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Stressed-Out Brides: Relax With Wedding Goddess Meditation

2008-05-09T13:27:41Z

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Listen to Meditation for Stressed Out Brides

You have been blessed with the gift of love, and you are getting married. Congratulations!

There is nothing holier than two people uniting in the spirit of committed love. It increases the love that exists in the world. And it brings healing to our world.

So how is it that something so magnificent and meaningful can involve the planning of an event that can drive even the sanest and sweetest brides to be to the brink of despair?

It is not unusual to feel exhausted by the sheer amount of labor and emotional negotiating that goes on around planning a wedding. It’s supposed to be the happiest time of your life -- and you want it to be -- yet many brides and grooms feel confused and let down that they are not feeling happy all the time.

Sigh. Today’s wedding culture places the focus on the “event” rather than the “marriage “and many unsuspecting brides and grooms find themselves sucked into the vortex of wedding stress. You might find yourself buried in wedding tasks, overwhelmed rather than overjoyed!

The planning … the people-pleasing … the coordinating … the financing … the family dynamics … and then there are those very natural, yet ornery, fears and concerns about getting hitched. These can all become quite a challenge.

That’s why it is essential that you also make sure you take time out to de-stress, decompress and reconnect to the sacred nature of the journey you are on.

Finding true love and getting married is really is quite a blessing -- if only you have a chance to enjoy it!

When wedding planning sends you inter overdrive, take some time out. It is important to nourish yourself and restore yourself to a state of mindfulness and presence in your relationship and your life. Sometimes you just need a wake up call for your bridal soul … a reminder that what this whole “wedding thing” is truly about is sacred union with your beloved.

Although weddings can be stressful, they can also be very healing. It’s a chance to dress up and party with friends and families … and you should enjoy that! It is also a time of gathering people together in the spirit of love.

Most importantly, your wedding is the sacred threshold to the life you will share as a married couple.

When wedding craziness gets the best of you, leave it behind and do something else. See a movie, take a warm bath, cuddle up with your honey, looking into his eyes, or join me in this meditation to help you release the stressors and remember the sacred:

Click for my free wedding "Meditation for Stressed Out Brides" at Beliefnet.com

]]> Find out more in Wedding Goddess. Order your autographed copy.

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, editor of www.Wedlok.com, is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Mars in Leo: Love and Relationships Enhanced

2008-05-08T21:00:29Z

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

Shelley Ackerman's Weekly Horoscope - May 8 to 14

Jupiter Stations Retrograde, Mars Enters Leo - At Last!

Media astrologer Shelley Ackerman of radio and TV brings her astrological insights to Wedlok.com in a weekly horoscope column every Thursday.

Look for a boon to love, romance and relationships in general, as our men will be a lot more motivated to take action.

For more than seven months, fiery Mars, the planet of drive and physical prowess has been back and forth in watery Cancer. On May 9, the God of War enters Leo (through July 1st), a sign in which the red planet is extremely comfortable and able to express himself with greater ease and confidence.

At the same time, Jupiter, planet of plenty, turns retrograde for four months, encouraging us to literally hold our horses before jumping in to anything while providing the opportunity to rethink our financial and relationship philosophies. For example, this is not the time for a quickie marriage in Vegas for couple's who barely know one another!

Amplifying this “measure twice and cut once” energy, is Mercury’s entrance into the pre-retrograde shadow period on May 12. This happens three times a year.

While the retrograde itself doesn’t kick in until Memorial Day (May 26), this slowing down phase is a precursor. During this time, it’s especially wise to be careful with all travel and communication. If it’s your habit to blab on a cell phone in public- do so at your won risk. Someone other than the person on the other end may be listening to your every word.

]]> Shelley's Weekly Forecast for all 12 Signs:

ARIES: Your balancing act continues, but with a twist: Just as Mars, your ruling planet, finally leaves water-logged Cancer, where it’s made you so uncomfortable on and off since September, you’re at long last back in your own element (fiery Leo), Hooray! And though your 5th house of fun, games, romantic pursuits has you ready to go for it all, there may be some kinks at work that you have to handle from now through Summer. This is not the bummer that you think. Think of it as a safety net you need to keep you in check.

TAURUS: Don’t botch things up at home or let a small irritation ignite a six week feud. Mars enters you 4th house of home improvement and family affairs. Tempers will rise but yours doesn’t have to.
Pay extra attention to wires, electrical outlets, the kitchen and candles. This is one sequence where it is in your best interest to let paranoia have its way and to err on the side of caution. From May 12-14, you can do no wrong as far as work and finance are concerned, though you may have to wait a few months to see results.

GEMINI: Impatient Mars leaves your 2nd house of finance and enters your 3rd house of communication on May 9th. It will feel as if your brain is like a geyser full of ideas and opinions that must be expressed or else. But before you allow yourself to turn into the uni-bomber and write your manifesto, take a breath. From now through July 1st, promise to think before you speak, take a walk before writing a combative email, and have a designated driver in place whenever you’re in a bad mood. You won’t want to take it out on the road.

CANCER: A parent, an authority figure at home, a teacher, or a Patron Saint at work (a boss who believes in you) is finally ready to put his or her money where their mouth is. This is a rare opportunity to get some backing or an economic vote of confidence. Either way, it’s a shot in the arm that should serve to get you motivated and all fired up to tackle your next project. But before you eat the world, study the menu and carefully select your next course of action.

LEO: How does it feel to wake up after a long painful and paralyzing nightmare? Well it’s a new dawn and a new day. Mars enters your sign on May 9th, and for the next six weeks you should have more energy than you’ve had in months to take on the world. Get to the gym and focus. It would be a shame to blow this planetary mojo at home, in traffic, or at work. Your mantra through June: Pick your battles. Don’t space out on the 14th and keep your eye on everyone- even those you trust may accidentally drop the ball.

VIRGO: Just when you though an issue was settled between you and a romantic interest or you and your kids, it’s not. But rather than get perturbed or thrown, remember that you hold the cards. Your wisdom and patience will serve all concerned, especially numero uno. And if a creative project requires an extra round of fixes, this too will be better in the long run. Be extra cautious with investments: For the next few months say ‘no” more than you say “yes”.

LIBRA: The Jupiter station in your 4th could reverse a situation with family and/or real estate, and it’s a good thing. Though it’s annoying to have to go over that which you thought was settled, the new agreement will be much better than the one you had. Mars enters your 11th house of communal affairs and this could either be a boon to your social life or set the stage for unnecessary arguing among colleagues. From now through the end of June, do what you do best: Smile and nod “yes”.

SCORPIO: Like several among the zodiac, you too have an interesting celestial mix of both blessings and frustration to deal with: On the one hand, your co-ruler planet Mars is at the top of your chart, challenging you to forge a new path of career accomplishment. But at the same time, there are delays in financials that you thought were a done deal. The two things to keep in mind for the next few months are: All good things to those who wait, and revenge is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Take the high road buddy.

SAGITTARIUS: Just when you thought it was all systems go, a financial deal or a raise has hit a temporary snafu. But there is always more than one way to skin a cat. Those who do well, find ways of adapting in most every circumstance. The good news is that feisty Mars enters your 9th house of travel, beliefs, and legal affairs. Look beyond the obvious or your immediate vicinity for a solution to a problem that you thought had none. Children or a lover traveling abroad brings luck.

CAPRICORN: It’s a woman’s or a goat’s prerogative to change their mind. Jupiter turns retrograde in your sign and you may have to step back and rethink a generous offer on your part. Though you detest the notion of disappointing anyone, or not keeping your word, there are mitigating circumstances that cannot be ignored. You will have the opportunity to make this up and more later on.

AQUARIUS: What to do if someone wakes up on the wrong side of bed? When sleeping dogs won’t lie still, we have no choice but to offer a biscuit and some TLC. A significant other or BFF’s rage is not, repeat not, directed at you. You just happen to be standing there. Be a good listener and take none of it personally. Offer advice ONLY if you are begged for it and even then, just the bare minimum. The person asking for it is in no shape to listen or to follow any of it.

PISCES: Your co-ruler, Jupiter stations retrograde in your communal 11th house of ‘friends, hopes, and wishes’, and several cohorts who you thought were definitely on board with something you’ve planned may have second thoughts. Allow them to take their time to figure things out. If anyone jumps ship, think of it as a blessing in disguise. The delay will work in your favor and/or they will be replaced by others better suited to the situation. Mars in Leo motivates you to take care of your health so get on it.

The Planets This Week: All Times EDT

May 8: Moon in Cancer
May 9: Jupiter stations retro @ 8:11 am, Mars enters Leo @ 4:20 pm,
Moon v/c @ 8:06 pm
May 10: Moon in Leo @ 9:10 am
May 12: Moon v/c @4:09 am, Moon in Virgo @2:48 pm,
Sun sextile Uranus @12:32 am, Sun trine Jupiter @ 1:29 pm
May 13: Moon in Virgo
May 14: Moon v/c @ 12:38 pm, enters Libra @ 11:46 pm
Sun square Neptune @ 11:51 pm

*Moon v/c = void of course, a time of disconnect

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com

Reduce Wedding Stress, Create Bridal Bliss

2008-05-02T18:01:46Z

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway answers your questions and helps relieve wedding stress. Please e-mail your questions, wedding challenges and column ideas to The Wedding Goddess.

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Although weddings can be stressful, they can also be very healing. Sure, your wedding is a chance to dress up and party with friends and families … and you should enjoy that! It is also a time of gathering people together in the spirit of love.

Most importantly, your wedding is the sacred threshold to the life you will share as a married couple.

Here are some tips for holding it together, relieving wedding stress and staying close:

1. Recognize that it is easy to get sucked into the vortex of wedding planning stress, and overwhelmed by pressure and expectations of those around you.

You’ve got to include stress management, self-nurturing, and time to chill out as an integral part of the wedding planning process. Do things that help you stay centered.

2. Realize that everyone has something to say about your wedding. You’ll be showered with congratulations and gifts, and bombarded with unsolicited advice.

Make an agreement to make decisions together, and back each other up. Support each other!

3. It is a rare family that does not have a “Debbie Downer” who throws a little wrench into your wedding plans.

You have to set clear boundaries, and also learn to deflect the sometimes-negative vibes from well-meaning friends and relatives. You can’t please all the people all of the time… so please yourselves.

4. Getting married can stir up a lot of emotions. The process itself sets forth period of growth and change that can be nerve -wracking. Unresolved emotions may come to the surface to be explored.

Be prepared to do some inner work along with all the external preparations. Honor and address the fears that arise. Trust they are natural.

5. Our culture places a tremendous emphasis on having a great wedding and not enough on having an awesome marriage. It's okay to be temporarily obsessed and yearn for the perfect wedding -- but you have to keep your eye on what's truly important.

Don’t give the wedding day so much power! Step back and realize, the most important part of the day is not the day itself ... but that you leave the altar in the arms of the One you love … the One you look forward to building your life with.
]]> Find out more in Wedding Goddess. Order your autographed copy.

© 2008, Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, editor of Wedlok.com, is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Beltane and the Sacred Marriage

2008-05-01T23:55:57Z

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor, Wedlok.com

Happy Beltane! And if you are marrying today, Blessed Be!

Beltane, also known as “May Day,” is the ancient Celtic fertility holiday that celebrated the rites of spring with much frolicking and fun. It began last night, April 30, at sundown, and lasts all day on May 1.

Beltane signals the beginning of the bright half of the year. It means “Bright Fires,” or “Brilliant Fires.”

In ancient times, two great fires would be lit, made with healing herbs. The light would guide the townspeople through the night, and some would jump skyclad over the flames and or rides their animals between the two fires to be blessed by the sacred smoke.

It is also the holiday of soulful love, a time when we feel called to open our hearts and or connect more deeply with others. It celebrates love, attraction and courtship – and that annual swell of desire we know as "spring fever."

I think in modern terms it’s known as “mating season.” In my life, it’s called “wedding season.”
]]> Its origins among the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles, particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Think of The Excalibur, where knights spur and damsel’s in distress are saved nightly.

One of my favorite examples of Beltane is the scene in the movie, Camelot, where Queen Gwenevere (Vanessa Redgrave) goes off with her court “a-maying.” She sang the famous Lerner and Lowe song:

It's May! It's May!
The lusty month of May!...
Those dreary vows that ev'ryone takes,
Ev'ryone breaks.
Ev'ryone makes divine mistakes!
The lusty month of May!

Even today it sort of sounds like a night in Las Vegas.

Beltane heralds the beginning of the bright time of year, a time when we emerge from the darkness of winter into lighter, airy days. Makes us want to open our hearts and feel the warmth of the sun.

From the perspective of the ancient Celts ... they had been cooped up in doors for a long winter. Beltane came at the peak of spring, and brought life back to the people and the land. Not only does the warmth of the Sun help plants blossom. People fall in love and consume each other in fiery passion.

The reason this holiday is so sexy yet sacred is that it is symbolic of the passion and love between the Goddess and God. Divine passion, it was believed, was evident in all of nature’s bounty springing forth this time of year.

As an ode to nature -- and an offering to God and Goddess – maids and lads would frolic in the fields from Sundown to the morning after. Part of this celebration included enacting the rites of fertility as an offering to ensure continued fertility of the lands – as well as the continuation of the tribe.

The local men and women did it, in the groves and the fields.

It’s been said that the annual Beltane Baby Boom – 9 months later -- was legendary in ancient times

Maypole and Fertility

The Celts divided their year into eight parts, as opposed to 12 months, and Beltane continues to be celebrated one of the four great festivals of the Celtic Pagan wheel of the year.

Long before our current high school prom king and queen, villages had a young, attractive couple to represent the King and Queen of the May. Dancing around the maypole was a focal point of activity. The Maypole was made of oak, and had ribbons of many colors. When the ritual was over, the ribbons would be entwined and this represented the sacred lovers entwined.

Women would grab a ribbon and dance around the maypole. It was said that last woman left holding the ribbon would be crowned the May Queen.

Talk about a big wedding! A wedding feast for the God and Goddess, and for all, was prepared in advance of the dance around the may pole. The “bride and groom” often did not they were the bride and groom until after the maypole dance and other competitions.

On a practical level, it was believed that the act of dancing around the maypole would ensure fertility for women, cattle and crops.

Practical or not ... the May King and Queen would consummate their “marriage” as a symbolic gesture of fertility. All the townspeople would emulate them and head off to partake in some sacred love. It was a bit of free love and wanton lust sometimes called “Greenwood Marriages.”

Bringing in the May/Celebration Today

One of the most beautiful customs associated with this festival was called "bringing in the May." The young people would go out into the fields on April 30th and gather flowers with which to bedeck themselves, their families, and their homes.

They would process back into the villages, stopping at each home to leave flowers, and to receive the best of food and drink that the home had to offer.

They were symbolic messengers of renewal and this also

represented the ritual sharing of food -- the substance of life -- and the ideal that this generosity must keep circulating.

We can all go “a Maying”. Buy doing something nice for others or sharing a spring ritual with the one you love!

Image of Maypole: MERRIE ENGLAND (by Edward German) Programme cover design by Paul Stallard.

© 2008, Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, editor of Wedlok.com, is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a soulmate coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com. Join The Soulmate Project on Beliefnet.com.

Shelley Ackerman's Weekly Horoscope - May 1 to 7

2008-05-01T22:38:17Z

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

Saturn Stations Direct, Mercury Enters Gemini, and a Cinco de Mayo New Moon in Taurus

Media astrologer Shelley Ackerman of radio and TV brings her astrological insights to Wedlok.com in a weekly horoscope column every Thursday.

Before getting into the meaning of the New Moon in Taurus on May 5th, let’s briefly touch on the significance of the Saturn “station” on May 2nd, and Mercury’s entrance into quixotic Gemini where the Messenger God will “commute” back and forth for ten weeks (including a retrograde from 5/26--6/19), through July 10th!

Since late last December, Saturn, the Lord of Karma and hard work, has been traveling retrograde (in apparent reverse motion) in exacting Virgo. This hasn’t been easy for anyone, and it’s been especially tough on Capricorns, Aquarians, and Virgo: Tasks that are usually accomplished effortlessly have exhausted the heartiest among us.

The economic recession has prompted lots of talk, but no one’s really been able to do much about it. But when on May 2nd Saturn stations (appears to stand still), and begins to slowly go forward once again, some of the stuck energy will start to dissipate and after the New Moon on May 5th we will at least feel some positive mojo and momentum return to our lives! Olé!

Shelley's Weekly Forecast for all 12 Signs:
]]> ARIES: Stop kvetching about not having any time for yourself-when what you’re really upset about is not having as much time as you’d like to play. Well, as was said in many a schoolyard: “tough noogies!” Count your blessings, be grateful for what you have to work with, and do what’s expected of you with a smile. This is about your future and Spring ‘08 in particular is about growing up once and for all. Invest your time and energy wisely. So- act like an adult even if it kills you.

TAURUS: The week begins with a fortunate if not sober grand trine alignment between your ruler (Venus0 and power brokers Saturn and Pluto. The force is with you, but you have to step up to the plate. The New Moon should provide a refreshing opportunity for you to revamp and restage your entire ‘presentation” so to speak. The Saturn’s direct motion in your 9th house of legal, religious, and foreign affairs will get things moving in all three arenas. Mercury enters your 2nd house of $$ for an extended 10-week stay: Use the time to clean up your act.

GEMINI: Your ruling planet enters your sign for 10 weeks and there will be more to think about and more to say than usual. Geminis need to get their hefty quota of words in every day and have a tendency to drive others bananas with double talk. So- from now through July 10, put this on a post-it at every phone and computer you have access to: “BREVITY IS the SOUL of WIT”. It will spare you and those you love a ton of confusion. If you ever wanted to write that great American novel, now is the time to put up or shut up.

CANCER: Your wings may feel as if they’re clipped and your sense of movement restricted, but it’s not anyone’s fault so don’t try to assign blame. Agitating Mars has been in and out of your sign since September and your nerves and patience have both been frayed and tested. In a few more days, you’ll see some relief. But until then, the Saturn standstill in your 3rd house of communication and transportation may slow you down-so don’t push it or force any unnecessary travel. Being still will work out very well for you. Don’t fight it.

LEO: The frustration of a financial stalemate will ease and an impasse with a vital negotiation will give way to a new phase of cooperation-if you’re willing to bury the hatchet and work with your “perceived” enemies of the past few months. No one had it in for you-it was bad timing for everyone all around, and besides, the wait will end up working in your favor, you’ll see!.

VIRGO: One way or another, the status quo is about to change, and the paralysis that has plagued you since the holidays in December will melt into a cycle of productivity that you will enjoy to the hilt. The new Moon on May 5th takes place in your philosophical and travel-oriented 9th house. It’s time to hit the road literally and figuratively and adjust your perspective on things. Taking an inspiring class will do you a world of good.

LIBRA: The say that indecision defines your sign, but truth be told, it’s not the corner stone of your existence –nor should it be: the search for truth and meaning is. The New Moon in your 8th house of shared resources will put a family or a financial issue on the table to be dealt with once and for all. This conversation and subsequent action (that must be taken- i.e. writing a will) has been a long time coming. Delaying it further could have catastrophic results, so don’t.

SCORPIO: A partner, significant other, or someone you hold very dear is changing rapidly before your eyes, and it is in your best interest to support them during this transition. The favorable alignment of earth planets in your communication houses should prompt a forthright conversation on your part. Putting your cards on the table and trusting the appropriate parties to do the right thing will circumvent a problem that could erupt later.

SAGITTARIUS: The Taurus New Moon in your 6th house of health and routine could easily call for a complete renovation of how you approach your medical needs, but do your research before making any drastic moves. After you check things out, it may be wise to change your motus operandi (MO) and/or your bank, your doctor, your job, or something as insignificant as your vitamin regimen. But don’t worry. This change is very good and will serve you well in the long run.

CAPRICORN: Stand firm in what you know to be ethically and morally correct but don’t get too rigid in the way you expedite your orders. You can and will catch more bees with honey than with vinegar. As the fine teacher that you are, you know that patience, kindness, and a little coaching is often required to motivate those who depend on you for leadership. Your frustration will ease slowly but consistently in the weeks ahead. The New Moon on May 5th takes place in your 5th house of creativity and romance. Need I say more?

AQUARIUS: If you experienced a rejection for a loan or mortgage that you were counting on, please take it as a blessing in disguise: You WILL do better elsewhere. The New Moon in your 4th house of home and family on May 5th signals a time of getting your home base up to snuff. If you need to rearrange your space and add wiring or any extras that will make you more comfortable and will increase the value of your property –do it now.

PISCES: For months you’ve had to tolerate the stubborn behavior of someone near and dear and you may have taken it personally when none of it was really directed at you in the first place. No need to sit and suffer in silence any longer! A conversation will clear much of it up, and the relationship will begin to grow. The New Moon in your 3rd house of communication should encourage you to express more of what’s on your mind to those that can and will help you to so something about it.

The Planets This Week- All times are EDT

May 1: Moon in Pisces, Venus trine Pluto @ 3:46 am, Venus trine Saturn @ 6:20 pm

May 2: Moon v/c @ 5:34 am, enters Aries @ 6:51 am; Mercury enters Gemini @ 4:00 pm

Saturn Stations Direct @ 11:07 pm

May 3: Mercury Square Saturn @ 3:50 pm

May 4: Moon v/c @ 3:16 am, enters Taurus @ 7:58 am

May 5: Taurus new Moon @ 8:18 am

May 6: Moon v/c @ 4:22 am, enters Gemini @ 7:17 am

*Moon v/c = void of course, a time of disconnect

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com

Shelley Ackerman's Weekly Horoscope April 24-30

2008-04-24T20:03:53Z

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

Venus Completes Stint in Willful Aries, Enters Taurus on April 30

Media astrologer Shelley Ackerman of radio and TV brings her astrological insights to Wedlok.com in a weekly horoscope column every Thursday.

Whenever a planet enters it’s “home sign” (the astrological sign that it rules), there’s a welcomed sense of things being right - at least in one part of the world.

Since Venus rules sweetness, love, and romance, and Taurus is the sign of physical pleasure and sensuality, there’s a lot to look forward to. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to use the fire and drive of Venus in Aries energy productively: Stay out of arguments, and focus on getting things done by the end of the month, so that we can relax into and savor the range of earthly delights that Venus in Taurus has to offer.

Shelley's Weekly Forecast for all 12 Signs:
]]> ARIES: Your ruling planet, Mars, opposes Jupiter on April 24, and while on the one hand, that can be a high-energy barrel of laughs kind of an aspect, you’ll be playing to a tougher crowd than usual for the next couple of days. Maturity and decorum will be required to win them over and get your point across. Okay, it’s not fun, but getting what you have your sights set on feels better than going back to the drawing board. Patience Pays: Taking time to express yourself clearly and articulately adds $$ to your bank account when most needed.

TAURUS: A visionary of sorts at work is open to and excited about what you have to say. If there isn’t a ‘visionary’ in a position to help, take heart- an underling who you’ve befriended may be more influential than you think. Your ruler, Venus, enters your sign on the 30th, and your time of year to look lovelier than ever has arrived. Venus is not just about vanity, but it’s about connection, money, and love. Though popularity and friendship don’t directly pay the bills, having them working in your favor can’t hurt one bit.

GEMINI: It would be really easy to cite the number of planets (the Sun, Mercury, and then Venus later this week) in Taurus and in your “I think I’ll take a nap” 12th house and vacate the premises for a few weeks of playtime. But absconding on your duties will create more trouble than it’s worth. Take advantage of the state-of-grace aspect between Mercury and Jupiter on the 28th, make that sale, and/or clear up a BIG financial road block with an ease you never thought possible.

CANCER: Like the old familiar ad for the American Express Card, you’re “so worldly and so welcome”, but don’t push it. Feisty Mars (still in Cancer for another couple of weeks) opposes Jupiter on the 24th, making you feel like Superman or Wonder Woman. And while the energy can and should be harnessed to break through to a new level, doing so without considering the feelings of those involved will backfire and further the delay the success that you’re so on the verge of achieving.

LEO: There’s little room in your life for paranoia or suspicion, as most everyone in your sphere wishes you well and is willing to put their money where their mouth is. The gathering of Taurus planets in your career sector is supported by a solid and dependable team who are there for you 24/7. Don’t believe it? Make a list of everyone who has helped you in the last few days (including those who you take for granted- i.e. cab drivers, bank tellers, tech support, and folks at the newsstand) and thank

VIRGO: Keep your eye on the ball and refrain from delegating any more than you have to. Though so much is working in your favor, diligence and some micro-managing will be required to assure that there isn’t a screw up at a bank or at work that could come by way of someone paying less attention than you do. It’s worth the extra effort. In the next few weeks, the oppression that you have felt of late will lift and you’ll feel lighter than you have in a long time.

LIBRA: C’mon face facts: Aren’t you getting just a wee bit tired from the partially self-inflicted financial roller coaster you’ve been on? It’s time to smash some old bad habits and replace them with ones that serve you. As your ruling planet Venus prepares to enter your 8th house of shared resources (banks, financial institutions, stocks & commodities, etc.) you will have the opportunity to fix, once and for all, what’s been broken and avert a disaster later on. A little discipline goes a long way. There’s a breakthrough possible involving real estate-are you ready for a change?

SCORPIO: Though you love to call the shots and generally prefer hiding out in your enclave to being social, you will get more out of acquiescing and being cooperative with your clan or soul family than if you’re not. The cluster of planets in your 7th house of partnership encourages putting others first more than you would normally do. Sure, silly small talk is annoying, but who says you have to listen fully or respond to any of it? A simple smile and sending out good vibes is all that’s required of you.

SAGITTARIUS: “Those who indulge-bulge” says the famous sticker on many a refrigerator door. And with the gathering of planets in “feed me” Taurus in your sixth house of health and routine, your advised to nurture yourself with quality instead of quantity. Don’t skimp on your health either- if something is bothering you (thyroid or neck in particular) seek out the best whether that professional is on your insurance plan or not. If you feel the urge to splurge, do it at a spa, not at a restaurant.

CAPRICORN: Oh- how you’d love to get away from it all, and pretty soon you’ll be able to. But for now, bear down and keep the productivity where it needs to be. Though there are many complaints and disgruntled characters acting up in the proverbial peanut gallery (so to speak) and your significant other or close BFF is less appreciative than usual, you hold the key to keeping the whole thing running and you know it. No one needs to tell you to use your authority wisely (wink), but your mood influences others more than you realize.

AQUARIUS: You’re one of the lucky ones: Because of your natural affinity for technology and/or your luck in having someone handy who knows more than you do in that arena, you really can phone it in and do your work from anywhere. If need be (or if your intuition tells you to), by all means draw upon that talent and work more from home in the next few weeks. Some down time and visits to museums or other cultural spots of interest will do wonders to recharge your battery and make you more productive in the long run.

PISCES: You’re a prolific bunny: Who knew you had this much to say and that much of it is really quite good! Don’t talk it all away only to kick yourself in a month or two for not putting it on paper or in a word doc somewhere. There is money to be earned from these ideas and you will want to refer to them later. A wild idea that sounds like a sure thing for a quick buck may not be. If a stick-in-the-mud conservative friend interferes- listen to them. You need the sobering influence they bring-amen.

The Planets This Week- All Times are EDT

April 24: Moon in Sag, v/c @ 5:38 pm, Mars opposite Jupiter @ 9:23 am
April 25: Moon in Cap @ 5:47 am, Venus sextile Neptune @ 12:34 pm
April 27: Moon v/c at 10:18 am, enters Aquarius @ 5:27 pm, Mercury sextile Uranus @ 10:36 pm
April 28: Mercury trine Jupiter @ 9:41 am
April 29: Mercury Square Neptune @ 9:10 am, Mercury sextile Mars @ 6:10 pm
April 30: Moon v/c @ 1:25 am, enters Pisces @ 2:11 pm, Venus in Taurus @ 10:07 pm

*Moon v/c = void of course, a time of disconnect

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com

Shelley Ackerman's Weekly Horoscope for Wedlok.com - April 17 to 23

2008-04-17T14:48:18Z

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

Mercury and The Sun Enter Taurus, A Scorpio Full Moon, and Earth Day 2008

Media astrologer Shelley Ackerman of radio and TV brings her astrological insights to Wedlok.com in a weekly horoscope column every Thursday.

On Friday April 17, Mercury, the planet of communication and transportation, enters Taurus.

Thoughts slow down and though the words take more time, they are more grounded and literally have more weight. That energy is further amplified when the Sun enters lusty Taurus on April 19th.

This weekend’s Full Moon in Scorpio, and grand trine (a harmonious alliance between planets in the same element) between the Sun/Mercury, Saturn and Pluto provides a rare combination of dramatic and productive energy to get things moving in both our financial and our romantic lives.

How astrologically perfect that Earth Day is always celebrated on April 22 with the Sun in Taurus?

This year however, the Moon is ‘void of course’* in Scorpio till 5:07 pm EDT, so it’s a good idea to lay low, do what you must to get through the day, but not make any major purchases or promises you won’t be able to keep.

Shelley's Weekly Forecast for all 12 Signs:
]]> ARIES: Your financial life is about to get the mega ‘shot in the arm’ that’s been a long time coming. And since this bounty from up above will need ongoing upkeep, be prepared for a cut into your free time. (It’s so worth it though). Your love life isn’t doing too bad either, and that will get better too if you stop cutting your nose to spite your face. Unless you give a little on the 23rd, what could be an evening of spicy romance will deteriorate into a knock down drag out.

TAURUS: Be encouraged, be inspired, and above all be willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone: The exceptional support offered by way of the Earth Grand Trine (a triangular patter of at least three planets in the same element) to you this week should not pass without you making something of it. Since Taurus is so sensual, it’s easy to just order a rich meal, some drinks, and relax into glorious satiation – but don’t. The more you put pen to paper the more you’ll earn in the months to come. Avoid battles of will with a partner.

GEMINI: Okay chatterbox, it’s time for you to say less and do more. Air signs resist the ‘weight’ of earth, but earth is required to keep the schedule you need to bring in the $$ you must have to keep the fun going in the way that you want. If you’re able to remain still and quiet and keep off your blackberry or cell phone long enough to hear your inner guidance, and cop to what you’ve been doing wrong, the positive planetary alignment of planets now in earth signs could generate a new state of awareness and move you into brand new territory. So- RU Ready for an upgrade?

CANCER: Like your Pisces and Scorpio (water sign) counterparts, Cancerians will benefit greatly by the grand alignment of planets in practical earth signs this week. The communication houses of your chart are alive and well and if you ever wanted to straighten out a misunderstanding and move things to a new and better level with someone you hold dear, now is the time. A group affiliation with like-minded souls will provide the support you’ve been seeking.

LEO: Get your priorities in order and keep ‘em there. The very thought of wasting time on frivolities (an overseas dalliance?) is especially self-destructive in light of what’s possible for you now. The alignment of earth planets in your money houses speaks of a window of opportunity in which you can alleviate the pain of a long standing financial burden and build some equity for the future. If a career choice is to be made, go with the sure thing.

VIRGO: Your diligence and attention to detail are about to be well rewarded. The alignment of planets in earth signs will serve to uplift you and you may even experience a revelation or two that changes the way you look at life in general. Don’t allow the jealousy of an out of whack friend get you off kilter. None of it is caused by or really directed at you. Prudence makes perfect, so give yourself a pat on the back and keep up the good work.

LIBRA: You’ve let the compassionate side of yourself get the upper hand and it’s time to pull in the reins just a tad. Since September, demanding and exacting Saturn in Virgo has been rummaging through your 12th house of karmic hobgoblins making you feel responsible for everything and everyone under the sun. And while it’s admirable to be a good Samaritan, you can’t do everybody else’s work for them. Set some boundaries and don’t feel guilty about it.

SCORPIO: The Full Moon in your sign is beautifully supported by planets that influence your power as a communicator, the commitment of friends with integrity and the love of a partner. The key is to not mess it up by being over emotional or regressing to the lower and mistrusting part of your nature. Now is not the time to let your over-active suspicious mind run amok and mess up a good thing.

SAGITTARIUS: With the Sun and Mercury’s entrance into sensual practical Taurus, the emphasis clearly shifts to finding creative ways to maintain and improve your health. And since “power brokers” Pluto and Saturn are there to support this endeavor and pad your pocketbook, you really can’t lose. See how your day to day routine could be made easier. A partner’s needs may conflict with what you have in mind but a resolution can be reached if both of you will compromise a little.

CAPRICORN: No one needs to tell you to seize the day. Earth signs (such as yours) rock and rule and this weekend, the heavens have you placed in a State of Grace and primed for some serious dream-building. The Sun and Mercury in Taurus positively align with your ruler Saturn (in Virgo) to support your every move through much of the week. Romance-wise: an overall sense of well-being should have you in great shape: If not, now is the time to fix- counseling may be the way to go.

AQUARIUS: Tend to your garden both literally and figuratively. The Sun and Mercury in Taurus directs your attention to taking care of business in and around the home. This focus will pay off beautifully. Have visitors come to you and venture out as little as possible: A close neighbor or a sibling’s demands may seriously interfere with work commitments and just why he or she is being so unreasonable is beyond anyone’s comprehension. Be compassionate, do what you can, but cave to no body’s craziness.

PISCES: It’s been said many times that good communication is the key to success as well as the key to building good relationships. The alignment of planets in your Earthy-communication houses presents you with a golden opportunity to clear up many misunderstandings and to establish a rapport with a number of people and institutions that will help you for years to come. If there’s any residual investment psychological or otherwise keeping things messy, now is the time to fix it for good and move on.

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com

Ask the Wedding Goddess

2008-04-15T21:03:18Z

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway will answer your questions and help relieve wedding stress. Please e-mail your questions and wedding challenges to The Wedding Goddess.

How do we get our marriage license and how soon can we marry?

Dear Wedding Goddess:

We are a couple from England who are looking to get married in New York next year and though we have visited the Municipal Building website we haven't been able to find the information we require or an email address to contact them, and hope you can help. We will be arriving on the 29/11/09 in New York and will be heading straight to the NYC Marriage Bureau first thing on the Monday 30th November 2009. Can you please help us with the following: Whether we need a special license to get married in New York as we are from England?; Whether we can book our wedding ceremony for the next day once we've obtain our marriage license or do they have waiting lists? Hope you can help and any assistance or advice would be much appreciated. - John and Tracy

Dear John and Tracy -

Congratulations on your decision to wed in New York City. It is actual quite a simple procedure. First thing you want to do is check to make sure they are open on the day your arrive or day after. Hours for the New York City Clerk's Office marriage bureau are typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM but they close certain holidays. There is usually no waiting list to marry in the municipal building but you must have your marriage license in hand for 24 hours to do so. For example. If you receive your license at 1:30 PM Monday your could not legally wed until the same time the next day, or later. You do not require a special license on this end, just the appropriate identification, such as a Passport and drivers license. But you will have to register your wedding at home so you should find out how to go about that.

Here is the information I share with the couples I marry in New York City:

The details for getting the license are at this site.

http://nycmarriagebureau.com/

1. You will have to go together to get the license.

2. Make sure you bring proper ID (listed at the url's above and in the info below) and a US money order for $35. They do not take cash, cc, or checks.

3. I suggest you get there on line 45 minutes early to ensure faster processing.

4. You must present a valid, NYState license to me the day of the ceremony. Y

5. You can get it anywhere in New York.

You must bring the license with you the next day in order for the justice of the peace to marry you.

Blessings, Rev. Laurie Sue
]]> SOME MORE INFORMATION ON GETTING YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE IN NY
Adapted from the official NYC Marriage Bureau website.

For more information: nycmarriagebureau.com

Getting married in New York City? Congratulations!

Any couple getting married in NYC must have a valid marriage licence issued within the State of New York. You can attain the license anywhere in the state, and it is only valid in New York State.

A New York State Marriage License remains valid for up to 60 days, and you must have it in hand for no less than 24 hours before your ceremony can be performed.

Try not to stress yourself by leaving it until the last minute if you can avoid it ... but if you are coming from out of town to get married and will have limited time before your ceremony, please make sure the Clerk's Office is open on the days before your wedding. (They close on weekends and for some holidays).

Here is some information on how to get your marriage license from the New York City Clerk's Office, which has five offices in the boroughs of NYC.

* The fee for a Marriage License is $35 payable in a money order only. (They do not accept checks, cash or credit cards).

* Both bride and groom must appear together in person to apply for a Marriage License. The application must be completed in the Clerk's office. (The application consists of an affidavit wherein you list various personal details such as name, address, birth place, date of birth, social security number, and marital history. You also make a sworn statement that there are no legal impediments to the marriage).

* If you or your beloved have been married before you must list all prior marriages and must be prepared to include prior spouse's full name, date the divorce was granted and the place the divorce was filed. It is strongly advised that you bring along a copy of the final divorce decree (just in case). Widowers must provide similar information. (Needless to say, all divorces, annulments, and dissolutions must be finalized before applying for a new Marriage License.)

* Your Marriage License is generated based on the information you provide. It will be prepared while you wait, and you will take it with you upon your departure.

* Make sure you proofread it and ask for any correction before you leave the clerk's office.

* Remember you must wait a full 24 hours before your Marriage Ceremony can be performed.

* A blood test is not required to obtain a Marriage License in New York State. There is no residence or citizenship status requirement to be married in New York City.

You must bring valid and acceptable forms of identification when applying for a Marriage License. Expired forms of ID will not be accepted.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

1. Valid driver's license (from the United States or one of its territories)

2. Non driver's identification card (from the United States or one of its territories)

3. Learner's permit from New York State only

4. Active United States Military Identification Card

5. Valid passport

6. U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (issued within the past ten years)

7. Valid United States Alien Registration Card with expiration date

8. Employment Authorization Card issued by the United States Immigration Authorities

To obtain your license anywhere else in the state please contact the local clerk's office to find our their hours and protocol.

For complete information please go to: nycmarriagebureau.com

© 2007, Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, editor of Wedlok.com, is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Interfaith Weddings: Interview with Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

2008-04-15T13:32:38Z

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant, and a widely recognized expert on blended marriages and bridal stress. She reguarly presides over interfaith weddings.

She is known for her warm, loving and creative approach to blessing couples of all backgrounds, faiths and cultures and for guiding them on their journey to the altar and beyond. She helps interfaith couples explore challenges they face, and unites them in marriage while helping them to blend families and cultures.

She has an active wedding ministry in New York City and serves hundreds of couples each year. She is author of Wedding Goddess: a Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss and Your Perfect Wedding Vows: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart.

She will be co-officiating The Annual Wedding Goddess Blessing of the Brides and Grooms in Central Park on June 14. Please e-mail her, or contact her at WeddingGoddess.com and 212-631-3520.

The following are excerpts from a recent radio nterview with Rev. Laurie Sue.

What is an interfaith marriage?

People tend to think of "interfaith" as Jewish and Christian but it is actually an umbrella term for many diverse pairings. The combinations are unlimited. When any two people of differing faith and/or cultural backgrounds decide to marry it is considered interfaith. On one end of the spectrum is a Catholic marrying a Lutheran – both are Christians but technically of different faiths. Or it could be a union between a Hindu from Trinidad and an African American Jehovah’s Witness. In that scenario there is a blending of both religions and cultures.

Tell us a little bit about the very interesting couples you've married.

Wow. As an interfaith minister I have had the honor of marrying so many diverse couples, from so many different backgrounds and points of view. I am often called to create ceremonies that weave together different cultures, traditions, faiths, personal values and families. For example, just recently the faith and cultural pairing of some of my couples included:

Christian and Hindu; Hindu and Buddhist-Christian-Jewish groom; American lapsed Catholic and Sri Lankan Buddhist; French Canadian Lebanese and Dominican Republic Catholic; Wiccan and Atheist; Muslin and Hindu; Hindu and Jewish (both from conservative families); Scottish traditional to Church of English British; Catholic of Mexican heritage and religious Jewish; Russian Jewish and Russian Christian; African Christian and American Jewish.

That’s quite a range. Out of over 2 million couples who marry each year, how many are interfaith couples?
The numbers now look to be about 25 percent. NBC recently reported that there are 28 people in interfaith unions in this country.

Do you think the numbers of interfaith marriages are on the rise? Why?

There are a number of factors:
1. First of all, one of the things that most people want in life is to find true love with a devoted partner. In our global community, and our daily lives -- where we live, work and travel in blended communities -- it is so easy to meet and become attracted to someone who may have a different faith, culture, country, skin color.

2. A lot of people today are open-minded enough to opt for LOVE over the "package" that love comes in and in the process they find the package is quite lovely as well.

3. Many people feel disconnected from the religion of their birth so they don't actively seek a mate by religious standards. A recent study showed us that 16 per cent of all Americans do not consider themselves to be on any faith. And 25 per of Americans “switched” faiths at some point of their lives, and some believe this is in part due to interfaith marriage.
]]> Do people in interfaith marriages have to convert?

There are some faith traditions, families and individuals who feel this is a requirement in order for a marriage to be recognized by a religious body or by the family. I recommend that couples clarify the protocol of their differing faiths as well make peace with their families on this issue whenever possible. But I do not see conversions much in my ministry because I am the officiant people seek out when they are choosing a ceremony created for their unique union and family.

Is there such a thing as "typical" challenge that interfaith couple's face? Or is there a common issue that you see?

The most common challenge I come across is that a bride is worried about appeasing a religious mother, father or grandmother. For example, the family might be having a hard time with the idea that a couple is choosing to get married at a wedding venue rather than in a church.

Or, on some sad occasions, I’ve dealt with an intolerant parent or two, or the pain a couple was going through because of it. I've had at least two weddings where the father of a bride refused to come to his daughters wedding because she was marrying an African American man. I've had a Jewish mom refuse to partake in a non denominational candle lighting that was part of her son's marriage to a beautiful African doctor (what she was really saying was she was not supportive of the marriage).

But overall, when a couple is okay inside themselves about their marriage choices we see more of acceptance from all involved.

With couples so diverse and their wedding needs so wide-ranging how are you able to serve each couple's individual needs? Do you have any religious restrictions or religious protocol that you must adhere to?

I do not have to follow any religious protocol, per see. Although I do have a legal responsibility is to uphold the marriage laws of the state and city. I consult with couples to find out exactly what kind of ceremony they want and I include only the rituals, prayers, blessings and words that they feel will help them honor their families and their relationship while maintaining their personal values. The ceremonies mainly focus on their love for each other. That's the central theme.

Many clergy people refuse to conduct an interfaith marriage ceremony, or at the very least are uncomfortable with the idea. What is your personal philosophy on love and marriage?

My philosophy is that love between two people is their business and their choice. And that it adds a dimension of holiness to our world that cannot be categorized by religion or culture and that a temple can be created wherever there is love. I believe in soul mates, and I feel that the couples who are meant to be together have the ability to see one another through the eyes of the soul. That allows many feelings about "differences" to melt away. I don't feel it is up to me to decide who can or can't marry based on religion, race or culture.

Of course, many people worry about the Children. When your couples seek counsel from you on how to raise their families, what do you suggest?

I personally believe in blending. This is not for everyone; some couples will need to select one faith to follow and stick with it to give their kids a religious identify. If they are choosing to raise their kids in one faith, then they need to really look at what that will mean for both families and family celebrations such as religious holidays. For example, will it be okay with a Catholic dad if his kids celebrate Passover with their Jewish Mom and not Easter, as his family has?

But when couples are unsure, I tell them to look into their own childhood for the rituals and celebrations they most loved from their religions and to make a list of what they would like to give their children from column A and column B. And to factor in ways their children can partake in family celebrations, time with grandparents, visits to house of worship --- all in a way that fit in with their personal beliefs.

What is the one common denominator that you see in all interfaith couples?

The common denominator with all my couples boils down to on thing: LOVE. They love one another, therefore, they willing to rise up against the odds, or ignore them, and build a life together.

And your role in it all?

I am just a facilitator for love. I make no judgements and I have no rules about who can marry who. If a couple is in love and they committed to building a life together, then I consider it a blessing and priviledge to officiate for them. It is an honor to create unique ceremonies to match their unique unions. And to make their wedding experience all it can be.

Do you believe interfaith unions will affect the bigger picture? Can they add to peace on earth?

I do. By virtue of loving one another, each couple brings more love to their circle of friends, their families, and their world. Devoted love of any kind is sacred and when it brings two faiths and cultures together, it expands fellowship between families and communities of different faiths. It doesn't have to be Romeo and Juliet, the Capulets versus the Montagues. Although interfaith couples have dragons to slay - all relationships do. I think overall it is a very positive thing.

Heal Relationships and Life with "Peak Vitality"

2008-04-10T20:34:33Z

For more information

Few of us enter into a committed relationship or friendship expecting it to fail, and yet sometimes even with the best of intentions, relationships do not work out to our satisfaction.

It often baffles us that someone we were once so drawn to can now get on our nerves so easily or even repel us!

So what is the answer, why does this happen? The one word answer may surprise you….Energy.

This energy surrounds us every minute of every day. We decide if our energy is that of love, kindness and encouragement or whether we emit an energy of arrogance, anger or impatience. Far too many of us have observed a family member talking harshly to another only to answer the phone in the sweetest of friendly voices.

We have the capacity to shift our energy in an instant. Our relationships vary from one to another based on our previous energy exchanges with that individual. So what can we do to shift our energy?

Prayer and meditation are two wonderful ways to get in touch with your current energy state. When we practice meditation we actually shut the mind down and allow a feeling of calmness and peace to enter our energy field. .
]]> Even meditating as little as 15 minutes a day can have a dramatic effect on our emotional energy the rest of the day. Prayer is equally powerful. Some may dismiss the clever saying "the couple that prays together stays together" as a simple rhyme. The act of praying with another gets to the heart of creating compatible energy. The prayer does not have to be elaborate, what is important is that it is done together with the shared energy of gratitude.

This is not to say we have to have the exact same feelings, desires and opinions as our beloved.

Part of what attracted you to your mate was your many differences. The object is to create harmonious energy and when you both embrace the energy of compassion, respect, honesty and play, magical things will begin to show up in your energy field.

The third way to alter you energy is through knowledge and understanding key principles as they relate to energy.

We recently found a wonderful new book that addresses many facets of energy, Peak Vitality.

Edited by Jeanne House, M.A. the book is a source of powerful wisdom for dozens of top experts in the mind, body, spirit and energy fields.

Among the contributors are numerous outstanding authors Mehmet Oz, Deepak Chopra, John Gray, Eckhart Tolle, Prince Charles, Dawsom Church, Stephen Lewis and Lynne McTaggart

There is a lot of great material to cull through!

We loved Stephen Lewis' chapter on "Energetic Balancing,". We are huge fans of his work and long time participants in his AIM Program, a technology he explains fully in Peak Vitality. Everything he has to say about energy is always eye-opening and, often, life changing.

Dawson Church, an old friend going back to 1982, also has a terrific chapter "Your DNA is Not Your Destiny." He takes a fascinating look at genetics and choices we make. He is also an associate editor of the book.

There are many chapters packed with advice about energy that was simple to implement into my daily life. The book is nicely edited by Jeanne House and covers so many topics including some of the most ground-breaking work being done in the field of energy today.

Peak Vitality calls us to examine our own energy as it relates to thinking, feeling and experiencing—then go beyond that. It is a powerful place to be, in control of your own energy center.

Everything is energy, that is never more apparent than each spring. We survive the winter with plants, trees and flowers that appear dead. They may even remind us of past or even current relationships.

But take heart because the plants and trees are not gone and the tulip bulbs are simply underground.

The same holds true for our relationships. No relationship is ever dead. Plant a few seeds of kindness or forgiveness, guard your own energy thoughts with the strategies in Peak Vitality and then give it a little time.

You will be pleasantly surprised to see just how beautifully your relationships can grow!

Learn more at the Peak Vitality website at www.peakvitality.org.

Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn - Love Will Keep Them Together

2008-04-10T17:09:24Z

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

Happy Birthday Robin Wright Penn!

Two days after the actress’ 42nd birthday on April 8th, there’s good news from California:

(Aries) Robin and her actor-director-activist (Leo) husband Sean Penn (born Aug 17, 1960) have withdrawn their divorce papers and will remain a couple!

Find out more.

We wish them both well!

]]> When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com

Shelley Ackerman's Weekly Horoscope for Wedlok.com - April 10 to April 16

2008-04-10T16:57:47Z

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

First Quarter Moon, The Taxman Cometh

Media astrologer Shelley Ackerman of radio and TV brings her astrological insights to Wedlok.com in a weekly horoscope column every Thursday.

Shelley's Weekly Forecast for all 12 Signs:

ARIES: As a rule, you’re most at home in the eye of a storm. But this week, you’re cast in the unlikely role of referee and loving it! Who’d have imagined that learning how the other half lives could be such a blast? You’ve discovered a lot about yourself in the past few months, and perhaps most surprising is that you have much more patience and (dare I say) maturity than you ever realized. So how do you like your new job?

TAURUS: For some reason, tax season is especially stressful for you this year, and it needn’t be. You’re better organized than you think, and even if you’re not, you can fake it better than anyone. Worth considering: is whether or not it’s best for you to file a single return, even if you’re married. And if you’re single, two eyes are better than one- meaning, have a pro do it and then go over it yourself. Once this is out of the way, look into an overseas investment property that you’ll be able to get for a song.
]]> GEMINI: As far as finances go, you’re sick and tired of being on a restricted diet with no carbs or sweets. But until Saturn goes direct (after May 2), you need to curb your spending and make home and family a priority. This doesn’t have to be the dreary death sentence that you think it is. Au contraire! If you surrender to the process, the benefits will override any inconvenience ten to one. A boss or authority figure traveling overseas calls with good news.

CANCER: A little Zen goes a long way. Expect your imagination and your moods to run the gamut from A to Z and back (in more than one language) this weekend, so have a plan in place in case you start bouncing off the walls. One idea is to take a kick boxing or shadow boxing class with a seasoned pro. As crazy as it sounds, you’ll need to externalize this energy, or it’ll overwhelm you. Walking is better than nothing: If writing’s your thing, go for it, but don’t act on any of it without a reality check from someone you trust.

LEO: It’s not your style to sit on the sidelines and let life happen without your glowing input. But since so much is going on behind the scenes and beyond your scope of vision, the less said the better- at least for now. Being in a frustrating holding pattern is never fun, but it’s what you have to do. By the second week in May, this will all lift and you’ll back in full swing and loving it.

VIRGO: Bean counters of the world, unite! It’s your time of year to gloat, but don’t. While everyone around you is tortured by the tax-filing deadline, you’re experiencing a strange calm. The tense aspect between disparate parts of your chart- the part that wants to play and the part that is a tax genius are at odds and there’s only one way to get them in sync. Join the party at the Post office on April 15th. Bring champagne, dress up, and find a spot at the main Post Office and hold court between 8 PM and midnight.

LIBRA: This just in from the topsy turvy department: If you’re moved to stay late at work this Friday night, you’re not nuts- do it. The Moon/Mars meet up at the top of your chart isn’t the kind of energy one can easily relax into but it’s great for cutting through obstacles with passion and precision. So wherever you happen to be, take aim and channel the emotional intensity at hand into something productive. A heated discussion with a partner culminates in a resolution that brings you closer.

SCORPIO: Be careful of your own strength. Without meaning to, you could really clobber somebody and knock the wind out of their sails for good. This especially pertains to people you work with, or anyone in a service position. By the same token, your magic is at a peak this weekend, and you have what it takes to sway others to see what you want them to see and to act on it. Use your might and influence wisely.

SAGITTARIUS: Someone close to you will repeat themselves ad nauseum, but as inane as their incessant chatter is, some of what they’re going on about proves to be important for you to hear. So don’t shut down when you should be listening. By the same token, something that you’ve been trying to get across, finally is heard and you inadvertently save the day. Please-no matter what, don’t say “I told you so”, it’s so annoying.

CAPRICORN: This is the one phrase to live by for the next few days: Pick your battles, or better yet- don’t get involved in any crossfire. Your busy schedule deems it impossible to dodge all the insanity that those in your sphere toss your way, but you don’t have to catch any of it, nor should you. Your ruling planet (Saturn) has a little more than three weeks to go before leaving its compromised retrograde phase. And when it does, look out! The strength you’ve built since late November will blow any one who even tries to mess with you clear out of the water.

AQUARIUS: You’ve been on edge and more worried than usual for no particular reason. Part of it, is the Saturn retro in your 8th house of sex, death, taxes, and other people’s money and you’re consumed with your own mortality. But why dwell on what we mortals have no control over? Along similar lines. if you space out and have more senior moments than usual, not to worry- your close friends have you covered. As a matter of fact, you will feel more loved and provided for in the next couple of weeks than you have in your entire life. So there!

PISCES: Books like “The Secret” encourage visualizing what we want and urge us to cultivate an expectation of our needs being continuously met. Well, all that’s well and good, but how are you supposed to respond to a situation (or person in your life) that has been stuck for months? You have no choice but to graciously wait it out. Within a very short period of time, your “Wall of Jericho” will come tumbling down. That’s a promise.

The Planets This Week: Times are EDT

April 10: Moon v/c in Gemini @ 12:11 pm, enters Cancer @ 10:43 pm
Sun square Jupiter @ 10:11 am, Mercury square Mars @ 1:14 pm
April 12: First Quarter-Sun square Moon @ 2:32 pm, then Moon v/c
April 13: Moon enters Leo @ 2:29 am
Mercury square Jupiter @ 1:49 pm
April 14: Mercury sextile Neptune @ 6:10 pm
April 15: Moon enters Virgo @ 9:07 am
April 16: Sun conj Mercury @ 3:24 am

*Moon v/c = ‘void of course’, a time of disconnect until the Moon enters the next sign

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com

Pet Prayers and Blessings Interfaith Ministry

2008-04-10T13:09:45Z

We love our pets. And statistics show that we are willing to spend oodles on our poodles, kitties, horses and other animals, keeping them well groomed, stylishly attired, fed, happy, healthy and safe.

More than 70 million American’s share their homes with cats, 60 million with dogs, and 2 million or so more with domestic birds. At least 65% of all homes in the United States include at least one pet.

For many of us, pets are as much a part of the family as any human member.

"That is why we are seeing more and more pooches walking down the aisle or bearing rings at weddings," according to Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway and Rev. Victor Fuhrman , interfaith ministers and authors of Pet Prayers and Blessings: Ceremonies & Celebrations to Share With the Animals You Love , due out from Sterling, August 5, 2008.

They have observed in their ministry work, and their own lives, that many owners recognize the divine nature of all “creatures great and small."

Pet owners consider their relationships to their animals sacred and essential. So the Reverends Brockway and Fuhrman, a married couple, treat prayers, healings and celebrations for pets in the same way that they treat human events they officiate of preside over.

Since they cannot be there in person to bless every pet, they have launched the Pet Prayers and Blessings Interfaith Ministry on Beliefnet.com's social networking community. There, soulful pet owners can chat, request prayers and prayer for one another's pets in this spiritual community.

The Pet Prayers and Blessings ministry on Beliefnet.com will be guided with the help of prayer maven and prayer circle expert Judy Newman.

Pet Prayers and Blessings, the forthcoming book, is a unique collection of blessings that specifically addresses the spiritual needs of modern-day pet owners .

Besides offering original prayers and adaptations of classics, it explains how to lead rituals and celebrations, and provides advice on involving pets in spiritual events, including those conducted by the clergy.

Although the book includes and honors many faiths, it is non-denominational and non-religious, and encompasses elements from many cultures and traditions.

There are healing prayers for ailing animals, ceremonies for special occasions (such as the arrival of a new pet), and blessings for a long and happy life with your animal companion.

You can preorder Pet Prayers and Blessings at www.bn.com.

Beyonce and Jay-Z Say "I do" in New York

2008-04-08T02:51:51Z

We think.

There were flower and food deliveries to Jay-Z's Tribecca apartment. And all the media say a wedding took place.

But the couple still seems to be denying it. We guess this is because they have sold the rights to their wedding photos to one of the tabloid.

The report is that wedding-like activities swirled around the Manhattan apartment with many deliveries, as well as relatives and friends, coming in by car or limo.

The New York Post said Beyonce used the gym in the building as her bridal suite.

Some reports say there were 30 guests.

We wish them nothing but happiness. Read more about why they should keep their marriage -- if there is one -- private.

Eli Manning Getting Married

2008-04-08T02:44:39Z

Bride-to-be Abby McGrew stole the heart of Superbowl MVP Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Rumor had it they will walk down the aisle this month. Read more at AOL Sports.