May June 2026 Snake Oil/Whose Side Are You On Anyway?

 May June 2026 Snake Oil

Whose Side Are You On Anyway?

When I went from a Catholic elementary school and began my four years of high school at a new public school in the ninth grade, I was made aware of something that was important that I should care about. There was a rival school that, for reasons I can’t remember, we were supposed to hate. One Saturday in early spring when it was finally getting warm on Long Island after a long winter, a few of my friends were on our bikes just hanging out in front of my house joyfully doing nothing. I had an impulse to go inside to shower. For some reason, I just felt dirty. I told them I would be back out again in half an hour or so. When I finished my shower and returned, I saw two cop cars taking off. My friends excitedly filled me in on what I had missed. There was an altercation that started minutes after I went inside. One of our neighbors who was a senior got into an intense fight. A car from the rival school with two guys inside pulled up and lured him out of his home. I am sure there was more to the ordeal, but it ended up in a fistfight, and the cops were called. My friends were still excited about all of the discord, but I honestly wasn’t upset that I missed any of it. Even back then, I often went out of my way to avoid idiot people making commotions, fighting over often silly things, and subjecting others to their energetic nonsense. It was also an early sign that my intuitive abilities were there to protect me. The impulse to shower thankfully helped me to avoid what was on its way.

There are positive sides to competitiveness. I do remember a fair amount of joy connected to things that involved competition in my childhood years. I loved playing board games, volleyball, whiffle ball, video games, and all kinds of competitive things. I enjoyed the adrenaline triggered by a competitive spirit and frequently won many of the things I played at, especially card and board games. I thoroughly enjoyed playfully taunting my friends and family members when they were losing or lost. In my early twenties, I played racquetball and loved the trash talk that went on while we played at the gym. Still, this never was something I was excessive about. I was always aware that we were playing a game and it was still just for fun, and my being extremely cruel was not something I did very often. Any remaining aspects of mean competitiveness were something that I mostly grew out of by my mid-twenties. I did notice other people who would push the boundaries of fun and competitiveness into real cruelty. I would inevitably make a point of avoiding those types of individuals when they got too toxic. People that were really into sport teams, musical groups, political perspectives, and other areas of life that were heavy-handed about taking sides and were obnoxious about despising those not on their side became types I purposely avoided. I especially remember the “disco sucks” movement. I actually preferred pop and rock and roll during that era, but also did like some disco, often weakly pretending I didn’t. The ones who screamed loudly about how you “should hate disco” would torture you if you didn’t side with them. Sadly, throughout my lifetime, I have seen so many people, full-grown adults, who seem to forever keep focused on seeing no gray areas in the things they believe to be correct and spewing out verbal venom. Before the internet and social media, there were limits to saying things you disagreed with. You had to run the risk of saying it right to other people’s faces or, at best send in a magazine or newspaper column letter. This had the potential of actual consequence for getting into someone’s face, because you couldn’t hide behind a phone or computer.

Unfortunately, in the last twenty years, and notably ramping up even more in the last ten years or so, this theme of absolutely hating anyone not on your side has grown expeditiously. This would be one of the negative sides to social media. While it is great that social media brings the collective together from all over the world with an opportunity to share unique points of view and ideas, the negative volume has been turned up far too high. I saw this during Covid with pro-vaccine versus anti-vaccine perspectives, and so many layers of viciousness and fear connected with different aspects of that insane “comply or else” period of our history. More recently, even more anti-LGBT perspectives and extremes from both sides of that equation have ramped up. The searching for scapegoats that cause all of “society’s ills” is seemingly never-ending.  Religious intolerance for those who prioritize religious faith has gotten louder. This also is demonstrated in the other direction with pious religious people also angry with “nonbelievers.” Still, the most notable area out of all of this is politics. The obsessive taking of sides on right or left perspectives is currently very explosive. It is now more clear than ever that many social media posts (especially Facebook) are actually bots, or just people trying to bait anger from the other side. Many of these posts are truly ridiculous. Anger posts are heavily invested in getting a rise out of the “bad ones,” not on your side. The tactic is to get people to comment. This drives algorithms to get one’s post to be seen even more, and many are literally banking on this. Good or bad comments and interaction in general make the creators actual money!

Part of evolving and growing as a human being is ideally about learning how to not be reactive, and to not take what other people do or say so personally. Wisdom includes realizing that we are supposed to recognize that we share the world together collectively and to focus more on what “unites” us versus what separates us. We hopefully learn to stop petty thievery, often a rite of passage for young people, cheating on girlfriends and boyfriends, spreading gossip, perpetual lying or slander, and other childish low-vibrational aspects of human behavior.  We are supposed to mature and evolve and to recognize when things like obsessive jealousy and possessiveness, and retaliation are not good things. It is okay to briefly think about doing something to get back at someone that may have pissed us off; actually acting on it is another thing entirely.  Wisdom is rightly connected to being able to observe past mistakes, childish behaviors, and to not repeat them. Reaching the point in adulthood of being able to comfortably say “I would never do that again” is something to be proud of.

I understand why people may prefer leaning politically left or right. Very few of us, though, are actually completely one hundred percent conservative or liberal. One may be conservative but feel women have a right to body autonomy and choice. Left-leaning people who want equal rights for all may actually be fiscally conservative. When I see someone who is completely loyal to every aspect of one side, I honestly think they are a bit nuts! I will still stand for their right to be that nutty, as long as it doesn’t actually hurt others. Yet, I also tend to step away from such extremes with the philosophy of “do it anywhere but near me, though.” There are still people who believe that being gay or bisexual is wrong and that being straight is the only right way to be, which is absolute nonsense. I still occasionally see people on social media talking about “the good or bad races.” Years ago, I remember Cher on a talk show suggesting to a mostly female audience that “who needs men anyway?” to hysterical laughs and nods of agreement from most of the audience around her. The childish idea that one sex is better than another trope still plays far too often. I have also known many men who physically are attracted to women but think that they are less than men in intelligence or value. All of these things and many others are examples of this limited thinking, and honestly often idiotic perspectives. Still, I don’t yell at people for believing what they believe. 


I recently saw a far-left-leaning friend on Instagram who proclaimed that “if you are a centrist, you are invisible and making the world a worse place because of your weakness for not taking a side more loudly.” Yeah, we really need more people on opposite sides yelling at each other; that will fix things! Notice the obvious sarcasm in my last statement… Having opinions about what you believe to be right or wrong, liking or not liking political candidates, current politicians, sports teams, celebrities, and even what type of people you find appealing or attractive are necessary parts of having healthy human discernment. We absolutely have the right and need to carve out what we want around us and who we choose to support. There are times when it is completely okay to share what we feel or believe. And yes, some of the things people actually believe are mind-numbing.  Perpetual screaming, name-calling, demonizing those that don’t agree, and attacks on who YOU believe to be the “Bad Ones,” because they don’t see it your way, is part of why the world seems so much more volatile than ever before. Has yelling and name-calling of anyone ever been a successful catalyst for changing anyone's perspectives? The stubborn (and this is the most common fear, or chief negative feature out of the seven humans develop—The Michael teachings) tend to dig their heels in deeper when confronted. Thankfully, verbal ugliness and a lack of respect for diversity inevitably become more obvious and unappealing as people evolve. Contrary to what we may see around us currently, it is on its way out, or at least beginning to decrease.  As we evolve and progress further into the age of Aquarius (also as the planet moves to a mature soul consciousness), more people will begin to find this lower energy less appealing, but as is often the case, things like this can take time to shift.
5-2026 Jim Ventura 

Notes:

I have a friend at my gym that I have know for over twenty years now. He is a die hard Trump fan. I enjoy the banter that we have once or twice a week about many different things including discussing political perspectives. Two fire signs debating the things we agree on and things we don’t. I clearly have some Greek blood or past lifetime influences that contribute to my actually loving a good debate. We never get into name calling because I have respect for him. I point out the times when I think the Orange one has actually done something good. I also point out the nonsense and BS I see more often than the positive things with this administration. I also did a similar when Biden and other Presidents were in charge. We agree to disagree on a lot of things, but still remain friends. I think it is clearly possible to find common ground, and one is not betraying their side when we respect different beliefs. I also have a number of clients that are fans on this president, and I respect their perspectives as well. Again, I think there are far too many negatives to balance out the positive with this man and his cabinet, but I often understand why they believe what they believe, even when I don’t share a similar view. It is important for me to respect those differences. And, anyone who understands astrology knows a Libra moon individual like myself is likely to prefer to maintain harmony and balance over discord. My opinions about the current President were formed long before he took this position. I watched the Apprentice once, years ago for about thirty  minutes and just thought, ugh I am seeing 4-6 chief negative features on display with this guy: Arrogance, Impatience, Stubbornness, Greed, and hints of self destruction and even martyrdom that surfaced later. Most people have two primary fears or chief features, four to six of them are just too much. He is also a mid level young soul, often a karmic creating cycle, with the common slogan of “He who dies with the most toys and power wins.” This is a cycle that has minimally developed empathy. I prefer mature soul Presidents, and we likely won’t see an old soul one in this lifetime, so not holding my breath for that lol. 

I took a hard spill on the stairs of my condo almost two months ago, badly spraining my left ankle and foot. It was a painful first two weeks and a slow recovery process. I, being true to form chose  a holistic approach to healing versus going to a doctor. At this point I am about 90 percent healed. The down time, and being forced to move slowly forced me, or from a more enlightened perspective allowed me to think about what my ankle and left foot represents. I was able to get clarity on aspects of where I created limited fear based beliefs at a young age that no longer serve me. Many of these limits had to do with my Mom and especially my siblings. I will be talking in more detail about all of this in my next column tentatively titled “I’ll tumble for ya.” 

This experience itself was quite eye opening. I have been studying this subject for many years; looking at where I have limited myself in ability to receive abundance, prosperity, success, love, and joy. And while I never fully shut these things down in my life, I did limit myself. I often work with clients to uncover the aspects of ourselves that we, for many different reasons have shut down or limited. My goal is to assist in the healing of old wounds and limiting beliefs and opening up to more self love and abundance. This can be seen or explained with the Major Arcana card of the Empress (3) in the Tarot, by looking at both the positive and negative (reversed) aspects of this Archetype. As I rectify this in myself, I of course share these insight and noticeable transformative energies with clients. Clients currently in my Regular Client Program have and will continue to benefit from these insights, especially because I prioritize helping to uncover how this applies specifically to them. I will continue to do this with more notable insights and formulas for expanding one’s ability to receive; one the many reason I refer to myself as a Navigational Consultant! A number of my Regulars have already made major break throughs, some of them huge, and I am happy I have been able to assist in this process. Some are still working on this (It can take some time) and dealing with the often darker phases still.  When Pandora’s box has been opened, people often do not may realize they are actually making progress. The key is perseverance! Email for information about joining my Regular Client Program.

Summer is almost here. I do plan on traveling a little more than usual, but will still be available for sessions by phone. About 80 precent of my sessions now are by phone, so there will be very little interruption. And my returning and new clients who are locals who prefer in-person sessions will still find most months will still have around three weeks of availability for that option. Wishing everyone the best for the start of the summer season ahead! Cheers, Jim V

“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.” Langston Hughes

 
“Empathy is really the opposite of spiritual meanness. It’s the capacity to understand that every war is both won and lost. And that someone else’s pain is as meaningful as your own.” Barbara Kingsolver


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

“Before we proceed with further examples, let us examine one more aspect of fear’s expression.

By Now you should intuitively understand that the end can never justify the means, no matter how legitimate the cause a second violation, perpetrated in response to an initial denial of Divine Grace; serves only to strengthen the thought or belief that led to the first violation. In deepest terms there is no time, thus when you respond to a violation with a second violation, you solve nothing. instead you merely energize the concept that led to the initial violation. 

Let us suppose you are at bat in a championship softball game, with two out’s and the bases loaded. The pitcher sends strike three whizzing past you into the catcher’s mitt. When the umpire yells, ‘you’re out!’ and the game seems lost, you determined that your team shall clinch the pennant, pull a gun, aim it at the umpire and demand one more pitch.

Most likely you will have it. And let us suppose you nail the fourth pitch right over the outfield wall, round the bases, grab the trophy, hug your teammates, and waltz off, the supposed ‘victor’ of the game.

What have you done? You have ‘won’ not by playing according to the established rules but by violating them with force, the threat of death. And your ‘victory’ as manifested in the trophy you cart off, is an empty one indeed, born as it is of the illegitimacy of defying the rules of the game.

This ties in with our discussion of fear. One further characteristic of fear is that it will always seek to justify the use of any means to obtain the desired end. If the rules of the game do not suit it, it does not seek too change them but to violate them, in its determination to mask itself and to win final victory over the imagined threat. Such a victory, as we have seen, is always hollow and empty, resulting ultimately in the precise opposite of the proclaimed goal. Knowing that fear will justify the use of any means  to achieve its end, let us proceed to examine fear in your society with further examples…”

From Whatever Happened to Divine Grace by Ramon Stevens

New Client Special 2026:

 


January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2026 Special: New Client introductory offer:
$10-15 off listed rates! A $10 discount off of all 45 minute, 70, or 90 minute sessions. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients may choose an extra $5 discount off the current rates for cash or check payments for sessions! Pricing is at the end of this newsletter or just request a session and availability calendar. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates and use the above discounts! 

Regular Client Program  

My Regular Clients enjoy working with the many different types of oracles I work with for enlightenment. But a good portion of them work with me in the form of an enlightened counselor and life coach. Discussing what you are going through or working on at each time is definitely healing but also allows added insight from my many years of navigational consultations and the wisdom of working with me, a very old soul!
 
One of the best programs I have been doing for 26 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 sessions are also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. Session prices are notably discounted for Regular Clients. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to navigate more effectively through life by using the signs and signals that are all around us, and conquering fear-based programming permanently. We also get to work with all of 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. Some of my regulars have gone on to do spiritual counseling or similar types of work and some are healing and guiding others personally and professionally. The progress I have seen over the years among the majority of my Regular Clients has been phenomenal. It is wonderful to see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have assisted in motivating. So many of my Regular Clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You too can join this program as well, just ask.
 
More about the Regular Client Program... This program was designed to create an easy, cost-effective way for my clients to progress in their spiritual development. When we are consistent at attending to our body/mind/spirit, we naturally move through life with more harmony and greater joy. When our spiritual awareness is heightened and fine-tuned, we are often happier which helps us to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including occasional personal challenges because we see them as inevitably beneficial. We can truly assist the people around us. Human beings learn by example. Your intimate partnerships, friendships, family, and children benefit when you are in a good space. The Regular Client Program makes it easier to prioritize keeping your spiritual, emotional and even physical “garden” free of weeds. Email me for more information and pricing.

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” Oscar Wilde
“Don’t take Anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” Don Miguel Ruitz 

Intuitive and Oracle reading classes 2026

While I no longer host group classes in my home, some of my most popular classes are still available! Now classes can be in-office, by phone, or through Face-Time, or even Zoom.
You can take one introductory class or continue with a monthly class for up to six months for any of the classes offered. Each instructional class is 90 minutes. You may schedule a one on one class in office or by phone for yourself, or have a friend or family member join you and split the costs.

Single one person class: $60.00 or 3 classes prepaid $165.00.
2 people option: $70 for each class ($35.00 each) 3 classes prepaid $180 ($90.00 each).


Email me for more information (more expansive info about each class series) and my availability calendar to book your personal intuitive and oracle development classes. my email is Venturasag@yahoo.com

Current options:

Tarot Card Reading

2. Astrology-101, and advanced classes
 
3. Michael teachings

4. Past life Journeys

5. Intuitive development
6. Creating Prosperity
7. Viking Rune Stones
8. Healing with color
9. Understanding Shamanism
10. Reinventing yourself
11. How to use Animal totems for empowerment. 
12. Channeling and automatic writing
13. Numerology
14. Remote viewing, astral projection, and working with your dream state
15. Angels and Spirit Guide. 


“Who you resist you will eventually become. All resistance is fear. If after repeated opportunities, you do not cease to resist a particular race, sexual orientation, those who believe differently, or who have character traits you despise, you will have to reincarnate as one of ‘them’ so you can learn acceptance.” Dick Sutphen

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (BEST method for contact).
text only: (602) 349-0746 Phone calls: (602) 957-3035 
Information about the different sessions and types of readings, classes and services, past Snake Oil columns, can be found at BuyMeaCoffee.com/VenturaWora (both on the site info and gift sessions available in the shop section).

Website: JVentura44.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

 
I also have a few other media channels other than Face-Book:

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (approximately once a month 6-12 minute videos) at J Ventura Snake Oil. 
Instagram at Venturawords (Astrology updates and other insights generally on short 90 second reels) 
 Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-8 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals, and a number of other metaphysical topics.

All personal sessions/readings for 2026 are:  Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $95.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 minutes $45. 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. Purchasing 3 prepaid sessions also brings sizable discounts. Some examples; 3 prepaid 45 minute monthly sessions is $155 total or about $52 a session. 3 prepaid quarterly 70 minute session are $245 or about $82 a session.

March April 2026 Snake Oil/Three Men and a Little Lady

 Snake Oil 

Three Men and a Little Lady

 

As we finished the often difficult year of the Snake, the news in the US and the world was at times bleak, still as always (when we choose to focus on this) there were also pockets of gold. One important thing I decided to do was to watch the always stunning Arizona sunsets a few times a week. I focused on not taking the difficulties and challenges that at times surfaced in my daily life along with the often troubling world news, with me into my evenings. I let the sun set on the day and prioritized letting go of anything negative. I simply allowed myself to feel peace. This was both relaxing and healing even though I had to shut down that seemingly loud internal voice of “things I should be doing.” This process of sun gazing and tuning into natural cycles always seems to strengthen my old soul ability to see the larger picture with the added benefit of often sensing upcoming probable events.


I frequently had a few of my feral apartment cats sit with me. I was consistently joined by one special girl that I called “Chatty.” She had more whiskers for some reason than her siblings, and even though she was perpetually very skinny she seemingly had an endless appetite. She often had a lot of meows to help motivate me to feed her and scratch behind her ears. Most mornings she would be up against my front door guarding my space and waiting for me to open it for pets and much deserved treats. I knew that this fifteen year old cat was not long for this world and after attempting a few holistic techniques to hopefully heal her notably ailing body, I realized nothing was going to change that course. Instead of worrying or trying to fix I committed to spending extra time with her. I also gave her a few small doses of “bad for cats stuff” like milk, butter, and cheese sauces. Like all cats she got extra excited over tuna juice. When I would eat tuna I would drain the water into a cup for her and spread this treat out over two days. A benefit to my advanced age is lessons that have taught me not to make the mistake of regretting that I didn’t spend enough time with something or someone that I loved. She was truly a spoiled and happy girl. 

 

Over the last two years I have noticed two thirty something neighbors that moved to our complex. I can see both their places from my kitchen window. One guy lives in the upstairs and the other in the downstairs condo next door. They put time into getting all the apartment cats to trust them and to eventually be able to pet some of the cats. They were seduced by the cats like me and especially “Chatty,” although I am guessing they have their own names for the cats. I notice them often feeding the cats and their excitement when they swirled around their legs happily. They also leave their front doors open at times, like I do to let a few of the braver cats inside. Chatty found a way to get even more treats and pets from all three men and it was adorable. The often quoted discussion of toxic masculinity problems definitely do not apply here. I think of the silly movies from the eighties “Three men and a baby,” And the sequel “Three Men and a Little Lady.” All part of a dorky period of the late eighties movies that also were somehow lame and charming at the same time.

Two days before an upcoming vacation I hadn’t seen Chatty for over twenty fours hours. I knew she had either passed or had snuck away to do so, as animals typically do in nature. I found her lifeless body the next day in the leaves under the stairs of both the big ex professional fighter and the young man who lived above him, Conrad. I was thinking about how we could potentially get her out from under the stairs and where we should bury her. I was focusing on the pragmatic details of handling the situation. Conrad walked toward me probably coming back from work and told me he had also found her that morning. I could tell he was upset but seemed to hold it together as we made a plan. I did not hold it together. The build up from this loss hit me and I broke down crying in front of this man I didn’t actually know. Seeing that skinny, sweet love light now turned off in this world was a lot to handle. I had known her for almost fifteen years since she was a kitten. Conrad agreed to a plan to bury her with me the next day and to see if we could also get the other “dad” of Chatty that lived below him to help us. I actually caught him as he was driving off to work the next morning, and he was disappointed that he couldn’t be there for this, but he got very emotional about the shared loss as well.


The universe provided a large shovel and we found a space in the back of the complex for Conrad and I to bury Chatty. The ground was hard that afternoon so digging took us almost and hour. We took turns with the shovel all very instinctively, ritualistically, and pragmatically. When we put her into the ground, we took turns putting dirt over her. I was able to hold it together this time from the tears, although I had shed a few rounds that the night before when I realized that all future mornings she wouldn’t be at my doorstep waiting for me. Conrad did not hold it together as we placed the colorful blue marker for her grave and his tears came. He comfortably told me he had no issue with expressing his emotions. The beautiful marker I placed on her grave of refracting light sparkled just like Chatty did.


I am generally not a very emotional person but I had a number of times that week when I would just shed some more tears. The loyalty and devotion of that cat was unquestionable, consistent, and truly appreciated. I wasn’t exactly sure why this little cat impacted me so strongly but I also know that understanding our emotional bodies are not meant to be logical or even fully understood. Still in my sadness, I knew me and the other guys were able to give her so much love and happiness while she was in this world. She passed back into the Other World with joy and the completion of a great lifetime. I had lost a very close human friend just a year before, and that still had some sadness attached to that and other losses. I also had clients who were dealing with notable, even traumatic deaths and loss as well. I knew the tears we all were shedding were good, natural, and reminded us to accept that death was part of life. Eventually we would inevitably let go of some of our sadness and focus on how much joy we experienced when they were alive, instead of focusing on the loss and death itself. The process of inevitably moving forward for everyone in situations like this may be fast or slow, but there is no wrong way to grieve. 

The other cats seemed to be hiding in the background for about a week, maybe mourning in their own way. The day after we buried Chatty I left for my Vegas trip. I needed some purposeful shallowness after this heart wrenching experience and a lot of tests in the new year. For me Vegas is always great for that. The second day of my trip I got an image text from Conrad. His two young nieces went out and decorated Chatty’s resting place with balloons, hearts and flowers. I was playing video poker and smoking a cigar and began to well up with more emotion. This time it was happy tears mixed in with the sadness. 


We may uncomfortably cringe when we see the darkness that exists in this world, especially now when we are seeing our Neptunian illusions about so much of politics, celebrities, religion, hero worship and some of the darker aspects of science and medicine beginning to finally be exposed and seen for their illusions. We can’t pretend these events away, but we can remember that darkness inevitably leads us back to light. I am continually reminded of goodness, kindness, and the love that is always all around us in our world even in the dark times, animals are a notable part of this awareness. Cynicism (seeing contradiction and BS) has its value but it does not run my show. Our sweet little lady was gone, but we all were truly lucky to have had have had even if it was just a brief amount of time in our world, and for that I am thankful.
Jim Ventura 3-2026 

 

Notes

I decided to purposely share a sweet story, and a follow up from my last column (Returning to the Natural order) to help to soften the harsh energy we are dealing with currently in the world. With so much added fear and anger it can make many people just feel tired and some even hopeless. I remind everyone that as horrible as the current climate is, it will lead to positive change inevitably. I will likely be talking about one of the major causes of this, how people get caught so fervently into taking sides, in my next column. To add to the cuteness of this story, the exit of Chatty has now brought two different cats that are trying to hang out here to take her place. The original cats are not liking either of them (no surprise) and I am not sure if they are even actually feral cats! Like I remember from childhood, sometimes cats who live with other families decide they want a new place to hang. In addition, I think they can be a lot like young human groups as well, just simply looking to hang out and play with a group of cool kids, in this case they are all cats though!

Now to briefly switch over to something a bit darker. Being an old soul Scholar and having studied human behaviors all of my life, I am able to look at darker things and compartmentalize my discomfort. I have looked at some of the Epsom files (purposeful name change) and yes, much of it is horrifying, if not at times incomprehensible. It seems that a lot of the “crazy conspiracy theorists” over the years were actually right about SOME of their perceived atrocities. I am careful when I am doing chat time w clients (off the clock) from time to time, and even with friends and family with gauging what they are comfortable hearing. I recognize that many people can’t handle this information and sleep at night, it is that bad! I have shared short takes on this on social media. After listening to a number of female victims, and a few males who also dealt with abuse (and there are many, many more…) there is no doubt that much of this stuff is true. While social media does filter, it actually does a lot less filtering than main stream media often does. These horror stories include what the orange one has done. No matter what anyone says and who they desperately want to not “believe did anything bad,” the abuses are shared across many political groupings. Even if some of the information from survivors is exaggerated or not true, if only twenty percent is (and it is likely far, far more than that) then we cannot put our heads in the sand anymore about any of this. If we can’t agree to protect children what kind of society have we become? Party affiliations are irrelevant, there are monsters from all walks of life. It is vitally important to consider as a society, why we have shut our eyes ands ears to this, and still often keep doing so. Why victims are so commonly ignored and not believed? Pretty much anyone who has taken the time to listen to even a few survivors testimonies (one example is Sasha Rileys audios that name some of the names of major people part of our current government offices) are fairly or firmly convinced of their authenticity. I would suggest a simple thing for everyone that would help - while proof should be part of any prosecutions for convictions, we should consider first actually believing the victims versus the accused perpetrators and at least be willing to stop covering this atrocious stuff up and let them speak. There are also karmic ramifications for pretending this away…
Back to other things:

I have purposely made very little if any changes to my prices in 2026 for sessions. Clients currently in my Regular Client Programs rates have not gone up in three years. You can request info about joining this amazing program. Even quarterly (monthly and every other month also available) navigational check ins to help you stay focused on your spiritual growth and keeping you from getting caught up in the mass fear as we make social and personal transitions are absolutely a wise decision. 

I always appreciate the referrals for new clients sent my way and encourage more of my fans to continue to do so. I do mail out reward at the end of each year with discount offers on your next sessions (if they actually book and have a session) for your thoughtful efforts. Another helpful idea is, I still have a new client special for $10-$15 off rates. Consider at any time (you don’t have to wait until holidays for this) buying one or more of these gift sessions for friends, family members, and yes even children over the age of 12. Understanding ones Astrology, Numerology, and being able to experience many of the different sessions I offer can be incredibly valuable, and at times even life changing. Seeing excellent traditional therapists can be very, very helpful, but my skills, combined with using some really cool oracles adds another dimension to healing and spiritual growth for almost everyone! Email is still the best way to reach me for any of this at VenturaSag@yahoo.com.

I recently posted my general society vibes for spring 2026 over at BuyMeaCoffee.com/Ventura. The ones I posted quarterly in 2025 and the winter of 2026 were quite accurate. But getting a look at your more personalized vibes for spring is also something to consider. 
Wishing everyone a happy start to the spring season! Cheers, Jim V


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

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of these books 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.

Seth on one of Christ’s messages:
“Another small point here: Christ’s dictum to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) was a psychologically crafty method of warding off violence-not of accepting it. Symbolically it represented an animal showing its belly to an adversary. The remark was meant symbolically. On certain levels, it was the gesture of defeat that brought triumph and survival. It was not meant to be the cringing act of a martyr who said. ‘Hit me again,’ but represented a biologically pertinent statement, a communication of body language. It would cleverly remind the attacker of the ‘old’ communicative postures of the sane animals.” 
Jane Roberts from The Nature of personal Reality

“To succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.” Reba McEntire

New Client Special 2025:


 

January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2026 Special: New Client introductory offer:
$10-15 off listed rates! A $10 discount off of all 45 minute, 70, or 90 minute sessions. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients may choose an extra $5 discount off the current rates for cash or check payments for sessions! Pricing is at the end of this newsletter or just request a session and availability calendar. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates and use the above discounts!

 
“I can’t understand why people are frightened by new ideas. I’m frightened by old ones.” John Cage

 

“Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realize you’re already in heaven now.” Jack Kerouac

Home and Special Event Parties

My party rate is only $100 per hour. If you are interested in hiring me to do a party or event, let me know and I can check on availability options. There are a number of formats for setting up parties and here is some basic information. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about booking parties. 

I am available to do private parties (Phoenix and surrounding cities) with “mini readings” for your guests. Parties can be booked with either 10-15 minute or 30 minute session blocks for smaller group parties. Many of the different oracles I work with can be chosen for your specific event.

The parties are a fun way to enable family and friends to become more comfortable with the benefits of oracle readings. I have done many of these parties in the past and they are truly memorable events for all of the guests.

Minimum and maximum numbers of readings/hours are required to book a party at your home or office location. The minimum is a 3 hour booking. I offer the option of a 2 and a half hour minimum for locations within 15 miles of my home. Minimum of $250 fee for any booked party. A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a party date. The 20-30 minute sessions can be great options to consider when there are small groups looking for a personal reading at your event. Shorter 5-10 minute sessions are also an option for really large events.

You can either book me for the $100 an hour rate for your party or event so your guests don’t have to cover any costs, or guests can cover their own costs for readings. Both options work very well, although I still prefer that the host collects all of the payments from guests for their readings with second option to help things move along more efficiently. If your guests are paying for their sessions they are still able to take advantage of the discount that comes with parties at bulk rates.

Parties can now be virtual!
If you live out-of-area or even if you simply prefer-mini reading parties they can be by phone or Face-time, Zoom etc...

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, purchasing gift sessions, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (BEST method for contact).
Second option: Text at: (602) 349-0746 and Phone calls: (602) 957-3035 (no texts to this number) 

Information about the different sessions and types of readings, classes and services, past Snake Oil columns, can be found at BuyMeaCoffee.com/VenturaWora (both on the site info and gift sessions available in the shop section).
Website: JVentura44.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

 
I also have a few other media channels other than FaceBook:
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (approximately once a month 6-12 minute videos) at J Ventura Snake Oil. 
Instagram at Venturawords (Astrology updates and other insights generally on short 90 second reels) 
 Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-8 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals, and a number of other metaphysical topics.

All personal sessions/readings for late 2025 and all of 2026 are:  Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $95.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 minutes $45. 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. Purchasing 3 prepaid sessions also brings sizable discounts. Some examples; 3 prepaid 45 minute monthly sessions is $155 total or about $52 a session. 3 prepaid quarterly 70 minute session are $245 or about $82 a session.

 

January February 2026 Snake Oil/Returning to the Natural order

 Snake Oil /Returning to the Natural Order

 

 
We currently have six feral cats that live in our community. Five of them are approaching age fifteen. They have lived outside here in Phoenix through the heat and the cold seasons all of their lives. They have truly strong constitutions and are clearly survivors. With assistance from myself and a few other residents here with feeding and reciprocal affectionate care, in spite of a wide range of climate conditions, they are happily thriving. I notice every summer that they get leaner and lose a good amount of their fur to handle the hotter temperatures. In the winters they get thicker fur and notably chubbier. They don’t need assistance because their bodies anticipate what is going to occur and respond the way they were designed to. Only one of them seems to stay perpetually skinny and I am guessing she does have health issues, yet she still thrives somehow. Other than our original decision to get them fixed they were likely never given the “required” vaccines or any shots. I am guessing that the skinny one would likely benefit from help with assistance from a Vet, or veterinary medicine though. Still, mathematically the other five clearly have thrived without it, so that contributes to my current views about a number of perspectives.

For the last thirty five years I have rarely visited any type of doctor, other than an acupuncture and chiropractic care. I have extensively studied alternative methods for treating health challenges including natural medicines, old school healing techniques, and most importantly getting to the root of the emotional, energetic blockage that inevitably shows up as a physical symptom when buried and never addressed. Combined with using herbal remedies, trigger point therapies, listening to the signals by body sends me, yoga, and what most people who strictly follow western medicines would be labelled as forms of “quackery.” I am now in my early sixties, healthy, noticeably physically fit, and to most people I am told I look eight to twelve years younger than my actual age. My studies and their application in my personal life have paid off.

This focus has helped me thankfully to be able to teach and guide others with the knowledge I have gained, and for that I am very grateful. This is part of my life path (Dharma). Of course this experience has opened my eyes often painfully to see how most Americans follow very little if any type of holistic approach to nutrition, health and wellness maintenance. When I go food shopping, seventy percent of the food I see all around me in supermarkets is not actually food. And even if it started out as food it is loaded with chemicals, pesticides, and other extremely unnatural ingredients. I do enjoy some splurging from time to time myself, I am no food Saint. Still, I focus on keeping at least seventy five percent of my food to be as close to natural as possible. In this world this is not always an easy thing to do!

I have had clients over the years who are noticeably heavily medicated with anti-depressants, and all kinds of pharmaceutical “cures” that I pick up on immediately when I talk to them, because they do change people. Often this is not in positive ways. Many have trouble mentally focusing and by medicating to stay “even” they have lost the natural human need to feel real sadness, or the extremes of joy. These polarities are natural parts of the human experience and roads to healing. There are situations where people have gone through extreme abuse and trauma and pharmaceutical intervention absolutely can be a blessing in these situations. The problem with our current approach is that all of it is far, far too over prescribed. We live in a system of Capitalism that has many positive elements to it, yet there are also very negative aspects to the system, namely; Greed. Corporations (and yes pharmaceuticals are in that category) convince everyone that they “need” their products. Television and radio bombard us with a constant stream of these types of ads. The focus for the past one hundred years has been to drive any alternatives out of business. At the very least they push a narrative that creatively casts a shadow on the validity of anything they don’t sell or profit from. They have the power and money to do this!

The discussion of the movement from the natural order of so many different areas of life would be a book in itself but for now I will focus solely on nutrition, health, and body maintenance. This move away from the natural order is so pervasive in this culture that we pollute our bodies and then attempt to solve the problems that inevitably surface though pharmaceutical means. We are then told to check in with doctors as the only viable solution. So pervasive is this directive that one of many examples would be how often we see many women (who can afford to do this anyway) become obsessive with doctor checkups when pregnant. Everything is monitored from a place of fear. And while the assistance can be valuable we are pulled away from the natural order of things by forgetting that women have been having babies since the dawn of time. The bodies innate wisdom does know how to handle this process without assistance. in this area and so many others we have progressively moved away from trusting our own bodies. Even more noticeable is whatever your beliefs are about the value of vaccinations, unless you are completely removed from the idea that one can trust the bodies natural regulation systems, injecting babies right from leaving the womb with pharmaceuticals is very questionable. The sheer amount of recommended vaccinations has grown tremendously in the last forty years. Are we actually healthier now than one hundred years ago? The answer is in some areas we are, but this could be attributed to better sanitation, cleaner water and other factors versus that vaccination is the primary reason. Research and a willingness to look into what goes into these vaccines beyond what the media suggests is eye opening. Currently the rates of obese children (and adults), auto-immune disorders, ADD, allergies, lactose intolerance, peanut allergies, autism, etc... are through the roof, especially in the last few decades. While there may be some value to vaccination, do we think intuitively and even practically that God, the Universe, or Nature wouldn’t be able to heal or prevent disease unless we pumped our children and ourselves with assistance often in the form of chemicals? Is this our societies pinnacle period of health and wellness or will be look back at some of the things we did wondering what the hell we were thinking?

A humorous perspective:
 All the great books of wisdom, and insight over thousands of years have been saying something like this: “And lo, the lord sayeth that I will provide a world with herbs, plants, roots, food, the healing sun, and all kinds of natural remedies, to make sure there are many roads to healing challenges that will be part of your world. But, when you discover petroleum based drugs that often mainly mask symptoms and confuse the body, because it cannot recognize these foreign things and then create all kinds of negative side effects, then you shall be able to go with that plan instead, it will be much better, so be it!”

Like many things the current health care system itself is built with a duality, Both to offer assistance and to keep us dependent on that system. People stay in uncomfortable jobs that keep them unfulfilled and stuck because of a fear of losing the health care coverage that their jobs offer them. The current system is designed in a way that if one had to pay out of pocket for even a few western medical treatments without the help of insurance, it would leave many people in deep debt, or bankruptcy. This frequently happens with the help of insurance too! The genuine terror people feel about losing this “necessity” is understandable. Of course almost all alternative treatments are not covered by insurance, so again we are held tightly within the system unless you are wealthy. Adding insult to injury, anything outside of Western medicine is often purposely painted to make it seem nutty. To even look at natural cures is considered suspect. At best we are told that old time cures and “cute” and “quaint,” but clearly not sophisticated like “real” medicine is... The current mass beliefs system is that Western answers, and pharmaceutical medicine is the ONLY way.

While there are hazards in the physical world caused by unhealthy eating, diet, and toxins that definitely do affect us, there are always deeper influences to the creation of events. Our beliefs create our realty. So what happens when you are bombarded with a steady diet of feared based negative messaging? Examples: Most people can recognize that excessive tobacco smoking isn’t good for you, duh! Yet, neither is too much cheese cake, alcohol,  potato chips, etc..Yet the addition of cigarettes packages stating “This product causes cancer,” is in some respects worse than the actual use of cigarettes. It is assumed that everyone who uses the product, will use it excessively. Words matter. Health and prevention ads telling you that in your age bracket a list of all kinds of bad things are more likely to occur,” often contribute to the higher probability of manifesting the things we fear. “You will more likely get the flu if you don’t get vaccinated!” Even familial messaging like “Our family is prone to alcoholism, depression, weight gain,” seem to be a healthy warning but are often added catalysts for potentially bringing about that probability. When you are awake to this relentless fear-based programming you begin to see the world through a different lens. We are heavily sold what we need to fear, and this acts against the benefits of healthy prevention techniques and suggestions. It is no wonder that so many people are sick and struggling.

Now, for most people throwing away one’s insurance, pills, doctor appointments, and just switching to using holistic healers, and remedies for everything is not a wise idea, I would not suggest it. Most people have been so immersed in this reality; belief system for so long that the trauma and negative repercussions would be problematic. My suggestion would be to slowly try a new approach in one or two areas of your life. Research the spiritual meanings of specific illnesses and symptoms (I have been helping clients with this for years). Often you will be blown away by how accurate this is. See if you get results from trying maybe a few of many available more natural solutions. Open up to the possibility, and excitement of exploring some different approaches. If over time, you notice results and success then you will gain more confidence and be able to add other areas into your life that are currently removed from the natural order. The process does not need to be an all or nothing approach. I didn’t do it that way either. I just had the benefits of starting a holistic journey much earlier than most people typically do. I have gained more confidence in trusting my own body over the years, and built a confidence in my return to the natural order. It took years for me to let go of the fear connected with NOT following societies “correct” way of handling health and wellness. And, after tackling some aspects of the health and wellness bogeyman, the confidence gained from those experiences may help you to inevitably escape the other areas of life that we have been programed to believe is the “Only Right Way,” and see the benefits of returning more areas of your life to the natural order.
Jim Ventura 12-2025

Notes:

 

It is always interesting to observe people’s responses to me when I share information like this. Many people falsely think I am somehow against the benefits of western medicine’s approach to wellness. Nothing could be further from the truth. The benefits of hospitals, doctors, nurses, emergency services, are incredibly valuable. Herbal remedies are not the best approach to take when someone is at a point when they need surgery, have just had a car accident, or other catastrophes. Again my point is overuse, and serious over-prescribing of pharmaceuticals for just too many things. Over crowding emergency care services or hospitals frequently because one has a flu is a notable example of something being so divorced from the natural order. We have been programmed to think that getting an occasional cold, or flu in life must be avoided and can be stopped. Those divorced from the natural order, perspectives don’t account for the fact that we experience this (yes by choice, even if unconscious) to cleanse the body, to rest, and minimize input for a few days or weeks in more extreme cases. When your biggest concern is just something simple like getting more tissues, worries about what you “should” be doing, your toxic relationship problems, will you ever find love, money fears, battles with your family, etc... are put on hold to focus on yourself and healing. The illness is often a second hand reality approach to healing something else!


The New year is here. We are now out of the universal 9 cycle in numerology and firmly in a one year. The one year is about new beginnings, starting over, taking bolder steps, focusing on independence, and creative manifesting. On February 17th we will be stepping into the year of the Fire horse in Chinese Astrology. This is about swift forward movement, and the momentum and power of the horse energy. The year of the Snake is coming to its end. It was a turbulent year for most people. The focus was all about shedding old skins, people, and aspects of our life that no longer fit who we are becoming, or where we have moved away from four true selves and potentially been caught in false personality. Believe it or not like the transformative power of snake all aspects of healing. We may have also noticed a number of people in the world around us who can show the negative aspects of Snake. I have discussed this in more detail over on my YouTube channel (and also on other social media sites). You can also catch and audio version of this at my best of everything site BuyMeaCoffee.com/Venturawora. My other social media links are at the end of this newsletter.

Contact me for your new year reading if interested. And consider beginning your New year and One year brand new cycle by joining my Regular Client Program. The benefits of this program are phenomenal. Email is often best way to contact for info (VenturaSag@yahoo.com) but texting or calls are also an option.
All the best in the New Year ahead. Cheers, Jim V

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” Anne Frank

“We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” Hillary DePiano

“If your brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” Paulo Coehlo

January’s New year newsletter Special!

 

January is a great month to have a New Year overview session to look at primary themes, challenges, and opportunities for the coming year. One symbol from each of the many different oracles I work with will be pulled to highlight 2026 for you. A New Year reading is a great way to start off your New year! Your new year reading will include:
Angel card
Viking Rune stones
Druid animal totem
Lakota Indian card
Color Oracle
Tarot Archetype
Numerology of the year, personal and universal.
Your session can be a 45 minute, full 70 minute, or extended 90 minute reading. Clients currently receiving my Snake Oil column each month get $5 off my listed rates. Local in-office clients who choose to pay for their session in cash or by check can take advantage of another $5 discount! Email (easiest way to book) or call to set up your New year appointment: Venturasag@yahoo.com 

“When people undermine your dreams, predict your doom or criticize you, remember they’re telling you their story, not yours.? Cynthia Occelli

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

“Beyond the damage to the mind-body channel, beyond the fearful worldview so at odds wit the truth, fear carries further harm. You create what you fear. Remember that all potential events of your life, and your society and world. already exist. They hang suspended in the realms beyond space and time, those probably versions most in line with the condition of your thoughts and beliefs-private or communal-will be pulled into expression.

When you fear a potential event, you automatically carry the belief that the event is likely to occur. This, in itself, pulls the feared version of the vent closer to expression. Further, by concentrating on the vent, triggering psychological reactions in expectation of its manifestation and repeatedly playing it out in your mind, you energize that probably version most in line with your fears. Mind and body work in tandem, building a powerful grid of energy around the expression of what you fear.

You create your reality through your beliefs. When you so energize a probable event through worry, fear, and bodily distress, you act as a lighthouse boring its welcoming shaft through the fog, guiding the feared event home to safe harbor in your life’s experience.

Once the feared event finds manifestation, you take this as confirmation of the appropriateness of your fear-it happened, just as I expected-and the mechanism is strengthened; the matrix of thoughts and belief with which you pull feared events into your experience is rewarded and empowered. Afraid of illness? Afraid of abandonment? Afraid of rejection? Afraid of power? Afraid of attack? Afraid of cancer? Afraid of nuclear war? Afraid of failure?

You create  what you fear. In perverse self-immolation, the mind-body synthesis-created for purpose of charting a safe and healthy course through life-is turned against your happiness and fulfillment, employed to energize those vents you most fear, pulling them to physical fruition.
There are no judgements, no sense of ‘good’ and ‘bad,’ beyond your private interpretation of events. When you find fear physically materializing, you are viewing yourself in a mirror, observing the physical reflection of your inner life. This is your power, your freedom, your gift. It can also be your curse, your blame-but all such judgment remain on your level of experience.

The universe works for you, not against you. Its fundamental energy is joy, not sorrow. It is far easier to experience the positive versions of events than the negative. Yet you carry always the freedom to override the universe’s basic warm support, experiencing instead the cold, dark press of fearful events against you in the night.”
From Conscious Life by Ramon Stevens

New Client Special 2025:
January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2026 Special: 

 

New Client introductory offer:
$10-15 off listed rates! A $10 discount off of all 45 minute, 70, or 90 minute sessions. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients may choose an extra $5 discount off the current rates for cash or check payments for sessions! Pricing is at the end of this newsletter or just request a session and availability calendar. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates and use the above discounts!
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (BEST method for contact).
text only: (602) 349-0746 Phone calls: (602) 957-3035 

Information about the different sessions and types of readings, classes and services, past Snake Oil columns, can be found at BuyMeaCoffee.com/VenturaWora (both on the site info and gift sessions available in the shop section).
Website: JVentura44.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

I also have a few other media channels other than Face-Book:
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (approximately once a month 6-12 minute videos) at J Ventura Snake Oil.
Instagram at Venturawords ( Astrology updates and other insights generally on short 90 second reels)
 Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-8 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals, and a number of other metaphysical topics.

All personal sessions/readings for late 2025 and all of 2026 are:  Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $95.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 minutes $45. 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. Purchasing 3 prepaid sessions also brings sizable discounts. Some examples; 3 prepaid 45 minute monthly sessions is $155 total or about $52 a session. 3 prepaid quarterly 70 minute session are $245 or about $82 a session.

November December 2025 Snake Oil/Christmas gifts in the attic

 Christmas gifts in the attic

 

The magical window of my childhood belief in a Santa Claus was only a brief one. Even at the young age of five, I remember wondering how it was possible for all of the department stores and malls to have Santa Claus at their specific location at the very same time. I couldn’t imagine how one man, even if he had an army of supposed helper elves, could possibly deliver presents to children all over the world in one night. I also noticed how my wealthier friends often got more expensive gifts than our family did. Why did the poor kids end up with nothing at all? Was Santa only catering to the wealthy? Santa was supposed to come down your chimney and leave you your Christmas gifts. We had no fireplace in our house at all, yet we still got presents. And even if we did have a a chimney, how could such a fat man fit down one in the first place? These and similar thoughts started extremely early for me, and I wondered why other kids bought all of this malarky.

The observation that nailed the door closed on idealistic fantasies about Santa Claus and solidified my realist-cynic approach to Christmas was because my parents were not very good at hiding our presents. I would often see many of our gifts unwrapped at the bottom of Mom’s closet, or in the attic. I also saw Easter candy long before the “bunny” arrived, so that illusion was blown early as well. When I was six years old I remember being awoken on Christmas eve by the sound of the attic stairs opening. My father built the pull down stairs to our attic facing the bedroom my brother and I shared. He had to open the door to our room to get up into the attic. I clearly heard my mother’s and father’s clumsy attempts at putting out our presents most years. They were often punctuated by their usual irritation with each other. “Frank don’t forget the ones for Kathy.” “Hurry it up, I want to get to bed already.” “ What are you trying to do, break my arms.” “Wait for me to put these down first!” I would have had to have been a complete imbecile to still buy the magic Santa Claus story after all of these theatrics.

While I was solidifying my recognition of the un-truths of Christmas, many of my dopey friends still believed in Santa Claus. Apparently they were not “blessed” with the mind of a detective and happily enjoyed their delusions. I found myself feeling it was my duty to burst their bubbles early on. When I told them the truth they would often disagree at first and be mad at me. Eventually they would realize I was right. Still, I often reminded them that it would be wise to play along with the charade. The benefits of pretending to believe in all of the Christmas crapola were numerous. A good, sweet, oblivious child performance could bring tremendous rewards. I had no issue with pretending to be a dumb, naive little kid for adults and I made sure my friends were smart enough to do the very same thing.

While my parents didn’t do an ideal job of giving us the illusions of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny when it came to the holidays, they did a great job in other ways. While a lot of the presents Mom (Santa) bought us were mediocre, lame stuff from church bazaar's and clearance sales and not what we really wanted, she put in some real effort. She had seven children and that was a lot of presents to buy. She always got us at least one or two things that were on our Christmas lists. Opening our presents on Christmas morning was always really fun. Even when I knew what half of the gifts already were because I saw them or snooped around, I always enjoyed the process of opening the presents just the same. The excitement of opening gifts was really fun and my parents made a point to make sure we had the experience.

We had some wonderful Christmas traditions we always followed. For many years we got a real tree (until I was about 17 when they finally opted for a fake one). We baked cookies and decorated the house, and some years we made gingerbread houses. We decorated our tree together weeks before actual Christmas and sometimes made Christmas ornaments and even strung popcorn. We hung lights outside, listened to Christmas albums, watched Christmas specials like Mr. Magoo’s Christmas, A Year Without a Santa Claus, and A Christmas Story. We did Christmas up in a big way every year. There are still boxes of Christmas pictures and hundreds of great memories and funny stories associated with all of them. December was a really cold time in New York, but we had warm traditions in our home. 

While I missed out on believing in Santa Claus and many of the other holiday illusions, I got to experience elements of family and holidays that really mattered. The cohesiveness of a family and celebrated traditions were priceless. We learned about giving and receiving and developed a healthy sense of the importance of all of it. When I was a kid, and even into my teen years, I would often get up in the middle of the night and look at the presents under the tree (the Christmas eve gifts we bought for each other were often wrapped and left out under the tree weeks before). Some nights I would clear a space and lay underneath the tree for an hour or so. I would turn on the lights on the tree and feel the soft white sheet we placed underneath it. The smell of the tree, the twinkle of the lights and the excitement of things to come were only a part of why I loved doing this. Some wiser aspect of me knew I would only be a child for a short time and I wanted to fully allow myself to feel every moment of it. I was safe and loved in a family and I knew I was blessed. I sensed that I had lived other lives in different families, times, and places that were not as wonderful when it came to my experiences in this family. I also knew that there were people all over the world that did not get to experience many of the things I was so blessed to have. I had friends with more “troubled” families who would have been thrilled to have what I had. So I savored those moments underneath the colorful lights of our Christmas trees. I allowed myself to be happy and I completely immersed myself into childhood and the magic of Christmas. The great things connected with Christmas were never about believing or not believing in Santa Claus. They were all about honoring and enjoying one of the best parts of my childhood.
Jim Ventura 10-2011

An extra new story from my upcoming book My Cast of Characters. Some of the stories are already posted over on my BuyMeaCoffee.com site!

Cast of Characters/42 Smashing Great Art

 

While it wasn’t as frequent as we have liked it to be, on occasion my mother would come up with an afternoon where the three youngest kids would do something together. She would get inspired by something she read in Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, or similar magazines and we would do something fun and creative. Generally it would be a project that could be made inexpensively with materials already in the house, or easily acquired. She once found a recipe for creating home made clay and suggested we could lay out newspaper all over our dining room table and make little animal sculptures or whatever we wanted out of it. Especially for me, already a budding artist, it was really exciting that she was encouraging us to flex our creative muscles.

I was about ten, my little sister was eight, and my brother Franklin was about twelve. Ruth and I were excited, but as usual Franklin did it begrudgingly and held tightly to his preteen angst and hatred of our family. Still, I could see that he was happy to be included in the project and to get any acknowledgement from our busy mother. It probably made him a little happy even if he was stubbornly set on not showing it.

We sat around all afternoon and sculpted little dogs, cats, squirrels, turtles, and other creatures. Franklin was really into reptiles so he exclusively made snakes, lizards, frogs and other similar creatures. It actually was really fun and just knowing mom put it together for us felt like love. We listened to seventies music on the radio and sculpted happily for hours. The next step was to put our sculptures in the window sill to dry faster. Ruth carefully put hers in her bedroom window. Franklin and I were sharing a bedroom that had two windows so we each used one windowsill and placed our amazing art to dry. The plan was that we could paint them if we wanted to the next day.

My brother and I hated sharing that room and each other though. We had endless arguments about space and his live reptile tanks were everywhere and it did not smell good in our small room. I haven’t any clue what I did or said to my miserable brother but a few hours later I noticed one of my animal sculptures was deliberately smashed on my windowsill. There was no doubt about who did this, so I retaliated and smashed one of his about an hour or so later. This inevitably went back and forth with him smashing one of mine and then me sneaking in and smashing one of his. This continued all day until all of our artistic afternoon’s work were completely destroyed.

When Ruth found out she was very fearful that one of us would smash hers. But not only was she not part of this feud, her stuff was crap, after all she was only eight. The whole thing was really idiotic. Neither of us knew how to handle our anger and both of our actions were childish, but we were kids. My brother and I inevitably learned to get along as we got older. Still, no surprise, he at times just gets angry with me and cuts off communication for a few months, sometimes even for a few years at a time. Thankfully he doesn’t live close enough to me to come over and smash things in my home, so my creative skills happily flourish.
5-2025 Jim Ventura  

“If you made a list of all the things you could be thankful for, the list would undoubtedly be linger than your misfortunes.” Catherine Pulsifer


Notes

 

The early fall was truly a season of tests and challenges. Fortunately there were far more times of notable bliss for me than actual challenges. I see it as a similar refection of the world at large for many, although many might see my perspective in reverse! I completed a refi on my condominium home with the help of a hard working, reliable loan officer (Contact me for his info if you are thinking of this or similar, truly excellent skills and he can work in many states) here in Phoenix. Most of the summer was a rough ride to get this refi (rarely easy for those who are self employed, banks are not fans of this) but it ended in success. I was able to keep quite a bit of my home’s equity while also able to pay off all of my other debts. Like so many people in the last few years, credit card debt was an issue for me but that has now turned around. This has put me in a far better space financially and energetically (Taurus rising; any limits on a sense of security are very uncomfortable!). Letting go of credit card debt with insane almost thirty percent interest rates was life changing. I am not only dealing with more ease but also beginning to slowly look into investing again. This current positive energy feels a bit like my life in the mid to late nineties, and a number of other times when the economy was strong and life was far easier for me financially. The main testing part of the late summer was relentless rain for two weekends here in Phoenix that caused roof leaks in two of my rooms. While inevitably covered by the HOA’s insurance policy and other built in safe guards, the level of hassle with this was extremely uncomfortable, and really tested my patience. Thankfully it is in the process of getting resolved.

An added benefit to my current more solid space in life, is I am also now able to start slowly building for my long time plan of either opening my own animal rescue in a few years, or to help fund one that already exists. This is in part to honor my mother who truly loved rescuing animals, and helped to feed that that selfless joy in me as well. A portion of every payment for sessions beginning in 2026 will start going to this fund.

As I begin my personal “4” year combined with the universal year of “1” in numerology I am going to make other stable changes. The year ahead involves putting more energy into fixing up my home and expanding my reach on social media to bring in new clients, subscribers, and those interested in classes. While I am for the most part not raising my session rates for 2026, I am going to be a bit more firm even strict about a few areas where I have been far too accommodating, at my expense. While I on occasion make human mistakes with screwing up session times, having to change session times, billing, etc... these are for the most part rarities for me. Unfortunately I have noticed some clients in the last few years that got excessive with things that are a hassle for me to deal with: far too many missed appointments, reschedules, clients taking to long to pay for sessions, not answering emails with calendar options for weeks and even months at a time when regular clients are due for their next scheduled sessions, and the extremely annoying endless requesting calendar availability and never actually booking. This is just a few things that have been become tiring and just too commonplace. Everyone at times may have to do some of these things (life can get hectic) but this is directed to people who do some of this stuff far too often!

I will require prepayments for clients who are too excessive with these types of actions. I will no longer offer Regular Client discount rates to clients who have signed up for the program unless the schedules are actually reasonably followed. The services and commitment to the program are valuable and need to be respected. Unless there is an understandable reason for a missed session, prepaid sessions will simply be lost. Non- regulars who still have sessions approximately once or twice a year will continue to get a $10 discount off current rates, and can also use birthday special invites. Added note: I have purged quite a few people from birthday special invites already though. If you have not booked a session for yourself (birthday session year overviews are particularly a really great time to get a session for many different reasons!) or thoughtfully purchased a gift session for a friend or family member during the notably discounted gift option period in the last five years, you have or will be taken off future invites. I am prioritizing healthy boundaries for myself in my life and my business. This is part of helping to teach others to value themselves and the work they do as well!

There will also be some added perks ahead. Current Regular Clients will not see any rate increases. Joining this program has so many benefits, so ask for info about doing so if interested. I am keeping the added $5 cash or check discount for in-office clients, and while email is still the best way to book, texting is now also an option. I know that some people prefer a few more options for booking. I have also added a full audio tarot interpretation series to my BuyMeaCoffee.com/Venturawora site. I have recently started adding audio files of the Michael teachings! I cannot overemphasize the benefits in learning a little or a lot about these teachings, it will change your life. About sixty five percent of everything on the site is free. The added purchase of “buying me a few coffee’s” ($5 each) every few months or even once or twice a year, gives access to so much more. The other option is to become a supporter. This is only $60 a year, and gives access to everything on the site. It also includes the ability to book personal sessions. You may book as many or just a few and still receive the quarterly regular rates. This is a good option for those who have difficulty keeping on a specific schedule! This other perk is the ability to buy (up to four a year) gift sessions for friends and family.

I took some time off from work on my Patreon site Patreon.com/MyCastofCharacters. I am creating new material again and posting both new material, and stories from my archives. Similar to my “coffee” site it has a similar structure of about sixty five percent free material, and with purchase or support gives you full access. This is where I post funny stories (written and audio) of childhood, crazy, and wonderful friends, family theatrics, and a host of other humor stories. I also (while still being built) have created my new website at JVentura44.com.

I am offering a December special (begins on Thanksgiving 2025) after any session booked for yourself you can purchase an added (up to three) gift sessions for yourself or friends and family to use anytime in 2026 at a $20 discount for each purchased session.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season ahead. Cheers, Jim V

New Client Special 2025:
January 1st 2025 thru November 16th, 2026 Special: 

 

 New Client introductory offer:
$10-15 off listed rates! A $10 discount off of all 45 minute, 70, or 90 minute sessions. Debit and credit card payments accepted for all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients may choose an extra $5 discount off the current rates for cash or check payments for sessions! Pricing is at the end of this newsletter or just request a session and availability calendar. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates and use the above discounts! 

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” Anonymous

 
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Edith Wharton

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

Q. If you have a destiny, where does reality creation fit in? To what extent does destiny predetermine your reality?

Lazaris: You do have a destiny, if you so choose. This is how it fits together: There is no sense of predetermination in the fullest extent of that word. Your life in not really mapped out for you. It’s not laid out so neatly. What is true is that between lifetimes you, as a consciousness, go through a whole lot of growth. You experience the death process, being dead, going to heaven and those sort of things.
Then you get tired of it and realize, ‘Is this all there is?’ Then all the backdrops fall away, and you get to work. You start reviewing the lifetime that you finished. You review it in retrospect and in relationship to the other lifetimes that are all concurrent. Then you decide whether you want to move through your growth without returning to physical form or if you want to pick another lifetime to experience.

In that process of picking another lifetime, what happens is that you create broad strokes. You decide you want to learn about this, and this, and this, and you want to experience that. You create what we call the broad strokes of your life, the broad, sweeping gestures in your energy. Then you enter into this life. Your consciousness, your massive consciousness, all of a sudden confines itself in this infant body, and you forget all of what went before. You don’t remember. Well, some children do remember for awhile, but they soon forget. The amnesia sets in, and they forget.
You have there broad strokes in your life. You decide, for example. ‘I’m going to come from  broken home. I’m going to have a broad sweeping illness here.’ Or, ‘I’m going to grow up and deal with love in such a way as to have several very hurtful relationships.’ You decide on those broad strokes. You also have things you want to accomplish in the lifetime. ‘I want to learn this and accomplish that, and I want to be of service in this way or that way, or whatever.’ But every moment you can change it.

For example, maybe you put a broad, sweeping stroke in your life that you were going to have a tragic accident and be crippled. As you approach that time, you change your mind. ‘I don’t want to do a tragic accident, I’m going to change this.’ You don’t have the tragic accident, and then your whole lifetime changes, absolutely it does.

You have free will, at any moment, either to accept the pre-decided, sweeping generalities in your life, or to change them. If you accept the broad, sweeping generalities, you still have to fill in the day-in and day-out existence where indeed you exert your free will, where you create that reality.

You see, you are the one who is creating the broad strokes, and therefore you can change them. When we talk with many of you, as well you know, we psychically tell you what’s going to be happening, what you’re creating, what you’re generating. Basically what we’re telling you is the blueprint that you’ve laid out for yourself. You have decided what you are going to create, and therefore you’ve laid out a blueprint, like an architect...
From Lazaris Interviews book One Jach Pursel

“Spirituality is not a religion or a trend-it is a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle of awareness that combines the understanding of faith, body, mind, and soul, allowing us to live modern-day enlightened lives in small and big ways.” Emma Mildon

December Gift certificates Special: $10-$20 off all sessions!

 

The holidays are approaching. Give a gift to someone you love that they will really appreciate: a reading/personal session with Jim Ventura. All gift certificates purchased from November 26th 2025 until December 31 st. 2025 will be at a discounted rate for all of the clients who are currently on my mailing list (receiving Snake Oil or following me on Face-Book or LinkedIn).

Special rate:
$10.00 off my current listed prices for any 45, 70, or 90 minute sessions (whether for yourself of for a gift). And, if you purchase 2 gift certificates (or decide to purchase a follow up session for yourself to use in the coming year after a session at this time ) the second gift certificate is $20 off my listed prices. If you purchase a third one it is also $20 off! A maximum of three session gift certificates may be purchased at this time at thew discounted rates.

Price list for services are at the end of this newsletter and on my website. The gift certificates are good for one full year and can be used any time in December 2025 and all of 2026. I will either mail them to you or, if you prefer, mail them directly to the people who you want to receive them (snail mail or email). You may want to buy a gift certificate(s) for friends, family or for yourself to be used anytime in 2026.  Sessions can be in-office or by phone or Face-Time (for i-phone users) for out-of-area clients.

Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (BEST method for contact).
text only: (602) 349-0746 Phone calls: (602) 957-3035
Information about the different sessions and types of readings, classes and services, past Snake Oil columns, can be found at BuyMeaCoffee.com/VenturaWora (both on the site info and gift sessions available in the shop section).
Website: JVentura44.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
I also have a few other media channels other than Face-Book:

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (approximately once a month 6-12 minute videos) at J Ventura Snake Oil.
Instagram at Venturawords ( Astrology updates and other insights generally on short 90 second reels)
 Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 2-8 minute videos about how to use animal totems and spirit animals, and a number of other metaphysical topics.

All personal sessions/readings for late 2025 and all of 2026 are:  Full session (70 minutes) $125.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $95.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $150.00, Mini phone session 15-20 minutes $45. 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. Purchasing 3 prepaid sessions also brings sizable discounts. Some examples; 3 prepaid 45 minute monthly sessions is $155 total or about $52 a session. 3 prepaid quarterly 70 minute session are $245 or about $82 a session.