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Not so with Shaw's new book, Star Gazer. She tackles all the major subjects that Today's curious minds are interested in: Astrology, palmistry, tarot, numerology, aura reading, candle magic, dream interpretation and psychic powers. The book is at times funny, and at others more serious, and the information is highly accurate and well thought out. It is an absorbing read, even for someone with the attention span of a gnat on speed.

Shaw does not fall into the trap of pandering to the media-induced concepts of what is 'okay, and not okay to do with magic'. Although several spells are included in the book, none of them are of the 'Make so-and-so Love me' flavor which send most of us scampering for the trees. Shaw also does not use phrases like 'This spell is like, totally awesome, dude' which is another point in her favor...

[PNN]What made you decide to write a book like this targeted at teens?

[MS] There's not enough information on the market available to this age group. I've noticed in the past year or so that more and more teenagers were showing up to hear my lectures and attend my workshops that are primarily designed for adults. At one book signing I did, about 70% of the audience was made up of 14 and 15 year olds kids! I was thrilled to see so many young adults there on a Wednesday night and they had lots of questions about past lives, astrology signs, and about the tarot too. So when I was approached by Llewellyn to consider a teen book, I didn't hesitate.

Maria Shaw (Photo courtesy of Llewellyn)

[PNN] Why do people need to read this book?

[MS] Because there's so much positive information all tucked under one cover! Instead of buying 10 different books on the separate subjects, Star Gazer includes everything from palmistry and tarot, to candle magic, astrology, and dreams. It's a beginners guide to everything New Age and I hope it will help many young adults see how special they truly are...and that they all have a unique gift and a psychic side that can be tapped into quite easily if they have the right tools. Star Gazer gives them the tools they need to help develop their psychic side and make the right choices and decisions to make the most out of their lives and follow their dreams!

[PNN] How much input did your daughters and their friends have in this book?

[MS] More than they should have! They're asking for royalty checks now! Just kidding. But they did have an influence on the flow of the book and what topics should be included. My older daughter, who is 15, read the sample chapters and told me what kids would find interesting and what seemed lackluster. So there was a lot of editing to make sure Star Gazer was "teen-approved" before it went to print. My eleven-year-old put in her two cents as well, especially with the artwork and creative ideas.

[PNN] Do you need to be a teenager to benefit from 'Star Gazer'?

[MS] No, absolutely not! In fact, I have had more adults buy Star Gazer this past month that you could ever imagine. Everywhere I go, whether it be New York City, New Orleans, Los Angeles, or Detroit, adults are purchasing the book for their own collections. They like it because it is written in a way that's easy to understand and helps New Age beginners learn everything from A to Z . It's a fun book too! I had one lady buy five copies at a show earlier this month-four were for teenage family members and she was keeping one for herself. In New York City last week, two women in their 50's bought copies for themselves.

[PNN] This is your third book. You write regularly for various publications, you just put out a calendar called 'Alternagyrl Horoscopes 2004', and you're spending a lot of time in the media spotlight on news programs and even a local weekly radio segment. Normally we ask what other projects you have in the works, but I'm more inclined to ask, what do you do to relax, when you finally find the time?!

[MS] Right now, someone has hit the fast forward button for my career. I am good at multi-tasking..thank goodness! But recently I have had to turn a few projects down, like a gig with a television show on a major network. It didn't fit into the schedule. Honestly, there is not much time to do anything but work lately and try to juggle home and family commitments. But in my spare time, I love to shop! I love to travel to my second home in New Orleans' French Quarter...it's such a magical, mystical place, and just hang out with my friends.

[PNN] Over the past decade, there has been a clear increase in the mainstream interest generated in astrology, tarot, Wicca, and the occult and metaphysics in general. In fact many things in your book that were once considered 'forbidden' or 'occult' are now so mainstream that few people bat an eyelid if you express an interest in them. Where do you think all this acceptance is leading?

[MS] Into a better place. With more acceptance comes more knowledge and then more personal power and inner peace. I have seen the number of people attending my seminars triple within the past year and there's a surprising number of men who are now trying to get in touch with their spiritual side, too. In the past, mostly women were attending these workshops. I feel as more and more people are opening themselves up to higher truths and seeking the inner wisdom we all possess, learning to work with this greater power, the world will be a more harmonious and happy place. It can only help.

[PNN] What would you say has been your greatest achievement to date?

[MS] Of course having a wonderful family and friends and being able to make a living doing what I enjoy the most - helping people and using my creative gifts.

[PNN] If you could go back in your life and change one thing, what would it be?

[MS] That I didn't spend more time with my parents when I had the chance. They died six months apart. I think we take people for granted sometimes, especially family members because we assume they will always be there. My parents are in spirit and I know I can connect with them at any time spiritually, but I wish I would have taken the time to make time.

[PNN] How would you want to be remembered?

[MS] As someone who helped make the world a better place in someway. And as someone who shared her "gifts" with others.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite group/musician?

[MS] Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Shania Twain

[PNN] Do you have a favorite bumper sticker?

[MS] I'm proud to be an American

[PNN] If you drew a picture to represent your mind, body and spirit, what would you draw?

[MS] A daisy.....I love daisies. The middle yellow part would be my mind. Yellow stands for communication, writing, and speaking (which I do). The petals would be my different phases of my spirit, meaning I use it in many ways. Each separate petal stands for something spiritually I want to give back to the universe: love, hope, kindness, etc.... but yet together as a whole they make up the flower. The stem is my body that bends and sways and grows as I continue to develop as a spiritual being and seeker of truth.

[PNN]Thank you, Maria!