Rising Star
A few glowing words about Maria Shaw by Trudy Bowler ~ This was originally published by The Review Magazine in Mid-Michigan July 17, 2003

Anyone who may run across celebrity astrologer and author Maria Shaw's bio on her website would likely to be surprised to find that this amazing woman who has suddenly found her life thrust into the bright lights of Hollywood is still very grounded and happy to remain in her home in a Mid-Michigan town.

With a strong commitment to those who have been with her since the beginning, Maria is committed to keeping Michigan as her home.�� Michigan born and raised, Maria remains in Mid-Michigan and makes it clear that she intends to stay right where she is.�� "I am not going anywhere."� She explains passionately.� "This will always be my home."� This commitment is certainly a comfort for those who have trusted Maria for 13 years to give honest and accurate advice.

Appearing on television shows such as "Mr. Personality", "Blind Date", "Soap Talk" and "The Anna Nicole Show", America is quickly falling in love with this very real Michigan resident along with her honest, realistic and sometimes humorous readings.� Never claiming that her readings are a blueprint for life, Maria makes it very clear that what she offers is simply a guide; it is up to the individual as to what how they use this information.

Not forgetting where she comes from Maria makes a point of helping out local businesses by holding workshops, lectures and book signings.� Looking at her schedule it is clear that Maria does more than talk about giving back to her community.� The months of August and September Maria is home in Michigan and sharing her gift with local businesses and their customers.�

The Lighthouse Spiritual Center will be welcoming Maria on August 6 at 6:00 PM.� This evening promises to be an event to remember.� Maria will be offering her Soul Mate Workshop. This national seminar has been presented in Chicago and New Orleans as well as other major cities.� If you are looking for your soul mate or want to learn more about your own soul, this is the evening to attend.� This seminar is not scheduled in Michigan again this year.� To reserve tickets call 989-894-8580 or stop by The Lighthouse Spiritual Center at 309 East Midland Street in Bay City for more details.� Tickets will be $35.00 in advance or $45.00 at the door.� Make sure you stop by� The Lighthouse and pick up a copy of Maria's book "Enchanted Soul" or "Heart And Soul" to ensure they won't be sold out before this workshop as Maria will be signing copies of her books as well that evening.

A very special day for clients old and new is scheduled for August 23 in Saginaw.� Maria and her friends will be at the Hampton Inn for Customer Appreciation Day.� For Maria this is a day to catch with many of the people who have been with her since the beginning.� This is Maria's way of catching up with people she hasn't seen in awhile and day to simply say thank you to those who have helped her on her journey.� The cost for this event is five dollars admission and twenty dollars for 3 readings with any of the wonderful people that Maria will have attending with her.� Maria's services are offered for her usual rates.� Everyone that offers any kind of service at this event is hand picked by Maria.� Some are past student of Maria's and others are people that she knows and trusts to be honest and ethical.

Body, Mind And Soul of Saginaw will welcome Maria as their guest September 24 as she joins this cozy shop for a lecture and book signing.� For time and details give Fran a call at 989-797-2222 or stop by the shop at 933 Gratiot Ave and pick up one of Maria's books� "Heart And Soul" or "Enchanted Soul" in advance.�

While many astrologers and psychics will ask many questions before a reading, Maria prefers to have as little information as possible.� "Many people like to sit down and give you all kinds of information." She explains. "I prefer they don't, as it will influence the reading."��

Relying on astrology alone does not suit this vibrant, energetic woman.� Maria offers various services including a natal chart reading covering all 12 houses, sun, rising and moon sign and an exploration of past lives.� For some guidance of the next 18 months there is the natal, numerology and intuitive reading or if you are looking for some guidance on just the next few months try a mini reading.� Not liking to be called a psychic Maria relies on her intuition to guide her readings.� Like her mother she relies on that intuition and knowledge to help guide others in their search for inner peace and a fulfilled life.

While Maria calls herself an Astrologer and Author she is much more than that.� As she describes her workshops and seminar and other events it becomes very clear that she is more of a personal growth guide than someone who simply reads an astrology chart.�

Sharing a venue with the likes of John Gray (Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus), Deepak Chopra (The Deeper Wound) and� James Van Praagh (The Beyond Show).�� Maria seems to fit right in with these people who work to help others find what it is that they are seeking in life.� Astrology may be her tool, but her heart is what will bring people back to her time and time again.� Honest, warm, vibrant and compassionate Maria makes a person feel as if they have known her all their life and can trust her with their deepest secrets.� It is not surprising that even psychologists are known to refer their clients to this warm, caring woman, who looks beyond the stars to see the person sitting in front of her.

With a very strong value for what is right and wrong Maria will not offer advice on how to hurt others and has been known to refuse a reading for that very reason in the past.� With her goal of helping other this simply goes against who she is and why she is here.�

While Maria seems to be the right fit for her clients she encourages anyone seeking an astrologer to shop around.� "You will shop around for a doctor or stockbroker until you find one that you like."� Maria explains.� "It's all about energy."� Finding the right energy and connection with the person who is offering you a reading is vital to getting a good clear reading.� If you are not open to that person they will not be open to you, take Maria's sage advice and shop around.

If you don't have time to stop by one of the events that Maria is offering in Bay City or Saginaw you might check out her Psychic Fair in Midland On September 20-21 at the Holiday Inn.

If you schedule doesn't allow time for any of these events you can catch Maria's radio show.� She joins Lisa and Dylan every Wednesday morning from 8-9 on 100.5 The Fox.

Also don't miss her monthly column in "Soap Opera Digest" or "Tiger Beat" (yes the same "Tiger Beat" from your teenage memories).� Don't miss out on the opportunity to read one of her books, she has a large selection and everything is written so they can be read by teen and adult alike.� As the mother of two daughters Maria makes a point of writing in a manner that would be appropriate even for teens.� "I write my books for what I want my own children to read."�

Keep and eye on Maria Shaw as you can bet on seeing much more of her in the coming months.� She has a calendar for teen girls coming out in October, a new book in the works and all kind of wonderful surprises coming up.�� She is a rising star and that star isn't showing any sign of stopping until it reaches the heavens.� Take the time to read her books or attend one of her events, you will leave experience feeling better than you came in.

For information on a private phone reading or to organize a group event call Maria at 810-631-6887 or to get information on any of her scheduled events.�� Don't forget to check out her website www.mariashaw.com and sign up for her newsletter, it is jam packed with information about her upcoming events and advice on real life.� Give you heart and soul a boost and get to know this amazing lady.