A Little Bird Told Me
I watched a marathon of the Mary Tyler Moore show a few weeks ago. A part of my childhood happily revisited and truly one of the best television comedy shows ever to air. It was made up of a cast of incredibly funny, lovable, talented actors, and was extremely well written. Mary’s closest friend Rhoda loses twenty pounds in one significant episode. Even though she looks incredible and part of her is quite proud, she is uncomfortable with all the compliments she is receiving. She even gets angry with some of her friends complimenting her as well. She wins first place in a small beauty contest at the department store she works at, and at first lies about winning by claiming she only got third place. Rhoda is a truly likable, attractive, funny, and smart character, but she is also plagued by self deprecation fears. Self deprecation is one of the seven human fears that centers around a fear of inadequacy and measuring up. Many people struggle with this chief negative feature in a major or minor way. Its positive pole or expression is humility. Its negative expression is abasement. It is rooted in a deep seated fear of accomplishment and often a belief (and dread) that if one is successful, people will expect more of the same and end up disappointed.
In Druid tradition the totem animal of Wren - a small bird shows the more positive side of humility and reminds us that small is beautiful. Having a healthy sense of humility and not always making everything about us can be a wonderful attribute. Gentleness, subtlety, and cunning can be valuable is tempered with good humor and a positive intent. Wren reminds us also that when it builds it’s nest it may borrow things from others. We can look at a birds nest and laugh when we see pieces of newspaper, bubble gum wrappers, and all kinds of odd stuff that went into building its home. We all borrow things from others, funny jokes told to us by others, wise quotes, and even taking advantage of the talents and skills of others. We accept compliments for a great haircut or nice wardrobe choice even though we didn’t cut our own hair or make the actual clothes. We understandably take credit for positive feedback about our home or property even if a landscaper or decorator actually did the job! In some respects this is really okay. We still were smart enough to hire and use the talents of the ones who did the work for us
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Whatever your political affiliations are, it would be hard to have not noticed the profound site of Bernie Sanders speaking during his campaign back in 2016 in front of a large crowd when a small bird landed of the podium in front of him just inches away. He smiles at the beauty of the little bird landing there. The more intuitive of us sensed something in this simple event happening. A seventy something year old modest, Jewish man was able to mobilize huge crowds of mostly really young people with a positive message about a different path for the United States to consider. He was like the little bird that understood that small can be beautiful. The contrast was the eventual election of someone who in many ways is the exact opposite. Few of us would see Trump as someone who is small and humble!
The negative side of the Wren as totem is similar to the negative pole of the self deprecation fear: abasement. Sometimes our humility and gentleness can make us invisible. When we fear we are inadequate or simply not good enough, we may purposely hide in photographs or at events only to then be irritated later when people don’t see us! Think of the shy girl or guy who hides behind others in pictures, or consistently defers to others. “Oh, were you at the company party last week? “Yes, and we actually talked there for about fifteen minutes!” Experiences similar to this can prod a self deprecating individual to become cheeky or malicious when we are not recognized or ignored. Responding by talking behind the backs of more confident, outspoken people, or becoming sarcastic as a retaliation from being ignored is a common response to being hurt by others this way. Cunning and healthy wit can be ugly too if cunning becomes malign rather than benign. The character of Chandler Bing on the show Friends and Rhoda from Mary Tyler Moore sometimes showed this behavior while still maintaining lovability.
“Of all the birds revered by the Druids, the wren was considered the most sacred. In Ireland it was called the Drui-en, or Druid Bird; in Welsh the word Dryw signifies both a Druid and a wren.
Why is it that the Druid is pictured as an apparently nondescript little bird and not as an obviously powerful bird like the eagle? The following story from the western highlands of Scotland tells us. In a great assembly of the the birds of the air, it was decided that the sovereignty of the feathered tribe should be given to the bird who could fly the highest. The favorite was naturally the eagle, who immediately began his flight toward the sun-fully confident in his ability to win the title of King of the Birds. When he found himself soaring high above all his competitors, he proclaimed in a mighty voice his monarchy over all creatures that had wings. But suddenly, from out of his wings propped the wren, who had hidden himself under the eagle’s feathers. he flew a few inches higher and chirped loudly, ‘Birds, look up and behold your king!” * Druid Animal Oracle Philip and Stephane Carr-Gomm
While the story is funny and shows how truly smart a little bird can be, it also shows an upstart or someone who naively believes he can fool others into thinking he is the more powerful bird. We may get understandably upset if we are rejected in love matters, or passed by for a promotion, or not chosen for any number of other reasons in life. This can be especially uncomfortable if we are plagued by self-deprecation. We may even get angry at our mistreatment and responds by attempting to malign others or strike back. Another more passive response is to get angry at ourselves: “I don’t blame them for not choosing me, I am not nearly as good as others.” While there may be some justification or even truth to either perspective, neither approach will ever move us forward. Both responses come from an issue that stems from low self-esteem.
Whether we have a lot or only a little self-deprecation (some people pretty much have none, but that's another whole article) we can choose to recognize that it is our belief in our unworthiness and lack of self-worth that is the actual problem. This may be the reason that we draw rejection to ourselves. Our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves are perceived by others and they will respond accordingly. Beliefs when recognized can be changed though. The self deprecation fear is not something we are born with. It is acquired during childhood and can can also be released. We can also choose to recognize the profound totem wisdom of Wren, that small is beautiful. We don’t have to be grandiose or larger than life to be valuable. Think of someone who does the lighting work at a Broadway show. Consider the tremendous value of nurses who contribute to healing as much as a doctor but in different ways. Mother Teresa was a powerful example of the power of the best aspects of Wren. Not everyone needs to be an Eagle! Being small and unobtrusive has some real benefits. It can enable us to maneuver through life skillfully and enter small places and worlds that others could never reach. Balancing a healthy dose of humility while maintaining healthy self esteem isn’t always an easy thing to do, but it can be done.
Jim Ventura 4-2017
Notes:
This months Snake Oil illustrates another valuable attribute of the Wren; building on the work of others in a modest way can be truly valuable. I used some direct quotes from the Druid Animal Oracle. I am not the originator and creator of all of the many different oracles I use. My added insight and study expands their value for myself and the clients I work with.
If you dig a little further in this months newsletter (May) and read all the way to the end you will come across a special offer for all of this month. I inevitably get to working on Chief Negative feature like self-deprecation with all of my Regular Clients. This is one of the many perks to this program. Removal, or more likely, weakening of the hold of one or both (most people have two of the seven) chief negative features can radically change the course of your life path. It will help you to release fear and become far more successful, happy, health, and fulfilled!
Wishing everyone a Happy May! Jimmy V
“The process of spotting fear and refusing to obey it is the source of all true empowerment.” Martha Beck
“The worst bullies you will ever encounter in your life are your own thoughts.” Bryant McGill
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.
“Self Deprecation
Focus: ‘I am unworthy.’ ‘When I’m right no one remembers, when I’m wrong no one forgets.’ ‘I get in my own way when it comes to being successful.’
In self deprecation a person assumes that his or her self worth is quite low. This is the proverbial inferiority complex in which self esteem suffers greatly through self-put down.
A person with self-deprecation often apologizes before or after the say something as in: ‘I don’t really know anything but...’or, ‘I guess I don’t know what I am talking about.’ They will kick themselves verbally like ‘Gosh, am I stupid.’ or ‘Gee, that was really dumb of me, I can’t do anything right.’ Other people try to build the person up but give up after awhile and feel annoyed instead. This results in a self-fulfilling prophecy that one is not liked because he is inferior. Self-deprecation can be erased through an accurate understanding of personal worth and self-esteem building. The actor Woody Allen has achieved fame and fortune through his portrayals of self-deprecation.
Positive Pole: Humility, proper perspective, understanding of position relative to others.
The positive pole of self-deprecation is humility. In this context that refers to being modest about fantastic achievements.
Negative Pole: Abasement, putting oneself down.
The negative pole of self-deprecation is abasement, i.e. outright self-devaluing; the person feels that he is probably worthless and so figures it is not worth taking care of himself, either physically or emotionally. Typically, the person in the negative pole will look unkempt and downtrodden i.e., unwashed, uncombed, slumped, and dejected.”
Jose Stevens Michael Handbook
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Thomas Edison
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcasts this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, May 4th. at 3:30 p.m. mountain time (same as Pacific time now). 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.
“There are two great days in a person’s life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.” William Barclay
New Client Special 2017:
January 1st 2017 thru August 31st 2017 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!
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.Sessions can be in-office or by phone.
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602) 957-3035 text: (602) 349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact).
Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com
“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials. Simply click on “like” on the fan page and you will automatically get my weekly updates.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl
You also may want to check out my posts on Tumblr.com: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/snake-oil-blog
All sessions/readings for 2017 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins.
All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments.
May Special:
If you are currently receiving Snake Oil each month you can take advantage of this months special. Request a Druid Animal oracle session or a Transformation session and receive Regular Quarterly Client rates for each or both of these sessions:
45 minute sessions $65 70 minute sessions $90, and 90 minute sessions for $100.
DRUID ANIMAL ORACLE
From Snake Oil 87/Seeing Owl’s
“...I left the fun and noise of the casino for a bit to go relax in my room. I decided to sit on the back patio of my room and enjoy a calming look at the undeveloped land behind the casino. I immediately noticed there was a baby owl about 15 feet away from me. He seemed to be watching me with equal fascination. I felt blessed to see something that was so unusual. A few minutes later, two more owls landed about 8 feet from the other owl. I lit up a cigar and enjoyed hanging out with the owls for a bit. This experience was a great reminder that sometimes life can be magical if we simply allow it to be. This was definitely one of those times.
When we are open to seeing the animals that cross our path from another perspective we can benefit from the spiritual messages they share with us. I already knew what the message of seeing owls was from my studies of Druid teachings. Owl represents wisdom, detachment, and change. The Owl is the totem bird of clairvoyance and astral travel. The veil which surrounds the normal boundaries of space and time can be pierced if you allow the energy of Owl as ally. Owl is a sacred symbol of the Crone aspect and the Goddess of Death...”
One of the most important elements in understanding the Owl totem is the owls connection to turning a disadvantage into an advantage. Because of Owls exceptional hearing it is able to hunt at night and catch unsuspecting prey. Owl also reminds us of the wisdom of healthy detachment...”
DRUID ANIMAL ORACLE READING
The practice and ancient Druidic teachings of animal totems and animal power is being revived. Every aspect of the natural world is alive and capable of being our allies, guides, and teachers. In Druid culture, wearing animal skins, heads, and feathers was a way of identifying with certain Animals and becoming them for a while in order to partake in their powers and to receive divine inspiration. This session will show what power animals are now available to you, and how they may already be influencing you. This spread is a perfect vehicle to open you up to the wisdom in the natural world around and within you.
TRANSFORMATION SESSIONS
During my 28 years of studying metaphysics, oracles, channeling, and other tools for increasing enlightenment, I came across the concept of the chief negative feature. We all have one, most of us have two, that block our ability to experience true happiness.
1. ARROGANCE +(positive) pride -(negative) vanity
2. SELF-DEPRECATION + humility - abasement
3. GREED + appetite - voracity
4. SELF-DESTRUCTION + sacrifice - suicide
5. IMPATIENCE + daring - intolerance
6. MARTYRDOM + selflessness -victimization
7. STUBBORNNESS + determination -obstinacy
These fear patterns or “dragons” are the primary cause of unhappiness, and block us from having fulfilling careers, relationships, prosperity... By discovering what our chief feature is, how it formed, and how it blocks us, we can take charge of ending its hold. As we look at our childhood and see where our fear and false personality started, we can then move onto practical, powerful methods for living our lives without the manipulation of fear/chief feature.
I suggest a 70 minute, 90 minute for transformation sessions. You can also book two and follow up one month later with another session.
