December 2013 Snake Oil

Snake Oil

Christmas gifts in the attic

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

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

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

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

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

While I missed out on believing in Santa Claus and many of the other holiday illusions, I got to experience elements of family and holidays that really mattered. The cohesiveness of a family and celebrated traditions were priceless. We learned about giving and receiving and developed a healthy sense of the importance of all of it. When I was a kid, and even into my teen years, I would often get up in the middle of the night and look at the presents under the tree (the Christmas eve gifts we bought for each other were often wrapped and left out weeks before). Some nights I would clear a space and lay underneath the tree for an hour or so. I would turn on the lights on the tree and feel the soft white sheet we placed underneath it. The smell of the tree, the twinkle of the lights and the excitement of things to come were only a part of why I loved doing this. Some wiser aspect of me knew I would only be a child for a short time and I wanted to fully allow myself to feel every moment of it. I was safe and loved in a family and I knew I was blessed. I sensed that I had lived other lives in different families, times, and places that were not as wonderful when it came to my experiences in this family. I also knew that there were people all over the world that did not get to experience many of the things I was so blessed to have. I had friends who would have killed for what I had. So I savored those moments underneath the colorful lights of our Christmas trees. I allowed myself to be happy and I completely immersed myself into childhood and the magic of Christmas. So much for silly Santa stories and fairy tales, the real thing was so much better.

Jim Ventura 10-2011

Editors note:

I wrote this Christmas story almost three years ago and thought it was time to re-run it. A lot of new readers have been added to my mailing list in the last few years, so many of you have never read this piece. I really do enjoy the month of December. Here in Phoenix the weather is often perfect. It is typically lows seventies during the daytime and forties to low fifties at night. I especially love getting to wear some winter clothes for a few months-just a few months though! I allow myself to eat a bit more excessively than I normally do the rest of the year in December. Aside from the Christmas Eve lasagna that I make every year, and I make extra and eat it until New Years, I definitely allow myself extra cake candies and cookies in December. Putting on a few extra pounds (usually about 3-5) is worth it to me, and I am always eager to eat healthy again every January and drop the added weight! I have lost my interest in decorating the house and getting a Christmas tree. I haven’t done things like that in over a decade. I think if I had children, I would make a point to do more of these types of things though. I just enjoy the more decadent aspects (food!) of Christmas season, and that is enough for me!

 I always appreciate when my readers comment and offer insight on the different Snake Oil columns I run. While I may not always be able to answer right away (I have reached over 1000 subscribers), your thoughts and perspectives are appreciated. In the future, please make any comments about columns directly onto the Goggle page where they are posted as opposed to emailing me with your thoughts. Comments directly on my blog page in the long run will get me more hits on search engine sites and increase the amount of traffic to my site! 

I have a guest writer this month. Check out Michelle Lee’s article about the power (of the fear) of words. I will also be interviewing Michelle sometime next month on Snake Oil radio!

It is the holiday season, so take advantage of this months special and get a discounted gift certificate(s) for your friends and family as well as yourself. More information about this offer is in this newsletter. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Cheers, Jim V

The Power (of the Fear) of Words  by Michelle Lee
Many of us are learning that our words have power. We are even beginning to be more conscious of the words we use and choose to focus on using positive words when speaking to and about others. We are blessed with such talented authors as Mike Dooley of “Thoughts Become Things”, because of his work and the work of many other authors and we are beginning to understand that we do indeed create our own reality. But has it gone too far? Have we relinquished our power to our words?

This past weekend I had the pleasure and honor of contributing as a speaker and teacher at a women’s retreat. I delivered my workshop about how ancient programming determines our self-worth, how this programming is only a story, and finally how to be free of the story and the associated emotions that go along with it.  As always, I teach the process of emotional freedom technique (EFT). For those of you that don’t know, when you use EFT, you focus on and speak out loud the undesired emotion, be it anger, sadness, fear, or whatever, while you tap on the meridians of your body. As an example, as you tap on each point you may say, “I feel angry”. I know this goes against the grain of all of the positive thinking lessons we have ever read or heard, but after more than 8 years working with clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, you name it, I’m very intimate with effectiveness of this process.

During this type of workshop, I teach the participants how to “tap together” for the benefit of themselves and the volunteer.  This is actually known in the EFT world as Borrowed Benefits.  Over the years, I have found this to be extremely powerful in a workshop setting. 
The hiccup came when a couple of the participants were literally too frightened to speak the words of the undesired emotion, fearing that it would be “tapped in” to them.  I was astonished at how strong this emotion was for a few of the participants.  If we would have had more time I would have loved to have lead them through an EFT session to release that fear, but we didn’t.  But this is why I wonder, “Have we placed too much power on words?” 

Abraham Hicks is only one author to state that positive thoughts are 100 times more powerful than negative ones.   We have to remember that we are the thinker doing the thinking and in order for a negative thought to become a negative emotion it must be repeated over and over and over again for days and months.  Unfortunately, many of us do this unconsciously.

EFT literally gives us dominion over our emotions. You must not fear the words that describe your emotions or the emotions themselves. The fear of our emotions and the fear of putting words to them is what causes us to become stuck in the ruts that we find ourselves in today. EFT is a powerful tool that gives us permission to not only acknowledge our emotions, but to also love, accept, and forgive ourselves for having them; this in itself is powerfully healing. You are bigger and more powerful than your words and your emotions put together. Yes our words have power, but only the power we give them. 

We are Divine creators created in the image of God. God would never fear a word or an emotion.  I spend many hours every week tapping with women on their emotions and issues, I say words that may or may not pertain to me and NEVER do I take on their emotions or “tap in” to me their issues. I am literally invigorated after each session. The greatest gift I can offer my clients is to see them as the pure Divine creation that they are, even though they are wrapped up in their story.  I can have empathy for them as they feel stuck, but I never allow myself to believe their story.  It’s just a story and I am available and capable to lead them out of it.

“There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.”  …and we can tap on that! 

Bio:
Michelle Lee, CH is the founder and owner of Athena Rising Now.  A program dedicated to freeing teen girls, their mothers, and all women from ancient cultural programming to become the leaders they were born to be.  As an intuitive, certified hypnotherapist, emotional freedom technique (EFT) practitioner, author and mother,  Michelle has more than 12 years experience working with women, helping them to discover and release their subconscious agendas so that they may fully express their highest potential.  Michelle is the author of “Women: From Power to Profit: Your Guide to Claiming YOUR Worth” and of “Fall in Love…with your Self” hypnotic journey CD.  You can discover more about Michelle’s programs, services, and products at www.AthenaRisingNow.com.

Gift certificates:

The holidays are approaching. Give a gift to someone you love that they will really appreciate: a reading/personal session with Jim Ventura. All gift certificates purchased from now until December 31 st, will be at a discounted rate for all of the clients who are currently on my mailing list (receiving Snake Oil or following me on FaceBook) 
Special rate:
$15.00 off my current listed prices for both 45 and 70 minute sessions. If you purchase 2 gift certificates they are each $20 off my listed prices. If you purchase 3 or more, you get $25 off the purchase of each gift certificate! 

Price list for services are at the end of this newsletter and on my website. The gift certificates are good for one full year and can be used any time in December 2013 and all of 2014. I will either mail them to you or, if you prefer, mail them directly to the people who you want to receive them (snail mail or email). You may want to buy a gift certificate(s) for yourself as well - do you know anyone else who deserves a gift as much as you do? Sessions can be in person or by phone for out-of-area clients.

You can also add a copy of my first book or audio DVD version of Dirty Little Secrets, or Snake Oil Volume One for an extra $12.00, including tax. ($3.00 shipping charge is waived for the month of December!) If you want to sweeten the package. 

Order both books and shipping is also free! ($24.00 total for a copy of each) Email or call to purchase your Gift Certificates. This discount offer is good until December 31st of 2014. 

*If anyone in your family has recently had a new addition (child) a 45 minute Astrology chart interpretation (session is recorded on audio cassette tape - I will be able to do digital versions in the spring of 2014 as well) is also a great gift idea. I often get letters from people telling me how useful and “right-on” the chart interpretation I did for their son/daughter 10 years ago was. 

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt

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, December 5th, 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.

Alexander on Relationships:

“All too often you see people clinging to relationships that have served their purpose and can only lead to stasis or, worse, harm to the individuals involved if they try to pretend that what once existed still exists. It is the great fallacy of your plane (well, one of many) that a romantic love relationship must last forever-till death do us part-or that somehow those involved have failed if it does not.

Nothing could be further from the truth, or sillier. Life is not meant as a straight-jacket, where you are strapped into a given set of relationships at an early age, never to freely explore the bounty of human relationships with freedom again. It may well be that the intent behind a relationship is so strong, the opportunities for mutual growth and learning so great, that a marriage can last a lifetime. But it is unnatural to expect all such relationships to endure until death. It is a violation of the great flow and flux of your being to consider that all romantic relationships must last forever or be considered failures.

You live many lifetimes within a given human span of years. Are you the same person you were at three weeks? At ten years? Do you expect to be the same person at 80? We hope not. The energy that powers your life is a vast swirl, a constant dance, its overriding characteristic being randomness evidenced in the electron’s spin. You construct infinite grids of intent to experience over the span of your life, some lasting its length, most not. Every relationship has a given ‘span’ after which it can serve no benefit to maintain...” Ramon Stevens from Whatever happened To Divine Grace.

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

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

“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials. Simply click on “like” on the fan page and you will automatically get my weekly updates. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371

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

November 2013 Snake Oil

November 2013 Snake Oil/Jim Ventura

Snake Oil

Energizer Bunny

I have always been very loyal to my friends and the people I care about. I have a number of friendships that have been part of my life for decades now. Consistent commitment is something that is quite natural for me. The majority of friends that I have lost over the years either sabotaged our relationship or wandered away for their own unique reasons that I don’t take personally. Life and the people in ours change and I comfortably recognize that not every friendship or relationship is meant to last for an entire lifetime. Most of the jobs I have had lasted many years. I have some regular clients that I have consistently worked with for over a decade now. I have been doing this column since 2003, I now I have over one hundred columns. I have been doing navigational consultations for a living for over twenty years now. My skills in this area have grown and become more polished. Some people mistakingly think I do things this way because I am stubborn. Stubbornness is a fear of change, and I have no fear of change. I know that change is a natural part of life and more often than not, a good thing. The truth is I am hard-wired to be perseverant. If I am pointed in a specific direction and I like that direction, I am a bit like The Energizer Bunny who just keeps going and going...

The first time I realized I was in perseverance mode was when I was twenty-two. I was studying an amazing series of channeled books called the Michael material.The Michael material pinpoints how seven different soul ages, life goals, modes, attitudes, chief negative features, and other aspects of human personality operate. All human beings have one of seven types of modus operandi; the way we achieve our goals. Our mode is set at birth (part of our astrology or over-leaves) and the way we accomplish things for an entire lifetime. While reading about the seven possible modes, perseverance made the most sense to me. The positive pole of perseverance is persistence. It’s negative pole is immutability. About a year of Michael study, I was able to pinpoint my specific mode, and I had an actual Michael channeler who reconfirmed this. 

Even though there are seven different types of modes for accomplishing goals the most common mode is actually observation. About 55 percent of the worlds population is in observation mode. The positive pole of observation mode is clarity. The negative pole is surveillance. When there is an accident or incident on the side of the road and it seems that most drivers have an obsessive need to slow down and make sure they see exactly what has occurred, and further slow down traffic movement, is a great example of how common this mode is. The sometimes obsessive popularity of television and sporting events are other examples of how widespread this mode is among the general populace. One of the benefits of observation mode is that it can slide into any of the other six available modes and perseverance is one of the places it can slide to. The other five modus operandi are: Caution mode with its positive pole of deliberation and its negative pole of phobia. Power mode with its positive pole of authority and its negative pole of oppression. Reserve mode with its positive pole of restraint and its negative pole of inhibition. Passion mode with its positive pole of self-actualization and its negative pole of identification. Aggression mode with its positive pole of dynamism and its negative pole of belligerence. If you can see yourself sometimes using some or all of the listed modes from time to time, you are probably a person in observation mode who slides. 

Perseverance mode is all about staying on track. It is frequently chosen by our Higher Self to give one the ability to accomplish long term goals and to pay off karmic debts. There are some definite perks to having access to this mode. I workout and go to the gym four days a week, even when I don’t feel like going. My perseverance mode and tendency to be comfortable with routine overrides my laziness. Perseverance has helped me develop a very healthy, fit body. When people in perseverance commit to a specific direction we truly commit. Because perseverance enables one to stay on a path we are able to plow forward through mistakes and learn how to inevitably make less mistakes. We can truly become experts because we dissolve obstacles with repeated efforts. Perseverance mode people can seem very much like brave warriors who remain undaunted in the battles of life. We are less likely to give up no matter how difficult something is. Even physical illness will not stop someone in perseverance mode. One of the most common mistakes human beings make is the tendency to give up, quit, or pull back in fear right as they are about to move to a new level of internal or external success. Perseverance gives one the persistence to follow through and not waver.

There are some negative aspects to this mode. I know this firsthand. I sometimes get caught in the negative pole and trap of immutability. When I was younger I stayed in a few unfulfilling and even abusive relationships because even though I was unhappy, I still stayed committed. I held onto jobs for months longer than necessary because even though I was no longer fulfilled I was both comfortably and uncomfortably used to them. The “choo choo train” of perseverance tends to stay on track and keep moving even if the track is running off a cliff. While I know that beliefs form our reality, I have had difficulty shaking and letting go of negative beliefs, even when I knew that they were only leading to unhappiness. Old, unproductive habits can be difficult to let go of with this modus Operandi. I have overindulged more than a few times with ice Cream, and other physical pleasures that tasted good, but were not beneficial to me in the long run. I would keep indulging because “I just wanted to get rid of it.” Dissolving bad habits can be a challenge when you are in perseverance mode. Thankfully even with the negative pole aspects of this mode, when perseverance leaves a bad relationship, or any toxic situation behind, it will never return to it. We can choose to commit to a better road. We just have to recognize that it’s a wrong road and have the willingness to put ourselves on a better track! 

If your Modus Operandi is not observation mode, perseverance, or aggression mode (aggression mode is able to slide to perseverance as well) then you can still benefit by committing to using some perseverance in your life. Commitment can be an extremely attractive quality in relationships, family, and work environments. Perseverance appears to be a type of loyalty that can seem quite chivalrous to others. Proper use of perseverance can make us respond to things like a trained athlete, who knows when its time to step up one’s efforts and also when its time to take a needed rest. Wise use of discernment combined with persistence is a powerful combination. Being discerning is knowing when to stop following a path that is leading to a potential blind alley. When you choose a goal or course of action that has the potential for real success, a dash of perseverance can help you to commit your Energizer-Bunny-self to it, and keep going and going and going...

Jim Ventura 10-13

Editors Note:

A few of my readers may recognize that the material I talked about in this months column was taken from the Michael teachings. It has been a few years since I have run Michael classes out of my home. I will be scheduling these home classes again for a small group of students in March of 2014. Information about this and other classes will be in my January 2014 newsletter. I will also be scheduling online Michael classes in the spring for anyone out of area who wants to take these classes via Skype. If you are not able to take these classes and prefer to learn the material (Essence, soul age, and over-leaves) you can find more information about scheduling a Michael interpretation session with me on my website and in this newsletter. You can even come with another person to split the session price!

A number of people on my mailing list received a ridiculous email about me being robbed in the Philippines last month. After 15 years of email use I finally had an email hacking! It lasted about two hours before I caught the problem. Thankfully some friends sent me messages thru Facebook immediately, so I was able to reset my passcode. Unfortunately a few emails were also lost from clients because the hackers messed up my ability to receive emails before I changed my codes. When I signed in on a mobile device while in Las Vegas on my last night, I was tired and foolishly re-signed in again from a BS prompt from hackers and they got me! Definitely a pain in the ass getting that all straightened out but it was fixed, and I learned some valuable skills toward making sure it never happens again!

I did have to laugh when I read the hackers scam attempt email though. If you weren’t “lucky” enough to have received it, here it is: 

“Good Day,

  Sorry for any inconvenience, but I'm in a terrible situation. I came down here to Manila, Philippines for a program,last night on my way back to my hotel room I was robbed at gunpoint, my wallet and other valuables were stolen off me, leaving my passport and life safe. My luggage is still in custody of the hotel management pending when I make payment on outstanding bills I owe. I called my bank for a wire transfer but it has proven almost Impossible to operate my account from here as they made me understand international transactions take 7 working days to be effective which i can't wait. I will be indeed very grateful if i can get a  loan of  ($2,500)  to settle out my hotel bills,  I will reimburse you soon as I get back Home. I will appreciate whatever you can assist me with. Let me know if you can be of help.

All hopes on you. Jim”

The thieves were located near the Philippines (not the thieves who “robbed me,” they don’t exist). The message was poorly written. I am a writer, so I don’t write things in broken English! They asked for way too much money, and why would I send an email to a client when I would just ask for help from my family? Best of all, if I could send an email out, why wouldn’t I just make a phone call? Not the smartest attempt from hacker thieves, but it must occasionally work or they wouldn’t do it. 

Like any difficult experience, it has a positive side. I will never get suckered again, and it can be valuable for me to share the experience so others don’t get pulled in to things like this. If you ever get a link without explanation from anyone on your email list, don’t click on it. If you ever get anything from your email provider saying you are over your quota limit and need to sign in to save you account from being shut down, it’s BS. It is a good idea to change your pass-codes on your email accounts and Facebook every six months to protect anyone from getting access to your accounts. It only takes a few minutes to do and it’s worth the effort. 

It is the last month of my new client promotion special for $20 off all listed prices for 45-90 minute sessions. All the promotional work I have been doing has paid off so I may not continue past November with this particular special. If you are looking to book an appointment whether you are a new client or repeat client, keep in mind that I do have a Regular Client Program that offers significant discounts on session prices. Don’t hesitate to ask about that. I also give all my current Snake Oil, and FaceBook fan-page subscribers a small discount on sessions as well. Booked sessions with local clients can also take another $5 off listed session prices for paying in cash.

The holidays are approaching quickly. The Fall (my absolute favorite season) always seems to pass by so quickly though. Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Cheers, Jim V

How oracle reading sessions work with Jim Ventura:

Many people are confused about how cards, and other oracles work. The cards, stones, and other divination tools I use are packed with insight and wisdom that come from hundreds of years of acquired knowledge and healing energies within them. On their own, they can be extremely powerful tools in increasing your understanding of what is happening in your life. The authors whom I often quote in sessions, have some powerful perspectives to share. When a client works with me, I do not absolve them of the fact that their thoughts and beliefs form their reality. The cards (maps) act a a connective point between me, my clients, and their Higher selves, spirit guides, and other intuitive connections to help them see into their own creation process. Both the positive opportunities and challenging aspects of one’s present, past, and future experiences of your unique reality creation are highlighted. My skills in interpreting the oracles after decades and thousands of sessions with other clients combined with my intuitive abilities make the benefits of a reading even more enlightening. Working with me not only involves getting insight and clarity, but also the benefits of my healing suggestions on how to resolve difficult experiences, and to open doors to creating a more empowered and fulfilling life!

“If you want your life to work you have to set priorities. This begins with the best use of your time, daily planning and long term goals.” Dick Sutphen

MICHAEL CHART INTERPRETATIONS SESSIONS

The Michael material is one of the most effective systems for understanding who we are and our place in the universe. We will explore your over-leaves: Soul age, life goal, modus operandi, attitude, centering, and chief negative feature. Many of my clients do not have time to attend Michael classes (or have attended, but still need assistance in interpreting their chart and over-leaves). This 90 minute personal one-on-one session will help you to understand the Michael material and how to recognize and use the positive poles of your over-leaves to create more essence contact (Agape), and how to use the positive aspects of your over-leaves.

90 minutes $100.00

“We are re-introducing this knowledge to you, as we have historically during times of great change, to help you with your current shift to the mature soul stage. You have been dominated for thousands of years by young soul lessons and play. You have amassed power, wealth, influence, and you have learned lessons about competition and personal glory. Now, the majority of you are ready to grow to a new level of perception that focuses on the value of relationships and growth through self-understanding.” Michael

New Client Promotion -Last month for this promotion

New clients who have never had a session with me before can take advantage of my current Fall special. Any of the sessions I offer (check out the different options on my website) are discounted $20 off my listed rates! 45, 70 and 90 minute sessions all receive the discount. No other offers or discounts apply with this special. The new client’s $20 discount is good for in office or phone sessions and will run from September 1st, 2013 through November 30th, 2013. You can buy one for a friend (new client) at this rate even if you have already had a session with me in the past if you want to give someone a gift!

November Extra!

Get a discounted copy of my first book in either audio Cd or print for $7 (plus $3 for shipping if mailed) all during the month of November. Ask for a signed copy!

Dirty Little Secrets was first published in 2007.

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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 soul’s 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

Either CD recording or print version is normally $15.00 including sales tax and shipping. Any orders in November 2013 are just $7 before shipping (you can pick up a copy at my home office for this price also). Please include $3.00 for shipping ($10.00 total) if you need your copy mailed.

Send a check 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, charge card, or pay-pal charge to order. (Venturasag@yahoo.com)

Dirty Little Secrets is also available at Amazon.com

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, November 7th, 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)

Join me on November 14th for my one hour interview show with:

JIVANA KENNEDY who is a first generation disciple of the  Indian Mystic and Tantric Master Osho.

TANTRA is a spiritual path that helps people close the gap between sexuality and spirituality.

Jivana has had a private tantric healing practice in Scottsdale for the past 20 years.

She works with men, women & couples,  helping them enrich themselves, their intimate lives, their health, and their relationships.

JIVANA says that one of the key factors in creating a deeply fulfilling intimate life is the principle of ENERGY MASTERY for MEN.

ENERGY MASTERY helps a man have complete control over his ejaculation, and allows him to be more present to deeper states of intimacy.

She created a coaching audio program called 'FORGET ABOUT THE LITTLE BLUE PILL ' which teaches the principles of Energy Mastery to men of all ages.

And she also guides men in this practice in her in-person sessions.

Jivana teaches women to not settle for partners who make love like hit-and-run drivers, and supports women to reach for the fulfillment of their deepest hearts desire, in intimacy .

JIVANA hosts a global online group called MAKING SEX SACRED on LinkedIn

Jivana Kennedy  www.tantrichealingtouch.com

www.inhonoroferos.com

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.

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

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

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

All sessions/readings for 2013 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each).  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. Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash payments.

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

Snake Oil/October 2013

SNAKE OIL 

What Me Worry?

It probably is no surprise to anyone who is Virgo (Sun, Ascendent, or Moon) or has a few planets in Virgo in their Natal Astrology chart that they can often get caught in the worry trap. I recently found out that left-handed people are prone toward post-traumatic-stress-disorder and worry. I am a lefty and I have three planets in a Virgo conjunction in my natal chart. The information was actually a relief because it confirmed that I was “normal.” For most of my lifetime so far, when I experienced any type of stressful or traumatic event I had a tough time shaking a fear about what if something similar happens again or if it gets worse? The positive side of this obstacle is I have a sharp mind and I am often twelve steps ahead when it comes to taking care of the details of life as if I am playing a chess game. This strategy and approach has often been beneficial in avoiding potential problems. But, the negative side of this attribute is definitely problematic because It can make me prone to worrying about difficult possibilities that could come my way. I get caught up trying to resolve these things before they are actually an issue. Whether you are a lefty, Virgo, or for any other possible reason we all get caught in the worry trap from time to time. It is an uncomfortable, lousy place to be. Is there a way out though?

I have always been a believer that pretty much anything can be solved or resolved, if you are willing to study the subject and apply solutions. Even if it means finding an expert with more knowledge than you to help, most things can be resolved because solutions are the flip side of problems. They exist as a part of each other. Seeing things this way is one of the good aspects of my Virgo energy, combined with a bit of my Sun in Sagittarius optimism! My mission was to find a way to solve the habit of worry itself. I decided I would find a way to spend the second half of my life free of obsessive worry. Aside from the discomfort that we often feel emotionally, physically, and mentally from worry, it is also extremely negative in that it can act like a form of prayer. We become consumed with thinking and focusing on what we are afraid might happen, or about what is happening and whether it will become even worse. This focus of energy can feed the manifestation probability and may end up creating the very things we so desperately want to avoid. This is another reason why finding a way to eliminate the worry habit was a worthwhile undertaking. 

During my studies I learned a few interesting things about this process and I was able to find real solutions to what worrying is and does to us. The new way of looking at how we typically respond to worry and the solutions I discovered will really assist in removing or at least minimizing this issue for anyone willing to make the shift. One thing to remember when we find ourselves worrying is that most of the things we worry about never actually happen. If you could list all of the concerns, fears and things you worried might happen over your entire lifetime so far, you would see that more than ninety nine percent of the potential problems never turned out the way we feared they would. The few that did materialize often had solutions that we couldn’t see at first when they first presented themselves. My air conditioning unit went out in the late summer about seven years ago. This was truly an Arizona nightmare. When I had it checked out, I was quoted with a potential bill of $7,500 to solve it. I worried a lot when that happened. When I calmed down, I decided to call another company for a second opinion. The second company told me that I could replace the unit on the roof and leave the interior that also needed work for another 5-10 years. I still had to come up with $1900 to get it running again, but it is still working really well and now with awesome, powerful and reasonably inexpensive portable room to room units, I am not sure if I will even replace the interior.

When we worry, we block information and solutions from coming to us. Another important thing to remember when the worry habit grips us is, what if the bad thing that is or could happen is actually going to turn out to be a beneficial thing? Many people fear things like having their spouse cheat on them, getting divorced, or simply being alone. Yet, more often than not, when we let go of a mate that doesn’t fit with us we can find being single can be wonderful also. Often people struggle with losing a mate and the details of its end, only to come to a different perspective about it. Often they end up finding someone who is so much more of an amazing match for them! Yet, how could they ever have come to the new place of happiness unless they had circumstances that made them leave the previous situation? We may fear losing our job, yet that may be the very catalyst that opens the door to a new career or job that we really love. We may fear losing our home or being forced to move, only to find that we like the new home far better, and maybe our future next mate or new best friend is living right next door!

We often get caught in trying to obsessively control events. There are times when this can be necessary and valuable. Our ego has a purpose and can be useful. Life is about making choices and taking appropriate action. Being too passive can bring problems. Still, if we let go and trust that the path we are on or the seeming obstacle course that has surfaced may be part of the solution, we are on the right track to being at peace. The Universe is not stupid or against us. Believe it or not our Higher Selves are extremely wise. Events that seem to be problems are often medicine in disguise.

Worry can bring up fear around being worthy of receiving assistance. We are not cast aways, left behind in this world without help and support. We have friends, family, and other people who can support, guide, and assist us if we are open to asking for help when we experience problems. We also have unseen helpers, spirit guides, angels, nature, as well as other forces that will look out for us and help us. We can open to more of this assistance if we are willing to ask and to be open to the answers that come to us.

It can take practice to eliminate the worry habit, yet it is something we can all do. If we are willing to trust that everything that we experience, even if seemingly very negative happens for a reason, then we can realize that we always learn from difficulty, because it will inevitably make us smarter and stronger. We can become more knowledgeable and wiser from those experiences. The best part is that through experience we can develop in ourselves an aversion to any conduct that can bring stress into our lives, inevitably having far less of it in our future. Often we will be able to help and assist other people precisely because of what we learned!. When we release the worry habit we can become more tuned into the reality that every problem does have a solution. If we are willing to drop this unproductive habit and learn to trust and relax, we can tune into the awareness that a solution is always on its way.

Jim Ventura 9-1-2013

Editors Note:

Fall has arrived and I am happy to finally be able turn off my A/C in the evenings! Can I get a hallelujah? The cool fall evenings here in Phoenix are truly amazing! So many areas in life that were personally challenging for me have given way to some smooth roads (I challenge myself to grow and discover limiting beliefs and releasing them even more stringently that I do with my Regular clients.), I am excited about a lot of great new projects that I am working on at this time as well. I planted some seeds that have really sprouted notable results indeed. I will be sharing these at the end of this year and as we dive into 2014, and I enter my “1” year in Numerology. My focus on working to release the worry habit, has been very beneficial. I have been working with similar themes with many of my regular clients and its great to see the positive inner and outer growth they are experiencing. 

Lots going on as you can see in this newsletter. I have my new client promotion offer still available for the next two months. Remember, even if you have already had past sessions with me you can purchase a gift session for a friend (new client) or family member if you are having trouble motivating them to book a session. If you are interested in booking yourself, remember all Snake Oil subscribers and FaceBook fans get a discount on their sessions for being subscribers. You can also check out my Regular client program on my website (or just request information directly from me about it) for even bigger discounts on monthly and quarterly sessions.

Snake Oil radio is still broadcasting on Thursday’s at 3:30 pm MST.  All previous broadcasts are available to listen to at any time on the archives. I still have openings in my fall classes, and I will be scheduling some online classes in early 2014.  Wishing every a Happy October. Cheers, Jim V.

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” Denis Waitley

Saturn: friend or foe?

Saturn has been transiting thru Scorpio since October of 2012. Saturn (keeps us stable and in tune with our sometimes uncomfortable Karmic growth) in our chart shows us limitations, restrictions, where we are cautious, and the experiences of life that teach us through the often difficult process of trial and error. Saturn in our natal chart shows us what we have to overcome. Saturn is also the “lump of coal” in our chart that with time and patience usually becomes the very part of us that “shines like a diamond.” Saturn teaches us the wisdom of using adversity. If we truly learn the lessons that Saturn teaches us we become strong and wise in that area in our chart and often even an expert! Capricorns this is your ruling planet. You know very well what I am talking about when it comes to Saturn...

The sign and house placement where Saturn is in our natal chart shows where these type of experiences have been taking place for you in your lifetime. Saturn continues to transit the signs and houses every 2-3 years. When Saturn enters a new sign, there are new lessons and sometimes difficult growth required for society and for each of us personally. Saturn’s transit through Scorpio has been teaching us both the positive and negative aspects of using personal power and influence to transform not only ourselves but those around us.  A misuse of power during this transit will have noticeable consequences and create an uncomfortable karmic backlash (the Anthony Wiener scandal is one of many examples of this type of thing...). When transiting Saturn moves into a new house in our chart we are going to be pushed to “grow up” there. If Saturn forms notable angles to other planets or conjuncts natal planets in our chart we REALLY feel and notice it! When Saturn goes retrograde (appearing from Earth to move backwards) it will often re-trigger those issues again. More often than not, as it moves direct again and passes those connections we will often have learned and mastered a new area of our life by becoming smarter, more patient, and wiser.

Saturn made a conjunction to my Venus in the 6th house of work, service, health, and the day to day details of life, in November of 2012. I definitely noticed it! It went retrograde over Venus a few months later and I felt it all over again. Now it is moving forward and this transit ended for me at the end of August. I learned some amazing lessons about using feminine energy, creativity, and found a way to use the power of the feminine to resolve many things that were “broken.” It wasn’t the easiest ride, but it was an empowering one to say the least. It will move into my 7th house of marriage and partnerships in about two months...What house is your Saturn transiting through now?

An astrological chart interpretation is a great way to get insight into so many aspects of our lives. During my longer 70 and 90 minute sessions with clients I also look at current transits that show what areas of your life are highlighted in a positive way as well as the areas of tests and growth you are experiencing now and in the future. I have a special running for all new clients until the end of November for $20 off my website listed prices for any sessions I offer, including Astrology chart interpretations and current transits readings. Sessions can be done by phone or in office. if you have already had an Astrology session with me in the past, you can look into your current and future transits for an update. 

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

Making Decisions

One of the things I see many of my clients struggling with is the process of decision making. While all astrological signs may struggle with this at different times in life, Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or people who have a strong air influence in their Natal charts, often have a little extra trouble with this process. We can all get caught in over-thinking and over-analysis. We can get anxious about what we are contemplating doing, or not doing and whether it will be the “right” decision. Issue related to self-worth, fear of change, and a fear of making a mistake often cloud the process even further.

One of the keys to forward movement and potential success in life is to move from over-analysis and worry and to simply decide. From the Book of Runes by Ralph Blum: “Even more than we are doers, we are deciders. Once the decision is clear, the doing becomes effortless, for then the Universe supports and empowers our actions...”

The actual struggle of indecision, fence-sitting, and fear of making a “wrong decision” is far worse than living with regret, “what if’’s,” or the possibility of failure. Except in rare cases, a mistake will teach us to make better decisions in the future and can actually be valuable to us. If we make a decision and then the road connected with it is far too much of a bumpy ride, or too many road blocks appear, than our Higher Self may be telling us to change course. Yet, we won’t know this unless we decide in the first place. More often than not, when we do decide on what we want we are then  given internal and external guidance and assistance with the process. When we know that “mistakes” in our process can be a necessary part of how we learn and grow, with perseverance we can really achieve our goals!

This brief explanation about decision making is an example of the types of insight I often give clients during personal sessions. Of course, the information is typically more detailed and personalized to my client’s unique issues. This is why I refer to myself as a Navigational Consultant. Session/readings are not just about looking at what the Oracles (cards, Runes, Astrology, etc...) have to show us. They are about using the insight of a series of unique , amazing tools and my many years of acquired wisdom from working with 1000’s of people to assist you in creating a more empowered perspective and adding more joy into your life!

“The spiritual path - is simply the journey of living our lives. Everyone is on a spiritual path; most people just don’t know it.” Marianne Williamson

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New Client Promotion

New clients who have never had a session with me before can take advantage of my current Fall special. Any of the sessions I offer (check out the different options on my website) are discounted $20 off my listed rates! 45, 70 and 90 minute sessions all receive the discount. No other offers or discounts apply with this special. The new client’s $20 discount is good for in office or phone sessions and will run from September 1st, 2013 through November 30th, 2013. You can buy one for a friend (new client) at this rate even if you have already had a session with me in the past if you want to give someone a gift!

FALL CLASSES:

Past Life Journeys

Does reincarnation exist, and if so, how does it work? How can I become aware of my other lifetimes? What value is there in exploring my past lifetimes? What is karma?

Many aspects of past life exploration, from hypnosis to dreaming techniques will be discussed. By understanding the influence of karma and the past lives we have already lived, we will show how our past experiences affect us in our present life. The class focuses on setting up a past life journal, and explores the progression of our soul’s journeys. Astrology, Numerology, and many other tools will be utilized to aid you in becoming aware of your past lifetimes. “Desire to live again, because that will be your lot in any case.” Nietzsche

Saturday October 26th, 10 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-paid $20. $25 on day of the class (current Regular clients $15 pre-paid $20 day of the class). Maximum of 8 students, minimum of four to hold class.

Exploring The Dream State

What are dreams? Does everyone dream? Is there a way for me to remember my dreams? What value is there in increasing dream recall? Is it possible for me to Astral project (travel out of body)?

This workshop will focus on increasing awareness of the many different elements of the dream state. We will explore astral projection, remote viewing, lucid dreaming and analyzing your dream symbols. Dreams can be recalled and enhanced with simple techniques that are easy to learn. By becoming more conscious of your dreaming self you can awaken tremendous untapped potential. In addition, by expanding your memory and the activities of your dreaming self, you will tap into valuable, practical tools for expanding your waking life.

Sunday November 3rd, 10 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-paid $20. $25 on day of the class (current Regular clients $15 pre-paid $20 day of the class). Maximum of 8 students, minimum of four to hold class.

Snake Oil Radio

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

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday,October 3rd, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there)

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371

All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions. Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash payments.

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

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