June 2015 Snake Oil/Snap Out of It!

June 2015 Snake Oil/ Snap Out of It!

I woke up one morning in late March feeling depressed. I still went thru the usual motions of eating breakfast, checking emails, my bank balances, and a few other morning necessities. No matter what I did I felt gloomy, mildly miserable and just couldn’t shake a sense of why-bother. I wasn’t even sure what I was depressed about. I wasn’t sick. I hadn’t recently been through anything specific that would be a reason for my unhappiness. Even though I had slept almost eight hours already, I decided I would just go back to bed. My cat ran to the bedroom excitedly when she saw her dad was heading back to bed. Her enthusiasm gave me a little comfort, as my sad self hit the pillows and went back to sleep for two more hours.

I had a bit of a too-much-sleep headache when I woke. I headed for the gym to do my usual work out and by the time I got home, made my lunch, and prepared for my three late afternoon appointments, my depression was completely gone. Two of the three clients I saw that day admitted they were taking antidepressants. I was not surprised that they used pharmaceutical ”helpers.” I can often tell when someone is using antidepressants. They are subtle, but there are a number of behavioral clues that give it away. A lot of people use them, it is far from being a rarity. I used to wonder why so many people (not including people who are bi-polar or with similar types of illnesses) try to push depression away with pharmaceutical “solutions?” Over the year I found the answer to that question. 

I personally have never even considered using an antidepressant. Pharmaceutical cures in general are not my thing. I did smoke marijuana fairly often from the ages of 17-25. This may have been my way of dealing with some depression when I was younger, although there were more prominent reasons why I smoked weed. I was an art major in college, worked at restaurants, and went to lots of concerts in the eighties, partying in general and getting stoned was pretty common place. I hung out with other stoners and a big part of what bonded us together was this shared commonality. I really was never much of a fan of the influences of alcohol, so I rarely drank liquor. The shift in perspective from getting stoned was more appealing than being drunk. It didn’t have the uncomfortable physical effects alcohol seemed to have on my body. Even in my stoner days, I still never smoked every day, just mostly in the evenings when the day was winding down. I enjoyed life when I wasn’t stoned just as much. The popular theories about becoming lazy and nonproductive from marijuana never applied to me. It never stopped me from getting anything done, and sometimes motivated me do more. I had some serious cleaning the entire house and organizing closets and files sessions back in those days. I still was usually productive when I was under the influence, it was just done in a different state of mind while doing so. It never was a “gateway to hard drugs.” My use of pot decreased quite a bit when I got into my early thirties, especially when I got out of the restaurant business. It became more of a once in a while, recreational celebration thing at best. I know of a number of people who still smoke weed regularly, and are very, very productive people. 

Like many people who are creative (this pattern can be seen in Numerology and Astrology charts), I had occasional bouts of depression throughout my life. Over the years the amount of times I feel depressed has definitely declined. At best it’s now every few months when I have a brief bout of depression and it rarely lasts for more than a few hours. I always spring out of it. The things that make me happy again are never medicinal solutions. It can be as simple as something cute my cat does, a funny text from a friend, a television show that makes me laugh, a song I haven't heard in years, or simply a good cup of coffee and cake. Hell, if I plan my next Vegas trip, or any trip, all aspects of depression are long gone. It seems the planning of a fun, future event alone is a definitive cure. Even if I feel sad about something I feel is missing, or hurts, I always realize that I am blessed and lucky in so many ways. If I linger on depression for too long, in some respects it almost feels like a performance on my part. My life is simply too good to allow depression to eat up my time.

There are legitimate reasons for people to go through long term depressions. Sometimes people go through really traumatic events. Things like losing a child, having a string of deaths of friends and family, going through a painful divorce, finding your mate has been cheating, getting fired from a secure job, finding out you or a family member has an illness, etc... can understandably really be grounds for depression. Difficult things happen in life from time to time. It is normal to occasionally get depressed. It is a natural human response to difficulty. The more severe the difficulty, the more likely and lengthy a depression can be. In extreme cases, getting a prescription for a pharmaceutical antidepressant may be temporarily beneficial.

A number of doctors and psychiatrists believe antidepressants are useful and necessary and they influence many people. In addition, even without a doctor’s aid it is easy to get various forms of these “magic pills.” The problem many encounter with prescription drugs is getting off of them. Most pharmaceutical remedies are not cures. They are designed to mask symptoms and problems. They also have a number of negative side effects. A common side effect from some anti-depressants is depression! I have actually seen this listed on bottles. When I was younger and had really bad allergies, I tried pharmaceutical aids to help with my allergy symptoms. Yet, I found that the side effects from the allergy pills were worse than the allergies themselves. This always seemed to be the case for me every time I took any form of pharmaceutical remedy. It is easy to become dependent on relief aids and it is equally difficult to get off of them. This is why I often suggest to clients to either not take them, or wean off of them, even if the process is difficult, and it often is!

I have always looked at depression differently than the norm. In some respects I see it as both natural and good for us to feel and experience depression. Being sad, and melancholy can be good for us. It can be a contrast that makes the happy times even more notable. We are not meant to experience one mood, one way of perceiving things. Experiencing difficulty and sadness can help us to be more empathetic to other people when they are going through the same or similar experiences. When we are depressed it is usually because we feel unfulfilled, or something we want is missing in our lives. Sometimes we long for roads never taken. A huge component in depression is “where I should be by now.” We often compare ourselves to others or simply feel we are not living up to our potential. These types of thoughts of course, will trigger depression. 

When the depression is triggered by painful events, we need to remember that what we are going through will in most cases, inevitably pass. And, if it is a truly unchangeable issue, we may simply need to accept this as part of life and change our point of view. Our resistance to what is causes all of our suffering. Often the fear of change itself is the problem. Prompts from our Higher Self will often show us what we may need to do to find happiness, yet often we simply don’t listen. The fear of the unknown or making a wrong decision can keep us holding onto the very things that limit us. We are not meant to suffer. It isn’t good for the soul, no matter what any parent, religious influence, or anyone else might have told us to believe. Focusing on the hopelessness of a problem is not only not a solution, but the very thing that keeps us there. An antidepressant in the long run is never a solution to any problem. If a depression is lingering too long, maybe it’s time to both look and take some action to resolve what needs to be done for us to become happy again!

Jim V 5-2015 

“It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. That is true, it’s called Life.” Terry Pratchett

Editors Note:

I will be sending out my next round of referral comps at the end of June. Note: they expire after six months. The ones I sent out in January 2015 will expire at the end of June so be sure to use them within that time period. If you have one or multiple referrals u sent to me so far this year, you will be getting those in early July.  Thats $10-$25 off your next session for each referral! Please pass on my website information, FaceBook fan page link, and other information about my work to friends and family who might find it of interest to add to your comps. I am also currently running a new client special, so they can also take advantage of that. I appreciate all the efforts my Snake Oil fans and clients put into bringing me new clients, and I like to reward them for it!

Everyone who receives my monthly column gets $5 off my listed rates on 45-90 minute sessions. If you follow my fan-page on FaceBook its $10 off my listed rates! Local in office clients get another $5 discount for cash and check payments. If you were once in my Regular client program and stopped for any reason, having quarterly (or monthly) sessions you also receive the FaceBook discounted rate of $10 off sessions if you need to book a session. I can’t continue to give you the Regular client discounted rates though if it has been over four months since your last session. Clients currently in my Regular client program get higher discounted rates than the above listed rates. Check out the many benefits of this program on my website or request more information by email.

I have been doing monthly Michael teachings classes on my Thursday radio show. You can catch any of the previously recorded shows anytime on the archive at Blogtalkradio. Life changing information in so many ways. And absolutely free!

 MICHAEL MATERIAL

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

* How do past lifetimes influence us in the present ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

* What do the higher centers feel like?

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

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

What is the Michael teaching?

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

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jim-ventura/2015/02/19/snake-oil-radio-michael-teachings-introduction

Wishing everyone a happy June! Cheers, Jim V

“I realized I was officially a professional writer when all my plans began with ‘drink coffee’ and ended with ‘take a nap.” Cassandra Duffy

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.

The Human Tendency of Depression

Dr. Peebles: Depression is created when there is no direct loving relationship with the Higher Self, but when there is a schism, when there is a direct self-inflicted interference. This is where you are not living up to what your Higher Self intended in this life. You have been taught, over the last few hundred years, to embrace more totally that which you are supposed to do on the soul level, not what you are supposed to do according to society or the collective unconsciousness of the planet Earth.

Depression is created then as an opportunity, a reminder, a barometer that says, ‘you’re not living up to your expectations of the soul. You are not living up to your potential. You are creating new karma, not balancing old karma. You are having a delightful opportunity to be Earthbound.’ That is all that your depressions are telling you-that you are not living up to your purpose in life. I would suggest to you that depression is not something that can be healed as a circumstance of the intellect. Depression is not something that can be healed by medicines, by herbs, by spices, by massage.

Depression is something that can only be healed when each individual is willing to face up to their purposes in life.

It can be healed only when each individual is willing to accept life EXACTLY as it is, not as they would hope it would be, as they compare themselves to others. So many times we hear people say that depression is created by this imbalance, that imbalance, this mother, that father, when actually depression is created by irresponsible spirituality.

Look at Christianity. Christianity was created in such a way that depression had to walk hand in hand with it. Depression is integrally part of the doctrines and the teachings of Christianity. You are taught to compare. You are taught to try to live up to expectations that are unattainable to human beings. And if you do not live up to those, you are improper, or you are bad, or you are evil. And depression must follow accordingly because you are not given the permission to be exactly what you ARE designed and created. In the grace of God, and your guides and the masters in the spirit, you’re exactly perfect as you are! You do not have the right to start comparing yourself to anyone or anything, for no other being or situation has anything to do with your experience in this one lifetime...

“Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you’re alive it isn’t.” Richard Bach

New Client Special May and June 2015:

May 1st 2015 thru June 30th 2015 Special: New Client introductory offer
$10-15 off listed rates  for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!

My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.

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 4th at 3:30 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so same as pacific). Most Thursdays 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. 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.

“Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” George Carlin

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

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

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

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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2015 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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

May 2015 Snake Oil/Rebuilding Roads

May 2015 Snake Oil

Snake Oil

Rebuilding roads

Over a year ago, a Phoenix road crew started doing some road reconstruction along the two mile road that runs in front of my home. The project would supposedly end with new sidewalks, two wider lanes and a third middle turning lane to help traffic flow better. They also planned on replacing sewer pipes and a few other upgrades as part of the reconstruction. I was all for the plan to improve the neighborhood, but the construction itself has been a series of tremendous roadblocks that have made the last year difficult for me as well as for my clients and friends to navigate around. Some aspects of my life seemed to be mirroring a similar theme. Destruction and reconstruction are very real themes that we experience physically in this world as well as emotionally and psychologically in our personal lives. Sometimes positive change is initiated by experiences that feel like one is being torn apart.

While I knew that when the project was finished we would have a much better road and neighborhood, I still experienced extreme periods of irritation while this was being done. In the past year I have received a number of panicked phone calls from clients and students who were struggling to get to my home office and through the seemingly endless mess. There were a few times the construction and blockades were so difficult to get around that I had to climb curbs in my small car to get into my own complex! For a few months I had to drive a mile out of the way each time I came in from the east to get home because the road only went in one direction. I often noticed many days in a row where there were no workers doing anything at all. A number of times, I saw them only working on one tiny portion of the two mile road for weeks at a time, while the rest of the road was nearly impossible to navigate through. The only good thing I could find in this frustrating situation was the opportunity to express sarcasm and humor about it with my friends and clients. Humor is often a helpful tool that decreases my irritation. I had all kinds of wise ass comments about the road work: “Half the time it seems like they’re just a bunch of teamsters walking around with coffee and donuts and doing nothing.” “How freaking long does it take to finish two miles of road in the first place?” “They can build entire casino’s in Las Vegas in half the time.” “Is it possible to milk and stretch out a project any longer than this ridiculous one?” “Will I actually get to see this completed during my lifetime?”

In defense of the road crews, I have no idea how complicated and demanding the task of road reconstruction really is. There is a very obvious reason why I still have soft hands in my forties. Except for occasional gardening, I have rarely dirtied my hands in this life with hard physical labor. So, while I found myself often bitching and moaning about my frustration over how ridiculously long this project was taking, I knew there still had to be some valid reasons why it never seemed to be finished. One night towards the end of the summer of 2008, I went for a a walk late one evening. While I had to walk around piles of dirt and pipes on unfinished sidewalks and barricades, I finally made it to the neighborhoods behind the torn up streets. I walked past the peaceful houses where most of the inhabitants were sleeping and began to understand why this was all happening and taking so damn long. The reconstruction of the two mile strip of road in front of my

house perfectly mirrored what was going on in my personal life and in the United States.

For many years in this country we have experienced all kinds of “road blocks and problems:” excessive greed, corrupt politics, inflated housing markets, banks lending to anyone without any real collateral, spending billions of dollars on a war, and religious lunatics with false morality eroding a great country and leading us to this breaking point. We now need to collectively rebuild America and restructure some of its values and priorities. While things are tough for many Americans right now, we are definitely on the road to rebuilding a stronger country. In my own backyard, I had overused credit cards for too many years and it was time to find real solutions for getting out of debt. Eliminating my mounting debt needed to be my top priority, I could not put it off any longer. I now have to work a part time job on the weekends to pay off all of it for the next two years. While I was bothered at first and uncomfortable about my necessary sacrifice, I also knew it would inevitably result in increased prosperity. 2009 is the year of the “Ox” in Chinese Astrology. “Ox people” are strong and sturdy, and understand the value of hard work. When a wild ox is tamed and domesticated it can transport heavy loads. In Chinese Astrology, I was born in the year of the Dragon. The aspects of the dragon fit me far more accurately than the Ox, but I knew I needed to use some of the wisdom of the Ox this year. Some extra hard work and a practical approach would be the keys to making 2009 a successful year for me.

The road construction will be ending soon on my street. Traffic will move freely and the value of our homes will likely increase because of this. The seemingly endless reconstruction of the road had an important message within it that I understood when I stopped battling the experience. A part of me had created it. Individually and collectively we create our own reality. I had been a part of creating this and wasted some time feeling angry and victimized by my own creation. I lost focus on the necessity of destruction leading to recreation. I felt empowered when I returned from my walk that night. Something had shifted internally for me and it felt good. I was no longer irritated about how long this was all taking. I was excited to see what constructive beauty would come of of this process.

I now work an extra twenty five hours a week waiting tables again. There are times when it can be a little exhausting. I thought it would be incredibly difficult to juggle my home counseling business, two radio shows, writing a monthly blog column, teaching classes and working a part time job. But, in truth it is not as hard as I thought it would be. While it is tough being on my feet again, there are some real benefits. I like this part time restaurant job. It is fun, gets me out of the house and I am making excellent extra money. I made a decision in early 2008 that I would get out of debt and make the best money in my life in 2009-2010. This is exactly what is beginning to occur. Yesterday a note was placed on my door from the city’s road construction crew. The project would be completely finished in a few weeks. While I know it will realistically take the country quite a bit longer to pull itself back together, I know that its destruction process will soon be replaced by a reconstruction and inevitably more positive and prosperous time. I have re-stabilized and reconstructed my life so it is now stronger and more solid. Now I get to continue to use the wisdom of the Ox and my charismatic skills as a Dragon to lend a hand and guide the people around me to do the very same thing.

Jim Ventura February 2009

Editors Note:

I originally wrote and printed this column back in early 2009 (six years ago)! A lot has changed. I always find it amusing when I read predictions about the “inevitable” collapse of the economy and epic struggles many people believe are ahead. We already went thru all of that! Have people forgotten the difficult recession/depression in 2009-2012? I had some difficult years, but the knowledge I gained about credit cards, loans, and other financial matters during those difficult years has definitely made me wiser. I am now extremely knowledgeable when it comes to this and many other subjects. In the last few years I have been able to help many people steer a course thru similar things. The restaurant job I had back in 2009 lasted two years before the owner went thru bankruptcy and let go of the restaurant in 2011. This was a restaurant that opened quite successfully in early 2009 and was listed as one of the top three best restaurant by Phoenix magazine! I think I still use a bit of the Ox energy now, from those years, and it certainly still helps me handle some difficult things when they occasionally surface. When we are younger the Saturn influence in our astrology charts show us where we have restrictions, limitations, fear, caution, and where things tend to take way longer than we might like them to. When we get older the house placement and sign Saturn was in when we were born becomes the area where we are wise, practical, and often successful! I can now comfortably look back at those struggles from a much more empowered and successful vantage point. I remind all of my clients and readers if you are undergoing difficulties keep in mind: This too shall pass, even if we can’t see why almost all experiences are purposeful, and are currently struggling to see that purpose.

One of the themes that I have discussed in this essay is connected with the wild Boar and energy this represents. I have included a passage about this later in the newsletter. There are simply times in life when we have to reconstruct who we are and aspects of our lives. Sometimes this process can be difficult, but it is always purposeful! I am running a special for the whole month of May for a Druid Animal Totem reading. These sessions not only give you insight into your life now, but the information gained from your totems can assist you in numerous ways through the rest of your life.

While I can easily move into a cynical mode when it comes to the general state of affairs in the world right now (Facebook posts from friends show the general discontent about a number of different things...), I can also see that progress has been made in some areas as well.  At the very least the economy itself here in the USA has radically improved. Unemployment is at one of the lowest points in many decades. I watched FOX news for about a half hour a few weeks ago while I was in the Diamond lounge in Las Vegas. It was on the television in front of me so hard to avoid. When it comes to any political commentaries I wonder how does anyone take this type of news reporting seriously? Some news stations are also heavily slanted to the left, but FOX news is almost cartoonish in some of its “to the right” reporting. Look at the eyes of most of the reporters and commentators, many baby and young soul staff, and commentators... Remember back in the day when news was simply reported and not given such an obvious slant according to the political affiliations of the broadcast owners? UH-Oh I am starting to sound like an old man who says things like “in my day...”   

If you have never read my first book: Dirty Little Secrets I have a special discounted rate on copies of my book. I also have an extremely discounted special rate for my CD audio version this month! More information later in the newsletter.  

Wishing everyone a happy May! Cheers, Jim V

Boar: Warrior Spirit, Leadership, Direction.

“Drawn reversed, this card may mean that you have lost your sense of direction. There is a close connection in tradition between madness and pigs and boars. At a playful level this “folly” is expressed by the morris dancer who beats the audience with a pig’s bladder-also used as a football. But at a more serious level, those who were mad were often made to act as swineherds. Merlin, in his period of madness, talks to pigs, and within this image is conveyed the concept that madness and insight are closely allied. Sometimes we have to go through a period of “breakdown” so that something wider and deeper can enter into our lives. The Boar is the emissary of the Terrible Mother-who is also the Initiator. Sometimes a period of destruction must precede a period of creation, of rebirth.”

One of the most interesting readings I offer is a look at Druid Animal Totems. For the month of May 2015 all of my current Snake Oil subscribers will get $15 off (instead of the normal $5 off) listed rates for your 45, 70 or 90 minute session when specifically requesting this reading. Local clients who pay in cash or by check can also take an additional $5 off their session! Understanding the influence of your Totem Animals is an excellent way to increase empowerment.  

DRUID ANIMAL ORACLE READING SPECIAL May 1st thru 31st 2015 

The practice and ancient Druidic teachings of animal totems and animal power is being revived. Every aspect of the natural world is alive and capable of being our allies, guides, and teachers. In Druid culture, wearing animal skins, heads, and feathers was a way of identifying with certain Animals and becoming them for a while in order to partake in their powers and to receive divine inspiration. This session will show what power animals are now available to you, and how they may already be influencing you. When we increase our ability to use the gifts and wisdom of animal totems, we become far more empowered in all areas of life. This spread is a perfect vehicle to open you up to the wisdom in the natural world all around you.

  Email me at Venturasag@yahoo.com to book

“Your task is not to seek love, but to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Rumi

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 Reflections Of an Elder Brother by Bartholomew

“Looking In The Wrong Place

One of the things that kills your spontaneous joy in life is the constant judgmental critique you have running against yourself. You have no idea the number of moments you spend criticizing your looks, your diet, your friendships, your speech, your house, your car, your job, etc,. etc. In order to really understand what I mean, I would like you to take a few moments to write down all of the judgments that, one, your have against yourself, and two, you think the world holds about you. Please be very specific and thorough in recording these.

Pause.

Alright, my friends, let me tell you what your list represents. It represents a great deal of energy drain and it represents a tremendous amount of defensive awareness. When you are still trying to please the world or to have the world find you pleasing, you are trapped in this downward spiraling energy vortex. You will constantly be trying to assess how well you are doing, constantly ruminating about how to appear in order to get what you want or to please others. In the end, my friends, the only things that brings the love you are looking for in this world, is the love in you. And that love is already there, in perfect safety and wholeness. You do not have to create the love-just allow yourself to experience it.

You are trying to get love using the wrong technique. The point here is very simple. Everyone wants to feel loved, and every one of you wants to feel love. You believe it takes someone outside yourself who miraculously happens to ‘love’ you, to feel loved. So you spend your lives looking for this someone. But in the deepest part of you, you are not trying to find someone to love you, you are trying to feel love within yourself. And your list of judgements, however subtle, comes in to undercut all of your awareness of the love that is within you...”

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

New Client Special May and June 2015:

May 1st 2015 thru June 30th 2015 Special: New Client introductory offer
$1o-15 off listed rates  for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions.

My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, May 7th at 3:30 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so same as pacific). Most Thursdays 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. 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.

Rune of Wholeness, Sowelu #24: “...Seeking after Wholeness is the Spiritual warrior’s quest. And yet what you are striving to become in actuality is what you, by nature, already are...” Ralph Blum from the book of Runes

Dirty Little Secrets

 

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

Excerpts from Dirty Little Secrets:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Print version $11.00 including sales tax. Please include $4.00 for shipping ($15.00 total). 

Special for month of May 2015 $6 for CD (audio) version. Also $4 for shipping $10 total.

Or send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix AZ 85008. I can also be contacted my e mail if you want to use a debit card via pay pal to order.

Dirty Little Secrets is also available at Amazon.com

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

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

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

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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2015 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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

April 2015 Snake Oil/Icky Sexuality

Snake Oil

Icky Sexuality

A client of mine, who is also a Facebook friend, posted something recently. When I read it I literally had to restrain myself from commenting back. It’s likely that the post was from her conservative, right wing, religious husband whom she shares her Facebook account. It was one of those archaic, prejudiced, homophobic, but disguised as “moral,” posts that asked others to re-post if they agreed: “Marriage should be between one man and one woman only.” A sappy picture of a glowing ring accompanied this touching sentiment. I haven’t seen many of these types of posts in the last few years. We are on the brink of gay marriage becoming the law of the land here in the United States. When it becomes law in all fifty states (at this time it’s now legal in 37 states), God will not be angry, and it won’t collapse our civilization as many right-wing religious extremists have over the years threatened would happen. It won’t lead to the “slippery slope” theorists bizarre idea that people will marry their dogs and their siblings. It has been legal for over a decade in a number of states and many countries and it hasn’t destroyed heterosexual marriage in any way. One has to wonder why this inevitable shift in societies’ view of human sexuality and equal rights for all American’s has been and continues to be such a rocky road.

From both a practical and spiritual perspective there have and will always be four primary variations for human sexual expression. The same categories also apply to most animal species. People are either heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or asexual. For the most part sexual orientation is chosen at a Higher Self level before birth. Inevitably in our reincarnation cycles we will experience all of the variations in different lifetimes as part of our evolution and innate desire to experience the gifts and challenges each variation offers. Heterosexuality and bisexuality are the most common sexual expressions overall. 

While bisexuality and homosexuality seems to be growing more commonplace in society, it only seems this way because it is becoming more socially acceptable to express oneself in either category. Bisexual people in different degrees have the ability to see physical attractiveness and fall in love with either gender. Heterosexual people are wired to be only attracted sexually to the opposite sex. Homosexuals are wired only toward and attraction to the same sex. This is somewhat akin to a lifetime of scholarly study with the focus of a desire to understand ones gender by not only being born in that body, but to be sexually drawn to the same sex. Asexual people choose not to find themselves drawn to sexual expression at all. While people do sometimes shift from one expression to another, this is more often than not, simply finally coming to terms with their true sexual identities. Many people spend years forcing themselves to experience sexual expression that they are not hard wired for. This is often due to religious, and cultural expectations, and internal or external shame about conforming to other’s expectations. Often after years of tremendously difficult struggle they eventually accept the sexual orientation they were meant to experience. Sadly some never come to terms with who they are and hide their identities or take their own lives. 

There are three primary reasons for the confusion that acts as a blocking force behind people being fearful about comfortably expressing their true sexual identities. The first is the “icky” factor. When people lack emotional, spiritual, and intellectual maturity there is a tendency to find something that falls outside of their wiring or range to be distasteful and therefore “bad,” or “wrong.” This element of human response occurs in cultural, social, religious, economic, and many other areas in society. People often find those with different body types repulsive. Wealthy people sometimes perceive the poor as less than. Poor people sometimes see the wealthy as less spiritual. People in one race may hate another race. To a lesser extent, but also within groups that are often marginalized we see this practice as well. Dark skinned races sometimes feel being lighter skinned is better. In the gay community bisexual people are sometimes scorned and seen as simply “greedy.” The list of societal examples of what is “less desirable” are long. Historically, many people chose hiding their true sexual identities if they were not heterosexual simply because they were afraid others would find this distasteful.

An unfortunate and common theme that’s been a major component in our humanity and the sometimes lack of it, has always been the need to prop oneself, or the group you belong to, up by making others less than. A common practice in ancient Rome was to seize non-Roman people from other countries, and cites and use them as slaves. The marriages, families, and general value of these non-Romans were simply irrelevant because they were less than. Part of the pattern behind the belief that gay marriage is wrong and should be illegal was largely due to a similar type of logic. “Heterosexuality is the only way the species can procreate and is the one right way!” This logic of course is faulty, because this would eliminate heterosexual couples who choose, or can’t procreate as invalid. It also invalidates anyone past the child production stage from marriage. Yet, it’s interesting to observe how homosexual and bisexual people contribute in larger percentage than average in putting together nearly every aspect of marriage ceremonies. From wedding gown design, florists, wedding planners, hair dressers, photographers, make-up artists, clergy, service staff, bakers, jewelry design etc... the numbers of people that are not specifically heterosexual multiplies noticeably. Behind this has always been a belief that homosexuals are okay if they hide their “icky sexuality” and act as servants who are not able to participate themselves because they are less than.

The second culprit blocking people from expressing sexual identity has always been organized religion. In Christianity, Bible passages from the Old Testament that scorned same sex expression, considered “God’s words,” have given people over the ages an opportunity to demonize anyone outside their accepted expressions. Like all spiritual books, the Bible was written by men attempting to interpret spiritual truths. The passages written that suggest God hates non-heterosexual expression were written by men who believed it was icky, so God must think it’s icky. Literal interpretations of everything in the Bible would have us still believing slavery is good, women shouldn’t speak when men are speaking, women are property, divorce is punishable by death, and a host of other inane atrocities. Unquestionable literal interpretations of all Bible passages are not showing faith, rather they suggest a lack of understanding. The Bible has been edited, altered, and changed, many times over. Most Christians understand this and do not believe every word in the Bible to be unquestionable. It is the crazy ones on the far right who hold tightly to the idea that Biblical passages are word-for-word God’s words.

The third influence that makes alternative sexual expression wrong stems from a combination of the previous two. This includes crazy logic and theories that many cling to as factual. “If gays can marry what’s next, marrying your dog or your sister?” “Gays marriage will lead to polygamy.” “Gays molest children.” “Homosexual are always trying to convert our children to their way of life.” None of these or any other justifications are accurate in any way, and actually fall into the biblical category (Ten Commandments) of bearing false witness against your neighbor. The ones that scream the loudest about “perverse” behavior often project something from their shadow side. So hating gays is often hating a part of oneself, even if it is only a small part.  An individual who is comfortable and secure in their sexual identity is not concerned about anyone else's. 

Society is always changing and evolving, sometimes quickly, and sometimes slowly. The Aquarian Age we’re currently in is about brotherhood (and sisterhood) and accepting diversity. Most young people are no longer uncomfortable about this subject. Many explore each option themselves until they find a right fit. In this day and age, most people have friends, siblings, parents, children, teachers, co-workers and all kinds of people in their lives that are gay or bisexual. Another reason why more people are comfortable with sexual orientations other than their own now is because at one or more levels we all fall into categories that others don’t like or agree with. The ability to identify and care for other “underdogs” is growing stronger in more and more people. More people are beginning to see that the idea of someone who is asexual, homosexual, or bisexual must be lacking a moral code is actually propaganda from people who are simply lacking healthy empathy. Change can be scary to people who are stubborn (fear of change).  But, change is inevitable and more often than not, a good thing. Gay marriage is often used as a scapegoat reason for why “marriage is failing.” My friend’s husband who posted the marriage post is probably a really nice guy. He, like many people that are still concerned about gay marriage, and “heterosexuality being the only right way,” simply needs to develop more empathy, maturity,  and recognize “icky” is truly in the eyes of the beholder.

Jim V 3-2015

Editor s Note:

I remember when I was in middle school. I briefly went thru a period of being a bit afraid of people from other races, ages, or religions affiliations. I was a Catholic school boy in elementary school and a little sheltered. The confusion I had was more a fear of the unknown than necessarily specifically directed toward someone or something as “good” or “bad.” Racism, sexism, or any other “ism” never was a major part of the way I saw things though. By the time I reached 14 or 15 my way of viewing others different from me had changed. I could never understand why anyone would believe that someone different than you was “wrong.” It seemed like something that needed to be left behind with other childhood misperceptions. When I was about 20, learned about the Michael teachings and the concept of soul age. It became more clear and I really understood that I had lived many lives already as, male, female, black, Asian, rich, poor, gay, straight, etc... For most mature and older souls, there is an instinctive understanding of this (even if we don’t remember the other lifetimes consciously) which comes across as healthy empathy. For most mature and older souls it’s more of a “I didn’t really care what anyone else believes or does, especially when it doesn’t effect me! I did a radio show last month and talked about the subject of soul age. Check it out if you want to understand how the difference in soul age impacts the world and each of our lives. This may help in understanding about why so many “isms” and phobia’s are still so commonplace. I will be doing the second part of the “soul age” show this month.

I remember when I lived in NY. There used to be an expression: March comes in like a lion, and it goes out like a lamb.” Here in Phoenix it came in like a lion and it looks like it will go out like a lion. It was strangely warm here for most of the month. We often had 80s and even a few 90 degree days. Too warm too soon! I am not a fan of having to use my AC in April. I always want to hold out until May, but I broke early this year...

Spring is here! Wishing everyone a Happy April. Cheers, Jim V

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” John Lennon

FaceBook post from early March of 2013. Similar trigger for March 2014. I know a lot of people, including myself that had some “buttons” pushed. We had some windy Santa Ana days here...

“The winds blew through Phoenix pretty harshly today. I found myself feeling uncomfortable and even a little angry in the last few days. Thankfully I knew what this was about and was able to move through what was I was struggling with and come to a place of peace. The winds have stopped and I feel so relaxed and at peace. I am glad I didn’t follow where my anger was taking me. Just another benefit of getting older and learning restraint!

Lakota Indian believed that the Santa Ana's, or Chinook winds as they are called in the east, were meant to remind us of self protection and the wisdom of change. They winds come from the four points in between Northeast, Southeast, etc...

“You are being asked to look at your safety and protection, to take steps to protect yourself from internal and external interference while keeping your self-esteem intact. Reinforce your strength and abilities, and deflect anything that diminishes your sense of higher purpose. As you open up and express your Higher Self, you open yourself to accelerated lessons and growth experiences. You may find yourself facing some difficult teachers among the people with whom you come in contact. You may find yourself confronting issues you’d prefer to keep quietly buried. We often encounter emotional manipulation when we have resisted letting go and moving forward or when we have missed opportunities to face a particular lesson.

Free yourself from the attitude that internalizes every situation and interaction. Remember that the people with whom you interact have their own challenges and driving forces. Be kind to yourself and be understanding of others. If it is time to remove yourself from a situation or relationship, do so. Ask for internal guidance. If there is no need to remain in an uncomfortable, unsupportive relationship, job, or circumstance, get out and move on to the next step.” From the Lakota Sweat Lodge cards. 

*Readings with these cards can be very powerful. More information available on my website if interested.

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” Haruki Murakami

Spring Special for New Clients and return clients:

March 1st 2015 thru April 15th 2015 Special: New Client introductory offer
$15-20 off your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute sessions! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $15 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions.

My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.

New Year special for January 1-April 15th, returning clients get $10 off of my listed rates (unless you are using another/better promotion or discount)!

“Children are happy because they don't have a file in their minds called "All the Things That Could Go Wrong.” Marianne Williamson

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 Michael’s People by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

“...Let us say there that chief feature (fear) can be very, very, very, very subtle about how it manipulates the perceptions of the fragment (individuals). Fear, as we have said many times before, is seductive. It can present the most appealing pictures to disguise the ‘dungeon’ that is the actuality of fear. Most fragments are not truly aware that fear is operating when chief feature is at work. Often chief feature represents itself as good sense and realistic understanding. Chief feature is adept at convincing fragments that essence contact and soul evolution is ‘bad for you,’ and presents itself as protection and support rather than ravening fear.  It is most distorting when cloaked in religion, and we would wish to point out that most organized religion has great skill in turning chief feature to its advantage.  ‘I cannot love that person because loving that person is immoral.’ I must not permit that person to interfere with my love affair with God.’ I must restrict how I relate to people so that sanctity is preserved.’ ‘I must not be like those people who do things that make me uncomfortable.’ I must not let others see the sins I have hidden in my soul.’ ‘This person is unacceptable because he or she is unclean/unacceptable/of another faith/of another culture/of an inappropriate group.’ These and many other convincing lies are presented as moral truths. The resultant morbid preoccupation with the forbidden, as well as the thrill of guilt, serves to enmesh the fragment more and more in the hold of chief feature. The chief feature has the added ‘advantage’ of never having to reveal itself as being the manifestation of fear. In most instances fragments caught up in this pattern will not be able to recognize and validate essence contact* except n the astral plane...”

*Essence contact is when we truly feel who we are without the distortion of fear. In simple terms it feels really, really, really good! Jim V

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, April 9th at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time) Most Thursdays 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. 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.

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” Mark Twain

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

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

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

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

You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog

All sessions/readings for 2015 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins. 

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