu or accident. We can get consumed with the need to lose weight and have the perfect body. We can excessively strive to increase our knowledge, spiritual development, and to achieve the right education. We can get obsessive about finding a boyfriend or girlfriend, finding a husband or a wife, and choosing when to have children. The problem arises when our striving is based on fear as its motivation. We either never truly achieve our goal or get there and still feel unfulfilled. When we fear that we won’t ever “get there” we are unconsciously, and subconsciously programming ourselves to manifest the very thing we don’t want to happen. Overreach and attempting to reach goals we are not truly ready for often creates more problems to resolve. Of course there are times in life when we have to muster extra strength, work overtime, and go the extra mile. Crisis and a need to deal with it is sometimes a part of life. Still, crisis in the overall scheme of things is relatively rare.  

Other than my adorable cat, I don’t have any dependents. I am currently happily single. I only have me to take care of me. Most people have a lot more to get caught in excessive striving about. The responsibilities of being a boss and directing others is often not easy. Taking care of a sick spouse, child, or parent can be challenging. Raising a family with all the responsibilities attached to doing that well can be a tremendous amount of hard work. The need to make money for our children's college, our retirement, pay off debt, and so many other things can push us to get excessive. The things we believe we “need to do now to have security for our future” often blind us to the joys of living in a comfortable present. Yet, if we prioritize taking care of ourselves and trusting that we will be able to manifest the things we truly need, and not the ones we think we need, we are often able to accomplish this far more fluidly!  Impulses and enthusiasm will naturally spark our drive to accomplish our needed goals. When we are healthy, well rested, in shape, and take time to listen to our Higher Self and inner wisdom we make better decisions. Over the years I have radically changed the way I view what success is over the years. Now I see true success as an ability to happily enjoy the present, live comfortably, age gracefully, and trust that my creative drive is appropriately recharging when I am resting and playing.

Jim V 5-2014

Editors note:

*The Michael material is a series of channeled books that I have studied extensively. I teach classes and do private sessions that teach people about these incredible teachings. There are seven chief negative features or fears. One or two of these are acquired typically during adolescence. There are also seven life goals all sentient beings have during a lifetime. They change in each lifetime, but remain fixed at birth for every life. 

The 7 goals are: Discrimination, Acceptance, Re-evaluation, Growth, Submission, Dominance, and Relaxation. They each have both positive and negative poles.

When I wrote this Snake Oil, I remembered something I was told that really illustrated an extreme example of excessive striving. I have a friend who used to work for a company whose owner told all of his employees to treat every day like you are in crisis so you are always at your best. Talk about some really bad advice! I recognize that not everyone has my goal of relaxation/flow (actually it is usually only about 6 percent of the population. Growth and Acceptance are the most common life goals), yet everyone can still tap into the benefits of a little more flow and relaxation in their lives!  I will be teaching Michael classes again this fall, so you can sign up and learn more about goals, modes, and all the other things that compile understanding the Michael system. More information about this in next month’s newsletter.

Summer is here! Wishing everyone a good summer and hopefully some relaxing summer vacations to add to the mix. Cheers, Jim V

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

In his channeled book Alexander talks about the different stages of development and the focus from early childhood through old age. A piece of his chapter on the elderly and getting closer to the death transition:

“...The elderly know this. They know that for all the frantic corporate ladder-climbing of middle age, such amounts to virtually nothing when taking stock of a life. As the elderly feel that fresh influx of energy from the nonphysical realm, cushioning their approach to physical death, they are naturally infused with the very wisdom of the ages, of their greater entities. Your professional achievements count for very little in the ledger of the universe. You do not hand your resume to your greater entity upon death and consider that the mark of meaning of your life.

What matters is how you lived. First, did you love yourself? Did you pursue those avenues of interest to you, regardless of the opinions of family and friends? Did you stand your ground when tempted to compromise your principles and integrity? Did you hold true to your beliefs? Did you treat others with respect? Did you find time to love? Did you listen to your children? Did you encourage, nourish and support them on their unique and private paths, not hampering them with meaningless strictures? Did you contribute to the life of your community? Did you make yourself available to your neighbors, to the extent they desired? Did you respect the natural world? Did you live a life attuned to the natural order? Did you make an effort to maintain contacts with those in every stage of life, from young children to the elderly? Did you listen to them? Did you seek out avenues of fresh experience and learning? Was boredom unknown to you, busy as you were exploring a world that can never be fully known? Did you laugh, long, hard, and often at yourself? Did you live?

These are the questions the greater entity seeks answers to when you pass into spirit. Your fancy car, your fancy house, your fancy title, your fancy clothes-dust...”

From Whatever Happened To Divine Grace? Ramon Stevens

_______________________________________________________

“Your life is your practice. Your spiritual practice does not occur someplace other than in your life right now, and your life is nowhere other than where you are. You are looking for answers, insight, and wisdom that you already possess. Live the life in front of you, be the life you are, and see what you find out for yourself.” Karen Maezen Miller

My Newest YouTube Video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE5foKSLl4M

Current classes:

CREATING PROSPERITY

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

Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about!The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Saturday June 28th. 10 am - 12:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before June 15th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class. 

“You can safely assume your’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” Anne Lamott

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, June 5th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

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

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

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 text: (602)349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact)

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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

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

May 2014 Snake Oil/A Good Reading

May 2014 Snake Oil

A Good Reading

I recently reconnected with a client I hadn’t seen in over seven years. I remember when I received a particularly stressed call from John back in 2001. I worked with John in a few sessions before his call, often centering around his relationship struggles in his two year marriage. His wife gave birth to their first son about a year after they married. The baby had some troubling health issues they were both concerned about. However, their bigger struggles centered around the love/hate relationship they were having. She had a daughter from a previous relationship who was now sixteen. His new wife carried guilt about her first divorce and overcompensated by spoiling her daughter and giving her things to make up for her “mistakes.” The young girl was not happy about her mother taking some of the attention away from her and worked hard at sabotaging the relationship between her mother and her mother’s new husband. Along the way, both John and his wife had done some spiteful things to each other because of this situation, as well as other battles, that were now hard to repair. Strangely, the reason for John’s traumatized call was actually because he had gone to a psychic reader who sucker punched him with some painful predictions about the future of their relationship.

I wasn’t familiar with the reader he talked with, but I had heard of her. She told him during their session that his wife would leave him within six months. She was also stealing money from him and hiding it. In the divorce she would take full custody of their child and block him from ever seeing his son again. John was horrified. He was trying everything in his power to make her happy. He worked long hours to give his wife everything she wanted, but she was still unhappy. Matters of trust and confidence were an issue for both of them. I talked with him for a bit to help him release some of the tremendous fear he now had around all of the bad news. In reality, he already had a lot of fear about what might occur and the reader tuned into this by telling him all of his worst case fears would come true.

Finding a good reader/psychic/healer is not always an easy task. In many respects it is not unlike finding an expert in any field. We can hire a contractor to do work on our home and get someone who does a lousy job. We might find a doctor or other healer who ends up doing more harm than good. We may get grossly overcharged from a car mechanic or any type of repair person. The list of potential unqualified people we can hire to do work for us, is often equal to the amazing people we may find in contrast. Thankfully in this modern age, there are websites that can help us choose more wisely by checking out other’s reviews. We can ask friends for referrals and also find talented people with genuine skills if we are willing to do some research.

About two years ago, I had a client who came in for a Tarot reading. She was looking for a reading about when her next husband would come into her life. The card showed a likely new relationship within the next six months. They also suggested that there would be troubling communication issues connected with the new relationship. When I began to take some time to talk with her relationship patterns and about how her past experiences and wounds might be blocking movement in this area, she immediately stopped me. She was irritated as she told me: “I don’t come here for advice. I already see a psychologist. I just want you to tell me exactly when, and with whom I will be married to again!” We finished the session and I knew with a sense of relief that she would never come back to see me again. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes people will attempt to bully me into giving them the information they want to hear.

Many people misunderstand how oracles and intuitive readings work. They are unaware that our thoughts and beliefs form our reality. Some believe that things just happen to them, and often for no particular reason. They are not aware that If we are experiencing a block in any area, it’s because either our Higher Self does not want this for us at this time, or we have limiting beliefs that are keeping it from manifesting. I remind my clients that what we see in the cards and in other oracles in our past and present positions should reflect what we are currently experiencing. The cards placed in the future positions are probable or “likely” ones. Rarely are they unchangeable facts. We have far more control over creating our reality than we think. A good reader is an intuitive interpreter of psychic messages and is able to clarify and explain any messages that come through the oracles. Readers that don’t use cards or other oracles are often simply good at reading energy. We need to remember that when working with psychics, even an excellent reader is acting as a channel and may blur information and alter it somewhat according to their beliefs and other filters. 

My focus in sessions has always been more of a combination of giving insight and helping clients to understand probable directions. My main focus has always been about helping my clients to understand why things are happening and what their part is in creating these events. I often tune into people by sharing similar experiences and stories about what I went through in the past or my present. Astrology, Numerology, and other divination tools show us our inclinations, dispossessions, talents, and challenges. Understanding these things can help us tap into our potential, give us insight into what we are capable of manifesting, and also assist us to come to terms with healing any wounds that may be blocking our happiness. In life, there are both positive and negative probabilities that we may encounter and sometimes we can actually change these things. We are rarely “doomed” to experience an unalterable event. At the very least, we can change how we view situations to see that there is a larger purpose in any experience. Even a loss or difficulty may often prove to be a blessing in disguise. A talented reader is one who is able to assist in this process. 

Some readers tell their clients what they perceive as probable directions as absolute fact. They deliver information as they see it and sometimes give clients shocking news and information. The oddest part of this is that many people are actually looking for this, and only this! They want to be told exactly how their life will go. There is absolutely nothing wrong with searching for the excitement and fun of simply finding a reader who knows a lot of things about you. I did this myself when I went to psychic fairs in my early twenties for a year or two. Yet, in some respects this focus is like only filling up on junk food when your body is hungry; your body would be far more nourished by eating healthy foods. The reader who told John that he would experience these “calamities” was actually right about many of her predictions. A year later the couple did separate. There were financial struggles in the divorce, although she shares custody of their child and didn’t battle in the extreme ways that the reader predicted. They also reunited a few times before they finally divorced. The reader was honest with John about how she saw it, yet she may have done more harm than good, by not being able to help him see the larger picture and his role in all of this. 

John had self-destructive tendencies connected with alcohol. He also had childhood abandonment issues and a fear of lack of control. He had a few verbally violent outbursts with his wife and step-daughter that shook her trust in him during the marriage. She had issues with extreme greed (fear of lack) and no matter how much John worked or did for her, she was never happy during their marriage. A few years later John remarried after three years of being alone. Introspective inner work, meditation, and counseling helped John achieve more balance. He is much happier in his second marriage and has dealt with his alcoholism and anger issues. He is far more peaceful, and as a result is experiencing more peace outwardly.  He now has full custody of his teenage son. It took him some time but he was able to see that as painful as his loss was at the time, there was  a part of him that knew their relationship together was unworkable. His ex-wife has married and divorced two more times since. She is still looking for the “right” man.

To me, a gifted reader is someone who helps you understand the events of your life in a positive way, even the seemingly negative ones. A good reader helps open up your intuitive channels so that you become better at listening to the messages coming from your Higher Self. As a new client left my office the other day, she stopped before she left to say this to me: “Wow, I am not sure if you told me anything I didn’t already know or feel. It was more like you confirmed what I was feeling and gave me some insight into other ways of looking at things.” I wasn’t sure if her comment was actually meant to be a compliment, but that is exactly the way I took it. 

Jim V 4-2014

Editors Note:

I have always made a point to never share any personal information about my clients outside of sessions. The things discussed in my sessions with my clients are private, and I will always keep it this way. Sometimes I share experiences that other clients may have or/are currently going through, if I think it will be a help to others. In all cases though, I do not share the specific identity and typically change the person’s name. In the case of John’s story (this is not his real name) he actually gave me a happy thumbs up to talk about his experience. He is understandably proud of the progress he has made, although this story is actually a composite of a number of different peoples experience. One of the points I really wanted to make here was to show how an experience that at the time seemed really tragic turned out to be positive. I also wanted to illustrate that when it comes to having readings we always need to remember predictions are simply that; probable outcomes. A good reader will reinforce your own intuitive messages and help you see things more clearly.

I filmed my third YouTube video a few months ago, and launching it here in this month’s newsletter. Special thanks to Apollo Poetry for his excellent work in both filming the video, editing, and putting it all together! I worked with Apollo when I did my other two videos. Apollo is taking a break from video work for a bit, and focusing on other creative projects. He does a lot of different creative things. It was fun doing this video, and it was actually the original idea I wanted to do for my first YouTube video. But sometimes creative ideas cook in our minds and don’t get tangibly created until the “time is right.”

I have scheduled a home office summer class on Creating Prosperity. I frequently talk to clients who are struggling with financial issues as well as other issues relating to experiencing abundance. Everyone who attends this workshop will also be the first invites to my fall class on how to create a successful business of your own and how to use (often) free marketing techniques to really get your business to become successful. I will mention the dates for these classes and offer any of the remaining openings for them in my July newsletter.

I posted some important information on my FaceBook fan-page last month about astrological influences that most people felt. The post is also included in this months newsletter. It’s getting warm here in Phoenix, so Summer isn’t too far off...Wishing everyone a happy May. Cheers, Jim V

"Love yourself because if you can't love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else!" RuPaul

My Newest YouTube Video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE5foKSLl4M

Current classes:

CREATING PROSPERITY

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

Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about!The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Saturday June 28th. 10 am - 12:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before June 10th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class. 

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

From Whatever Happened To Divine Grace by Roman Steven (channeling Alexander)

“The point of physical life, the lesson learned before the reincarnational cycle can end, is that thought creates reality. You perceive what you want to perceive, both as a species and individually. Now, there are no value judgments on our plane, or from those ‘above’ us. Therefore, if you wish to create a ‘negative’ reality by projecting fears and worries out into the physical medium, then seeing them bounce back to you faithfully expressed, there is nothing stopping you from doing so. A good parent is one who allows his/her children to experience the full brunt and consequences of their actions, not to shield them from the results. All That Is has a similar approach, except it has a broader perspective than even the most inspired parent, for in greater terms there are no ‘negative’ experiences, only opportunities for growth.

Fear, for example, is a creation of the human mind. Those who feel it will project it and find its consequences automatically in their lives. If you fear ill health, you will get sick. If you fear poverty, you will lose your wealth. It is not the fear that drives these concepts into reality, but the fact that it makes its physical creation that much easier.

You need not fear, so to speak, that any time you consider a possible negative outcome of an event you are automatically going to see that outcome materialized. If you consider the possibility of dying of cancer for a few moments, perhaps as a way of empathizing with those who are doing so, you need not call the ambulance out of certainty that a similar fate awaits you. Remember that the natural state of the universe is one of GRACE leading to your greater fulfillment. It is only by prolonged and intense concentration on an idea, particularly one antithetical to your best development, that you can create such a reality. Again, there are no such judgments made on the other side of the invisible membrane, and if you so energize the concept of illness or poverty or any other unhappy condition by fearing it, visualizing it or worrying about it, then you make such a reality that much more likely...”

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, May 8th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

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.

“Never allow another person’s words or deeds to influence how you feel about yourself. One has nothing to do with the other.” Dick Sutphen from Simple Solutions

Astrology Post:

Mars retrograde in Libra March first thru May 19th 2014

Mars is now moving retrograde in Libra. Typically Mars transits through each of the twelve signs in the zodiac for about two months. When it goes retrograde every two years or so, it will stay in a sign (or signs) for many months. 

Mars in our chart rules the masculine side of us. It influences the things we get excited about, feel passionate about, and where we direct our energies to get things done. It also shows where we sometimes get angry, impatient, and even pissed off! The house that Mars occupies in our natal chart is where we often want it now! When it transits thru a sign and house we get a bit more assertive about that area of our lives.

Retrograde Mars can get us riled up. It can also have the opposite effect and we may feel lethargic and unmotivated. It's a time when hesitating is more likely than throwing ourselves into new endeavors. We might require more rest than usual. Some of us are more accident-prone or illness-prone, almost as if the cosmos are forcing us to slow down if we haven't listened to our natural impulses to take a break. It's time for regrouping, and this is important on both physical and emotional levels. We are being asked to consider where we really want to direct our energy now and in the near future.

Libra rules balance, and the part of us that wants to be diplomatic. Libra is all about our relationships with others, legal matters, justice, fairness, and doing our best to keep things “even.”

Libra rules one-to-one relationships and negotiations. During Mars' retrograde cycle in Libra, we may need to re-assess our approach to these matters. Circumstances are likely to be such that we feel forced to do so. We might feel some frustration or anxiety about our partnerships. There can be hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks about beginning or going forward with relationships or with formal negotiations and striking deals. Conflicts about give and take in an existing partnership can be stimulated.

Find the area in your chart that contains Libra and you can see what house this is impacting at this time. We definitely can still get things done during a Mars retrograde. We just need to keep an even pace, and to remember that the need to pull our energy back, by regrouping and resting is just as important as taking action! Jim V

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl

All sessions/readings for 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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

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