English actor-comedian Russell Brand and American musician Katy Perry, who reportedly underwent elaborate Hindu wedding ceremony in October 2010 in Rajasthan (India), are reportedly divorcing and Hindus are upset. This according to a press release we got today from someone who identified himself as Hindu statesman Rajan Zed:

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that as Brand-Perry followed Hindu rituals and traditions in the wedding, they should have taken marriage seriously as it was a sacred rite in Hinduism.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said: In Hinduism, vivah (marriage) is the most important samskar (sacrament). Married couple is looked as a complete module for worship and participation in cultural/social acts. With the marriage samskar, one thoroughly enters into grihasth-ashram (householder phase), where one can attend to the goals of dharm (duty).

Rajan Zed stressed that if Hollywood and other celebrities opted for Hindu wedding, they should be prepared to adhere to the commitment, devotion, responsibility, sanctity, morals, etc., which were attached to it. There were reasons behind Hindus as a group having one of the lowest divorce rates in the world, Zed argued.

BAFTA nominated Russell Edward Brand (36) of England is reportedly attracted to Hinduism; carries a Sanskrit tattoo on his body; and has made visits to a Hindu temple. His catchphrase is “Hare Krishna” and Mahatma Gandhi is reportedly one of his heroes. He was quoted as saying: "I'm into yoga, I meditate all the time, I'm vegetarian.”

Posted January 1, 2012 12:20 PM by Editor | Comments (0)

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Let us enter this New Year with Peace in Our Hearts, on Our Lips, in Our Prayers.

We call to spirits of the North. We honor Mother Earth and her abundance. May we stand steady on her ground. May this dear planet and all her children grow stronger every day.

We call to the spirits of the East. We honor wind and ask that new opportunities for peace fill the air and that the white Dove of peace flies freely in all nations.

We call to the spirits of the South. We honor fire and ask that we be infused with warmth, enthusiasm and passion for the mission of creating peace on earth.

We call to the spirits of the West. We honor water and ask that it cleanse the hearts and souls of all women and men, and sooth our angers and wounds so that we may never again thirst for war.

We call to the spirits of above, of below and within; we ask to be united with God, Goddess and Great Spirit of All That Is. With all the forces of the universe, we pray for harmony in our world.

Let Peace live in your life, and in your world. Let Peace live in your day-to-day, and in places far away. Let Peace abound, all around. May Peace be in your heart. Aho!

© 2008-2012 Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway. Adapted from The Goddess Pages.

This appears in the New Year edition of the Self Healing Expressiona Ezine.

Posted January 1, 2012 7:48 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)

For any bride-to-be who is dreading how she looks in white, good news: Black wedding dresses are in. Among the single and unmarried crowd, that is.

A poll today from SodaHead.com shows that 63 percent of respondents think that black wedding dresses are "cool," while only 37 percent think they are "creepy."

Single people polled thought that black wedding dresses were cool by a 76 percent to 24 percent margin. But those who have already walked down the aisle did not go ga-ga over the idea. Married respondents were split 50 percent/50 percent regarding if black wedding dresses are cool or creepy.

See more on this poll here.

Posted October 31, 2011 8:47 AM by Editor | Comments (0)

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Everyone is so worried about money these days.

Money issues can make you feel stalled and stuck. When economic times are bad and money is tight, you might find yourself overcome with fearful thoughts and worry. Money problems can meddle with your sense of self-worth and value. Losing a job, business or career opportunity can be devastating and not having enough money can make you feel lesser than others who do.

It is so important to realize that good fortune comes to us in many forms, as both material and spiritual wealth. In times of trouble and financial strife, we still have access to the spiritual riches of the universe. That may sound like a cliché, but it is so true. Be ready and willing to see prosperity through your spiritual eyes and you may be delighted to discover the many ways in which wealth may abound in your life – even in the form of a kind gesture or a new opportunity.

When times are tough, we often focus on what doesn’t work and we forget to express gratitude for all that is working. As long as you are living and breathing, there is hope--hope enough to rise above painful circumstances and connect with a sense of greater good and greater material and spiritual wealth.

Try this self-blessing: I bless myself with the power to rise above financial pain and reclaim the abundance of the universe that is might. I set myself upon a healing path, and walk toward deeper awareness, prosperity, love, success and joy in life, and the good health to enjoy it.

Be inspired by this quote: “Do not let circumstances influence your thoughts and moods. By rising over them mentally, you will eventually rise over them materially.”- Remez Sasson

Posted October 29, 2011 6:47 PM by Editor | Comments (0)

I came across the Plunge Project recently and enjoyed reading this great site by bride-to-be--turned-blogger, Nicole Christine (VanScoten) Denton.

Like many brides who love to share their journey to the altar, she started the Plunge Project as a place to document her own journey down the aisle. She loved it so much she decided to continued to blog after her November 6, 2010 wedding.

Nicole explains that her specialty is writing for real brides who "want more than your average cookie-cutter wedding yet still have a budget to keep in mind." But she also writes about married life, DIY projects, and other things that catch her fancy.

It's a really fun read. Find out more about Nicole and the Plunge Project here.

Posted July 12, 2011 8:39 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)

Keith Olbermann delivered a special commentary about the importance of legalizing same sex marriage, a day before the historic vote that made same sex marriage legal in New York State. We appreciate his beautiful statements about the importance of people getting over their fears and embracing the realities of life today. He also added: "It's About Love."

Posted June 26, 2011 8:35 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)

Reprinted from NYC: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE at www.nycgo.com

With the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, people from all over the country and all around the world are asking the question: can I come to New York City and get married? The answer is yes! Whether you're a lifelong local or someone who has dreamed of coming here your entire life, New York City is the ultimate spot for you to tie the knot.

Here's what you need to know:

Who can get married in New York now that the Marriage Equality Act has passed?
The Marriage Equality Act allows same-sex couples to get married in New York just like opposite-sex couples, with the same rights, responsibilities and privileges under State and City law.

Can I get married in New York City even if I don't live there?
Yes. Couples who reside in New York or in another state or country are all welcome to marry here.

When can same-sex couples begin marrying in New York?
The Marriage Equality Act allows same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses starting 30 days after the Act was signed into law. State law generally requires couples to wait 24 hours after receiving a license before they can be married. For more information, visit cityclerk.nyc.gov.

How do I get a marriage license in New York City?
To get a marriage license, apply for one from the New York City Clerk’s office. Once you obtain a license, it is valid for 60 days. For more information, visit cityclerk.nyc.gov.

Can my spouse and I get married in New York City if we were already married in another state or country?
Yes. You and your spouse can get married again in New York, whether you reside here or not. (Note: New York already recognizes lawful marriages, including same-sex marriages, that were performed elsewhere.)

Posted June 26, 2011 8:10 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

A very simple way to say goodbye to the ones you loved before is to go with your new love to the ocean and partake in a simple ceremony using sand, surf and the power of Mother Nature.

All you need is a stick, a couple of plastic baggies, a prayer in your heart and the intension to have a spiritually clean slate for marriage.

• First, walk down to the water and look out onto the vastness of the sea. Let the cleansing waters, salty sea air and ocean sounds wash over you and calm you. Feel yourself centered on the sand. Say a prayer:

Mother, Father, Divine Spirit of All there is,
Please fill us with your holy presence and guide us in this ritual of release.
May all we do here today serve to set us free spiritually.
May it serve to also spiritual set free (say names) with love.
And so it is.

• Using your stick, or covering your hand with a baggie so that you don’t get sand in your nails, write the name of the first person you need a spiritual divorce from. Write in a spot where the sand meets the shore; where is just about mud, and the next wave is likely to wash it away.

• Watch as the wave comes to claim the spot upon which you have written the name. Notice how nature so beautifully fills in the dents in the sand and smoothes the name over with water. And allow yourself to feel that person released from you spiritually, with love.

• Say this prayer: I surrender my attachment to (name), and I release her/him to the universe, with love and with blessings. I forgive (name) and ask that all be forgiven between us on the highest levels. I thank (name) for all he/she has given me. May (name) be blessed in all ways. (Name), you are free now and I am free now.

• Go on to the next person. Most of us have a few significant others to release. Repeat this process for the most significant and then do one final release for “all others.” You and your beloved can alternate, each doing a release after the other. Or you can do yours and then he can do his.

• When you feel you have spiritually released your former loves, stand again and gaze out at the ocean and allow yourself to feel the calming power of the Mother, healing you and your fiancé, and healing all those loved ones you said your spiritual good-byes to.

• End with a prayer. Mother, Father, Divine Spirit of All There Is, Thank you for you for you divine presence. Thanks you for your healing waters and for the sand that shows us all in life can be smoothed over and harmonized. Thank you for your blessings and for your light. May all those present and all mentioned move on with love and blessings in a way that harms none. And so it it!

• Then draw two hearts in the sand, where the surf cannot disturb them, to signify your new love and partnership.

© Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway 2011

Adapted from Wedding Goddess: A Guide to Turning Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss, (Perigee/Penguin). You can order an autographed copy here.

Posted June 12, 2011 8:08 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

If you are marrying for the second time, or getting married after having other long term relationships, it is important to find spiritual closure with the ones who came before.

Spiritually releasing ties you might have to old loves is also an important part of your emotional health--it enhances your readiness for a new marriage, and can help make your new union stronger.

In the Jewish faith, a spiritual divorce is called a “Get” and is something granted by a rabbi. In ancient times the get was the divorce; today it serves to help couples feel spiritually free of their former partner as well as legally unbound. While it is little more than a piece of paper written in Hebrew and signed by the clergy (in the Talmud it’s referred to as a Sefer Keritut, scroll of cutting off) some couples seek it as a decree that separates two souls from the holy union they agreed to on their wedding day. An annulment, in the Catholic faith, is a similar concept, in that is spiritually frees a person of that faith to marry again in the Church. In some indigenous cultures, marriage is in spirit and thus divorce is as well. Among one shamanic tribe in Mexico, a chief will bless a couple’s decision to separate if a new home and husband has been found for the wife. If that requirement is met, then the couple is absolved of financial and spiritual obligation to one another.

In any language and any cultures, a spiritual divorce is as important as a legal divorce, and is as relevant even if you never married the person who played an important romantic role in your life. Before you can fully connect to your new beloved, and before he can fully give himself to you, you both must commit yourselves to a spiritual cleansing of the imprints of relationships past.

Continue reading "Get a Spiritual Divorce Before You Marry Again" »

Posted June 12, 2011 7:54 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Worried that the world is going to end today on May 21, 2011? Concerned that you are single and may have to ascend solo to the heavens? Be proactive about finding your soulmate here on earth and you may find a miracle at the end of the day--you're still here and a new door to love has opened.

Why not try some spiring cleaning for the heart and soul. Hey, what have you got to lose?

It may seem wacky to think that a pile of old magazines or relics from relationships past that are collecting dust can keep new love at bay, but clutter and memorabilia can impact your love life. For all soulful singles who are standing by for love, and even those of your who are in relationships, I suggest that you utilize this stir of springtime to clean house in your life, on all levels, and get yourself even more tuned-up for love! I’m not the first to say it: a good, soulful spring-cleaning will bring you a fresh start for the season of love.

In order to truly be ready to engage in a relationship you have to be committed to bringing order into your life on ALL LEVELS -- physical, psychic, emotional, financial, and spiritual. It is often a process of gently releasing, letting go, identifying and giving up that which stands in the way of letting soul love in. This includes unsuitable relationships and unsuitable ties to old flames (you know the ones!). Let yourself mourn what you must leave behind -- an important process, even if you are leaving a very alive lover! -- and then you can move one.

There is a very specific spiritual law that states that “nature abhors a vacuum.” Get rid of something and something new can come in. All of the worlds religions have specific ways to release the old -- from body, mind and spirit -- and there is a reason for this: If your life is too cluttered or filled up with “stuff”, if your house is messy or your mind is disorganized, if you are not honoring your body or your spirit, it very hard to feel connected to your own divine nature and therefore it is difficult to create a life of your choosing.

This is the time to at least start to rethink your romantic game plan and slowly work your way toward transforming -- or releasing -- the relationships that are not your soul mate.

The best bet for a fresh start is to make symbolic gestures in the physical realm. Clearing the decks of dreck and disarray will help you create a healthy foundation for your life. And then, a healthy foundation in your life will help you create the space for your soulful love to come in. These things take time. Be gentle with yourself but start somewhere!

Try some of these “Life Cleaning” tips:

Continue reading "If the World is Going to End, I Want My Soulmate" »

Posted May 21, 2011 10:04 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Comments (0)