May 2014 Snake Oil
A Good Reading
I recently reconnected with a client I hadn’t seen in over seven years. I remember when I received a particularly stressed call from John back in 2001. I worked with John in a few sessions before his call, often centering around his relationship struggles in his two year marriage. His wife gave birth to their first son about a year after they married. The baby had some troubling health issues they were both concerned about. However, their bigger struggles centered around the love/hate relationship they were having. She had a daughter from a previous relationship who was now sixteen. His new wife carried guilt about her first divorce and overcompensated by spoiling her daughter and giving her things to make up for her “mistakes.” The young girl was not happy about her mother taking some of the attention away from her and worked hard at sabotaging the relationship between her mother and her mother’s new husband. Along the way, both John and his wife had done some spiteful things to each other because of this situation, as well as other battles, that were now hard to repair. Strangely, the reason for John’s traumatized call was actually because he had gone to a psychic reader who sucker punched him with some painful predictions about the future of their relationship.
I wasn’t familiar with the reader he talked with, but I had heard of her. She told him during their session that his wife would leave him within six months. She was also stealing money from him and hiding it. In the divorce she would take full custody of their child and block him from ever seeing his son again. John was horrified. He was trying everything in his power to make her happy. He worked long hours to give his wife everything she wanted, but she was still unhappy. Matters of trust and confidence were an issue for both of them. I talked with him for a bit to help him release some of the tremendous fear he now had around all of the bad news. In reality, he already had a lot of fear about what might occur and the reader tuned into this by telling him all of his worst case fears would come true.
Finding a good reader/psychic/healer is not always an easy task. In many respects it is not unlike finding an expert in any field. We can hire a contractor to do work on our home and get someone who does a lousy job. We might find a doctor or other healer who ends up doing more harm than good. We may get grossly overcharged from a car mechanic or any type of repair person. The list of potential unqualified people we can hire to do work for us, is often equal to the amazing people we may find in contrast. Thankfully in this modern age, there are websites that can help us choose more wisely by checking out other’s reviews. We can ask friends for referrals and also find talented people with genuine skills if we are willing to do some research.
About two years ago, I had a client who came in for a Tarot reading. She was looking for a reading about when her next husband would come into her life. The card showed a likely new relationship within the next six months. They also suggested that there would be troubling communication issues connected with the new relationship. When I began to take some time to talk with her relationship patterns and about how her past experiences and wounds might be blocking movement in this area, she immediately stopped me. She was irritated as she told me: “I don’t come here for advice. I already see a psychologist. I just want you to tell me exactly when, and with whom I will be married to again!” We finished the session and I knew with a sense of relief that she would never come back to see me again. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes people will attempt to bully me into giving them the information they want to hear.
Many people misunderstand how oracles and intuitive readings work. They are unaware that our thoughts and beliefs form our reality. Some believe that things just happen to them, and often for no particular reason. They are not aware that If we are experiencing a block in any area, it’s because either our Higher Self does not want this for us at this time, or we have limiting beliefs that are keeping it from manifesting. I remind my clients that what we see in the cards and in other oracles in our past and present positions should reflect what we are currently experiencing. The cards placed in the future positions are probable or “likely” ones. Rarely are they unchangeable facts. We have far more control over creating our reality than we think. A good reader is an intuitive interpreter of psychic messages and is able to clarify and explain any messages that come through the oracles. Readers that don’t use cards or other oracles are often simply good at reading energy. We need to remember that when working with psychics, even an excellent reader is acting as a channel and may blur information and alter it somewhat according to their beliefs and other filters.
My focus in sessions has always been more of a combination of giving insight and helping clients to understand probable directions. My main focus has always been about helping my clients to understand why things are happening and what their part is in creating these events. I often tune into people by sharing similar experiences and stories about what I went through in the past or my present. Astrology, Numerology, and other divination tools show us our inclinations, dispossessions, talents, and challenges. Understanding these things can help us tap into our potential, give us insight into what we are capable of manifesting, and also assist us to come to terms with healing any wounds that may be blocking our happiness. In life, there are both positive and negative probabilities that we may encounter and sometimes we can actually change these things. We are rarely “doomed” to experience an unalterable event. At the very least, we can change how we view situations to see that there is a larger purpose in any experience. Even a loss or difficulty may often prove to be a blessing in disguise. A talented reader is one who is able to assist in this process.
Some readers tell their clients what they perceive as probable directions as absolute fact. They deliver information as they see it and sometimes give clients shocking news and information. The oddest part of this is that many people are actually looking for this, and only this! They want to be told exactly how their life will go. There is absolutely nothing wrong with searching for the excitement and fun of simply finding a reader who knows a lot of things about you. I did this myself when I went to psychic fairs in my early twenties for a year or two. Yet, in some respects this focus is like only filling up on junk food when your body is hungry; your body would be far more nourished by eating healthy foods. The reader who told John that he would experience these “calamities” was actually right about many of her predictions. A year later the couple did separate. There were financial struggles in the divorce, although she shares custody of their child and didn’t battle in the extreme ways that the reader predicted. They also reunited a few times before they finally divorced. The reader was honest with John about how she saw it, yet she may have done more harm than good, by not being able to help him see the larger picture and his role in all of this.
John had self-destructive tendencies connected with alcohol. He also had childhood abandonment issues and a fear of lack of control. He had a few verbally violent outbursts with his wife and step-daughter that shook her trust in him during the marriage. She had issues with extreme greed (fear of lack) and no matter how much John worked or did for her, she was never happy during their marriage. A few years later John remarried after three years of being alone. Introspective inner work, meditation, and counseling helped John achieve more balance. He is much happier in his second marriage and has dealt with his alcoholism and anger issues. He is far more peaceful, and as a result is experiencing more peace outwardly. He now has full custody of his teenage son. It took him some time but he was able to see that as painful as his loss was at the time, there was a part of him that knew their relationship together was unworkable. His ex-wife has married and divorced two more times since. She is still looking for the “right” man.
To me, a gifted reader is someone who helps you understand the events of your life in a positive way, even the seemingly negative ones. A good reader helps open up your intuitive channels so that you become better at listening to the messages coming from your Higher Self. As a new client left my office the other day, she stopped before she left to say this to me: “Wow, I am not sure if you told me anything I didn’t already know or feel. It was more like you confirmed what I was feeling and gave me some insight into other ways of looking at things.” I wasn’t sure if her comment was actually meant to be a compliment, but that is exactly the way I took it.
Jim V 4-2014
Editors Note:
I have always made a point to never share any personal information about my clients outside of sessions. The things discussed in my sessions with my clients are private, and I will always keep it this way. Sometimes I share experiences that other clients may have or/are currently going through, if I think it will be a help to others. In all cases though, I do not share the specific identity and typically change the person’s name. In the case of John’s story (this is not his real name) he actually gave me a happy thumbs up to talk about his experience. He is understandably proud of the progress he has made, although this story is actually a composite of a number of different peoples experience. One of the points I really wanted to make here was to show how an experience that at the time seemed really tragic turned out to be positive. I also wanted to illustrate that when it comes to having readings we always need to remember predictions are simply that; probable outcomes. A good reader will reinforce your own intuitive messages and help you see things more clearly.
I filmed my third YouTube video a few months ago, and launching it here in this month’s newsletter. Special thanks to Apollo Poetry for his excellent work in both filming the video, editing, and putting it all together! I worked with Apollo when I did my other two videos. Apollo is taking a break from video work for a bit, and focusing on other creative projects. He does a lot of different creative things. It was fun doing this video, and it was actually the original idea I wanted to do for my first YouTube video. But sometimes creative ideas cook in our minds and don’t get tangibly created until the “time is right.”
I have scheduled a home office summer class on Creating Prosperity. I frequently talk to clients who are struggling with financial issues as well as other issues relating to experiencing abundance. Everyone who attends this workshop will also be the first invites to my fall class on how to create a successful business of your own and how to use (often) free marketing techniques to really get your business to become successful. I will mention the dates for these classes and offer any of the remaining openings for them in my July newsletter.
I posted some important information on my FaceBook fan-page last month about astrological influences that most people felt. The post is also included in this months newsletter. It’s getting warm here in Phoenix, so Summer isn’t too far off...Wishing everyone a happy May. Cheers, Jim V
"Love yourself because if you can't love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else!" RuPaul
My Newest YouTube Video!
Current classes:
CREATING PROSPERITY
Quite a few people have struggled with some financial difficulties in the last few years. The recession/depression that began in 2008 was a difficult period for many people. The economy has continued to improve, and this is a good thing. Yet, we always have the power and ability to tap into our potential to create prosperity, no matter what is happening around us!
Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about!The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Saturday June 28th. 10 am - 12:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before June 10th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class.
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.
From Whatever Happened To Divine Grace by Roman Steven (channeling Alexander)
“The point of physical life, the lesson learned before the reincarnational cycle can end, is that thought creates reality. You perceive what you want to perceive, both as a species and individually. Now, there are no value judgments on our plane, or from those ‘above’ us. Therefore, if you wish to create a ‘negative’ reality by projecting fears and worries out into the physical medium, then seeing them bounce back to you faithfully expressed, there is nothing stopping you from doing so. A good parent is one who allows his/her children to experience the full brunt and consequences of their actions, not to shield them from the results. All That Is has a similar approach, except it has a broader perspective than even the most inspired parent, for in greater terms there are no ‘negative’ experiences, only opportunities for growth.
Fear, for example, is a creation of the human mind. Those who feel it will project it and find its consequences automatically in their lives. If you fear ill health, you will get sick. If you fear poverty, you will lose your wealth. It is not the fear that drives these concepts into reality, but the fact that it makes its physical creation that much easier.
You need not fear, so to speak, that any time you consider a possible negative outcome of an event you are automatically going to see that outcome materialized. If you consider the possibility of dying of cancer for a few moments, perhaps as a way of empathizing with those who are doing so, you need not call the ambulance out of certainty that a similar fate awaits you. Remember that the natural state of the universe is one of GRACE leading to your greater fulfillment. It is only by prolonged and intense concentration on an idea, particularly one antithetical to your best development, that you can create such a reality. Again, there are no such judgments made on the other side of the invisible membrane, and if you so energize the concept of illness or poverty or any other unhappy condition by fearing it, visualizing it or worrying about it, then you make such a reality that much more likely...”
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, May 8th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).
To hear a live show, all you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura You may also access it by going to blogtalkradio.com. Type “Snake Oil” into the search option.
You can also go to the shows that are currently “On air” at that time and find me. The call in number is 646-200-3966 for questions and comments.
“Never allow another person’s words or deeds to influence how you feel about yourself. One has nothing to do with the other.” Dick Sutphen from Simple Solutions
Astrology Post:
Mars retrograde in Libra March first thru May 19th 2014
Mars is now moving retrograde in Libra. Typically Mars transits through each of the twelve signs in the zodiac for about two months. When it goes retrograde every two years or so, it will stay in a sign (or signs) for many months.
Mars in our chart rules the masculine side of us. It influences the things we get excited about, feel passionate about, and where we direct our energies to get things done. It also shows where we sometimes get angry, impatient, and even pissed off! The house that Mars occupies in our natal chart is where we often want it now! When it transits thru a sign and house we get a bit more assertive about that area of our lives.
Retrograde Mars can get us riled up. It can also have the opposite effect and we may feel lethargic and unmotivated. It's a time when hesitating is more likely than throwing ourselves into new endeavors. We might require more rest than usual. Some of us are more accident-prone or illness-prone, almost as if the cosmos are forcing us to slow down if we haven't listened to our natural impulses to take a break. It's time for regrouping, and this is important on both physical and emotional levels. We are being asked to consider where we really want to direct our energy now and in the near future.
Libra rules balance, and the part of us that wants to be diplomatic. Libra is all about our relationships with others, legal matters, justice, fairness, and doing our best to keep things “even.”
Libra rules one-to-one relationships and negotiations. During Mars' retrograde cycle in Libra, we may need to re-assess our approach to these matters. Circumstances are likely to be such that we feel forced to do so. We might feel some frustration or anxiety about our partnerships. There can be hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks about beginning or going forward with relationships or with formal negotiations and striking deals. Conflicts about give and take in an existing partnership can be stimulated.
Find the area in your chart that contains Libra and you can see what house this is impacting at this time. We definitely can still get things done during a Mars retrograde. We just need to keep an even pace, and to remember that the need to pull our energy back, by regrouping and resting is just as important as taking action! Jim V
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 text: (602)349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com
Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com
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All sessions/readings for 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins.
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