| The Traveling Healer An Edge Life Expo 2003 Preview Interview with Astrologer Maria Shaw by Tim Miejan Maria Shaw, whose column on astrology appears regularly in The EDGE, will be a guest speaker from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Edge Life Expo 2003 in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Her talk will be based on her latest book of the same title, Soul Mates and Cell Mates. She asks us: "Are you a prisoner of love? Or a romantic searching for a past life lover?" She will offer the top five reasons people stay in negative relationships and ways to "get out for good." She also will explore the many different types of soul connections -- family, friends, soul groups, past lives and lovers -- and conclude her talk with a relaxing, guided meditation to help you discover your soul mate. She took time to answer a few questions that reveal more about this former television news anchor who has become a nationally known astrologer, author and healer. You will be speaking at Edge Life Expo on the topic of "Soul Mates and Cell Mates." What is it that you want everyone to know about that topic? Maria Shaw: There's hope! This workshop is fun. It's serious, but fun. For those who have found their soul mate and for those who are still searching, they'll gain a lot of insight into the deeper meanings of their closest relationships. I've talked about soul mates for the past year on my national tour. Now I'm adding "cell mates" to the mix! We've all been in love prison before. But why do we stay and how can we break the chains that bind? Those are some topics we'll be discussing. I'll also guide the audience through a soul mate meditation to discover who they've had a past life with. This workshop relates to my new book by the same name. And something new I've added is a numerology formula, "Is your marriage blessed or cursed?" People can find out what lessons and karma they have created because of their chosen wedding date. Of all the things you have done up to this point, what are you most thankful for having had the opportunity to do? Shaw: To travel all over the country and meet so many wonderful people! These past few years I have made lot of new friends and acquaintances. The United States is so large, but yet so small. I love discovering the variety of energies I feel in each city I visit. I'm also thankful for the chance to write and have work published in such a broad arena. How would you describe your purpose or reason for being here now? Shaw: "A traveling healer." That's what it shows in my astrology chart...that my purpose and path in life is to be traveling healer! And this past year, I have started fulfilling this destiny. I have been on a national tour, traveling all over the country talking to people about relationships, soul mates and past lives. A lot of people will e-mail or call after my seminars and tell me how much of a difference I have made in their lives. Some people say I've brought them a sense of peace. This is so amazing to me! I am so thankful that God is giving me the opportunity to share spiritual information with others. I'm not a Reiki master or a traditional healer, but I think what I have to offer is "emotional healing." You can't begin to physically heal until you deal with what's on the inside. I believe when someone has found their true purpose or path, there's a synchronicity about life. Things just fall into place. I feel so blessed and thankful that I've found my path. What single defining moment caused you to devote your life toward your purpose? Shaw: When I met by birth mother. I was adopted and was reunited with her when I was 23 years old. She was an astrologer and a very spiritual person. She taught me so much in the short period we had together before she died of cancer in 1997. If it wasn't for meeting her, I don't know if I would be where I am today. You have been a professional astrologer for quite some time. What about astrology is most misunderstood and you wish more people would understand? Shaw: Astrology is often misunderstood and underestimated by the general public. Professional astrologers often get lumped in with gypsy fortune tellers and Ms. Cleo. While I respect the other new age arts and those people who lend a professional image to the industry, I want people to know that astrology is not a fortune-telling device. It can forecast trends and aspects, but the stars guide, they don't decide. We all have the power of free will. Astrology is a science -- and an ancient one at that. It is also an art. It can give us insight to who we are and what our life purpose is, as well as time periods to expect challenges and opportunities. The science to astrology is planetary movement/position and how they interact with one's planet positions at birth. The art to astrology is in the interpretation. What daily practice that you follow has the most meaning for you -- and why? Shaw: Taking my kids to school in the morning. Rather than having my girls take the bus to school, I drive them every day just to share a little extra time with them. The half hour trip means a lot. When you find yourself in a negative state of mind, how do you return to balance? Shaw: That's a great question to ask a Cancer, the most emotional sign in the zodiac! I usually call up a friend who's opinions I respect and listen to their advice. I also look at the astrological aspects for the day and find out what's going on in my chart. Understanding and using astrology has helped me so much to work through challenging periods in my life. I've gained a lot of insight by using it. It helps me to understand what changes need to be made in my life and what lessons I need to learn. When I'm really down and nothing seems to work, I get creative. I will start writing a column or work on another book. Getting creative keeps juices flowing. I feel better when I'm expressing myself in some way. Who do you look up to as a role model or source of inspiration? Shaw: People who dream big. Most people don't dream big enough. When we're young, we have all of these aspirations of being a great musician or writing a book or having a home on the ocean. When we get older, we make excuses for not going after our highest hopes. A lot of people settle for less and then complain about their lives. I admire anyone who takes chances to be the best they can be, goes after their highest hopes and creates the lifestyle they long for. Even the most successful people fail at some point, but they don't give up. I admire anyone that takes a chance to create a better life for themselves. Of all the places you have been, which one would you choose to return to daily if you could -- and why? Shaw: Mackinac Island, Mich. It is the most serene beautiful place. The movie Somewhere in Time was filmed there. Cars are not allowed on the Island, only bikes, horses and a good pair of walking shoes. I feel as if I have stepped back into time when I visit. You leave all your worries, concerns and stress back on the mainland. There's a quaint Victorian Village and miles and miles of state park land with trees and lush gardens. The lakes that surround the Island are the brightest blue. You can breathe deeply on Mackinac Island. Why would you encourage someone who has not attended Edge Life Expo to do so? Shaw: There is no other event quite like it! Where else can people gather to hear lectures on such an array of topics from nationally known speakers to local stars? There's some really cool vendors, too. I know I spend too much when I come here. But you can't find unique stuff like this anywhere else. Under one roof, you meet so many like-minded, spiritually developed people and those eager to grow. The energy at this expo is unbelievable. You can sense it from the minute you walk into the big auditorium. People here care about the earth, the world and making things happen. It's a magical place. You will definitely feel enlightened after spending a day at the Edge Expo. I'm excited to be coming back to Minneapolis. It's a great city with great people! Tickets to Maria Shaw's appearance at Edge Life Expo 2003 are available through October 15 at the Early Bird cost of $15. Advanced tickets through Nov. 13 are $17, and at the door they cost $19. For advanced tickets, go to www.uptowntix.com or call (612) 604-4466. For advanced tickets, go to www.uptowntix.com or call (612) 604-4466. For more details on Edge Life Expo 2003, visit www.edgenews.com/expo or call (612) 590-1609. Copyright © 2003 Tim Miejan |
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