Snake Oil/72 Tough Times/Little House on the Prairie wisdom
I caught an episode of the 70s/80s television show Little House on the Prairie the other day. It was from the second or third season, when the show was still both painfully cheesy and still really good. How brilliant were the characters of Mrs Olsen and Nellie? If you’re too young to remember Little House, (or as my obnoxious oldest brother called it: “Little House of the Fairy”) or if you just never caught it, the premise of the show was easy to follow. It was set in the late 1800’s, and based on a series of books by Laura Engels Wilder. It was primarily about a family that set out to relocate to a small town called Walnut Grove. The charismatically handsome father was played by Michael Landon. “Charles” took his wife and three girls from Wisconsin to create a better life for the family in Minnesota. The show was tremendously popular in its day. While at times it was a bit cliche and preachy, it was often funny and highlighted the timeless and amazing potential of the human spirit and the value of being part of a loving family.
Right before I watched the show, I had received a call from a friend with some astounding news about a likable guy from my gym who was going through some painful relationship issues. I hadn’t seen Pete in months, and wondered why he vanished. The news was that he had committed suicide in December. It was painful to hear about such a sad loss. He left behind four children and a devastated Mormon family. This was not the first time I had heard about a death or loss in one form or another in the last few years. This one just seemed to hit too close to home. So many people around me seemed to be struggling, but this news really took its toll on my spirit. I decided to surrender my need to compulsively analyze and understand why such a loss occurred and committed to the episode of Little House that I had recorded on my DVR. The show was about a tornado that whipped through the small town and destroyed most of the Engels farm. The night it came, the family was celebrating an abundant, perfect crop that was ready for harvest. It, along with livestock, a barn, and many parts of their home were destroyed. The family and especially Charles Engels was struggling with the common human feeling and mental anguish that all of us experience at one time or another, during trying times of, “Why has God abandoned me?” “We are good people, why are we being punished?” “What did I do to deserve this?” The destructive storm damaged the town as well, but the Engels farm was hit the worst.
The realization of the impending winter and current financial ruin meant Charles needed to scramble to find work or solutions to their current dilemmas. He diligently tries, but after a number of failed efforts, he decides to give up the fight. He has lost all faith and decides to sell the farm and go back home. The rest of the family wants to stay and accept offered help from their friends and neighbors, but Charles has understandably lost all of his strength and remaining optimism. The rest of the family reluctantly agrees to sell the farm and return home. Deep inside it is clear that they would prefer to stay and work together to make it through the coming winter, but the rules of a patriarchal culture win out.
I knew it was no accident that I caught this episode. I’d probably watched it during my childhood back in 1976 or 77 when it originally came out, but now I could truly identify with its message. I myself had experienced some “mini tornadoes” and “bad episodes” as well in the last few years, and I knew I was not alone in this experience. Many people had similar trials. The last few years have not been easy ones. The housing market tanked in Phoenix and my homes value plummeted so much that it’s worth next to nothing. Credit card debt had strangled me for years and I had no choice but to default on some of them and give up my good credit rating. Relentless phone calls from debt collectors trying to get money I did not have, were frequent. My business took a forty percent drop in 2008. Understandably, many of my clients were experiencing similar problems and had to cut costs, so I became a casualty of those cuts. I picked up a lucrative part time job to supplement my income in 2009 and briefly had some temporary abundance. Yet, after two years that also ended when the owner couldn’t keep up in a difficult economy, and had to shut his doors. This was not the first time in my life when I had struggled with adversity, yet it was the longest in duration by far. I took practical steps to increase my business with advertising, and those steps were now finally bringing results. After three years of up and downs for me, things were finally improving. Obnoxious collections calls were still coming through, but they were beginning to lose steam. Like most people, I was phobic from struggling for so long. I had a lot to catch up on, but I knew that at least the darkest times were now behind me and for many of my friends and clients as well. Many of us had thankfully weathered the worst of the storms.
The saddest part for me was how many people perceived their difficulties as personal failures and react by closing down and retreating in one form or another in shame. Men are more likely to respond this way to a sense of failure, than women. Because of current economic difficulties, many people have been relentlessly bullied by banks and other financial institutions. This bullying has contributed to making many of us feel like we are now “failures, dead-beats, and even criminals.” But taking economic conditions personally is a myopic perspective. Other societal influences contributed to the lack of current abundance, like excessive greed, arrogance, destruction of the middle class, corruption, spending money that wasn’t there, and the rise of the influence of the religious extremists were just a few of many contributions to our current depression. We were broken at many levels and we are all paying the price to repair these ruptures.
We often think that because we live in “modern times,” that we shouldn’t have to go through the really tough times that people experienced in the middle ages, biblical times, the depression or any other difficult historical periods. As a species, our history is rich with times of jubilation, advancement, and prosperity, as well as times of great sorrow, disasters, and troubles. There are “hazards on the physical plane.”* As much as we are uncomfortable with these times of difficulty, they are realities in this world. Sometimes the trials really, really test us. Loss, sorrow, and struggle are aspects of our human experience. If we can move through them we can see that they are usually meant to teach us how to not struggle in the future. As troubling as these times are they always have purpose. The Little House episode ended with Charles turning the corner in the last 10 minutes of the show. He decides to stay and rebuild his farm and accepts help to do this from his friends in the town. They know it will not be easy, but they band together as a family and do what they must. Inevitably happy, prosperous times follow. Life isn’t always an easy resolution like a television show. Yet, we can tap into the amazing part of us that has the strength and perseverance to survive adversity if we choose to. Sometimes we have to ask for help from friends and family. Sometimes we have to be willing to ask for help from Spirit. No matter what, or how much difficulty we have endured, we are often stronger than we know. Light will follow darkness if we recognize that there is always another side to adversity, even if it seems temporarily blocked from view.
Jim Ventura 3-2012
* One of the excellent quotes from Michael Material
Editors Note:
As the Sun currently progresses through Aries, it inspires us to overcome obstacles and to be willing to blaze some new trails. The month has started off kinda sticky though, as Mercury is retrograde in Aries until April 5th. This will contribute to a lot of us vacillating in the process of decision making during the last few weeks of March, and/or returning themes around how we stick up for ourselves. Anger may have surfaced more than usual. The Mars retrograde in Virgo has been fueling our fire one day, while making us feel like someone dumped a bucket of water on us the next. This retrograde started in January. The Virgo influence pushes us to focus on what we need to do to fix ourselves both internally as well as externally. Solar flares from the Sun have also made a lot of us moodier than usual for the month of March! Much smoother energy will light our way when Mars goes direct on the 14th of this month.
I pushed forward myself in March and did a number of new promotions to make my services available in some other states. I now even exist in Utah! This has filled up my calendar of availability a bit more than normal for the next few months. Still, I always make sure I have 6-12 openings for my local (and everyone on my mailing list, no matter where you live) clients. If you are looking to book a session don’t hesitate to ask. It might be a few days or a week before I can get you in, but I will make it happen. Keep in mind that all of my Snake Oil subscribers always get a $5.00 discount on my current list prices for sessions. Locals who pay in cash for sessions also take another $5.00 off of 40 through 90 minute sessions!
It seems my creative fire has been abundant lately. Aside from creating a line of Talisman symbols, I am currently working on four new books at the same time. Sagittarius mutability can be of real value. They will probably not be available until 2013-2014, but they are definitely happening.
1. Snake Oil Volume Two. Columns from 2007-2011. This Volume also includes nine brand new Snake Charms.
2. The mini Sun, Venus and Mars Astrology book. Sun signs to explain who you are and how you shine. Venus and Mars signs to show how we love and express our male and female energy.
3. Free Ride Volume One. How to casino gamble and take Vegas vacations for very little money. Tricks, Tips, and how to get all kinds of freebies and Comps. Co-authored by Joanne Daily.
4. Navigational consultant Jim Ventura’s how to read Tarot cards. A complete guide to interpreting all 78 cards in both upright and reversed positions.
The spring is here and I wish everyone a happy April. May your creative sparks ignite! Cheers. Jim V
“You were never greater than you are right now, nor will you ever be. Your worth is already complete and never changes, only your relationship to it evolves.” Michael Tamura
Snake Oil Radio
Every Thursday at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, April 5th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). 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 though the show you can even ask me for a free 5 minute 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.
My monthly interview show will be on April 19th. It will be a one hour show with Angel Marie Monachelli.
Angel Marie offers a wide range of services, workshops and classes including Energy Healing Sessions, Wellness/Inspirational Seminars, Aura Photos, and Tai Chi. For years, Angel Marie searched for relief from the pain of past sports injuries, sleepless nights, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lupus. She finally found comfort and inspiration in becoming a Reiki Master/Teacher and Inspirational Coach. Her passion flourishes in sharing her knowledge to help people achieve their absolute highest potential. Visit her YouTube Channel (lightworkersgiftsAZ) for some fun, energized, and inspiring videos.
Angel Marie Monachelli
Lightworkers Gifts
(623) 334-3393
www.lightworkersgifts.com
www.facebook.com/Lightworkersgiftsandhealingcenter
“One sign of Awakening is when you see clearly that you are not your story. As if to confirm this, you will begin to see just how attached your friends and family are to theirs...like rock solid attached! Nothing left to do but love em!” Michael Jeffreys
Spring/Summer classes (All at my home in Phoenix)
MICHAEL MATERIAL (5 class series)
* 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.
Saturday afternoons 3:00- 5:00 pm. May 19, June 2, 9, 16, 23rd. $90.00 for all five classes ($80.00 pre-paid and for Regular clients). Maximum of eight students and minimum of four. $20.00 non-refundable deposit to hold a space in the classes.
DISCOVERING YOUR POWER ANIMALS/DRUID ANIMAL ORACLE (1 class)
The practice and ancient Druidic teachings of animal totems and animal power is a lost art form that can be extremely beneficial to study. Every aspect of the natural world is alive and capable of being our allies, guides, and teachers if we learn to listen. 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 class will show what power animals are available to you now, and how they may already be influencing you. Understanding how animal totems come into our lives and developing the skills to use their unique gifts is a great way to open you up to the wisdom in the natural world around and within you.
One 2 and a half hour class. Maximum of eight students (minimum of four). Sunday May 6th 12:30-3 pm. $20.00 pre-paid $25.00 on day of class.
“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
Talisman series:
My Talisman series will start with Egyptian Cartouche. Right now I have four Talisman symbols that are currently available. I will be adding more in the near future.
Osiris: Egyptian Spiritual Father symbol. Protects against false prophets, unreliable people and injustice in any form. Helps one to make wise decisions and to stay in integrity. The sense of father protection will help to increase your confidence and contribute to becoming more successful.
Isis: Mother patroness of Egyptians. Isis energies work to protect children and anyone exploring a spiritual path. It brings emotional security and healthy support from others (especially women). It makes one feel loved and protected. It can also bring miracles!
Twins: Twin guardians of Heaven. This symbol will attract a partnership. Its energies can help you adjust your internal signals to bring a partnership into your life. If you are already in a partnership, it will help adjust your signals to be more in synch with your current mate.
Hathor’s Mirror: Goddess of beauty, love and strength. Helps one to attend to the details of life with strength and pragmatism. It is a protective Talisman. Hathor’s Mirror works to reflect back any negative intention from anyone coming near you or your home. The mirror effect can even ward off would be assailants in a profound way!
Each Talisman comes with a mini book explaining:
How all types of Talismans work.
How to use them.
Meditations.
Where to keep them.
And a lot more detail on how your specific Talisman may influence your life.
Each Talisman and instruction book is $22.00. This includes shipping cost ($20.00 for pick-up at home office and for Regular clients).
You may also just order the mini book for each Talisman for $5.00 if you prefer to make your own Talisman!
Orders now through April 1 st include free shipping. Quantities are limited (only three of each - original hand painted remaining) so there may be a two week waiting period to get your Talisman.
Email me for information on ordering. Venturasag@yahoo.com
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 or Venturawords@mac.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://web.mac.com/Venturawords
Blog column for 1 year of published columns: http://playingwithuranus.blogspot.com/
“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras!
Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices below.
All sessions/readings for 2011-2012 are: (70 minutes) $110.00; (40 minutes) $75.00; Extended (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).
Mini $30.00 for 15 minute unrecorded phone sessions. Payments can be made by either cash, check, debit, and some credit cards. Gift certificates are always available for purchase.
If you are not already receiving Snake Oil each month by e-mail, contact me at: Venturasag@yahoo.com or Venturawords@mac.com to be added to my mailing list.
This service is free. If you have an e mail address change, questions about services or to unsubscribe, simply let me know. Please feel free to pass the newsletter along to friends and family who might find it of interest.
