June 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura

June 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura

Snake Oil

The night my father died

Actually, the title of this essay isn’t entirely accurate because the recent death of my Father occurred in the morning. When I flew back home after his memorial service in North Carolina, I could not get the song, The Night Chicago Died by Paper Lace, out of my head. It must have been a combination of flying into Chicago on my connection flight and the line of the song: “I heard my Momma cry, I heard her pray the night Chicago died.” Songs get caught in my head at the oddest times, yet I know intuitively that they have some meaning or purpose for being there. The death of a parent is an inevitable reality for all of us. Not only do we all die, but it is especially common to experience the death of one’s father while we are still fairly young. This is partly because men tend to have shorter life spans than women do. My Mother frantically called one of my sisters with the news when Dad passed. She had just returned from Walmart with my father. He was sitting in the passenger seat and fell asleep in the car,  which was very common place, so she didn’t try to wake him. She unloaded her packages, walked her dog, and came back a few minutes later to find Dad still sleeping. Only he wasn’t just sleeping. He had fallen asleep, had a heart attack and simply never woke up.

It was a mad scramble for all of my six siblings and their spouses and children to get to North Carolina on short notice for the funeral. Orchestrating this feat was quite the task; getting appointments moved around, purchasing flights, finding transportation, airport pick-ups, lodging, and a host of other details required some doing. As soon as all of it began, I decided it was a good time to pull a Viking Rune stone for guidance. I quieted my mind and asked the oracle for a message to help me maneuver through this difficult time. The Rune stone was Raido reversed: Journey, Union and Reunion. Loosely quoted from the book of Runes by Ralph Blum: “Expect ruptures in relationships. What you regard as detours, inconveniences, disruptions and even failures and deaths will actually be rerouting opportunities, with union and reunion as the only abiding destinations...” As usual, the Runes were not only incredibly accurate, but surprisingly comforting. I wondered, how do people who don’t have access to Oracles live life without them?

Not surprisingly, our flight ended up delayed six hours due to rain during our connection flight in Washington DC. Many flights were delayed so it was chaos at the airport. My sister and I probably drove my brother-in-law (who was supposed to pick us up at Charlotte airport) nuts right along with us, with constant changes to when we were going to arrive. In addition, we still had a four hour drive to Myrtle Beach, where my Mom and Dad’s house is, ahead of us from there. There were more than a few obstacles for all of us. Still, we all made it to mom’s by Monday so that we could attend the memorial mass at her church on Tuesday. Through all of the confusion, we also had some things that worked in our favor. For me, my business was slow that week, so it was a minimal juggle to get away at the time. My sister (who also lives in Phoenix) and I were able to get a really good price to get to Charlotte. Considering the short notice, we were shocked to find that our tickets were fairly reasonable. While there is never a good time for death, this started out being far less problematic than I would have imagined.

Two weeks before this happened was our yearly family reunion. We all stayed in a beach house that one of my sisters owns in Myrtle Beach and we had a great time, even though we all noticed the obvious fact that our seventy eight year old Father was not looking well. My normally big, fat, happy Italian Dad looked frail and quite sickly. He had a number of physical problems that were catching up with him. At that time I had, as I knew would be, my final talk with my Father. He told me he was having panic attacks and often felt like he couldn’t breath. He had been on oxygen for the last six years (due to asbestosis of the lungs) and even with that he was struggling. In the most diplomatic way I could say it, I told him: Dad, when its time to lay down and pass into spirit again, simply let yourself do it without struggling. You have done well in this life. Mom is taken care of financially, and all of your children are doing well. It is okay to go. A few months before this, my brother’s new wife gave birth to a baby boy that looked like a miniature version of my Father.

I knew that my family was not quite as comfortable as I was with public speaking, so I volunteered to speak at my Father’s memorial mass. I mentally wrote what I would say about my Father in my head for hours the night before his service. The traditional Catholic funeral mass my mother had set up was actually nicer than I expected. While traditional religious services are not for me, I could see how they could be a real comfort to the people who needed them. Friends and cousins I had not seen in many years showed up. Handling the intense emotions that arose was the most difficult part of our trip. I got choked up myself quite a few times. My emotional reactions were less about how sad I was that my Father was gone, and more about how touched I was by the tremendous level of kindness and caring demonstrated by everyone around us. The levels of human sensitivity and compassion we are capable of sharing, as a species, when crisis and the universal experience of death of a loved one occurs, is touching beyond words. While I was in the church, my heart was racing. I was a little nervous about saying some words about my Dad. This, combined with a very normal sense of grief, was actually a bit excruciating. But it seemed that there was one detour still ahead. I got snubbed at the church. The priest never asked me to come up and speak about my Dad.

We met for a memorial lunch at the clubhouse in the retirement village where my parents live right after the service. A number of the women in the complex prepared a buffet of food and drink that was phenomenal. My Mother had a built-in support group all around her. My opportunity to say a few words about my father was rerouted. I stood up after everyone ate and finally got to do what I am really good at. I mentioned how thankful all of us were that Mom had such amazing friends all around her for support. I thanked all of my extended family and everyone for being there for us. It was easy to say nice things about my Father. He was a friendly, kind, likable, chatty Gemini man whom everyone seemed to love. Many of my friends often told me how they wished they had a father like mine. Considering the difficulties with providing for a large family, he really was a great Dad. I pulled off an excellent speech about my Dad. I made my audience laugh a little and cry a little, the coup de grace for a writer and public speaker. A

number of his friends came up to tell me how touched they were by my speech and how much they missed and loved my Dad.

We only stayed for another day or so before we all went back home to our normal lives again. This second reunion, while sad, was also somewhat enjoyable. It was very similar to the reunion we had a few weeks before. Only this time I am guessing my Dad was there with us in spirit as opposed to the physical. We ate way too much, played Texas Hold-em with my niece and nephews and talked about our lives and how lucky we were to have Dad for as long as we did. In our American culture we often see it as a compliment to say “He/She had a good life.” There was no question that my Father had a good life. In ancient Rome, it was customary to say “May you have a good death.” My Father got to see his whole family together for the last time two weeks before he died. He sat at the head of our ridiculously large table of nineteen people at dinner in one of his favorite restaurants. For the last time he got to see the happy, healthy family he helped to create. He watched us laughing, eating, and enjoying each other’s company. He was already beginning to drift away from this world, but you could still see the pride in his eyes. He died in his sleep two weeks later. He not only had a good life, but also had a good death. What more can any of us ever ask for? The ultimate criteria, to me, of a successful life is simple; did you bring even a little more love into this world than was here before you got here? In my Dad’s case, the answer is - without a doubt - yes!

Jim Ventura 4-2008

Editors Note:

I figured that with Father’s Day ahead and because my father was also born on June 1st that it was time to rerun this story. I ran this piece originally in 2008. It’s hard to believe, but it was 5 years ago that my father passed back into spirit. I think this is a valuable essay to read for anyone who has lost a parent or who might be currently dealing with this issue. I have had many dreams about my father since his passing. I am sure that he has helped me with assistance from the Otherworld at times and especially when I was dealing with some difficult financial stuff a few years ago (like so many of my readers were...) when the hardships during the recession were at their worst in 2008-2011.

I think that the loss of my father hit me emotionally in a more painful way than his actual death did about four months after he actually passed. My dad wasn’t a wealthy man but he was comfortable financially when he retired because of wise investments with the market and because he received a good pension from the perseverance of over forty years in the same job. One of the things about my father that was awesome was that if you ever had some financial struggles, or any other type of practical difficulties dad would always give you his standard lecture about money and practicality, but then also loan you the money you needed (with a zero percent interest rate and no deadline on when to pay it back). Having that comfortable security blanket removed from my life just as the economy went bad, combined with losing a great father that always seemed to be proud of me was a difficult blow to absorb. When it hit me months later I felt less safe in this world. Yet, I also know that he found ways to assist from the Otherworld. My intuitive abilities and openness to messages from the other side have helped me to see that in some ways he never really completely left. We can all keep our connections to anyone we loved who has passed if we are willing and open to it!

I remind all of my readers that if you run across a particularly poignant Snake Oil and think that one of your friends and family members would really benefit from reading this, then pass it along! They can choose to sign up to receive my newsletter as well. My main purpose in writing my column is to enlighten, entertain, and open people up to seeing things in a deeper and more connected and purposeful way. I also appreciate my session clients and my readers who send referrals for personal sessions my way. I give referral credits out every six months to the clients who have referred people to me (who actually book a session). You don’t have to inform me that you sent someone my way though, I ask them about this when they book. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to tell others about my work.

Check out the Angel gift offer in this month’s newsletter. You can give a gift session with me to a friend (New clients only for this offer). You can choose an Astrological profile reading or Numerology/Tarot session. Remember the session can be given for either an in office or out-of-area by phone session. Because this is a significant discount I am offering only 12 (maximum of two per person) so get hold of me early in the month to get in on this offer before they run out!

“It isn’t by getting out of the world that we become enlightened, but by getting into the world...by getting so tuned in that we can ride the waves of our existence and never get tossed because we become the waves.” Ken Kesey

Angel Gift offer

Beginning on June 1st (or when you get this newsletter, the first 12 people who request purchasing the Angel Gift offer can buy one session, either 45 minute ($80) or full 70 minute ($110) and get one gift certificate for the same session to give to a friend or family member for $25.00!!

You can either use one session yourself and give one away or give both sessions as gifts. Please contact me at 602-957-3035 or Venturasag@yahoo.com to take advantage of this offer. The promotion ends on June 30th 2013 or when all 12 gift certificates are sold out. A session for a teenager or other young person can be tremendously powerful in helping them to understand their unique talents and gifts through Astrology, Numerology and Animal totems. But anyone at any age can benefit by having a session. Be an Angel to someone you love!

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 6th, 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).

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

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

Join me on June 13th for my interview with Alaric Hutchinson:

Rev. Alaric Hutchinson is the owner of Earth Spirit Center for Healing and founding pastor of Earth Spirit Church. In the summer of 2010 he opened the doors of his holistic healing center which became a hub for the spiritual-minded to gather. By the fall of 2011, an interfaith community blossomed and it has been expanding ever since. 

Alaric's philosophy is broken down into two primary points of focus. 1) Embodying Peace, and 2) Transcending Duality. He had visions since childhood of sanctuaries where people of any background may attend and seek peace without judgment or strings attached. Those visions have become the essence of what ESC is today. 

In present time, Alaric's first book, Living Peace, is in the publishing processes and will soon be released. Weekly he meets with clients for healing and teaches students at ESC how to create and maintain peace within their lives. Every Wednesday night Alaric and his students host a Healing Circle open to the public from 7:00-8:30pm and every Sunday they host a Community Celebration Service from 11:00am-12:00pm. 

For more information you may visit the center's website at:

www.earthspiritcenter.org

Or add Alaric on Facebook for daily inspirations:

www.facebook.com/hutch1page

www.facebook.com/EarthSpiritCenter

Rev. Alaric Kyle Hutchinson

Earth Spirit Center for Healing

25251 S Power Rd.

Queen Creek, AZ 85142

480.639.5275

www.earthspiritcenter.org

“I didn’t have to go all the way to India for spiritual enlightenment. The blue-collar spirituality of everyday life was right in front of me, it was in every nook and cranny if I wanted to seek it, but I had chosen to ignore it.” Anthony Kiedis

Client testimonials and Reviews

Jim Ventura has been my Navigational Consultant for well over 10 years. He has given me insight, confirmation and guidance with my personal life as well as my work life, which has been a major contribution to my success and personal growth in this lifetime. C.P. Queen Creek AZ

Jim has been so beneficial in my personal growth.  I have consulted him for several years and his work with me has helped me identify my “chief feature”, which has been feeling unworthy.  Through consultations and readings, Jim has helped me change my perspective of things that have come up in my life.  I’ve learned that there is value in every phase of our life, no matter how off kilter things may seem at the time.  I plan to continue my personal growth through working with Jim and would highly recommend him to anyone. S.B. Mesa AZ

I have had several readings done over the years by Jim in his office as well as over the phone; I have been extremely impressed at he quality of his insight and the value of his advice. Plus, he is a heck of a nice guy! If you are interested in getting information from the metaphysical world, Jim is your man. He is very ethical and takes his gift seriously, unlike so many others in this field,  AlI I can say is Go For It! M.B. Texas

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.

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for 45-90 minute sessions.

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKYEoyRkfyI

May 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura

May 2013 Snake Oil

Snake Oil

I’ll Play for You

I prioritized working on a specific theme with many of my Regular clients in 2012. It was to reconnect with the talents, abilities, and things you enjoyed doing, and often did naturally well when you were a child. I also joined in this quest with my clients. Even though I already do many of the things that I did as a child in my current profession, I knew there was more talents that I had consciously or unconsciously blocked. When I was a pre-teen and a teenager I enjoyed recording pretend radio shows on audio tapes, made mini books, wrote and drew comic books, showed notable skills at essay writing, and liked to both write and perform. I used my intuition to guide people, saw information in patterns, had sharp math skills, a strong voice, and loved to tell funny and transformative stories. Anyone who knows me can see that none of this is a far stretch from what I do now. Still, I knew that there was more I could uncover. Overall, my clients did well and reconnected with buried aspects of themselves that they could now prioritize and allow to be a part of their lives again. We all began to tap into recognizing our “true work.”*  In my process, I uncovered another lost joy/skill that I was always really good at doing. I was frequently told I needed to let go of this part of myself by society, some of my school teachers, and a few of my family members in order to “appropriately grow up and accept responsibility.” Thankfully, I never did completely listen to them, yet I did begin to believe it was detrimental for me to use this part of me too often.

The specific piece I retrieved was a recognition that I was always really, really good at “playing.” When I was younger I was a fairly popular kid. I had a lot of friends, and often a number of people that would have liked to be my friend. Sure, I was a weird child to say the least, but I always had a knack for making just about any event, whether a positive or negative one, a really fun one! It didn’t matter if it was a major plan of something fun my friends and I were going to do, or if it was just injecting funny comments, and mildly crazy ideas into even the most innocuous moments, I could make it fun. I had a knack for turning almost anything into a silly entertaining experience, and friends responded with appreciation for my notable skills in this area. When I started working (this began early for me at 13 with my first paper route - “the Penny Saver”) I enjoyed the practical details of work and I strove to master my duties. Yet, people also enjoyed working with me because I made any job I did a little more fun.

Many of my friend’s parents were not as fond of my playful talents as their children were though. I was often looked at as a “weirdo” and I got similar responses from some of my siblings. There were times when they were even downright cruel about putting me down for my playfulness. The attacks weren’t frequent, but they left scars. Being told I was “off the wall,” and “played too much” contributed to my having doubts about my talents. At times in my life I even feared that they might be right in some ways. What was equally troubling was the lack of real support or encouragement from some of my siblings and my parents for my talents. Creating security and making money were valued far more than playful enjoyment of one’s tasks and using and mastering creative talents in my family. They put a heavier focus on being conservative both with work and money. I was told that “this was the right way to be.” My family was not unlike many families, I only got approval when I did it their way.

In America, we have duel and contradictory beliefs in the mass psyche about how playfulness is something that is suspect. Many people believe that if you play too much, you are lazy, childish, uncommitted, and not doing the hard work you are supposed to be doing. We fear that playfulness is a form of escape from responsibility, or a doorway into indulgence. We believe it is something that only children should do (some don’t even encourage children to do it). On the other hand, as a society we tend to not only glamorize people who play, but pay them really well for doing it! Successful musicians, singers, actors, performers, and professional athletes make their lucrative livings by playing and we adore and sometimes envy them for it.

When I play, I often get my best business ideas, columns, and receive metaphysical breakthrough’s in awareness while doing so! It isn’t the reason I play, it is something that often emerges from it. In addition, when I inject playfulness into almost any event I tend to really enjoy that event or chore even more. One of my clients recently asked me why I didn’t have a housekeeper clean my condo once a month? I could easily afford to do this, or even offer session trades for it, so her question made sense to me. My answer was that I really enjoy my cleaning days. I don’t want to give them up. I play great music, and enjoy the entire process of cleaning. I do the same thing with cooking and don’t eat out very often because I am a good cook and I simply enjoy cooking. When I am using an exercise bike at the gym I watch people and often think of funny things I could say about them. Fortunately, I am restrained enough not to do this. A lot of people would not appreciate or grasp my twisted humor. I also enjoy food shopping, and a million other mundane things. I simply know how to make all of them fun.

Play is intrinsically a vital part of effective reality creating. It is one of the primary tools in the seeding process of creating tangible events. Yet, not everything we fantasize about or games we play becomes a tangible reality in our world. Sometimes the games we play, the things we imagine are only brief games. We may tire of them, become bored, and naturally move on to new games. The imaginative play helps us to decide if it is something we want to prioritize experiencing. Play has other benefits as well. It draws us completely into the moment. We tend not to worry about yesterday or tomorrow while we play. When we are playful and happy we are healthier and tend to age better. We are internally youthful in spirit, feel more joy, and this physically benefits the body as well. 

Like anything else we can overdo play. One of the reasons I didn’t keep video games in my home is because I would play them too often if they were here. I’ve learned from past experience that I can get a bit obsessive. Play is always good, but it can lead to avoidance of responsibilities, addiction, or excessive indulgence. If we become too heavy handed with playing we may become an “adrenaline junkie,” or make questionable ethical decisions in the process. Still, these negative aspects are not really because of the “dangers of playing too much,” but actually stem from internal fears that make us become excessive with play and use it like a drug to mask fears. Many of the people who play video games obsessively are actually fearful that they are inadequate in their abilities to work and be successful, so the excessive play is more of an addiction related to fear of self-worth, or other chief negative feature fears, like self-deprecation, greed, and stubbornness (any of the seven human fears can use excessive play in a negative way). A fear of lack (greed) is usually the motive behind adrenaline junkies. It took me some time to see it, but play itself is a purely positive thing, no matter what society believes. Play is something that I love and I am really good at it. When I recently reconnected with my desire to play more often without the artificial guilt I took on from other peoples negative beliefs, things started to improve in my life. I felt like I was in flow again. The things I playfully visualized coming my way began to come more easily and with more fun attached when they showed up!

I can see now that much of the antagonism I received and occasionally imagined I was receiving from some of my family, and the world around me during childhood were because they believed that what they were saying was true. My talents were incomprehensible to some of them so they couldn’t see my gifts as something useful. I hold no anger or resentment anymore about this issue. In their own way most of the antagonists thought that they were helping me. So I have playfully chosen to let my sense of injury go. We are born without fear and our natural inclinations and talents are part of who we are. Yet, we can lose our way in following and developing our inherent abilities when we are pushed by society to conform to its priorities and perceptions about what is “the right way to be.” My playfulness has led me into all kinds of incredible adventures in my life, great trips, fun sexual escapades, an endless stream of crazy experiences, fun stories about these adventures, and the ability to have created some pretty cool stuff in this life, with plans to do a lot more! My playfulness allows me to get paid to talk on radio shows, write columns, publish books, teach classes, interpret Astrology charts, Numerology charts, and read oracles for people. These are all things that I am really good at and I think are really fun. They are parts of my true work and my true play. I still get as excited by looking at a Tarot spread today as I did 27 years ago, when I read my first spread. I am going to play more now and in the future. I will make no more apologies internally or externally for who I am and what I am good at. Everyone can benefit from allowing themselves to play a little more. It may not be one of your primary talents, but we can all gain by allowing a bit more of it into our lives. We all have talents and abilities that we have buried or simply not pursued. I challenge each of my readers to find their unique true work and true play. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that they are actually one and the same.

*True Work, and True Play are discussed further in the Michael Teachings. Classes and instruction CD’s on these teachings are on the way...

Jim Ventura 4-2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ4ZnMqpsSs

Editors note:

Astrology chart interpretations are an excellent way to see what your natural talents, abilities and Dharmic pattern (direction karma) is all about. I filmed a new YouTube video last month that’s all about Astrology. Click on the link below to view. To launch my new video I am offering a BIG discount on all Astrology sessions booked this month. More information about the special later at the end of this newsletter. 

The same artist who filmed my Tarot video a few months ago did this one also. We filmed it last month and he edited and sent the final to me about 14 hours later (I am not sure if he actually sleeps lol). He is an incredibly talented artist in his own right (check out his videos on YouTube) and a skilled filmmaker. Right now I believe (check with him on this) he still only charges $35 an hour for shooting your video and editing. This gives his clients a chance to have professional videos made for usually a little over $100. Video for your business can be added to your websites and used to boost your marketing potential. Contact Apollo Poetry at ApolloPoetry@gmail.com. Take advantage of getting him before he becomes understandably a lot more expensive and in demand!

 Click on this link to see some of Apollo's work: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152772597360182&set=vb.156762007823782&type=2&theater

Snake Oil is growing! I am beginning to expand my newsletter each month with added columns by other authors (one a month for the next year) who are willing to share one of their blog posts. If you are a blog columnist and you would like to submit your article to me for consideration in a future Snake Oil contact me at Venturasag@yahoo.com for more information about how to do so. Submissions must be related to my newsletters general subject matter and focus. If I choose to run your piece, you will still retain all rights to it. You will also get to run a small ad in that newsletter for anything you would like to promote! Snake Oil currently reaches over 1000 subscribers each month and continues to grow.

This is the animal totem that most frequently was drawn last month for me (and was part of my prompt to write this months column) and many of my clients. See if the message may be for you in some respects...

Otter

“Otter invites us to play, to “go with the flow” of life and experience-to become a child again. Allow yourself the freedom and pleasure of relaxing and letting go of all your daily concerns. Otter could be prompting you to take a day or weekend out of your usual routine-to do something purely for fun. Your practical self may tell you you cannot afford the time, but deep down you know that you need to take care of yourself to be of real value to others. Someone may even be coming into your life who will show you how to play again-something you may have forgotten as you accepted the responsibilities of growing up. Otter shows us that being playful can even lead us to catch the salmon-the fish prized by the Druids as the totem of wisdom. Drawing this card also confirms in us the sense that we are truly protected.” Druid Animal Oracle - Carr-Gomm

You can get an even more personal, in depth look at your current animal totems in a session with me this month if you are feeling drawn to it. More information is available on my website

Jim V

“Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.” Marianne Williamson

Spring classes

VIKING RUNE STONES (only 2 spots remaining as of May 1st))

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

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

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 2nd, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).

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

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

Join me on May 9th for my interview show with Shelly Overton:

Shelley has studied and practiced astrology for 35+ years. Shelley uses her intuition in the astrological process to put together a comprehensive study of your chart and what planetary influences you have. Shelley does readings on her internet radio show every Wednesday from 5-6 pm Eastern. She also has a Sunday radio show with co-host Rochelle Howard. Together they discuss spiritual and metaphysical topics like developing your intuition, holistic diets and belief systems, to name a few. Shelley Overton lives in Orlando, Florida with her children. She is also an accomplished artist. You can reach Shelley through www.AstrologerAngel.com or www.ArtfulEnergies.com for a reading. shelleyo@artfulenergies.com

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

5. It is your right to use your own judgment as to the need priorities of yourself and others, if you decide to accept any responsibility for another’s problem.

“Ask your mate, children, parents, in-laws and friends what they feel your priorities should be and I am sure you will get many different answers. No one else can relate to your position and know what is best for you or what you should do. It is your value judgment as to what you will do with your time and in what order you choose to accomplish your tasks. It is also your right to choose whether or not to accept any responsibility for another’s problems.” D.Sutphen

Number 6 It is your right not to be subjected to negativity.

Negativity programs the computer portion of your brain, the subconscious. If your resistance or level of awareness is down, negativity can be contagious, and no one should be judged harshly for their unwillingness to remain in a negative environment.

For example, let’s assume your girlfriend has been crying on your shoulder about her marriage problems for the last year. Now she is separated, contemplating a divorce, and it looks like the situation could go on indefinitely.

You: “I understand that you are having a hard time, Donna, and hearing about it seems to affect me in a negative way. I am no longer willing to discuss your problems.”

Friend: “I don’t understand. You know the whole awful background and I’ve always leaned on you in crisis.”

You: “I realize that you have leaned on me in crisis and it affects me, too. I am no longer willing to be affected.”

Some of these 11 human rights may actually seem a bit harsh. This is because for many of us, we have subtle and not so subtle forms of manipulation that come from friends and family (guilt being the most common) that we often do to them as well. In striving to be more self-actualized, honesty can appear at times to be “mean.” Yet, in the case listed above, an honest decision on your part to not be subjected to negativity may actually be kind. Often other friends or family may be tired of this tirade of endless relationship complaints on Donna’s part and she may find people backing away and avoiding her. Telling her that you choose not to discuss this part of her life may even help her to realize that she may need to make some healthy changes in this area of her life. You can make a point that you are still her friend if you care about her. 

Back in 2001 I was torturing friends with endless complaints (and scholarly compulsive analysis) about a dysfunctional relationship I was in. A good friend told me she chose not to discuss this relationship with me anymore because it was too negative. At first I was hurt, but then realized that she was a good friend and I was really becoming annoying! Looking back on it, I don’t know how my friends put up with me during those months!

“Courage is not the absence if fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Ambrose Redmoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy my new video and a special offer for Snake Oil subscribers to celebrate its launch!

ASTROLOGICAL READING

My second most requested session is the Astrological reading, which interprets your personal astrology and aids in self awareness. By looking beyond your Sun sign (the stuff the newspapers focus on) and exploring your Moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Ascendant, etc... you can begin to gain clarity about the focus; and primary themes, of your life. House placements, aspects, and elements will help you see your patterns in greater detail. Transits will show what areas of your life are currently highlighted, and pinpoint upcoming astrological triggers for the future. Relationships, career, money, friendships, spiritual growth, family, health... all interpreted for you so you don't have to do the work. You will need to know your birth time for this reading.

If you have already had your chart interpreted by me you can also:

Look at your current and upcoming transits to get a feel for opportunities and challenges that you are presently experiencing and the ones will surface in the next few months and years.

Relationship composite charts are a way to understand your unique relationships and the way couples relate to each other when we form that partnership. Relationship composites also show us how we connect as a couple and what benefits and challenges come from the relationship itself. Understanding relationship charts are an excellent way to improve your partnerships. 

Solar return charts are a fun way to see what the primary themes of the coming year are.

Relocation charts will show what influences will come from moving to a new location and how the move shifts our Astrology chart in some ways.

To celebrate my newest video I am offering a May 2013 special (this offer is only for current Snake Oil subscribers)! A full Astrology chart session (in person-home office or by phone for out-of-area) of 70 minutes discounted $25 off my normal pricing of $110 (cost will be $85 for sessions booked now until the end of this month only).* You may also purchase one extra session to give as a gift to a friend! Once purchased the gift certificate is good for one full year. Contact me at Venturasag@yahoo.com for more information and to book or purchase the gift session. 

*You can also purchase a 45 minute chart interpretation for any important children in your life (yes even a new born - makes a great gift for parents)! $20 off my normal price of $80 for these sessions. This promotional discount ends on June 1, 2013.

April 2013 Snake Oil

April 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura Blog

Snake Oil 

Sensitive Suzy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Ventura 3-2013

Editor’s note:

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing everyone a happy Spring. Cheers. Jim V 

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

Apprentice program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring classes

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

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

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

Snake Oil Radio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number 4 It is your right not to care.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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