Free Help to Those Who Would Like To Lose Weight!

I am doing some research on using astrology when dieting. As many of you know, when I give readings, I usually tell people when their weight gain and weight loss years are as well as the best time to start diets, etc. But now, I want to take my research a step further and put together a group of people who will use my advice while they are dieting and see if using astrology can help them lose weight. I am looking for people who have late degree Cancer rising or early degree Leo rising signs. These are the folks that are most apt to lose weight in the next few months. This is not something you have to meet in person for. We can do all of this by email over the next few months. You can use any diet plan you like that has worked for you in the past but somehow couldn't stick to long term because of your willpower. I would like to counsel you as you go through the diet by using astrology techniques. I plan on using your success stories in the future but will change your name to protect your identity if you like.

If anyone would like to do this, I am going to need 1 person of each zodiac sign to volunteer. There is no cost to you. You just let me tell your story. I will work with you through email every week and also have one discussion of the phone. You will need to know your birth day and birth time for this. Please check with your doctor before you start any diet program. I plan to work with you for 4-6 weeks. Basically, what I will do, are free consultations regarding the diet, your willpower and techniques based on your astrology chart to keep you motivated, on track and losing weight. Please email me if you'd like to be a part of this at askmariashaw@aol.com. Do this only if you can commit to it for 4-6 weeks and really want to lose weight. I will choose 1 person for each zodiac sign and would like to begin the program June 1.

This Weekend's Events

I will be in New Orleans for the Women's Expo at the Ponchatrain Center (actually in Kenner, LA.) I will be speaking at 12 noon and 2p.m. on Saturday, May 21 and on Sunday, May 22nd at 12:30 and 2:30p.m.

I'll have a booth there as well with my books, products and CDs. Aimee Buckle will be doing angel readings from the booth too. Please stop by and say hello. Tammy from Vacations at Sea will also be on hand throughout the weekend to sign folks up for our annual cruise this December.

Astro News

Are you ready to explode? Do you feel out of touch with life? Are you extremely tired these days? It's as if your body is exhausted but your mind won't shut down. There isn't any rest for the weary. The cosmos are creating some explosive feelings within many of us now, just waiting to erupt....some that have simmering for a while.

The planet Mars (God of War) is conjuncting Uranus (expect the unexpected) right now. This makes you feel irritable, excited and maybe even angry; like you're ready to explode. Some of you may use this energy in a very positive way. Now's the time for an unexpected offer or opportunity to drop in your lap. Maybe it already has and you are making some changes in your life because of it. You may be using this energy in a negative way and not even be aware that that's what you're doing. If that's the case, you are definitely feeling like you're ready for a fight. You could be overwhelmed about an issue or maybe just feel a need to tell someone off.

At this time, all of us should find an outlet for this energy. Get outta the house, walk a few miles each day or start an exercise program. If you don't use this energy in some way, it may lead to an accident. On a deeper level, this is a time of release...releasing old emotional wounds, that you may have held onto, for a long time. This could be a "breakthru" period if you use these energies correctly.

You may have felt the effect of Mars/Uranus the most, this past weekend but it will still take a while to dissolve itself so don't be surprised if your sleep patterns are a little weird until the end of the month. And don't be surprised if you find yourself flyin' off the handle over the slightest things. Be patient with others who are acting strange.

Nice Letters We Get

Hi Maria,

First, before my question, I want to thank you for the advice you gave me (and my mom) in relation to helping my father survive his health crisis... things are truly looking hopeful there.

This is something that just totally freaks me out and I'd like to know if you think there is something supernatural going on! My maternal grandmother died in 1998 and at the time was living with my parents.After she died, she had two important rings that my mom treasured because she was with my grandfather when he bought them for Granny. After Granny's death, those rings were gone. We have turned the house upside-down for six years searching for those rings. No kidding, we have continued the search for years.Saturday night, my mom said she was in bed thinking about Granny because of Mother's Day and it was the first time she really, really strongly felt Granny's presence, and said it was a truly wonderful, warm feeling. When Mom got up Sunday morning (Mother's Day), those two rings were sitting right there on her dresser beside her brush. My mom almost fainted. She thinks somehow, that they were a gift from Granny. It's one of those things that is wonderful but scary and impossible to understand. No one had been at Mom's house except her and Dad.

Maria, is it possible for souls on the other side to do something like this?

Kathryn

Dear Kathryn Yes! That was Granny's way of letting her know she was with her. Moving objects and creating energy takes a lot of energy from a spirit to do that but someone it was important to Granny to let your Mom know, especially with mother's day and everything. That is a wonderful spiritual experience, a gift from the heavens and something that most people will never experience. What a spiritual gift and blessing!

Maria

Dear Maria,

I hope you remember me, I am Lisa from California. You did a reading for me last December and one for my girlfriend. Much of what you forecasted has happened.

I very much look forward to Saturn transiting out in July. Over the past few years I have endured breast cancer, the loss of key friendships, my dog, and the "relationship" issue, had a hysterectomy and the loss of my Uncle. My job has changed twice and life has felt like a constant struggle. You sure nailed that one! Through it all much good has come. My outlook remains positive.

You have been on my mind. Thank you for all the good information in your newsletters. The Saturn Transit information helped me so much. I can keep things in perspective and I have something wonderful to look forward to in July...Saturn going out of Cancer!

Lisa

Thanks Lisa for writing. I have heard from many people who appreciated the Saturn in Cancer newsletters and hearing from everyone. I have also heard from many Leo people who are a little worried about Saturn going into Leo in July. Take heart, because you're lessons may not be the same as the Cancericans. Leo has different issues and soul lessons that Cancers do. But if there is something you need to let go, let go of it now so its not an issue when Saturn comes to call...like a dead job or a bad relationship.

News from the Olde Victorian Inn

Congrats to our friends at the Olde Victorian Inn in New Orleans. Many of you know Keith and André so I wanted to share their good news. Some of you met them at VooBrew before our cruise last year, and many of you have visited them when I did the Victorian Enchantment Weekends in New Orleans back in the 1990's.

Anyone thinking of visiting New Orleans a few days before or after our cruise, should stop by and check out their lovely home/B&B. I am so excited for Keith and André because they are being recognized nationally for their wonderful property and day spa. I love to visit the Inn...it has a glorious atmosphere. You feel as if you've stepped back in time, into a bygone, elegant era.

Anyway, here's the story that came out last week:

Little New Orleans B&B and Day Spa

Honored On OUT Magazines "Hot List" for 2005

NEW ORLEANS, LA-Miss Celie's Spa Orléans and Olde Victorian Inn, 914 N. Rampart Street in the French Quarter, was lauded in the June 2005 edition of OUT magazine for their hotel and spa.

June is the publication's Hot Issue. Those making the list are "the people, places, and things that will make Summer 2005 sizzle!"

Here is what the Senior Editor, Jeffrey Epstein, had to say:

Hottest Hotel: Miss Celie's Olde Victorian Inn, New Orleans

Looking for a little respite from your booze and beads next time you're in N'awlins? Miss Celie's, run by partners Keith and André West-Harrison, boasts not only antique furnishings and fireplaces in the heart of the French Quarter but pampering by a staff of quadrupeds including spa manager Sadie Chanel, a bulldog (one of six dogs, one cat and two turtles at your service). That is a far cry from the original staff. "Back in the day, you used to pay for a room and get a girl for free," explains Keith of the house's 19th century origins. While that element is gone, the spa, originated by namesake Celie Brune, has returned. "Miss Celie was not a pretty woman herself," explains Keith, "but she enjoyed making other women look pretty." The West-Harrisons also take pride in their huge, home-cooked breakfasts (peach stuffed vanilla pancakes, anyone?) and the fact they can go 45 days without repeating a recipe. Amazingly, they manage to stay fit: "With six dogs, there's a lot of walking to do."

Long known as a hip spot to stay, Miss Celie's Olde Victorian Inn and Spa has been a favorite of the travel industry. Hotel favorite of both Frommer's and Fodor's New Orleans Travel Guides for years, the addition of the spa has only increased their exposure.

Research into the history of the French Quarter B&B showed addition of the Spa actually returned the building to it past. Maria Shaw wrote a book called Welcome to Our Breakfast Table: the Olde Victorian Inn, about the Inn's history and infamous past owners:

"Back in 1883, Miss Celie Brune, a lively Creole woman, pampered New Orleans' socialites at her Maison de Beauté. The salon was located in a parlor of 914 N. Rampart St., the Rooming House owned by Mlle. Lizzy Agnes Francais. Lizzy, the eccentric widow of an indigo baron, spent most of her life traveling. It was during these journeys, with Miss. Celie as her nursemaid, that they discovered the great European Spas. Returning to New Orleans, they recreated those opulent surroundings in the home she was given by Lucien Mansion, a free man of color. A luxurious way to relax and refresh one's appearance, she attracted many of the prominent Storyville Madams and "working girls." The building was bequeathed to Miss Celie in 1890 by Lizzy upon her death.

Reborn, Miss Celie's Spa Orléans, again pampers her clientele in the Grand French Quarter Manor. The spa menu has just been updated to include a global approach to wellness and beauty, and the owners' have recently created their own skin and body products marketed under the Spa Orléans name. For more information please contact Keith West-Harrison at 504-522-7288 or misscelie@spaorleans.com

OUT Magazine, June 2005