Hello!

I am here in New Orleans as I write this and happy to report crowds of people from all the world are here. Thursday night, I went out to watch the Muses parade on Canal Street. Usually, I don't go to Canal to watch the parades because it is so crowded and filled with folks who have drank way too much! But Thursday, we walked right up to the police barricade and were in the front row to watch the parade. The crowd was only 2-3 people deep behind us, rather than the pre-Katrina 10-20. We were able catch some good throws. It was wonderful to see the kids in the marching bands and all of the people who had come together to honor the tradition of this 150 year old New Orleans Mardi Gras. Knowing that many of the people in the parade, probably had lost their homes and are in the process of rebuilding is especially touching, since they turned out in full force, showing support for the city. Canal Street was safe, clean and easy to navigate. This was definitely a different kind of Mardi Gras than I have ever seen. We clapped and cheered the young people on who marched and played in the bands. People were excited to see the floats and support the riders. There was my sense  anyway of  the tourists who came to celebrate Mardi Gras this year.

On Saturday, I rode in my krewe's parade; Iris, the weather was warm and sunny. It was a beautiful day! As our float passed the crowds, many people yelled out "Thank you for riding. Thank you for coming." By Saturday, the crowds were growing. As our float turned on Saint Charles Avenue, we could hear the crowds cheering and saw masses of people spread throughout the neutral ground. It was a sight to behold! We didn't know what to expect but this was more than I had imagined! It was evident that everyone needed Mardi Gras more than ever. Tradition needed to be carried on. The Mardi Gras Indiana paraded through the devastated Ninth Ward. Even though many of the people were gone, the Indians followed their traditional routes and were a welcome and colorful sight. People were opening their hearts and homes to others to celebrate. Clay Thomas and I had a small party on Sunday and welcomed some fellow astrologers from Illinois, Indiana, Utah, etc. It was their first Mardi Gras and we took them out for a Muffellta (a New Orleans sandwich), walked them down Bourbon Street, enjoyed a Hurricane drink and then onto Saint Charles Avenue for a private party at the House of Broel. We saw The Blues Brothers and Steven Segal. Michael Keaton, Willie Nelson and Britney Spears was also in town; many celebs riding in the parades. Tuesday, of course was Mardi Gras and we were out enjoying the parades with friends and celebrating this very special time; showing our support in the rebuilding of New Orleans. Many people from out of state ask what they can do to help support New Orleans. The best thing would be to plan a vacation to come here. The French Quarter is alive and wonderful with everything open. The weather is very nice and it is good to see so many people back. Spend money here so local businesses can stay open. Thus, creating jobs for locals and income so they don't have to move away. It would help bring displaced people back also if they know they can find work.

Many of you sent donations to two of the families I took donations for...these families lost everything to Katrina. Cheryl Welliver was among them. I visited with her on Mardi Gras and the first thing she said to me was to thank everyone. With the money we raised, Cheryl was able to buy several television monitors to help get her video business off of the ground again. When Katrina hit, business died and there was no income. Cheryl lost everything but with the donations many of you gave, she was able to showcase her wedding videos on the TV monitors at some bridal shows and got some bookings! Now she says business is booming and her company even has bookings in Italy! Even though, she and her family are living in an RV and a FEMA trailer, Cheryl says her life and the business are better than pre-Katrina times and send her love and appreciation to everyone who send prayers, well wishes and donations!

Psychic Fairs and Appearances Coming up! New Cities Added....

Port Huron and Detroit/Oakland County MI Fairs
March 11 & 12 - Port Huron Comfort Inn 10a.m. to 5p.m.
Admission $5 Readings $10-FREE MARDI GRAS BEADS while they last! Lyn Hunter from Toronto Canada, the angel reader will be making an appearance at our show in Port Huron. Lyn was very popular in Midland in January. If you would like to schedule an appt with her please contact her at 905-665-4775 .....Also your fav readers will be there as well; Jackie, Rev. Cindy, Brenda, Carol, Charee, Donna, Terry, Sherry Starr and more!

Bay City - Under the Sun Customer Appreciation Night
March 15 - 4p.m. - 9:30p.m. Admission $5 Readings 3 for $20 on special. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Cindy, Mark, Hazel, Carol, Amy, Charee, Sherry Starr, Donna; all available for readings. Under the Sun is on Euclid Road, North of Wilder, on the East side of the street, next to Morley Plaza. 989-667-5380 for details.

Midland, MI - March 18 & 19 Hampton Inn, across from the Midland Mall 11a.m. to 6p.m. both days Your favorite readers will be here!

Two Fairs on Saturday, March 25

Saginaw Hampton Inn (Saginaw) $5 admission and $10 readings 11a.m. to 6p.m.

In Oakland County at the Residence Inn off Opdyke and Square Lake

Oakland Co. MI - Residence Inn will actually be a 2 day event 10a.m. to 5p.m. March 25 & 26 - Invitation to StarScopers; We have room for about 75-90 of you for this event each day. We will have a limited number of readers who are listed below. If there is someone you would like to see, please call and schedule an appt so you will not have to wait to see them. This is something I am doing as a courtesy for all of your who subscribe to this newsletter. We will have limited space but would like to give you first opportunity to join us. You can show up as a "walk-in" but if we are busy, then you would have to wait for a while to get a reading. If you call ahead, we can guarantee your reservation and give you a specific time for your reading. Choose any reader you would like among the ones listed below. We will also have several free presentations from our speakers and readers. The readings are $20 for 15 minutes or $40 for 30 minutes from the readers below. We are also adding other readers over the course of the month too.

Lyn Hunter Toronto Canada - Angelologist, Reiki Master, Spiritual Consultant 905-665-4775 Making your Angels accessible to you is simple, understandable and real. A natural Clairvoyant medium, Lyn is privileged to work with Angels and Spirit and has assisted many individuals with her unique gift to be able to connect with Angels and Spirit Guides through her readings and her healings.

Jean Wallis, Minneapolis, MN- a kinetic Psychic, a Doctor of Metaphysics, and a Meditation Teacher. "Everything in our universe is made up of energy, and all energy contains information. With just the touch of our hands, I access the information in your personal energy field, the energy of your probabilities, and/or the energies of who and what you are connected with to answer the questions you bring. The guides I work with are geared toward seeing the positives in life and like to provide you with down-to-earth ways to go forward.I am (612) 874-1453

Elaine Hardison - Minneapolis, MN - Energy Worker and Mythic Tarot Reader offers you a choice of reading or energy healing work - 15 min $20.00 Elaine is (612) 207-4493.

Brenda from Saginaw - Tarot, Goddess Readings, Numerology, palmistry, psychic readings. 989-792-1542

Sherry Starr from Brown City  Victorian Card readings, numerology, psychic impressions, relationship expert 810-346-4139

Barb Haven, Toronto Canada, Tarot readings - ~905-665-4775

Remember you can still walk in for a reading too! Readers coming from Minneapolis, Toronto, and throughout Michigan Admission $5 Readings $20. Maria will present 2 free lectures;

Soul Mates and Past Live/Present Day Loves - a lecture exploring the different kinds of connections we have with people as well as the soul mates ties that bind us to one another. Love predictions too for all signs!

Dieting successfully by your zodiac sign - Learn some of the techniques from Maria's book The Astro Diet on the best times and how to lose weight effectively using basic astrology knowledge.

Other lectures scheduled:

Jean Wallis - working with your inner muse Brenda Fury - Working with Crystals and Gemstones to enhance your love life, career and life! Lyn Hunter- Getting in touch with your Angel

April 1 - Homeswood Suites, Bloomington, MN
Across from the Mall of America - 10:30a.m. to 7p.m. Readings with my readers from Chicago, Michigan, and Minneapolis. Admission and 3 readings = $35 if you preregister with a credit card by calling 810-61-6887 by March 30. $40 at the door otherwise and includes all workshops, classes and lectures. Maria is taking 1 hour private appts. You must pre-register with Maria at a special price 810-61-6887 to do so. All other readers you can just walk in and buy tickets at the door. We will have a vendor area and a massage therapist. Here's a list of the readers and what they do:

Joann - Chicago Ill - Palmistry, angel cards
Rev. Cindy - Smoke readings, tarot, past lives, numerology, clairaudient
Donna - Astrology, tarot
Charee - cards, dreams, past, present and future
Amy- Tarot, ghosts, water globe, photo impressions
Jackie- tarot, psychic, numerology
Carol - channeling her spirit guide Jacob, animal totems
Jean Wallis - Intuitive
Elaine - Tarot, energy work
Mind Body & Soul Healing and Wellness Spa - Roseville MN
Chair Massages - $1/minute

Astro News

Mars is in the sign of Gemini now...how many of you have put in your foot in your mouth lately? Spoken without thinking? Mars in Gemini could cause you to do just that! From March 5 - March 12, you could actually find yourself getting into some heated arguments or discussions. Be careful of your computer breaking down.......and that could also pertain to mercury retrograde...more on that later! Mars, the god of war, the action oriented planet, who causes us to act abruptly and creates all of this high potent energy, will be in the sign of Gemini until April 13. Wherever Gemini is in your natal chart is where you will see action, energy and maybe even anger. You'll find yourself focusing lots of attention in this area. Check to see how Mars will affect you if we were using just sun sign astrologically:

Gemini - You are the focus....you have lots of energy and drive but be careful of acting too impulsively.

Taurus - Money, money, money; coming in and going out

Cancer-People from your past come back into your life. Old issues come up.

Leo - Friendships are the focus and your social life is hot. Throw a party

Virgo - Your career is the main focus...you'll either be working a lot or changing jobs

Libra-You'll feel a sense of wanderlust and want to escape. You need a vacation

Scorpio - Sales and deals can be made. Your sex drive goes up too!

Sagittarius - Relationships and partnerships are the focus. You could meet someone special

Capricorn - You can accomplish a great deal and multi task now. Watch for angry words among coworkers. Great time to start a diet plan

Aquarius - Gambling and games of chance are featured, Love affairs, kids and pregnancies are some of the different themes

Pisces - Home and family are the themes now. Moving or remodeling the house is considered.

Mercury retrograde - Beginning March 2 and lasting for 3 weeks, Mercury, the planet of communication and travel is retrograde. Be extra careful of miscommunication, travel delays and arguments. Pisces and Virgo will be most affected but all signs need to be careful of computer break downs and snafus. More info on the retrograde.

Radio and Media

The Tony Danza Show - April 4th NYC - I'll be Tony's special guest on his syndicated morning talk show. Check your local listings. The airdate could be subject to change.

Detroit Radio Dr. Don - Young Country - Welcome to the 200 + new Starscopers we have on board who are Young Country 99.5FM Detroit radio listeners. I will be on the Dr. Don show every Wednesday this month doing free readings! Listen and call in!

Also Tower FM listeners in Toledo, listen for my daily horoscopes on the "Johnny D" show.

Affairs of the Heart - Every Sunday night on WIOG Don't forget everyone, anywhere in the world can listen to my Sunday night talk show on 102.5FM by going to WIOG.com  My show streams live over the Internet every Sunday from 7-8pm.est. You can call in for your free reading at 1-877-330-WIOG or listen to 102.5Fm if you are in the Tri-Cities MI

Playboy Radio - The week of March 20; I will be co-hosting the show with Tiffany from starting at 11a.m. PST (2p.m. EST) Feel free to call in for a free reading 1(877) 205.9796 You can hear the show on SIRIUS radio if you subscribe to Playboy Radio channel 198

The National Enquirer - Look for my horoscope column every week! I have predictions for Jon Bon Jovi, Sarah Jessica Parker, Liz Taylor and more of your fav celebs this month.

Conscious Living Tours and Trips

Europe and Italy Cruise - You can save $$$$ if you book now. We are going to two ports in France as well as Rome, Florence/Pisa and Naples Italy October 28-November 4th for Maria Shaw's Annual Conscious Living Cruise. Contact Clay Thomas at clayrolfs@yahoo.com for info to sign up. Cash back on all cabins, $100 per person for inside cabin, $200 for ocean view and $300 for balcony.  Must put at least $500 towards the cruise and $125 towards events to get cash back.  Total deposit of $625 must be received by April 4th to secure the cash back.  All those that have already registered are eligible if the total of $625 has been paid.

Sedona, Arizona - We have about 7 spots open yet to Sedona May 25-May 30.....classes, speakers, vortex tours and more! Trip starts at $360 per person

Letters We Get

Hi Maria - I enjoyed your articles that told about the crystals and stones. Do you have any more that would be good for me? I want something that will help me get through a divorce and a job change. Thanks, Tina (Capricorn, West Palm Beach)

Hi Tina - Thanks for writing! I've included some ideas below. I will have these are the fairs until they sell out and you can also order them by calling my office at 810-631-6887.

Crystals and Their Healing Powers....

Kyanite - Energy Attunement and Balancing
This stone is one of two stones that never need to be cleansed or cleared of negative energy. It is a very powerful stone that helps with the manifestation of your personal hopes and dreams. Carrying it, wearing it or meditating with it, helps draw your desires to you easily. Kyanite also helps calm you. Many wearers say that is helps with anger management. Some people use it to help clear an angry environment in their home or office. Place it in the center of your desk or room to help clear the energy of negative vibrations. For people who don't know how to meditate or have trouble with meditating, this is the stone they need! It helps relax your mind so you can meditate and reach a higher state. Place it in your palm as begin the process. It quiets the  busy mind and enhances the meditation experience.

Blue kyanite which is what I have here, is excellent for use on the throat; throat; problems, sore throat and, pain. It also aids in the ability to speak your truth. It helps with the throat chakra. Also Kyanite helps you align all of the chakras automatically and in an instant. It helps with psychic ability, channeling, and spiritual awakening.  $10 per piece

LABRADORITE -The Destiny Stone
Labradorite reveals your destiny to you. It can reveal your soul purpose or your spiritual path and will also help you to accept it. These are the stones that I cannot seem to keep in stock. People get 3 or 4 of them and carry them with them. They also put them under their pillow at night so they can access spiritual information when they are dreaming. This stone has been said to represent the "temple of the stars." It brings spiritual wisdom and knowledge to us as well as increases our psychic abilities. This stone can also help you see auras. On a mundane level, labradorite is good for people trying to lose weight. It balances metabolism. Each stone is a little bigger than a size of a quarter and very thick. You can carry them in your purse or pocket. $10 each

Peacock Ore a.k.a. Chalcopyrite, is a great stone for  healing and energy work. It enhances psychic ability and helps you trust your inner voice. It is a protective stone, keeping illnesses at bay. It's great for Tai Chi, accupressue, acupuncture and energy  work because it helps dissolve energy blockages. Peacock Ore, eliminates toxins, promotes hair growth, helps heal bronchitis, and protects from infectious diseases and  fevers. $5 each piece.

Rough Peridot in Basalt 
$15.00 gorgeous, sparkling green peridot crystals on top of the basalt matrix. Peridot works wonderfully on the heart chakra and also great for helping people working through grief issues; whether it be loss of loved ones or pets or breakups in relationships. The basalt brings an added benefit that helps one keep grounded and focused. Peridot brings healing and vitality to the body. It helps increase patience, and self confidence. Peridot has been said to slow down the aging process. It also helps with digestive, heart, lung and eye disorders. This is also a great stone for pregnant women to carry with them as it can be helpful in facilitating the birthing process. I only have 3 of these left. They are gorgeous!

Black Onyx - is said to enhance your determination. Once you have your mind set on a goal, carrying the onyx with you helps keep you on that path toward the goal. You won't be deterred. Good for dieters, job seekers, addictive personalities and to be used to break habits. This is also a  grounding stone which is good to carry when you find yourself in difficult or confusing situations. Black Onyx is helpful to people who are in the process of "letting go" of  unnecessary attachments to old relationships, and situations.

This is also a stone that helps keep negative energy away from you. It can be used to deflect or absorb the negativity of others, So rather than your energy field absorbing another person's negativity, the black onyx will absorb it so as ti keep it away from you. You should cleanse the stone every so often if you are around lots of negativity people. If you ever feel as if your emotions are out of control, Black Onyx is the stone you should carry because it helps dissolve those emotions and calm you. If you have a man or a woman who is a fatal attraction and won;t "let go", you should carry this stone or place it on their photo to dissolve some of the emotional attachments they have for you. Many of us cannot let go of old love....healthy or unhealthy but it is said by carrying this stone, it will release some of those attachments.

Citrine - good for money. If you are a business owner, place a piece of the citrine in your cash box. If you are in need of more money or would like to draw prosperity, you can wear citrine. I have the pendants set in silver for $10 and the medium size chunks for $8.

The $$$ Stone Citrine pendants set in silver - This is one of only 2 minerals on the planet that does not hold and accumulate negative energy! But it does work to transmute it and helps clear and clean a person’s energy field when they wear it. This is also a money stone and helps to draw money to you as well as maintain your material wealth. It is of great influence in the following areas: business, relationships, money and education. It is also a great stone to soothe family problems. It aids in digestive disorders as well. $10 each - only 4 pieces available

For Building a New Home/Contractors and Even Pregnant Women! Dolomite with Ammonite - helps to relief sorrow and help the owner of this piece realize that everything happens for a reason. This piece helps with manifestation of energy and removes blockages and can help stop energy leaking from your system. Ammonite is a protective stone. It is good for pregnant women to help them during the birthing process as it alleviates the burdens and helps to calm them. It is also goof for post partem depression. This is also good for  people who work in construction fields and architects as ammonite gives insight to a person who is designing and building something to see the project from start to finish. If you are building a new home, place ammonite somewhere on the property that the home is to be built on to aid the contractor in getting the job done in a timely fashion. Only 4 pieces available $15-$20 each

Orthoceras - These are fossils are dated back to the Silurian Age..... 400 + million years ago and are the earliest recognizable animals. They have transformed into stone over the ages. Having a long straight shell their fossils have a gemlike quality when polished. Only 2 available $15 each

Black Tourmaline Pendants set in silver - Used to repel and protect against negativity. It keeps one from being a victim. If anyone is sending your black magic or trying to hurt you, it will stop them in their tracks. Being used as a protective stone against “spells” which are cast by negative people. It is a special stone for the Native Americans who use it to dispel the spells and then also actually gives more positive energy to the wearer and increases their well being. This stone also protects from negative entities in the spirit world that may be haunting your house or trying to attach themselves to you. Helps with back problems and arthritis as well as heart disease. 4 left... $25 each

Hopefully this answered some questions many of you have emailed me about the crystals. As I find them on my travels, I will write more about the gemstone uses since this seems to be a popular topic with many StarScopers. I get more inquires about the use of the crystals and stones than almost anything else.

Have a wonderful week and I wish everyone the very best! Hope to see many of you at the spiritual events we have scheduled!
Luv, Maria.