Snake Oil
Stupid people and rainbows
I purposely timed my drive back from a day of running errands to avoid rush hour traffic. It was two pm, and I was heading home on a rainy day. Traffic on the freeway was mild until the rain started to get heavier. I, along with most other drivers, appropriately slowed down to accommodate the road conditions. I was fine with that, until I began to see that every two exits or so, traffic would almost completely stop. The first time this happened was because of a minor accident that made everyone feel a need to slow down and stare at the incident. The police had already moved the vehicles to the side, but apparently everyone still needed to move painstakingly slow so as to see what was going on. A few exits later, traffic slowed down to a snail’s pace because a cop had pulled someone over and this was equally fascinating to most of the other drivers as well. This went on in one format or another during my entire drive home. I found myself becoming progressively irritated by the whole situation.There was either constant braking or dangerous speeding. Drivers were either overly cautious, or not cautious enough. The whole situation was excruciating. I began to wonder: why were people so stupid?
A trip that should have taken ten minutes had stretched out to thirty and I was only halfway home. I couldn’t even get around the endless messes along the way because the left lane was occupied by two huge semi’s. When did it become acceptable for huge trucks to drive in the left lane other than for passing purposes? At the peak of my frustration I noticed something completely different. There were two larger than life rainbows ahead of me in the sky. They looked like special effects from a fantasy movie. They seemed surreal and I found myself mesmerized by these two visions that occupied the entire northwest skies of Phoenix. They were stunning and I was entranced by a level of beauty rarely seen here. I realized that the delays and stupid people were actually doing me a favor. They gave me an opportunity to take a slow drive home and enjoy a powerfully transformative visual. There was an opportunity right in front of me. Initially my focus on “how stupid most of the other drivers were,” blocked me from seeing what other aspects of the drive were being offered.
Seeing the rainbows had shifted my perspective. I had a sense of real peace and a new awareness of how we often allow excessive scrutiny, and frustration with others to block us from seeing the overwhelming beauty that exists in this world and in every moment. I had gotten caught up on focusing on what was wrong and allowed my cynicism to darken my day. I enjoyed the rest of my drive home. I even considered calling some friends to suggest that they go outside and witness the amazing rainbows that currently graced our skies. I was almost home and driving down the side-street in front of my condominium complex when I noticed a lunatic behind me in my rear-view mirror. She was riding dangerously close to my car, clearly in a rush and annoyed at my decision to only do the exact speed limit in the pouring rain. Instantly my irritation returned and I decided to teach this “idiot” a lesson. I slowed down even more in the single lane road to show this impatient dummy that I was not going to be pushed around! How dare she mess up my peaceful drive home! Why were people so stupid? After I taunted her for a minute or two I realized what I was doing. I could easily have chosen to simply let her pass, but decided that it was my job to “teach her a lesson.” I regained my sanity, stopped pumping my brakes and purposely slowing down, and resumed my normal speed. A few minutes later as I turned into my complex, she honked, flipped me “the bird,” and sped off and on her angry way.
Later, I thought about how easily I slipped between being peaceful and happy to becoming angry and confrontational again. A few days later I noticed that my rear left tire was flat. There was a huge screw in the tire and I wondered if the woman from the car had come back and angrily put that screw in my tire. It was possible, but intuitively I felt that this was not the case. I did not feel like she had come back to “teach me a lesson.” I was just unlucky and ran over a screw in the road. There are practical hazards that exist in our world. Occasionally shit just happens and we shouldn’t take it personally. Still, some part of me drew a screw to my tire that week and I knew it had to do with the energy of getting so irritated by my perception of “ so many stupid people screwing with me!” I spent way more time focusing on the negative instead of the beautiful rainbows. Now, I would be spending $250.00 on a pair of new tires.
Growing up in New York and getting a drivers license included defensive driving classes. The focus on assuming “you need to prepare and watch out for the worst in people” was part of avoiding accidents. This was considered wise, and we were “rewarded” for thinking this way. On the positive side, this has made me an excellent driver. I have avoided many problems on the road and to my knowledge never caused an accident. On the negative side this “everyone is a potential idiot” has found its way into other areas of my life. It is easy to get annoyed with people and situations and to become judgmental about all of it. Focusing too heavily on “how things should be” and how everything should be done the “right way,” takes a lot of energy. Being discerning is a valuable skill, but being overly critical of others is carrying healthy discernment too far. The same can be said for being overly critical with ourselves. My day with the rainbows made me aware that we always have a choice to lighten our perspective and become less cynical. It takes some practice to do this. Old habits can be hard to break, especially when we see them as part of our “cultural heritage.” The reward is I am feeling happier more often, and taking what other people do less personally. Releasing some of my judgements has allowed me to see more rainbows. This positive shift in my viewpoint is allowing me to discover beauty and harmony in all kinds of new places.
Jim Ventura 2-2010
Editors Note:
I wrote this piece back in early 2010. It’s hard to believe that 2010 was four years ago already! It was fun to look at this again. My ability to avoid getting so pissed off about things has improved dramatically. The older and wiser I get, the less I take anything anybody does or negative conditions personally. Healthy detachment is sooo valuable.
For me and for many of my friends, this year continues to be a prosperous and overall great year. I started a new cycle with a “ONE” year in numerology late November of 2013 and I am in a really good place. It has been a great experience to help so many of my Regular clients get to a better place in their lives as well! On the other hand, I see so many people struggling through issues and problems in their lives that could be solved practically or by a change in viewpoint. Many of the new clients I have seen in the last two years come in for a reading and have areas in their lives that are really blocked up. I try to make suggestions in ways to heal and resolve these issues, but it is hard to do any real healing work in a single 45 minute session! The message I have for everyone is: You are not “meant” to suffer or struggle in life. Pain and difficulty serve as smoke alarm signals that show us where we need to make shifts in our lives physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We can be happier and live more fulfilling empowered lives. Even if what we are experiencing is karmic, wisdom erases karma. God/All That Is/ Tao/Higher Self wants us to grow and learn, not to spend a lifetime suffering. Consider letting go of any beliefs that translate into “suffering is necessary and good for us.”
One way to get into a more empowered place in your life is by prioritizing working on your spiritual growth. I started my Regular client program many years ago. Regulars come in for sessions either monthly or quarterly. They get discounted prices on sessions and access to consistent work on increasing their spiritual evolution and becoming more empowered. Check out the information later in this newsletter or go to my website for more information about this program and see if you would like to commit to carving out a life with more fulfillment and joy in it!
You may want to take a look at my upcoming classes and my Astrology chart special this month. Everyone who gets my monthly newsletter can take advantage of the special for March, or sign up for classes. Spring is on its way, new growth and new beginnings! Happy March. Cheers, Jim V
“The road to enlightenment is long and difficult, and you should try not to forget snacks and magazines.” Anne Lamott
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of these books 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.
“Individually and en masse, in the dream state you change the orientation of your consciousness, and deal with the birth of events which are only later time-structured or physically experienced.
First of all, physical events are the end products of nonphysical properties. The formation of events is initially an emotional, psychic, or psychological function. Events are physical interpretations, conventionalized versions of inner perceptive experiences that are then ‘coalesced’ in space and time. Events are organized according to laws that involve love, belief, intent, and the intensities with which these are entertained.
Events are attracted or repelled by you according to your loves, beliefs, intent, and purposes. Your world provides a theater in which certain events can or cannot occur. Wars, violence, disasters-these are obviously shared by many, and are a part of your shared psychological and physical environment...” Jane Roberts from The Nature of the Psyche
Spring Classes
Whether you have some astrological knowledge or if you are a beginner, this series will teach you the basics of Astrology. By the end of this class, you will be on the road to knowledgeably interpreting your own chart, as well as those of others. You will learn about the house placements, signs, symbols, angles, and a lot more! We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives. You will not only truly understand your own life, but become even more aware of why the people around us have a different focus and perspective! If you already have your own chart, please bring it to the class. If you need your chart done, information will be given beforehand about how to get your free chart for the classes.
Sundays noon until 2:30 pm March 2nd and 9th. Two classes $35.00 (prepaid $30.00, $25 for current Regular clients pre-paid). Maximum of 8 students for this home class (one student may call in out-of-area on speaker phone) and minimum of 4 sign-ups to hold the classes. A $10 deposit is required to hold your space in this series.
* What is your soul age? The soul age of friends and family ? How does soul age influence us?
* 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, discrimination, growth, 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.
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 mornings 10 am till noon, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26th. $90.00 for all five classes ($80.00 pre-paid and for current Regular clients). Maximum of 8 students for this home class (one student may call in out-of-area on speaker phone) and minimum of 4 sign-ups to hold the classes. A $20 deposit is required to hold your space in this series.
You see, we are both "servers". Recognizing that in each other, it's been so easy to put the other one's needs ahead of our own without any resentment or animosity.
It's important to me to let you know that your influence has helped to make my ‘golden’ years so wonderful. Don't stop doing what you do.” Former Michael student.
“Nobody makes anybody enlightened. Just tell them what you want to say, then let them decide for themselves.” Toba Beta
March special for all current Snake Oil subscribers
Astrology chart interpretations. Prices discounted $20.00 off normal rates.
Full 70 minute session: $90.00 (normally $110) Shorter 45 minute session: $60.00 (normally $80)
Astrological reading
This reading interprets your personal Astrology chart and aids in self awareness. By looking beyond your Sun sign (the stuff newspapers and magazines focus on) and exploring the influences of your Moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Ascendent, etc... you can begin to gain clarity about the focus and primary themes of your life. House placements. aspects, and elements will help you see your patterns in greater detail. Transits will show what areas of your life are currently highlighted, and pinpoint upcoming astrological triggers for the future. Relationships, career, money, friendships, spiritual growth, family, health, etc... all interpreted for you so you don’t have to do the work. You will need to know your birth time for this session and it can be done in person or by phone.
You can choose to have your own chart done or a combination relationship chart comparison. Understanding who you are and your special skills and challenges creates a higher level of awareness and a clearer path to follow.
Relationship charts often help you understand the unique characteristics of your partners, friends, and family members. Tolerance, understanding, and clarity are very beneficial qualities to add to any intimate relationship or friendship. Up to 3 Gift certificates for this session can be purchased at this rate this month and be used any time in 2014.
The shorter 45 minute Astrology chart interpretation can be an excellent gift to give to anyone who has just had a child or who already has children. Understanding your child's unique astrology can make your skills at imprinting even more focused because you can help to encourage their talents and skills while also understanding their unique life challenges!
This discounted Promotion ends March 31st, 2014
“Enlightenment is: absolute cooperation with what is inevitable. Anthony de Mello
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, March 6th, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there)
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.
“Aliveness is real enjoyment in doing what you do. It’s the joy, stimulation, and pleasure that make life worth living. The best way to generate aliveness is to do what you really want to do.” Dick Sutphen
Regular Client Program
One of the best programs I have been doing for nearly ten years now is my Regular client program. The program is designed to benefit my clients at multiple levels. Clients who enroll in the program come in every three months for personal sessions (monthly is also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. Session prices are discounted for Regular clients. Regulars also receive discounts on classes, books and CD’s. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to use the signs and signals that are all around us, and conquering fear-based programming permanently. We also get to do work with all of the many different oracles I currently work with! My Regular client program has resulted in some tremendous spiritual evolution for hundreds of people over the years. Many of my Regulars have gone on to do spiritual counseling, or similar types of work and some are healing and guiding others personally and professionally. The progress I have seen over the years among the majority of my Regular clients has been phenomenal. It is wonderful to see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have assisted in motivating. So many of my Regular clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You too can join this program as well, just ask.
More about the Regular Client Program... This program was designed to create an easy, cost effective way for my clients to progress in their spiritual development.
When we are consistent at attending to our body/mind/spirit, we naturally move through life with more harmony and greater joy. When our spiritual awareness is heightened and fine tuned we are often happier which helps us to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including occasional personal challenges because we see them as inevitably beneficial. We can truly assist the people around us. Human beings learn by example. Your intimate partnerships, friendships, family, and children benefit when you are in a good space.
The Regular Client Program makes it easier to prioritize keeping your spiritual, emotional and even physical “garden” free of weeds. In China, the professional soothsayer is a reverent and dignified calling. It does not attract the sort of suspicion it does in the western world. In fact, in most eastern cultures, seeing an oracle reader is a sign of wisdom, success, and prestige. If you have an interest in increasing these attributes and working with a highly skilled navigational consultant then the Regular Client Program may be right for you.
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 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins.
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 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.
