Snake Oil /Tragedy
I received some unsettling news last month right before I left for a vacation. A now 59 year old friend and client I hadn’t spoken to in almost two years was discovered missing from a solo hiking trip in Sedona. The story was on the news and many friends contacted me to ask me if the missing person they were talking about was indeed my friend. They found her abandoned car and belongings at her campsite. The police searched for a few days and eventually found her at the bottom of a ravine. She had slipped and fallen to her death. Even before they found her I knew she was deceased. I wasn’t sure what had happened yet, but intuitively I knew she was no longer in this world.
I had actually stopped hanging out with her a few years before. She was an English professor at ASU, creative, smart, definitely an Artisan, we shared a number of fun times together and we even once participated in a huge bonfire and drumming circle. She was very cool in a number of different ways. The problem that contributed to my cutting ties was she had issues with the way I spoke. She seemed to really love me in so many ways, but she also found me to be “too crude.” She reprimanded me a number of times about cursing and being too blunt. It was like a bizarre flashback to my Catholic elementary school teachers when the nuns reprimanded us when we were “out of line.” Not something I really want to ever revisit. I tried to overlook this irritating aspect of her, but the final straw for me was after she invited me to the movies with free passes for a premiere. She also invited two other friends, a gay couple as well since she had four tickets. She sent me an email beforehand asking that I “tone down how I speak at our upcoming movie plan because they were classy guys who weren't used to my type of rough talk.” Needless to say I didn’t join her for the free movie. There is nothing worse to me than someone trying to censor the way I speak. This is the kind of thing that makes a Sagittarius head explode, especially one whose primary focus is on communication. She was difficult in other ways. It was scary driving with her when in the passenger seat of her car as she was spacey and swerved into other lanes. She also had too many rules about what we could and could not do in her car for two of my other friends when she drove us on Halloween night a few years back. She drove them nuts with her bizarre rules and worry. She was overly-critical and often self-deprecating at the same time. Even though her death made sense to me intuitively, I still felt the tragic sting of this loss. It hurts to lose a friend who is, or was part of your life.
The event triggered some other losses in my emotional body again. The loss of my childhood family pets and my beloved cat Monte 10 years ago resurfaced. The sad loss of my father 7 years ago. Losses of other friends both physically removed and emotional losses from my past hit me like a tornado of memories. I felt a wave of sadness that lingered for about two days. While I am generally a happy person (mainly because I am blessed in many respects and have very little to be sad about personally) I am no stranger to feelings of sadness. About once a month I experience a morning where I just want to go right back to bed after eating my breakfast. Overwhelming feelings of sadness grip me that are not attached to anything specifically. Usually after I get up again a few hours later, go to the gym, and have some coffee the sadness has completely passed. I think most people go through this from time to time. When I mention my occasional hits of depression to friends, family, and clients they are often relieved because they experience this as well. Some people experience depression often or even chronically. Many of those people take antidepressants to combat the pain. This isn’t something I would ever recommend, but I would never judge anyone for the way they choose to handle their sadness.
There are occasional times when I choose to feel sad for a bit. I purposely watch a Lifetime or similar channel movie or listen to sad music. I think old Carpenters or similar music often fills this need for me. The happy and bittersweet music triggers something. The memory of such a talented woman succumbing to anorexia alone is so sad. My sadness times are often connected to feelings of nostalgia for my childhood, friends I am no longer close to, and other endings from long ago. I immerse myself fully into these feelings. There is an element to sentimentality that is difficult and relieving at the same time. I used to smoke a fair amount of weed when I was in my late teens and early twenties. It was really fun and rebellious, but likely more of a natural medicine to mask my old soul sadness. It can be a useful natural medicine for helping people in this and other areas. Now I like to have my occasional brief times of profound sadness. I don’t need or want to mask it. I want to feel all of it.
Sometimes the levels of tragedy people experience are really difficult to move through. I had a client about twenty years ago who lost three of her four children to various tragedies in the span of a decade. She wisely turned this into purpose and wrote a book of published poems for people who experienced similar types of extreme loss. This was a brilliant way to transform the energy of something that most people could never imagine. Children and some adults often wonder why “God” allows tragedies. There are endless theories about why. It is interesting to me that people associate tragedy with God inflicting some form of punishment as part of the “why.” Some religions have ideas about the why and this may be one of the reasons people are drawn to religion. To me, the simple truth is that we all experience karma. Through multiple lifetimes we experience times of great joy, and also times of tragedy. Earthquakes, tidal waves, tornadoes, and similar catastrophes are a reality in this world. They are still horrible but we know they are also natural. There is no punishment from God connected to any type of tragedy. It is part of our experience in human bodies and lifetimes in this world. The contrast is part of why we are here. There are hazards on the physical plane and there is only one true certainty: we will all eventually die. Some lifetimes are brief and some lives we live to a ripe old age, yet even then we die. But death is only transforming from one form to another. Our souls go on to other experiences and we never truly die. How we pass is in some respects another form of creative expression. The tragedy of the loss of my friend was sad but it was creative and she was truly creative.
I know my occasional choice about experiencing sadness is not really about the sadness of death. My sadness is usually more about how humans continue to be so cruel to each other and that they don’t seem to learn. Things like gun violence, war, bombings, judgment and cruelty toward other races, sexual orientations, innocent animals, children, and to each other are hard to absorb. Personal pains for me, like the recent loss of another friend of 16 years who self-destructively cut herself off from me by doing something so abusive and callous that I simply couldn’t continue the friendship, triggered some really difficult emotions. I have experienced this a number of times before in my life when self-destructive people force me to self-protect myself and cut them out. This is why I feel my times of sadness. Melancholy is connected to purposeful tragedy that others choose to commit. Misdirected fear in the guise of righteousness that harms others. Tragedy created by human beings, things that are no accident. Life can be tragic at times, but for most of us, in the larger picture it is usually more joyful or at least neutral. Some tragedies are simply harder to move through and heal from. It isn’t a weakness to feel sadness sometimes. In some respects it is truly a strength, the willingness to feel. I take solace in my ability to understand and see the purpose of sadness. And more importantly I allow myself to heal through grief, forgive, and do my best to create more good and less pain to others whenever I am able to in my corner of the Universe.
Jim V 5-2016
Notes:
Summer has arrived. We stayed reasonably cool for most of May, but June is usually when the 100 and higher temperatures during the days really begin to lock in. The nights are usually still cool, but July usually ends that too! I used to love my summers as a kid living in New York. Arizona changes that dynamic a bit, but the falls, winters, and springs are so nice that the “price” is worth it! I have a vacation each month planned for this summer. Vegas of course, but also visiting Redondo Beach to see my brother and his family will be a wonderful break from the heat of July.
We have been moving through some difficult retrogrades of planets in the last few months. If May felt a bit choppy for most people I would not be surprised. I post astrology information on my Facebook fan page and also for friends on the site every few weeks. There is a link at the end of this newsletter if you would like the free access to that. Current Regular clients also get access to my astrology updates by email and in more depth during their sessions.
I have extended the new client special until the end of June and with it an added bonus. Returning clients will also get the $10 off my listed rates (no other discounts apply during the special, although in office clients can take an additional $5 off for cash or check payments!) for all sessions booked in June. If you can’t make it in June, you can request buying a gift certificate at this time to be used at any other time in 2016.
I also recommend looking into my Regular Client program. This form of Life Coaching and increasing spiritual awareness and skills is incredibly valuable. Regulars have sessions either quarterly or monthly. For as little as $240 a year (Four 45 minute quarterly sessions) you can transform your life permanently.More information about the program in this newsletter.
Wishing everyone a happy June. Cheers, Jim V
“I believe that summer is our time, a time for the people, and that no politician should be allowed to speak to us during the summer. They can start talking again after Labor Day.” Lewis Black
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them-that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.
Shock or Love Therapy?
“Depression establishes itself through the biochemistry, as a strong pattern which is repeated and repeated and therefore becomes almost a natural state, which of course, it is designed to be. And for some of these people, a good shock will often cure them of depression.
The young mother, for instance, may experience a period of depression after the birth of a child. This is perfectly natural. But if there were a fire and the child were in danger of being burned to death, she would not sit there and moan. She would grab the child and run. It is such shocks that we’ve often forsworn by taking action to activate the higher spiritual influences. We do not believe that your hospitals realize this form of therapy, for it might be considered too strong. But perhaps in the natural flow of life when one faces a time of danger, a threat to a loved one or to oneself, even then there is little thought of depression, there is only thought of action.
For many who undergo these long periods of depression, it is rather like an illness. And for them we would suggest love therapy. It is a little bit easier to take than shock therapy. And here we mean for them to actively seek out persons for whom they can do kind acts of love. This shows they care. And if they are transferring their focus to others, to improve the life of others, to make them feel a little better, to make them feel wanted-then this very action will initiate the flow of higher spiritual energies and before long the depression will have forgotten how to continue.
Depression tends to lock a person within the confines of their memories.
And so the most positive thing that can be achieved is not for one’s self but for others. And then once you have leaped out of your own mind to help aid the lives of others, you find yourselves indeed creating that positive quality in your life for which you have been preparing. So if persons would look upon depression as something they need to stir up the old feelings of guilt at this and decide that they don’t any longer need it and then replace it with self esteem which is gained my making oneself useful.”
Li Sung from Spirit Speaks magazine issue 18
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Confucius
New Client Special: And returning Client Special all this month!
Both new clients and returning clients can take advantage of this months discount special on all of the sessions I offer now through July 1st.
January 1st 2016 thru July 1st 2016 Special: New Client introductory offer
$10-15 off listed rates for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!
$10-15 off listed rates for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Ask for the special when you email Venturasag@yahoo.com to book. Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45-90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session you can also take advantage of these rates!
My current rates (new clients can subtract the above discounts from these rates): 45 minute sessions $80. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcasts this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, June 2nd. at 4:00 p.m. (AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time, so it’s the same as pacific time). Most Thursdays you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).
To hear a live show, all you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura You may also access it by going to the site and 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.
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.
My non-regular rates for 2007-2016 have been:
Full session (70 minutes) $110.00. shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00. Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00.
Regular client discounted rates for 2016-2017:
Quarterly (every three months) Regulars:
Full 70 minute sessions $90.00 shorter sessions $65.00 Extended sessions $105.00
Monthly Regulars:
Full 70 sessions $80.00 shorter sessions $55.00 Extended sessions $95.00
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PREPAY 3 OR MORE SESSIONS YOU RECEIVE AN EVEN BIGGER DISCOUNT.
(prepaid three quarterly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $175.00 (3) - 70 minute sessions $240. 00(3) - 90 minute sessions $285.00.
(prepaid three monthly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $150.00 (3) - 70 minute sessions $210.00 (3) - 90 minute sessions $250.00.
* Regular clients get to choose whether they will come in for a full, 45, or extended session. You may vary the length of each session each time you come in for your appointments, and still keep your discounted rates.
* I will contact you a few weeks before your next appointment by email or phone for scheduling. If there is a need for a few weeks delay or to come in sooner or for an extra appointment this is also an option.
* Sessions can be used for all of the different readings I offer, transformation sessions, reality change sessions, or personalized instruction on how to read oracles yourself.
* Regular Clients can purchase gift certificates for sessions to give to friends and family at their discounted rates. Regulars also receive discounts on classes, CDS, and books.
* If at any point you decide to come in more often or less often, or even exit the program, simply let me know. I have worked with clients who have come monthly for two years, then switched to quarterly, etc... Clients who exit the program can still come in randomly for sessions, although they will be required to pay current non-regular rates. Email me for information about how to join this program. Venturasag@yahoo.com
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 text: (602)349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact).
Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com
“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials. Simply click on “like” on the fan page and you will automatically get my weekly updates.
You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog
All sessions/readings for 2016 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins.
All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments.
