Sept. and Oct. 2019 Snake Oil/Polishing Our Diamonds

September and October 2019 Snake Oil 

Polishing Our Diamonds

In my younger years I was mesmerized by looking at the moon, stars, and planets through a telescope and enjoyed books about the planets in our solar system. The different shapes, sizes, colors and how many moons they each had were fascinating. No planet in our solar system was more beautiful than Saturn though, with it’s icy rings. Years later when I began to study Astrology I learned what part of us Saturn represents. Saturn in our natal chart is the place where we explore caution, difficult lessons, struggle, doubt and fear. It shows us the tests we go through that require circumspection, reevaluation, vigilance and often falling down a bit until we get stronger. Through the tests of Saturn over time we have the potential to become durable, confident, and often surprisingly wise and skillful in that area of our life. Saturn reminds us that if we are not understanding of the value of being disciplined and even frugal in some areas by our own choice, then Saturn will uncomfortably do it for us!

All oracles and divination tools express similar concepts in their own unique ways. Within the 22 Major Arcana cards in a Tarot deck the symbol for the Devil (15) presents an ominous image. We see the image of the devil holding a man and a woman almost like puppets enslaved. The imagery of chains is notable and we can ponder whether the chains are real or if we simply believe we are chained. The concept of an actual red man god with horns running around with a pitch fork and sending people to the pits of a world where one will supposedly eternally burn is in and of itself a fear based idea. The deeper truth of what this archetype expresses is that fear itself can enslave us. We can be trapped by circumstance, inhibition, dread and lack of experience. We can get caught up in focusing only on our belief and frustration in the trap itself, and not about how it can be resolved. 

In my natal astrology chart I have Saturn in Aquarius in my 11th house of hopes and dreams, group associations, and the ability to receive. This placement can heighten the feeling of “being a square peg in a round hole.” It can have us feeling uncomfortable with our peer groups. We often will be more comfortable in the “giver” role and find receiving in general to be uncomfortable. The classic interpretation is success later in life. All of this was unquestionably true for me in my younger years. Saturn in the 11th can show what kind of friend we are to others. I have always been the reliable one, solid, dependable, and a bit of a big brother or dad to most everyone. I hid my fears of expressing myself comfortably around people and worried often about being judged or accepted by others. The agreed upon interpretations among most astrologers about Saturn and it’s aspects were definitely valid for me. 

I can clearly remember the first time I had to read a report in front of my classmates in the 10th grade. I barely slept the night before and worried about how I would be seen by my peers. I probably actually did fairly well but was hyper critical of my own performance. Even the first time I sang publicly in karaoke at around age 19, I wanted to sing, but made sure to be hidden in the background so I would feel more comfortable. Within a few years of doing this and a bit of practice I become a lot more at ease. Now, when I sing, I want a stage and a microphone. I want people to pay attention, and love to move the audience emotionally and shine. I am now definitely a bit of a “ham.” Years of practice doing radio, public speaking, teaching classes, my years as a waiter and bartender, and now television have not only honed and improved my skills, and now I really love doing all of it. Saturn at the time made the process uncomfortable but now its mostly easy for me.

I have worked with thousands of people over the years and I see so many variations of how people stay trapped in fear. Staying with an abusive partner because you “can’t financially survive without him or her.” Staying locked into a job you don’t even really like because “you need the insurance,” or fear you are “too old to make a change.” Hiding your true sexual orientation, or other aspects of yourself from your family and friends because “they might not accept you.” The list of potential fears and ways we often cage ourselves is vast. Yet, facing these fears head on at some point is the key to not only finding a way out, but part of how we find happiness and fulfillment. Each time we face a fear and move through it we inevitably become more confident, secure, and more likely to make better choices in the future. The very process of doing this makes us less fearful in general in other area as well. Adversity can make us phobic or take us in the direction of confidence acquired through experience, the choice is ours.

The Devil card in the Tarot reversed is actually far more positive in its interpretation. It means we reject fear, we do an 180 degree turn, we let go of restrictions both emotionally and physically. We throw off our own chains. The strange reality of fear, and Saturn’s influence, in the sign, house placement, and angles to other planets in our natal chart is that often over time these things inevitably become the areas in our life where we are most talented and skillful. Caution has value when it helps us hone our skills. It can make us really good at something precisely because we were so painstaking about how we dealt with the issue. The Saturn part of us may take years or even decades before it becomes something truly strong in us. Yet, the lump of coal we uncomfortably polish overtime will become the part of us that truly shines like a diamond.

Jim Ventura 8-2019

“If you say you can or you can’t you are right either way.” Henry Ford

“There is no education like adversity.” Benjamin Disraeli

Notes:

I posted some information back in June on FaceBook that explained about the Saturn retrograde this summer through Capricorn (I have put that in this newsletter if you would like to read it again or for the first time). There were a number of other astrological influences that made this summer feel like a bit of a time of potential accomplishment or actual accomplishment, dotted with movements of real fear and doubt surfacing along the way. We were likely to have often “questioned if we are on the right course.” September 14th Saturn moves direct again. While it may have been a difficult ride in some areas this summer, typical of forward movement of Saturn, the lessons are valuable and notable. If we did it “right” we tend to feel a new maturity that can often be permanent. Kind of a “been there done that, feeling confident now about our skills, abilities and the future” disposition. Or some people will choose to stay stuck in fear and phobia. Which choice you make is of course ours to choose...

My 86 year old mother did pass in late August. I will of course write about this in more detail in a future column and talk about this more on my radio show. I can’t say it was an easy process to deal with, but rather than sadness, I felt more relieved honestly when she passed. She was often in various stages of dementia, and physically very limited and in a lot of pain. In many respects I am glad she is free of her pain, back in the Otherworld with my Dad and the many doggies Mom so loved during her time here! She rescued many dogs in her day and loved them all. My older sisters and brother were incredibly helpful in this difficult process, I knew at some point some of my siblings would prove useful, it just took decades for this to actually happen lol.

The fall is here although in Phoenix we generally down’t really feel this notably until early October. But it is truly the season I personally love the most. Wishing everyone a happy Fall, Halloween, and all that good stuff this time typically brings. I will be back with another column this November. Cheers, Jim V

From FaceBook Post June 2019:

Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Capricorn from April 18th through Mid September of 2019.... Retrogrades tend to bring something from our past back into focus for revaluation again. They can be challenging and often a little uncomfortable. 

Saturn in astrology represents the part of our experience that deals with limitations, restriction, uncomfortable tests, fear, a need for caution, yet will lead to the benefits of experience and wisdom. Saturn is the seeming “lump of coal” or part of us that we usually struggle with when we are younger but leads inevitably to a stronger constitution and the coal can become our diamond!

Saturn is “at home” in Capricorn. It moves through each sign for about 2 and a half years. Everyone will experience a sense of re-looking at what fulfills us in our work and our career when Saturn is retrograde in Capricorn. We are likely revaluate how much responsibility we take on, and whether taking that responsibility is worth it! We can get more cautious when Saturn moves through Capricorn in a negative way and feel inhibited. We can also become more circumspect in a positive way when we learn how to mull over things before making decisions and seeing why moving deliberately has value.

I recently did a show for the ListTV that actually had some substance to it! This is not easy to do in a two minute segment meant to be primarily entertainment, but with other talented help I pulled it off!

The way this retrograde and primarily Saturn's move through Capricorn can feel is different for each sign and gets more specific with the house placement and angles in your natal chart. If it is hitting your sign in a challenging way, the last few months can be bringing up some old fears. Things can feel like they are taking a long time to come to fruition. There is still clearly a light at the end of the tunnel, but you may feel some doubts and be questioning your path a bit more than usual.

If the planet is hitting you in a more positive way, you are willing to move ahead with work, practical matters, financial decisions, and even be thinking of taking on more responsibility at this time.

In either case (or somewhere in between) while adjustments may be required and some added hard work may be ahead there is a very good chance you are on the right path and perseverance is what is needed. Remember the wisdom of “be afraid and do it anyway.”

Here is the ListTv clip and info about each sign (its simplified for the web lol). Cheers, Jim V

https://www.thelisttv.com/the-list/saturn-retrograde/

“I’ve never known anyone yet who doesn’t suffer a certain restlessness when autumn rolls around... We’re all eight years old again and anything is possible.” Sue Grafton

Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. 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. 

from Kunda in Spirit Speaks magazine. 1988

You must make choices 

“Like it or nor, agreement shapes your reality. For all things happen by choice. You are not here by accident, nor are you a victim of fate. You are here, quite simply and empathetically, because you WANT to be here. Because you are an integral extension of the cosmic soul, know that on some level you consciously chose to evolve spiritually within the physical environment as a part of your divine constitution. And before you reentered the physical realm, you made certain agreements which supported not only the continuance of your spiritual lessons here, but the advancement of other entities who are also evolving in clusters with you.

You helped create the working blueprint which outlines your entire life program and also parallels your chosen destiny.

Now, every life, every personality, every situation and every experience is carefully chosen-right down to the details of your so-called death experience. This is true for all on the physical plane. With the exception of karmic intervention (the Divine hand which evens the scale of cosmic justice and also ensures your spiritual best-good), the life that you live is the very life you chose. There simply are no exceptions. And the living of it all brings the necessary experiences and lessons to bear, all of which contribute to the ultimate growth and understanding of every soul-fragment.

The agreements which you made with your soul are the opening plans for the unfoldment of that blueprint. They shape the reality of your life environment. And a life in which every agreement is refused, avoided, or even broken will only serve to teach you what such avoidance brings. Regardless of whether the physical life was completed or not, that life still remains valid to some degree, and whatever was learned will contribute to the evolution of the soul as it moves into the greater essence of its soul community...”

New Client Special 2019:

January 1st 2019 thru October 31st, 2019 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 at 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.

“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn is a mosaic of them all.” Stanley Horowitz

Snake Oil Radio

Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcast this period)

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, September 19 Th. at 3:30 p.m. mountain time. Usually one or two Thursdays each month you can catch a new show, and once a month on Sunday at 2 pm. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to 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.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive: and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. Maya Angelou

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. 

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 2019 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). mini phone session 15-20 minutes $35.  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. 

August 2019 Snake Oil/first Column from 2003

Snake Oil

When I was in my mid twenties I had a roommate named Brett. Even though our philosophies differed we were close friends. He was skeptical of the work I did, yet he was a pragmatist and was impressed that I made a living from doing readings. He doubted whether my oracles (Tarot, Numerology, Astrology, Runes) really worked at all. Even though I offered to read for him, he never allowed me to read his cards. I suspected that, like many people, he was more afraid that some of his dirty little secrets might leak out. He wore a shield of indifference and practicality, his mask of protection. It might rock his world if all that “metaphysical mumbo jumbo” really worked.

One night we went to a party and someone asked me what I did for a living. At that time I was in my twenties, insecure and feared that people would think I was a fraud when I told them I was what many people called a “psychic,” and didn’t actually have a ‘real job.” Brett jumped into the conversation and said that “Jim is a snake oil salesman,” which preyed on my insecurities. At first I was annoyed at his rude comment, but after a short time I realized it was funny. Snake oil salesmen have been the traveling hucksters, the “shysters” who sold potions and magical cures for various ailments. They were often seen as miraculous healers, and charlatans at the same time. They were praised and rewarded for their “gifts,” and alternately tarred and feathered. Usually the snake oil was actually part alcohol which simply allowed people living in puritanical times to feel good and help them to rest. This is not too far from how in “modern times” we use things like Nyquil. Many “snake oil salesmen” simply are changers of beliefs. They convince us out of our illness, and allow our bodies to heal naturally. The magic potions they sold offered the possibility of love, prosperity, or the healing of physical and emotional ailments. In many cases the elixirs actually did work.

Throughout all of our recorded history and even in what we would call “primitive societies,” healers, witch doctors, and other therapists used suggestion and hypnosis to shift their patient’s energy toward concentrating on changing illness to health. The theatrics that were part of their therapies, like dances, chants, burning of herbs, and even loud commands were meant to startle the patients. Their purpose was to shock them out of their previous beliefs and perspectives and bring them back to a belief that they were healthy. Now, in our current western medical model we consider ourselves to be more evolved and our methods far more scientific and sophisticated, yet we still use forms of hypnosis in similar ways. Highly skilled, educated doctors will scoff, or even react with disgust at the idea of a bird or chicken being ceremonially sacrificed by primitive, untrained witch doctors. At the same time, they use the “reality of science” to explain why a man may need to lose part of his throat or a woman may have to lose a breast to cancer. Our modern day physicians will hold firmly to the statistics they believe to be true and will often see no other viable solutions and neither will their patients.

 It is easy to laugh at all the “silly cultures” that believe in curses, voodoo practitioners, and influences of evil spirits. At the same time we are bombarded by endless advertisements and commercials that tell us we will get the flu if we don’t get a flu shot. You will get cancer if you don’t eat the right food. You need to be medicated if you feel depressed. Have we really advanced, or have we just exchanged our old demons for more modern devils? Have we really progressed in our world physically, psychologically and emotionally or have we arrogantly convinced ourselves that every other culture’s healing arts have been wrong?

I have studied and used many different types of healing therapies from herbs to acupuncture to hands on Reiki healing, and found that quite practically, many of these things do really work. I understand the usefulness of modern medicine, psychology, psychiatry, and other forms of healing, yet also know that there are alternative ways to approach healing. My work with oracles and metaphysical concepts have been repeatedly tested. Doing readings with oracles like selling snake oil, is unconventional, raises suspicion, yet without question works. Rune stones, Astrology, Tarot, and Numerology have been around far longer than modern psychology and western medicine. Proudly, they are this snake oil salesman's tools.

Jim Ventura 8-2003

Notes:

July, so far has been my busiest month all year. This was not expected because a summer slow down is a more common pattern here, but glad it went that way. I still enjoy working (well 25-30 hours a week for a max) but there has been a lot going on in other ways (all very positive) that absorbed up my time. It is likely that in 2020 I will do the column every other month. I will get the “promised” column about Saturn retrograde, and fear traps out next month though. 

We have just finished a Mercury retrograde in Leo. This would be all about looking at your self-esteem, creatively, and hopefully triggering your recognition of valuing the part of you that needs to shine even if you aren’t specifically a Leo! August first also marks the Lughnasadh according to the Druid calendar. This is the beginning of the harvest season. This is a reminder to look at your harvest and potentially reap the rewards of the inner or outer growth you have been working on.  Here is a little more information about this time:

“Also known as Lammas, or First Harvest, the name of this festival as Lughnasadh is Irish Gaelic for "Commemoration of Lugh". Some authors give the meaning as marriage, gathering or feast (in the name of) of Lugh. The meaning remains basically the same: Lugh is the Deity of Lughnasadh, and there is a feast.

Although Lugh gives his name to this festival, it is also associated with Lugh's foster mother Tailtiu, who is said to have cleared the way for the introduction of agriculture in Ireland, thus linking Lughnasadh to the land and the harvest.

Lughnasadh marks the beginning of the noticeable descent of the Sun into the darkness of winter. From the connection between the Earth (female principle) and the Sun (male principle), the marriage of the Sky Father (Sun God) with the Earth Mother we celebrated at Bealtaine, emerge the fruits of the first harvest of the year. Lughnasadh is a time of joy about the first fruits. It is also a time of tension, because the dark days of winter are coming nearer, and most of the harvest is not brought in and stored away yet.”

Now that August is here we are truly in the heart of the summer, great for some places and a bit of a test here in Phoenix. That said, I see benefits too; a lot less people on the roads because many of the snowbirds have flown back home! I think our monsoon storm season will be coming a bit later than usual because the searing temps were delayed. Monsoon will probably come a little later and maybe even end a bit later than usual. Bring on the rains!

Wishing everyone a Happy August. Cheers, Jim V

In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself.” Jiddu Krishnamurti

New Client Special 2019:

January 1st 2019 thru October 31st, 2019 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 at 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.

Part of my areas of metaphysical study and the work I do both within myself and with empowering my clients was many years of studying the works of Author Dick Sutphen. He was noted for his unique, empowered, and self-actualized perspectives that often made some people in the New Age field of the 80s and 90s walk out on his seminars! Here is a short piece about guilt to consider: 

Guilt

Guilt is the primary manipulation people use to entrap one another, especially within families and other close relationships. There are only two reasons for someone to want you to feel guilty: either to control you or to hurt you. Neither is worthy of your consideration. Think about some of the common lines used to trigger guilt: ‘How can you treat me like this?’; It was your fault that I was upset and didn’t get enough sleep!’; I’ve been waiting by the phone all week for you to call.’ But if you feel guilty, don’t blame them-blame yourself for allowing someone to manipulate you.

There are three kinds of guilt: 1. Current Guilt, such as not spending enough time with the kids or not calling your parents as often as you think you should; 2. Long-standing Guilt, such as guilt over leaving your ex-mate, or guilt over refusing to allow your ailing father to move in; 3. Philosophical Guilt, such as not tithing to a church or giving to a worthwhile charity when you feel it is your responsibility.

After you’ve felt guilty long enough to balance the emotion with your actions, you can feel okay with yourself. But the common pattern is to repeat the guilt-inducing actions all over again, in a never-ending spiral. If you’re going to do something about this most useless emotion, do it. If not, file it away, labeling it ‘experience,’ and get on with your life.”

Dick Sutphen The Oracle Within

Intuitive and Oracle reading classes 2019

While I no longer host group classes in my home, some of my most popular classes are still available! I will be adding a possible Skype option in late November of 2019 as well. Now classes can be in-office, by phone, or through FaceTime.

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 may 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 one person class: $55.00 or 3 classes pre-paid $150.

2 people $70 for each class ($35.00 each) 3 classes pre-paid $180 ($90.00 each).

Email me for more information and my availability calendar to book your personal intuitive and oracle development classes. Venturasag@yahoo.com

Current options:

1. TAROT CARD READING

Whether you have some experience with Tarot or have never used this oracle before, Tarot classes will assist you in understanding the wisdom and insight contained in Tarot cards. The classes will focus on teaching you how to read the Tarot for yourself and eventually for others. The Tarot can be used for prediction, to accelerate spiritual growth, and increase your awareness or “navigational life skills.” 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 for self guidance, or wish to expand into doing readings professionally, the classes will assist you on your road to mastering the Tarot.

2. ASTROLOGY-101 

Astrology classes will teach you all of the basics to read any Astrology chart. You will learn to interpret your own chart, as well as those of others. You will gain insight into house placements, signs, symbols, angles, retrograde planets, cusps, transits, etc... We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives. Working with your unique astrology chart (western astrology, Placidus house system) will help you with understanding yourself, your unique skills, challenges, and how to use this knowledge to navigate through this life with more empowerment. 

3. MICHAEL MATERIAL

* What is your soul age? The soul age of friends, family, and people all around you ?

* How do past lifetimes influence us in the present ?

* What does karma feel like, and how does it work ?

* How does your chief negative feature impact your life, and can it be changed?

* What happens when your partner is an idealist and you are a realist ?

* What is your life goal? Is it dominance, acceptance, flow, discrimination, growth, reevaluation,  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 is your centering and 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. This series is highly recommended! 

4. PAST LIFE JOURNEYS

All aspects of past life exploration, from hypnosis, dreaming techniques, past life regressions 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. The classes will increase understanding of relationship patterns, release fear and phobia’s, letting go of allergies, and other blockades are some of the many possibilities connected with this type of study. “Desire to live again, because that will be your lot in any case.” Nietzsche

5. INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT

I have been studying many different aspects of metaphysics for 35 years now. This has made me well versed on many different subjects in the field. You can tap into this data base of knowledge! I am like a living breathing huge set of encyclopedia’s! You can use a class or a series of classes to discuss developing your intuitive abilities in a number of different areas. Some examples: Lucid dreaming, out of body experiences, crystals, how often should you do readings, developing empathic abilities and boundary setting with others, talking to angels and spirit guides, meditation, What do repeating number messages say to us, adjusting vibrations as you grow, channeling, chakra clearing, etc...When we commit to listening more to our inner self it is natural to change many different aspects of the way we live life in the process.

“Relationships based upon need, are based upon how to avoid losing. When you resist loss, you draw it to you.” Dick Sutphen

“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” Brennan Manning

Snake Oil Radio

Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcast this period)

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, August 8 Th. at 3:30 p.m. mountain time. Usually one or two Thursdays each month you can catch a new show, and once a month on Sunday at 2 pm. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to 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.

“Many of the most deeply spiritual moments of my life haven’t happened just in my mind or in my soul. They happened while holding my son in the middle of the night, or watching the water break along the shore, or around my table, watching the people I love feel nourished in all sorts of ways.” Shauna Niequist

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. 

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 2019 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). mini phone session 15-20 minutes $35.  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. 

July 2019 Snake Oil/Getting Punched in a Box

July 2019 Snake Oil 

Getting punched in a box

I have always had a very strong ability to remember a good amount of my past history in great detail. This includes childhood memories, some that even go back to when I was three or four. I have times when I remember things “out of the blue.” Often this can be a trigger from a song or smell that sets the memory off. It’s almost like I access a memory file that was buried for some time. When I was between the ages of nine and eleven my friends and I would often play dodge ball, volley ball, badminton, and other active games in my friends Pam and Ricky’s backyard. They had the biggest yard for this so it helped increase their popularity in the neighborhood. We would often play her forty five records on her record player when she brought it outside. So many of those seventies songs when I hear them, trigger these and other memories. Songs like It’s a Miracle, or Mandy by Barry Manilow, The last Song by Edward Bear, or Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves by Cher still bring back happy nostalgia. We especially loved Dizzy by Tommy Roe and would sometimes play it and just spin around wildly until we were literally dizzy. In exhaustion, we would fall to the soothing grass and laugh. It was fun to push our bodies to their limits and the limberness and quick recovery of youth made this a far easier proposition than my middle aged body of today. 

The childhood tests of building strength and feats of pushing our limits grew in size and complexity along with our bodies. We set up obstacle courses, jumped from rooftops, and did stunts on bicycles and skateboards, never questioning societies’ standards of what a boy or girl should or shouldn’t be doing. There was a comfortable and unquestioned mix of girls and boys that I hung out with before the teen years and puberty began to shift some of this dynamic. We slid at times on asphalt off skateboards and roller skates, scraping out skin, nearly getting knocked out and somehow we survived all of it. During my childhood wearing helmets and protective gear were rarely a priority in the late seventies and early eighties. The things we did would likely seem insane to parents and children alike today. We live in a much more protective society when it comes to children. I am not completely sure whether this shift in society has made us weaker and less resilient or somewhat wiser.

I recently remembered a game my friends started playing when I was about twelve. We always got excited when someone in the neighborhood got a new dishwasher or refrigerator. We couldn’t give a damn about any of those appliances but we creatively saw the potential of that huge cardboard box! Often it would become a clubhouse or simply a box to play in when we came up with any number of ingenious games connected to the big box. One day we had the brilliant idea of putting one kid in the box. It was open at the top but you would be enclosed by four walls and the base. Once inside we would take turns punching the crap out of the box as hard as we could. The kid inside would have to dodge the blows and see how long they could endure the assault. We made rules about how to play the game, but there was, of course always one kid who would start violently kicking the box or he would throw rocks over the top for another level of assault. He would eventually get even nuttier by suggesting we maybe grab a baseball bat or something worse. Fortunately we never crossed that line though we had standards of course lol!

The funny part was the pain of getting beaten up and even badly bruised by staying as long as you could inside and handling the blows in the box. It  was an honored win somehow. We would even argue and fight about “whose turn it was to be in the box!” It was almost equally exhausting punching the box too. Looking back on this twisted memory had me laughing but I also realized that we did this game a number of times and it was one of our “cool things” for a while.

While boys and girls may have different ideas of what risk is, they often actually overlap. We all have times when we push the envelope and enjoy the adrenaline of risk. Our individual ways of dealing with risk and competitiveness can actually be seen clearly in our natal astrology charts. The sign on the cusp of the fifth house or especially planets in this house of life show our style and whether we do this aggressively or cautiously. The fifth house shows us our potential for risk, romance, gambling, play, competitiveness, creativity, children and our capacity for showmanship. All these things may seem different but each potentially increase our adrenaline and our ability to stretch our limits. We feel alive when we risk. We risk approval when we perform, create something, flirt, or even have children. We have to inevitably put those children out into the world for societal review. We hope to get good reviews. In a deeper sense a life with no risk is no life. There is a similar feel the the fifth house of life with strong Leo placements in a chart.

Television and movies are ripe with examples of a fascination with risk and potential reward. Shows like Discovery channels Naked and Afraid, or game shows where contestants eat gross things or compete in challenges for money, fame and hopefully both are abundant. Sports in the myriad of different forms are appealing to watch and we understandably marvel at how athletes push their bodies to the limit and show off their skills. Karaoke, or being in a play, as well as public speaking all gives us an opportunity to perform. People workout to show off a strong hot body and beauty typically brings better treatment from the world around us. Skiing, race car driving and even enjoying horror movies all push the envelope of risk in various degrees. Some obsessively improve the inside and outside of their homes to be the “best on the block.” Perfect lawns and beautiful flowers and trees can be part of our “show.” The line between showmanship and risk is blurry. Far, far more connects the two than separates them. 

In my natal chart I have three planets (Mars, Uranus, and Pluto) in my fifth house all in a Virgo conjunction. My playfulness, competitiveness and creative skills have always been a big priority for me. I, of course, do it practically, methodically and often after lots of practice inevitably very well in true Virgo style. I gamble once a week but use a lot of math calculations to do so which helps minimize the house advantages notably. The work of math feels like play to me. We all need to risk sometimes. Life can be dry and sterile without a bit of this. Hopefully as we get older we do this with a bit more wisdom than the crazy reckless explorations from our childhood days. But whatever your style of risk and how you get adrenaline is likely perfect for you. Humans and animals are meant to play and feel the flow of risk. It keeps us happier, and we are better at enjoying the healing power of laughing more when we can look back at our “dumber” times of risk. Whether our past risks worked out or not the benefits are numerous; our performances get better each time, we get stronger, more confident, and braver each time we take a risk. So, whose ready for a fun game of getting punched in a box?

Jim Ventura 6-2019

Notes:

I was halfway through writing about Saturn’s current retrograde movement in Capricorn this summer when I decided to put it on hold to write this column. There were a lot of triggers that pushed me to write this, maybe PTSD from being punched in a box during childhood? The energy in society in general seems heavy now and I felt a break with something lighter fit right at this time. My childhood stories seem to generally be audience favorites and I am often told this. If you haven’t read my first book (info later in the newsletter on ordering a copy or a live read computer CD to play on your computer) Dirty Little Secrets, there is a number of childhood stories in this book. I wrote most of it in my mid thirties when I was much younger and some of the essays were even written in my twenties. The Saturn retrograde column will likely be next months piece, including a link to the spot I did for ABC’s The LISTTV. 

Bizarre and sometimes destructive weather patterns in the country (hell all over the world) continue, but we have lucked out so far this early part of summer in Phoenix compared to most years. We hardly even made it to 100 most of our June days and it stayed in the 70s for most nights. I have mentioned before that weather is a real physical thing obviously but also a reflection of group consciousness and energy expressed in different ways and different regions. All of these things are interconnected.

I have been doing a lot of marketing and studying on reaching more clients for my personal sessions by phone or in-office, radio shows, and column posts. I am getting results and learning a lot along the way in the process but spending more money on advertising than I usually do. This will likely mean a slight increase in my rates in 2020. Clients currently in my Regular Client Program (monthly, or quarterly consistent sessions) will not see any increase in their already discounted rates. More information later in the newsletter about this program if you would like to join.

Wishing everyone a happy July Cheers, Jim V

“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

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.

“Again, the body always reflects the state of the psyche and the filter of a given age. Those in middle age may observe with concern and dismay their bodies of youth losing their fine, sharp edges, as the bathroom scale seems determined to torment you at every opportunity, the flexibility of youth giving way to awakening new and unwelcome aches and pains.

Remember the filters of life.Youth is the age of exploration, the span of inquisitive and searching experience in every facet of life. Flowing from this, early adulthood is a time of choice, when much exploration may still be required to choose effectively.

By middle age, most choices are made. What need had the middle-aged adult for the strength and agility of youth? There is no reason, given the filter of consolidation, why that body need be maintained.

The psyche supplies a constant flow of energy into your life. In youth, that energy is almost all directed into the body, its construction, growth and explorations. In middle age, with exploration behind, that energy is better spent intellectually, in meeting with the demands of one’s career, marriage and parenthood. It is not that the body is in decline but that the focus of one’s energy shifts from pure physical activity to physical activity driven by intellect. The psyche is thus reconfigured to devote more energy to the mind, to focused concentration on the choices made, rather than frenetic activity. 

Now, as you are seeing in your day, there is a rise in the number of men and women who can continue to perform athletically almost as well as they did in youth. Once again, your beliefs built upon the medical model of a body decaying from birth are being laughed off the planet. There is no reason whatsoever why the body cannot remain fit, vigorous, vital and active for the entire duration of life: indeed, this is the plan. It is only when you saddle the body’s innate resilience with beliefs about aging, about death, that you find the literal results in the breakdown of so many elderly bodies. As one more slap in the face of science and medicine, then, as the New Dawn approaches you find middle-aged and elderly persons demonstrating athletic prowess to put to shame many in the stage of youth.

We say this to emphasize that, while the psyche does refocus its energy into the intellect, rather than youth’s exclusive concentration on activity, there is no suggestion that the body must decline in resilience or strength. It may require more work to maintain that tone, however...”

Whatever happened to Divine Grace. by Ramon Stevens

“There is a fountain of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Sophia Loren

“Happiness is a risk. If you’re not a little scared, then you’re not doing it right.” Sarah Addison Allen

New Client Special 2019:

January 1st 2019 thru October 31st, 2019 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 at 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.

“Age considers; youth ventures.” Rabindranth Tagore

“If you don’t do anything stupid when you’re young, you won’t remember something funny when your old.” Unknown

Snake Oil Radio

Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcast this period)

My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, July 11th at 3:30 p.m. mountain time. Usually one or two Thursdays each month you can catch a new show, and once a month on Sunday at 2 pm. 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.

“Opportunity and risk come in pairs.” Bangambiki Habyarimana

Regular Client Program

One of the best programs I have been doing for 18 years now is my Regular client program. The program is designed to benefit my clients at multiple levels. Clients who enroll in the program come in every three months for personal sessions (monthly or every other month sessions are also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to use the signs and signals that are all around us, and conquering fear-based programming permanently. We also get to do work with all the many different oracles I currently work with! My Regular client program has resulted in some tremendous spiritual evolution for hundreds of people over the years. Some of my Regulars have gone on to do spiritual counseling, or similar types of work and some are healing and guiding others personally and professionally. The progress I have seen over the years among the majority of my Regular clients has been phenomenal. It is wonderful to see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have assisted in motivating. So many of my Regular clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You can join this program as well, just ask.

More about the Regular Client Program... This program was designed to create an easy, cost effective way for my clients to progress in their spiritual development. 

When we are consistent at attending to our body/mind/spirit, we naturally move through life with more harmony and greater joy. When our spiritual awareness is heightened and fine tuned we are often happier which helps us to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including occasional personal challenges because we see them as inevitably beneficial. We can truly assist the people around us. Human beings learn by example. Your intimate partnerships, friendships, family, and children benefit when you are in a good space.

The Regular Client Program makes it easier to prioritize keeping your spiritual, emotional and even physical “garden” free of weeds. In China, the professional soothsayer is a reverent and dignified calling.  It does not attract the sort of suspicion it does in the western world. In fact, in most eastern cultures, seeing an oracle reader is a sign of wisdom, success, and prestige. If you have an interest in increasing these attributes and working with a highly skilled navigational consultant then the Regular Client Program may be right for you.

Regular client discounted rates for 2014-2019:

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 CHOOSE  TO PREPAY 3 OR MORE SESSIONS YOU RECEIVE AN EVEN BIGGER DISCOUNT. 

(prepaid three quarterly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $175. (3) -  70 minute sessions $240. (3) - 90 minute sessions $285.

(prepaid three monthly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $150. (3) - 70 minute sessions $210. (3) - 90 minute sessions $250.

* 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.

When we are out of balance, and not attending to our spiritual sides we are more likely to: hold onto the past, feel anxious about the present, and fearful about the future. Oracle readings and navigational consultations help us keep clear of lower energies and bring us to a higher awareness in all areas of our lives. Developing our intuitive abilities increases our potential for happy relationships, excellent health, and keep us excited about wherever our lives are headed. The majority of my clients come in for a session once or twice a year or when a crisis triggers them. My Regular clients use the sessions as PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.

If you are interested in signing up for this program call or e mail me VenturaSag@yahoo.com   

Three Books Available from Jim Ventura

Metaphysical Books:

Dirty Little Secrets

Storyteller and professional oracle reader Jim Ventura takes his readers on a wild literary ride. Dirty Little Secrets is a collection of short essays. The book explores some of society’s perceptions about what people often consider to be dirty little secrets best kept to oneself. The book tackles subjects with unflinching honesty: drug use, sexual addiction, unrequited love, revenge, childhood weirdness, homosexuality, and the old souls quest to experience magic and miracles in everyday life. The author holds little back in expressing his quest for enlightenment. Dirty Little Secrets illustrates how meaning, spirituality and humor can be found to be embedded in every experience. Also available on audio Cd - can be played on any computer!

Snake Oil Volume One

Jim Ventura has been writing his monthly Snake Oil column for 15 years. Volume One is a collection of his first five years of Snake Oil. This volume also includes nine Snake Charms. Practical explanations and instruction for meditation, ear conning, lucid dreaming, etc... Jim’s Snake Oil philosophy is all about changing the perceptions of how we view life to include metaphysical perspectives into all of our experiences. We benefit by expanding our consciousness, while we keep our feet planted firmly on the ground in this world at the same time. Snake Oil reminds us that we can also grow to become more enlightened while finding the wisdom of humor in ourselves and the world around us.

Practical guide to Gambling (not a Metaphysical book)

Wise Guys Volume One

Is it possible to gamble for free? Can you gamble and actually win money every time? Are there tricks and systems that can help you beat the games? The answer to these questions for most of you is going to be no. It is nearly impossible to be able to gamble without spending money or to consistently win. The majority of people who gamble will lose and rarely have any big wins. Casino slot machines and table games have built-in formulas to make the casinos a consistent long term profit. Most “systems” to beat the house don’t work. 

Now with that painful bit of reality out of the way we can get to the good stuff, You can still come out even or ahead fairly often if you learn how to play smarter.  You can learn to be a savvy gambler who takes advantage of comps, gets free invitations to slot tournaments with huge prizes, spends very little money out-of-pocket, gets free rooms in Vegas and casinos all over the country, and receives brand new appliances, free money to gamble with, and a ton of other freebies. This is what Wise guys is all about. A wise and knowledgeable gambler can frequently take free rides! This book is currently only available in digital format-$7.

Each book is $12 including tax 

($3 for shipping for each book in US). $15 total. 

To request any or both Books email Venturasag@yahoo.com or ask for a copy next time you are here in office.

You can send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix Az 85008. You can also pay by charge or Debit thru Paypal. Feel free to request to have any of your copies signed!

Limited time offer: Wise Guys guide to gambling is only available on PDF to read on your computer: $7

You can also order Dirty Little Secrets or Snake Oil Volume One directly on Amazon.com

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. 

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 2019 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. 

Me at age 10 playing the game Connect Four. 35 years later still really good at playing and winning at games!