Monday, February 26, 2018

March 2018 Snake Oil/The List TV: Cheating Likelihood Based on Zodiac

March 2018 Snake Oil
Cheating likelihood based on a zodiac sign

I have had a lot of added work for the last few months with a total (so far) of seven appearances on the ABC syndicated show The List. The film shoots are actually fun and easy. It’s the added write up needed for each segment on the website that takes up so much extra time. Here is one of the more fun, but a bit on the salacious side, segments and the web information that went along with it:

Even though statistically the top five signs listed scored the highest on the cheating website (Ashley Madison), this astrologer does not think any sign is more likely to cheat than another. Typically men cheat more from “ego” and women for “need.” The same could be said for feminine and masculine signs in the zodiac, so that is why I listed them. Here are some possible reasons any sign might cheat, but also a few suggestions that may assist in keeping your mate happily committed. 
1. Capricorn
While Capricorn is a female sign and may cheat more out of need as opposed to ego or status, they often are very aware of status and position. Capricorns negative expression of “I’m inhibited” can possibly push them into seeking out sexual experiences they may have missed in their younger years when other signs were busy “Sowing their Oat.” Experiencing the reverse element of often conservative Capricorn may also be an appeal in some respects, by going against the more natural pull of strong ethical convictions often held in life. 
Be patient with Capricorn’s “can-chewing like a goat pace with things.” Find that right balance of being affectionate consistently without being smothering. 
2. Aquarius
While a fixed sign (more likely to be loyal) they can be quirky and non-conformist in some respects. The influence of the ruling planet Uranus might drive them to want to shatter the normal restraints of what a traditional relationship may be. The possibility of fetish or other interests that are unique in their wiring can have them seeking out some satisfaction they may not be getting from their mate. The bucket list many people, and especially Aquarian’s have of things they always wanted to do, may also be a contributing factor. 
Value Aquarius’s unique way of seeing things and acknowledge their smarts. Be committed and loving but don’t be painfully gushy with them, or expect them to be that way with you and you can often keep an Aquarius happy and loyal. 
3. Pisces
Pisces is a feminine sign and likely to cheat more from need. The image of two fishing attached at the tail and pulling into opposite directions can be part of a pull toward self-defeat. A naturally compassionate sign may also be pulled into an affair to make deeper connections they may not be getting from their mate. The dreamy side of Neptune (Pisces ruling planet) may pull them to the idea that something secret, special and even mystical could be awaiting them. 
Never take advantage of Pisces kindness, and understand their need for retreat to recharge and Pisces will happily make sacrifices for the one they love.
4. Taurus
This one surprises me the most! Taurus is a fixed feminine sign and likely to be very loyal. Yet, their disposition to seeking satiation and even indulgence could be an influence on why a Taurus might cheat. They typically are very sensual and the pull to touch, taste, and experience more could be a determining factor. Taurus typically seeks security but if that is not something they may feel in a relationship they could be driven to find that sense elsewhere.
Allow Taurus to indulge from time to time, and even join in! Don’t try and power play a bull and get them mad, it can take a long time to shake off! Know that in spite of everything they are usually wired to be committed. 
5. Cancer
Cancer is a feminine and a water sign. Cancer is another sign that would seem unlikely to cheat. Yet, while the pull to be of service to others is strong, if they are not getting appreciation in return from a mate they may be driven to seek this from another source. Cancer’s life test is to learn to be more discerning. If they were pulled into an early marriage or commitment, and they feel a nagging sense of doubt or a need for more connection they could be led astray. 
Appreciate everything Cancer does for you-say it a lot. Do things for them without them having to ask. Recognize they have very changing moods and go with the flow of their shifting emotions and Cancer will often stay around for a long time. 
Now for some perspective on the remaining signs that didn’t make it on the higher percent of cheaters list:
Aries a masculine Fire sign. Once an Aries marks their territory to “claim” someone, they are unlikely to cheat. Still, Aries does often crave a new creative endeavor, or another conquest, and could cheat out of an urge for something new. Reinvent yourself from time to time to keep Aries interested. For any fire sign an occasional battle or disagreement hashed out may actually be an opportunity to clear the air in a good way.
Gemini is a masculine air sign. While Gemini is the sign of the twins it would in no way mean an inclination toward straying. That said, Gemini can juggle a lot of things in life and their innate curiosity can pull them into any different places and even people along their travels. Keep Gemini around by making them laugh, and by sharing some of their many interests. They enjoy communicating with their mates so give them what they want.
Leo is a masculine, fixed, fire sign, and likely to be one of the most loyal signs. They  are a fixed sign after all, so commitment and fealty are natural traits. Still Leo needs to be appreciated, acknowledged and adored. Fail to give them that fix and they could stray. Keep your Leo by honest praise, and appreciate their talented showmanship. Treat them with chivalry or learn to adore their being chivalrous with you!
Virgo is a feminine earth sign. Virgo is a sign that is unlikely to be a cheater. They enjoy being of service to the ones they truly love. It can take a bit to get Virgo to open up and relax but they will often be in it for the long haul once they do. They like things to be tidy, clean, and you can’t get mad when they correct you. Believe it or not it is one of the ways they show love. They care enough to want to help! Give them useful practical gifts and marvel in their excellent ability to plan and research.
Libra is a masculine air sign. They are often naturally good at relationships. After all it is one of their gifts to recognize and appreciate another person’s point of view. They like the allure of commitment and will think about it with some enthusiasm. Any sign can stray and Libra may look for some magic and romance if they see it missing from their partners. Keep a Libra happy by having good taste. They like nice things and nice people. Don’t make them make all the decisions but always get their perspective on the choices you are considering, especially if it involves them.
Scorpio is a feminine water sign. They typically either commit or they don’t at all. Rarely a middle ground for Scorpio, but when they do they are usually loyal. They are reactive to power plays in relationships but often don’t see that they cause them too! A Scorpio is drawn to a little mystery in life and that could cause them to stray. Keep a Scorpio happy by being loyal and not reacting to their changing moods. They can often have a slightly dark but funny sense of humor. Appreciate this and give them a little mystery to solve from time to time.
Sagittarius is a masculine fire sign. As restless as Sagittarius can be (and the males may wait until later in life to settle down) they often have strong moral and ethical codes so they are unlikely to be cheaters. Still Sagittarius does love an adventure and they can be perpetually flirty and charming. Keep your Sagittarius around by not trying to cage them in. Let them talk a lot and appreciate their wisdom, humor and endless acquired stories.  
Jim Ventura Astrologer/Navigational Consultant 2-2018
This was fun and interesting to research. I think the parts about what one can do to keep a mate would need to be balanced with the reality that often when someone cheats it is for their own reasons and there is often nothing we can do to stop this. Television demands a more limited approach to astrology because people’s attention spans are often short! The segments typically run about two minutes. Relationship astrology is far more complicated than Sun sign influences. When we look at where Venus and Mars in both signs and houses are placed in our natal chart we get a far more comprehensive idea of how we experience love. Houses 5, 7, and 8 also give us even more insight into what our gifts and challenges as individuals we are exploring in this lifetime in the arena of relationships. This month I am offering a Snake Oil subscriber discounted session option for diving more deeply into your love life, and all kinds of other areas of life as well. 
Notes:

In addition to some really great opportunities in my life this year, I had a few rounds of really uncomfortable difficulties to handle this year as well. Most notably the loss of my cat. She got sick at multiple levels at the end of 2017, and by late January of this year it was really bad so I was left with the uncomfortable decision of having a vet put her down knowing she was suffering. She was about 16 years old and had a good long and happy life for a cat. Still, losing a family member human or animal is rarely if ever easy. I wrote about this experience in quite a bit more detail and will publish here in April’s newsletter.  The column is called “The Right Thing To Do.” This is one my animal lover readers absolutely will not want to miss.
Check out my astrology special this month, and I still have the new client special you can join and benefit from. Quarterly and monthly regular clients enrolled in my Regular Client Program get significant discounts on sessions. Contact me for more information about this program. 
Wishing everyone a great March. Spring is right around the corner. Cheers, Jimmy V

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Buddha

ASTROLOGICAL READING Special
March 1, 2018-April 1st 2018. $20-$25 off all 45-90 minute Astrology consultations. In-office or phone sessions.


All astrological consultations are discounted $20 off my listed rates (no other discounts will apply at this time, but in office clients may take advantage of another $5 discount for cash or check payments) this month as well. 

The Astrological natal chart reading is a great way to begin to understand your unique astrology. By looking beyond your Sun sign (the stuff the newspapers focus on) and exploring your Ascendant, Moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Moon Nodes and Chiron, you can begin to gain clarity about the focus and primary themes of your life. House placements, aspects (easy angles, and challenging ones), 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... all interpreted for you so you don't have to do the work. You will need to know your birth time for this reading (a solar chart can be done instead of a Natal chart if you don’t know your birth-time).

Sessions can be either at home office or by phone consultations. Sessions can be recorded on audio cassette if requested.

Understanding your own chart is a tremendously valuable way to understand your life purpose. It can also be a huge help in understanding your relationships with the people around you. There are many different types of astrological charts that can be tremendously useful: 

Relationship composite charts (a look at the positive and negative themes that surface in any relationship you are currently in, or considering committing to...). Midpoint astrology will show the positive and challenging ways the relationship works for both of you. By looking at your partner’s chart you can gain quite a bit of understanding about what makes them tick. This can be very beneficial in relating more effectively to each other.

Astrology charts can be drawn up and interpreted for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc.. Of course these charts can be incredible gifts for both parents and the children themselves! When you understand the primary motivations, talents and challenges of the people in your life, we are often more compassionate, empathetic and better able to help and assist the people we truly care about.

Astrology charts for when to begin a business, marriages, or considering relocating are also great ways to plan life more efficiently. Solar return charts are an excellent way to see the themes of the year ahead.

Understanding Current astrological and near future transits is an excellent way to see both restrictions as well as opportunities and to make the best of timing cycles. 
Email me at Venturasag@yahoo.com to book your discounted March session or to purchase (maximum of two at this current rate) gift certificates purchased for yourself and/or a friend will be good for one full year! Mention the  Astrological Special when booking. 

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” John Maxwell

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.

“You must begin to believe that every difficulty that comes into your awareness is your mirror. YOU have called into your lives all these people and events to show you the parts of your consciousness that you have not wished to see clearly. This does not mean that if you have met a lecher, that you are one. It means that you have judgment against lechery. And be assured, if you judge against others, somewhere in your psyche, you have judged against yourself. And that is the place that you must go to and examine; that part of you that needs to feel superior and does so by judging another. Every time you judge my friends, understand what you are doing. You are stepping on somebody’s neck in order to stand up that much higher, not in the world’s estimation, but in your own. The quality of judgment is the most divisive quality that you possess, because it will, at any cost, prove itself to be better. But all you are really trying to do is make yourself feel equal. For if you truly knew yourself to be “better,” you would manifest compassion, because you would understand that judgment is not a quality that EVER heals. Judgment does not heal any one, or any thing, at any time. Judgment is the killer. So those who judge against their fellow man have to be responsible for realizing that they are desperately trying to keep their own self-judgment locked up in another area of their life. There is a part of your psyche that doesn’t want to look inward, so it tricks you into looking out there. If you have judgment, you do not have compassion, because they cannot exist together. If you have compassion you cannot judge, because you understand from the point of compassion that the person who is before you in this moment, CAN ACT NO DIFFERENTLY. And you cannot impose your rules on them because there is always some part of your consciousness that other people can look at and judge to be wrong.” From the book, I Come As a Brother by Bartholomew

New Client Special 2017:

January 1st 2018 thru March 31st 2018 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 $85. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130. Sessions can be in-office or by phone.
“I can’t understand why people are frightened by new ideas. I’m frightened by old ones.” John Cage

Snake Oil Radio

Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be one live broadcast this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, March 15th at 3:30 p.m. mountain time. Usually one or two Thursdays each month 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.
“You were born with a vibrational rate you earned in the past. How you live your life will determine if you raise or lower this rate. Which way do you think you’re going?” Dick Sutphen
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact).
Phone calls: (602) 957-3035 text only: (602) 349-0746 

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 2017 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $85.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each, although no other discounts will apply).  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. No added discounts apply when responding to specials though. 







Friday, January 26, 2018

February 2018 Snake Oil/Tough Times/Little House on the Prairie Wisdom

FEBRUARY 2018 SNAKE OIL 
 Tough Times/Little House on the Prairie wisdom

I caught an episode of the 70s/80s television show Little House on the Prairie the other day. It was from the second or third season, when the show was still both painfully cheesy and still really good. How brilliant were the characters of Mrs Olsen and Nellie? If you’re too young to remember Little House, (or as my obnoxious oldest brother called it: “Little House of the Fairy”) or if you just never caught it, the premise of the show was easy to follow. It was set in the late 1800’s, and based on a series of books by Laura Engels Wilder. It was primarily about a family that set out to relocate to a small town called Walnut Grove. The charismatically handsome father was played by Michael Landon. “Charles” took his beautiful wife and three girls from Wisconsin to create a better life for the family in Minnesota. The show was tremendously popular in its day. While at times it was a bit cliche and preachy, it was often funny and highlighted the timeless and amazing potential of the human spirit and the value of being part of a loving family.
Right before I watched the show, I had received a call from a friend with some astounding news about a likable guy from my gym who was going through some painful relationship issues. I hadn’t seen Pete in months, and wondered why he vanished. The news was that he had committed suicide in December. It was painful to hear about such a sad loss. He left behind four children and a devastated Mormon family. This was not the first time I had heard about a death or loss in one form or another in the last few years. This one just seemed to hit too close to home. So many people around me seemed to be struggling, but this news really took its toll on my spirit. I decided to surrender my need to compulsively analyze and understand why such a loss occurred and committed to the episode of Little House that I had recorded on my DVR. The show was about a tornado that whipped through the small town and destroyed most of the Engels farm. The night it came, the family was celebrating an abundant, perfect crop that was ready for harvest. It, along with livestock, a barn, and many parts of their home were destroyed. The family and especially Charles Engels was struggling with the common human feeling and mental anguish that all of us experience at one time or another, during trying times of, “Why has God abandoned me?” “We are good people, why are we being punished?” “What did I do to deserve this?” The destructive storm damaged the town as well, but the Engels farm was hit the worst.
The realization of the impending winter and current financial ruin meant Charles needed to scramble to find work or solutions to their current dilemmas. He diligently tries, but after a number of failed efforts, he decides to give up the fight. He has lost all faith and decides to sell the farm and go back home. The rest of the family wants to stay and accept offered help from their friends and neighbors, but Charles has understandably lost all of his strength and remaining optimism. The rest of the family reluctantly agrees to sell the farm and return home. Deep inside it is clear that they would prefer to stay and work together to make it through the coming winter, but the rules of a patriarchal culture win out.
I knew it was no accident that I caught this episode. I’d probably watched it during my childhood back in 1976 or 77 when it originally aired, but now I could truly identify with its message. I myself had experienced some “mini tornadoes” and “bad episodes” as well in the last few years, and I knew I was not alone in this experience; Many people had similar trials. The last few years have not been easy ones. The housing market tanked in Phoenix and my homes value plummeted so much that it’s worth next to nothing. Credit card debt had strangled me for years and I had no choice but to default on some of them and give up my good credit rating. Relentless phone calls from debt collectors trying to get money I did not have were frequent. My business took a forty percent drop in 2008. Understandably, many of my clients were experiencing similar problems and had to cut costs, so I became a casualty of those cuts. I picked up a lucrative part time job to supplement my income in 2009 and briefly had some temporary abundance. Yet, after two years that also ended when the owner couldn’t keep up in a difficult economy, and had to shut his doors. This was not the first time in my life when I had struggled with adversity, yet it was the longest in duration by far. I took practical steps to increase my business with advertising, and those steps were now finally bringing results. After three years of up and downs for me, things were finally improving. Obnoxious collections calls were still coming through, but they were beginning to lose steam. Like most people, I was phobic from struggling for so long. I had a lot to catch up on, but I knew that at least the darkest times were now behind me and for many of my friends and clients as well. Many of us had thankfully weathered the worst of the storms.

Yet, there were many people who were still struggling or just beginning to experience dark times, and I truly felt for them. In 2010 and 2011 I lost two friends to cancer and was aware of a number of other people who lost spouses, friends, children, and other family members. One of my family members was diagnosed with kidney failure. I was aware of three different people who committed suicide, two of them because of financial hardship. There were lots of people who lost homes, had to return to work after being semi-retired, or struggled with relationship problems or disease in one form or another. I had a number of clients who could not find work no matter how hard they tried. Some were living off savings or their retirement money long before one is “supposed” to cash their future security in. While not everyone has been directly touched by some kind of disaster, we all know family or friends who had been. The last few years have been really difficult ones, and many people have lost hope, just like Charles Engels. There were more than a few times when I briefly felt the same way. 
The saddest part for me was how many people perceived their difficulties as personal failures and reacted by closing down and retreating in one form or another in shame. Men are more likely to respond this way to a sense of failure than women. Because of current economic difficulties, many people have been relentlessly bullied by banks and other financial institutions. This bullying has contributed to making many of us feel like we are now “failures, dead-beats, and even criminals.” But taking economic conditions personally is a myopic perspective. Other societal influences contributed to the lack of current abundance, like excessive greed, arrogance, destruction of the middle class, corruption, spending money that wasn’t there, and the rise of the influence of the religious extremists were just a few of many contributions to our current depression. We were broken at many levels and we are all paying the price to repair these ruptures.
We often think that because we live in “modern times,” that we shouldn’t have to go through the really tough times that people experienced in the middle ages, biblical times, the depression or any other difficult historical periods. As a species, our history is rich with times of jubilation, advancement, and prosperity, as well as times of great sorrow, disasters, and troubles. There are “hazards on the physical plane.”  As much as we are uncomfortable with these times of difficulty, they are realities in this world. Sometimes the trials really, really test us. Loss, sorrow, and struggle are aspects of our human experience. If we can move through them we can see that they are usually meant to teach us how to not struggle in the future. As troubling as these times are they always have purpose. The Little House episode ended with Charles turning the corner in the last 10 minutes of the show. He decides to stay and rebuild his farm and accepts help to do this from his friends in the town. They know it will not be easy, but they band together as a family and do what they must. Inevitably happy, prosperous times follow. Life isn’t always an easy resolution like on a television show. Yet, we can tap into the amazing part of us that has the strength and perseverance to survive adversity if we choose to. Sometimes we have to ask for help from friends and family. Sometimes we have to be willing to ask for help from Spirit. No matter what, or how much difficulty we have endured, we are often stronger than we know. Light will follow darkness if we recognize that there is always another side to adversity. It can make us wiser, stronger, and even a little bit of a bad-ass from the strength that becomes part of us precisely because we have survived the storms.
Jim Ventura 3-2012
Notes


New columns on the way in the next few months. With the addition of doing a number of television spots (three so far) and a busy start to New Year, juggling dealing with a sick cat, and a host of other things there have been some real detours challenging, but growth in some positive ways. The Little House column originally ran back in 2012. 2008 through late 2011 were very difficult years for me and many people. The recession was at its peak. I learned a lot of valuable things during that period but endured some real tests. Thankfully I was very aware that I had no control over the economy. That was truly a group “creation,” but I did get to see where I made mistakes that lead me there at a personal level. “As we are tested we fund the power to avert blockage and defeat. At the same time, we develop in ourselves an aversion to the conduct that creates stress in our lives.” Quote from the book of Runes. I have been in such a good space, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially for more than five years now- And yes, those four things are connected.
The struggles from those difficult times are truly far away in my rear view mirror. 

I just sent out referral discount comps to all the people who referred my services to others in 2017. Either directly or through Face book, column shares, or in your own unique creative ways your referral efforts are always appreciated. I really do get a lot of my referrals still from google, yelp and similar sites, but the personal touch of direct client referrals is still very appealing. 
In future newsletters, I am going to feature both for local and national businesses of all shorts a short plug to market some of my readers (one each month). I will do this here in my monthly column/newsletter and also through Face Book. The column now reaches about 1700 people each month! If you are someone who receives this newsletter and you have a business you would like to mention, you can submit that information to me (in one or two short paragraphs along with website link) and I may run your information at some point. Depending on how many submissions I receive I will consider every submission sent to me for review. 

Second appearance on ABC show The List:


Wishing everyone a good February as we settle into this new year and the Chinese year of the Dog. Cheers, Jimmy V

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear-not absence of fear.” Mark Twain

"Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian." Shari R. Barr


New Client Special 2017:

January 1st 2018 thru March 31st 2018 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 $85. 70 minute sessions $110. 90 minute sessions $130. Sessions can be in-office or by phone.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

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.


“As we reincarnate from lifetime to lifetime on our soul's journey -- gathering experiences, learning lessons, and fulfilling agreements -- an evolutionary process transpires and that course of development is called, Soul Age.
Soul age refers to how a person has grown from experience on the planet, not just to how many lifetimes he or she has lived. No person is "ahead" or "behind" any other, but is simply occupying another place in the continuous circle leading to and from the Tao.
Each soul age brings a unique perspective and an array of lessons that offer experience, individual choice, and ultimately, the opportunity to learn and evolve.
During this cycle of incarnations, the soul progresses through five soul age stages on the physical plane. Each stage is a mark of the soul's evolution. 

Soul Age Stages
1) Infant Souls deal with issues of survival; they do not yet have a basis for making sense of what is “out there”—they only know that it is “not me.” Infant souls often live on the fringes of society, and their experience of life is simple, earthy, primitive, and mystical. Without loving guidance from older souls who teach them the difference between right and wrong, Infant souls may react violently to perceived threats.

Focus: Survival
Infant Soul Countries: Ethiopia, New Guinea, Cambodia, Areas Near the Equator
Attributes: (+) Innocent, untarnished by culture, purely instinctive (-) Fearful, withdrawn, without conscience, violent


2) Baby Souls have a need for structure and tend to live according to beliefs based on dogma, such as religious fundamentalism. Baby souls, focused as they are on bringing people together under the umbrella of civilization, see others, as being “just like me.” They can become confused and upset when those “other me’s” act differently than expected. Their experience of life is rule-based, rigid, dogmatic, family-oriented, and highly structured around adhering to the laws and mores of an institution or culture -- think of the Middle West and the conscientious drive to be the "model citizen."

Focus: Rules/Laws; right and wrong
Baby Soul Countries: Iran, Iraq, Haiti, Ireland, Libya, Middle East, Mid-West America
Attributes: (+) Community-oriented, law-abiding, family values (-) rule-based, rigid, bland, judgmental, black and white, religious fundamentalists

3) Young Souls are success oriented and set high standards of personal achievement. Young souls are learning to impact the world, and see others as “you”s they can impact. Their experience of life is competitive, industrious, independent, profit-motivated, win-lose, and in pursuit of anything that leads to prosperity. They fear aging, the natural decline of their bodies, and go to great lengths to preserve their status and appearance. Young souls could be the official soul age for face-lifts, Botox injections, and tummy-tucks.

Focus: Success/Achievement; win-lose
Young Soul Countries: USA, China, Israel, United Arab Emirates

4) Mature Souls are relationship oriented and tend to gravitate toward emotional drama. Mature souls, delving into their inner world and exploring relatedness, can keenly feel other people’s “stuff,” and perceive it in the same way they perceive their own. This can make for much intensity and, often, subjectivity. Their experience of life is dramatic, emotional, soap-opera-like, identified, intimate, empathetic, and self-aware.

Focus: Relationships
Mature Soul Countries: England, Austria, Italy, Poland

5) Old Souls seek the larger perspective of life, and have less interest in playing the material game. They tend to be more detached, and try to see themselves and others within a larger context, fostering a "live and let live" motto. Their experience of life is laid-back, easy going, detached from emotional intensity, spiritually-minded, and sometimes a little lazy.

Focus: The Big Picture; Philosophical Perspective
Old Soul Countries: Iceland, Holland, Finland, Czechoslovakia

Author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Gave Mottos For Each Of The Soul Ages:
Infant: Lets not do it.

Baby: Do it right or don't do it at all.

Young: Do it my way.

Mature: Do it anyplace but here. 

Old: You do what you want and I'll do what I want.”
From the Michael Teachings website



Snake Oil Radio

Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be one live broadcast this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, February 8th 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.
"Low self-confidence isn't a life sentence. Self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and mastered-just like any other skill. Once you master it, everything in your life will change for the better." Barrie Davenport

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

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 2017 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $85.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each, although no other discounts will apply).  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. 











Wednesday, December 27, 2017

January 2018 Snake Oil/Creating Vines

SNAKE OIL  
CREATING VINES

I have beautiful vines that wrap around the stairway of my home. They hug the entrance way to my upstairs condominium. Many of the upstairs units in my complex have them. I like the look of the vines, even though my Feng Shui consultant says they block some of the flow of energy to my home. I think that while they make it a little harder to grasp the handrail when walking up my stairs, their beauty outweighs any aspects that could be perceived as negative. I trim them from time to time and occasionally water them when I water the flower pots that are on my stairway. 
 The homeowners association of my complex decided to paint our buildings about eight months ago. An unfortunate part of this process was that all of the vines would have to be pulled out for the painters to accomplish this task. I was there at the homeowners meeting when they made the decision to do this. One of the condo owners told us that, “It is a good idea to remove the vines because they absorb too much moisture from the building.” I wondered why concrete would contain moisture. And why would that have any bearing on the situation in the first place. While his logic seemed questionable to say the least, I knew painting the building would increase the value of our property and I was all for that.
The big day came and I felt a little uncomfortable as they tore all of the vines away. I felt the same type of discomfort when the landscapers sawed off large branches from the tree that guards my home. It felt like they were cutting parts of me in some ways. I have always viewed the plants and animals that surround all of the homes I have ever lived in as parts of my family. They are protective pieces of my reality just like my cat who sits on top of my stairway each night. She proudly surveys and guards our space. I’ve always believed that all of nature will do this for us. I sat quietly in the back bedroom while they removed the vines that day. It felt like they were tearing up a small but valuable piece of my home.
After the painters finished their job I could see the building did look better. Still, my front steps looked barren, naked, and lifeless. I decided I would somehow make the vines grow back; I visualized this happening. This was easy to do because my visualization skills have been honed over the years. Even though there were no signs left of the vines I trusted they would return. I watered the ground a few times and visualized the plants growing back effortlessly. Within weeks the vines began to spring up! Within three months they were again growing all over my stairwell. A few of the neighbors have had some regrowth, but nothing compared to the lush plant growth that now graced my home.
It dawned on me during this process that I had easily manifested this reality. My intention, combined with a desire for beauty, positive growth and abundance, helped make this happen. Skeptics might argue that I did nothing amazing here, or that I had nothing to do with the regrowth. They might point out that the roots were already in the ground. They wouldn’t believe that magic had occurred. But why did my vines grow so much faster than everyone else's? The difference in my vines was dramatic. They are far more abundant than the other stairways. My response to skeptics is that the practical details necessary for the growth of the vines inserted themselves into physical reality, fueled by my beliefs. Focusing ONLY on the tangible details, or scientific aspects of life is where people limit themselves and do not recognize the power of their beliefs. They miss an understanding of the multiple layers behind cause and effect.  
When I was seventeen I read a series of channeled books that enlightened me (Seth speaks by Jane Roberts). I learned that our thoughts create our reality and the world around us, so this idea wasn't new to me. What stunned me was how easily and quickly I had made the vines return. There was nothing to block this creation. No belief that it wasn't possible. No core fears that I was unworthy of having lush vines again. There were no mental, physical or emotional blocks that needed to first be removed to allow this manifestation to occur. The process was nearly effortless. Something clicked inside of me. I now intend to apply the same principles to areas of my life that have been blocked and stagnant. Then I will sit back and trust that these things will flower and grow just like the healthy greenery that now lovingly and abundantly wraps itself around my home.
Jim Ventura 10-06 
“Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New year’s Eve. Middle age is when you 're forced to.” Bill Vaughan

Notes:

This month’s Snake Oil was actually written back in late 2006. I wanted to start the New year off with a really positive message and this column that is part of my book Snake Oil Volume One still has a message that it well worth repeating. And my vines are still doing really well!
I was on local and national television last month on the ABC show The List. It is a syndicated show that runs all over the country but typically airs at 4:30 pm here in Phoenix on ABC 15. The show was all about cartoon characters and their Astrology. It was really fun doing the show. The producer, cameraman, and host (I also want to mention the excellent work the many people behind the scenes did editing for the clip and web-post) were all incredibly professional and it was an interesting project. There is a good chance I will do other spots at some time in the future. This is actually a return for me to television. I have done a few appearances in the past (Sonoran Living), lots of radio, and actually produced and hosted a public access show (Body, Mind, and Spirit of AZ) for two years (22 shows) back in the late 1990’s. I enjoy doing in front of the camera work and will do more in the next few years (while I am still relatively pretty lol), but ultimately I would like to eventually get into television writing!
The new year is here. 2017 was choppy to say the least. Check out my New year reading options later in the newsletter. January can be a great time to get an overview of the major themes for the coming year.
I am now offering some of my classes for students both locally (in-office) and out of area via phone or FaceTime for I-Phone users. More information about the current class options in this newsletter.
Wishing everyone a Happy 2018! Cheers, Jimmy V

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain

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.
This is a fascinating explanation about some of the after death conditions channelled by Jane Roberts (Channeling William James). This brief passage from the book talks about the author’s experience of living in the “Otherworld” or “Heaven.” I think both metaphysical and religious people will find this information to be very insightful. Jim V

“Nowhere have I encountered the furnishings of a conventional heaven, or glimpsed the face of God. On the other hand, certainly I dwell in a psychological heaven by earth’s standards, for everywhere I sense a presence, or atmosphere, or atmospheric presence that is well-intentioned, gentle yet powerful, and all-knowing. This seems to be a psychological presence of such stunning parts, however, that I can point to no one place and identify it as being there in contrast to being somewhere else. At the risk of understating, this presence seems more like a loving condition that permeates existence, and from which all existence springs.
The feeling of safety mentioned earlier is definitely connected here, in that I know no evil or harm can befall me, that each of my choices will yield benefits, and that this loving condition upholds me in all of my ways. As in life I was always aware of an underlying melancholy, I am here always delightfully conscious of an extraordinary sense of safety that leads, say, to heroic acts and courage-naturally. There is the constant feeling that the universe is with me, for me, and with and for all others at the same time. Not only does it not conspire against me, but ever lends its active support.
This willingness to help is everywhere apparent and promotes, of course, a sense of ease that, at the same time, stimulates the personalities abilities in ways most difficult to describe. While I mention this presence as itself, so thoroughly does it pervade everything that attempts to isolate it are useless. All theological and intellectual theories are beside the point in the reality of this phenomenon. I know that this presence or loving condition forms itself actively to seek my good in the most particular and individual ways; yet that good is in no way contrary to the good of anyone else, but beneficial...
...The living often equate death with darkness, for how can the dead see? Even if the spirit hovers beside the body, the corpse’s eyes are closed. How can the spirit have vision, disconnected from the organs of sight? Yet here I am surrounded by illumination that emanates from everywhere-colors more sparkling than any I knew on earth, light of enchanting varieties, not even or monotonous but strangely alive in its own fashion. It emanates from what I see, but also seems to be inherent all about me, whether or not there is anything so to be perceived otherwise...”
Jane Roberts The after death Journal of an American Philosopher. The World View of William James
Intuitive and Oracle reading classes 2018


In office or FaceTime (by phone) apprentice classes will be available in January of 2018! I will be adding a possible Skype option in late February of 2018 as well.
You can take one introductory class or continue with a monthly class for up to six months for any of the classes offered. Each instructional class is 90 minutes. You can schedule a one on one class in office or by phone for yourself, or have a friend or family member join you and split the costs.

Single class: $55.00 or 3 classes pre-paid $150.
2 people $70 for each class ($35.00 each) 3 classes pre-paid $180.

Email me for more information and my availability calendar to book your personal intuitive development classes. 

Current options:

1. TAROT CARD READING
Whether you have investigated the Tarot or have never used this oracle before, this class will assist you in understanding the wisdom contained in Tarot cards. The class will focus on teaching you how to read the Tarot for yourself and others. The Tarot can be used for prediction and to accelerate spiritual growth. If you don’t have a deck, assistance will also be provided on choosing the right deck for you. Whether you plan on using oracles just to guide yourself, or wish to expand into doing readings professionally, this class will assist you on your road to mastery.

2. ASTROLOGY-101 
This class will teach you the basics of Astrology. By the end of this class, you will be on the road to interpreting your own chart, as well as those of others. You will learn about the house placements, signs, symbols, angles, etc... We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives. 

3. MICHAEL MATERIAL
* What is your soul age? The soul age of friends and family ?
* How do past lifetimes influence us in the present ?
* What does karma feel like, and how does it work ?
* How does your chief negative feature impact your life, and can it be changed?
* What happens when your partner is an idealist and you are a realist ?
* What is your life goal? Is it dominance, acceptance, flow or submission ?
*What is your essence, your soul mate’s essence ? Artisan, priest, king, server, sage, warrior or scholar. ?
* What is a soul mate, task companion, heart link ?
* What do the higher centers feel like?
After this workshop you will understand all of these questions and many more, and more importantly have the answers.


What is the Michael teaching?
The main goal of the Michael teaching is agape or unconditional love. The teaching views life as a learning game in which fragments of the Tao - that essential part of each human being - set up lessons which continue over lifetimes. These lessons are learned via the personality which Essence chooses each lifetime. Michael teaches us what the components of the personality are so that we can learn to use and see these components in ourselves and in others. In that way we can learn to understand why human beings behave as they do. Michael is composed of 1,050 individual Essences who have lived on the physical plane and now teach from another plane. One of the most basic and important principles of the teaching is that it is not a religion or a belief system. Michael encourages their students to self validate all of the information they receive. The system was originally in print in over 12 volumes of information. “My studies of this material have been extensive and now I offer what I have learned to my students” Jim Ventura (Old Scholar). The classes will help you to use and understand the material without the need to read all the out of print books.

4. PAST LIFE JOURNEYS
All 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

“All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.”
Wayne Dyer 
January’s New year newsletter Special!

January is a great month to have a New Year overview session to look at primary themes, challenges, and opportunities for the coming year. One symbol from each of the many different oracles I work with will be pulled to highlight 2018 for you. A New Year reading is a great way to start off your New year! Your new year reading will include:
Angel card
Viking Rune stones
Druid animal totem
Lakota Indian card
Color Oracle
Tarot Archetype
Your session can be a 45 minute, full 70 minute, or extended 90 minute reading. Clients currently receiving my Snake Oil column each month get $5 off my listed rates. Local in-office clients who choose to pay for their session in cash or by check can take advantage of another $5 discount! Credit and debit payments are always an acceptable way to cover costs of session but do not receive the added discount. Email (easiest way to book) or call to set up your January appointment: Venturasag@yahoo.com 
“The Person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” Chinese Proverb

Snake Oil Radio

Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be one live broadcast this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, January 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.

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

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 2017 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $85.00;  Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each, although no other discounts will apply).  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.