Letter from the Publisher

! Welcome to the new Alternatives with a new name...Alternatives Spirit Guide! It is my pleasure to re-introduce you to one of the most respected metaphysical magazines in the region. We are excited to publish and share with you, each month, the latest news and information from like minded writers, artists and light workers. We welcome your input and look forward to once again, being part of your community. ! I have been a writer all of my life. About ten years ago, my rst article was published in Alternatives and that was an exciting time for me. I was so proud! Over the years, I have contributed to Alternatives and was able to meet many wonderful people in and around New Orleans because of my association with the paper. ! Alternatives also sponsored my psychic fairs and events held at the House of Broel the past seven years. The paper has long been a strong supporter for so many people and such an important part of the spiritual community. After Katrina, like so many businesses in the area, it suffered despite the efforts of many dedicated people. Without our regular dose of Alternatives, there was a denite void left in our neighborhoods. How many of you enjoyed your copy over a cup of coffee at P.J.s or CCs? Do you remember anticipating picking up the latest version at Dorignacs or Royal Mail? ! Earlier this year, I purchased the newspaper from former publisher and editor Ms. Joele Dupont, who many of you know and respect for her dedication in running Alternatives for many years. I am honored that Joele would give me this opportunity and will work hard to provide an informative and entertaining paper.newspaper. You will notice in our issues, writers, not only from our beloved New Orleans and Gulf Coast region but from all over the world! Our hope is to connect people from all corners of the earth, creating a meeting place for all. And theres no better foundation for Alternatives Spirit Guide than New Orleans La. !

.New Orleans is the root chakra of the United States. The energy generated here and sent to all points of the country and world is electrifying. The spirit and soul of the Crescent City has touched everyone who has ever visited. It is my hope, that spirit can reach the million of readers I am manifesting will read the newspaper. ! Alternatives Spirit Guide will be available worldwide on the web once a month and debut in print version in October, as our special Halloween and Holliday edition. It will be available by mail subscription, at distribution sites in Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Michigan and via the web. Alternatives will be hosting special events in the months and years to come. So please check out our calendar of events as it grows. If you have any questions, comments or just want to say hello, please feel free to contact me at MariaShawLawson@alternativesnews.com

Letter from Former Publisher Joele Dupont

Dear All, In 1990, Cathryn Rogers began the Alternatives publication. In 2000, I took over the helm and have continued her hard work. As 2012 signals the new energy of all the earth, it is time to welcome a new editor/owner that can steer Alternatives even further along. With much excitement and a tad of melancholy, I announce my retirement and welcome Maria Shaw Lawson as the new Editor of Alternatives Newspaper. The past twelve years have been a fabulous roller coaster ride. I have met so many (literally) life changing people at so many life changing events that tears roll down my cheeks at the thought of my life without them. I am so blessed by having owned this incredible publication. Some of you will remember me saying that the universe tricked me into it. When I rst bought the paper, it was after a weekend UFO conference that involved hours of meditation. Silly me to think, it was all about the money Id make in my right-brained little world. Instead, a whole new world opened before me as my left-brain nally found its place in my conscious existence. Admittedly, the money owed completely in the wrong direction. That lesson, among hundreds of others, are absolutely responsible for who I am today. I thank each and every one of you readers, writers, especially advertisers, and extra especially the dedicated workers - that made Alternatives Newspaper such an awesome Earth-school. Many of you will agree you have learned along the way as well. I have many expressions of gratitude addressed to Alternatives over the years from those touched by an article or a modality or a particular person they connected with through the paper. What a joy it is to know that so many more will benet in the future. Maria is a perfect t to bring the paper back to print and share herself it its pages. The song from R.E.M. comes to mind It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel ne. I feel calm amongst the chaos of our outside world. Alternatives has given me (and I hope, some of you) the tools: to rely on ourselves and the goodness of our otherselves to be/love ourselves and let others be who they are without judgments to trust and yet still question, our long-held beliefs to know that we can manifest, not just personally, but globally to realize God loves me and, everyone else too, just as we are to accept that rights and responsibilities go hand in hand to survive (perhaps, thrive?) Katrina and our other personal disasters to keep on, knowing there is (always) so much more to learn, to do, to give and to be Please give Maria Shaw Lawson and Alternatives Newspaper your continued support, in whatever form that takes. I will be doing the same so that New Orleans and South LA and MS can have Sound Mind, Healthy Body and Growing Spirit from Alternatives for many years to come. Sincerely, Joele Louise Dupont Retired Editor

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Going Home; The Transition from Life to Death

Rev. Suzanne M. Angli
Death like birth is part of the life cycle. It is not something that should be feared, but embraced and accepted. At the beginning of our life we are introduced to a new body, a new physical vehicle that will house our spirit throughout life on this planet. We grow and develop within the safety and confides of our mothers womb. As birth approaches we begin our journey from the known to the world of seeming unknowns. We arrive into a vast and scary world. Surprisingly, family who has been anxiously waiting our arrival welcomes us. We are comforted and begin to settle into our new body, our new family and our new life. Over time we reunite with many whom we have known before as we re-establish relationships and work to re-balance our karma. Rev. Suzanne M . Angli is We learn and grow. Strengthening those attributes within us that are weak and fixing the an Ordained Minister, Spiritual Healer Practitioner and Reiki ones that are broken. Finally we reach that point when its time to leave the vehicle that Master from Grosse Pointe has housed us for all these years and transition back to the world of spirit. And we are once again faced with being cast into a seeming world of the unknown. In May 2012, my father transitioned from this world to the world of spirit. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and was put in the hospital for treatment. But he quickly took a turn for the worse. Hospice was notified. When I arrived at the hospital he was agitated and in pain. I immediately went into meditation and began to channel Reiki (an ancient form of energy healing that calms and relieves pain). After about forty five minutes, something very profound happened. In the corner of the room to the left of my fathers hospital bed, I saw the spirit of my mother, my father's mother, my fathers father, and others in spirit appearing behind them. At that moment I realized that not only was I there to help ease my fathers pain, but also to help him transition. By calming him, he was able to relax his gripping attachment to his physical body, redirect his focus away from the pain, anxiety and uncertainty of what was happening, to see the many in spirit who were present. Simultaneously, his breathing started to slow, his agitation relaxed as his eyes were fixed to that part of the room where his spiritual family was waiting. The connection was made and about fifteen minutes later, he was gone. Hospice didn't make it. I felt overwhelming joy and happiness and an inner knowing that he was at peace and no longer suffering. Death should not be a struggle or something that is feared. We are merely going back to the world from which we came, but have forgotten. Take comfort in the fact that when our time comes, there are those in body who are able to help with the transition process and those in spirit who are waiting to welcome us home.

Healthy Living
My Super-Seed
By Erinn Evans
People ask me about quinoa (keen-wa) often. The tiny seed packs some powerful nutrients and has become one of my familys favorite foods. I was introduced to this super-seed when my family went gluten free. I missed couscous and a close friend suggested quinoa. Its just as easy to cook as rice, and in my opinion tastes better! Many mistake quinoa for a grain but the yellowish pods are actually the seed of a plant called chenopodium quinoa, native to Peru and related to beets, chard and spinach. The plant resembles spinach, but with 3- to 9-foot stalks that take on a magenta hue. The large seed heads make up nearly half the plant and vary in color: red, purple, pink and yellow. In the Andes Mountains, where they have been growing for more than 5,000 years, quinoa plants have overcome the challenges of high altitude, intense heat, freezing temperatures and little annual rainfall. Peru and Bolivia maintain seed banks with 1,800 types of quinoa. It has only been grown in the U.S. since the 1980s. The Incas considered quinoa sacred, and held it in such high regard that they referred to it as chisaya mama, or mother of all grains, because of its nutritional properties and ability to survive the harsh environment found at high altitudes. Quinoa has been classified as a "super crop" by the United Nations because of its high protein content. It is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids. It also contains the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair, and is a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous. The fact that it has magnesium, copper and phosphorous means that quinoa is especially good for those that have migraine headaches, atherosclerosis and diabetes. The coating, which protects growing seeds from birds and the intense rays of the high-altitude sun, can make your quinoa taste bitter. Place the quinoa in a strainer & rinse with cold water to get rid of the bitter coating. Then add one part quinoa to two parts liquid in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cover. In a mere 15 minutes, the seeds will be plump, fluffy and ready to eat. One cup of cooked quinoa has just 220 calories. Quinoa is a great source of healthy carbohydrates, and also provides 5 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein per serving. Its available in most grocery stores now and always in health food stores. It's delicious served cold as or on a salad as well as hot. Try ground quinoa in place of an oatmeal breakfast, a little honey & some fruit - oh so yummy! I put quinoa in almost everything! Here (http://bit.ly/Nsixvf) is an excellent write-up on quinoa with healthy facts and here are some yummy recipes (http://www.quinoa.net/181.html). Enjoy! Erinn Evans is a respected and popular health coach from Lansing Michigan

Mantra Moment
With Zarria

Abundance

Because this year the September Full Moon is the Harvest moon; choose tofocus and meditate on Value and Abundance. Use the daily Mantra: I have VALUE and I create ABUNDANCE.By openly loving others, by giving freely with my heart, I practice the law of Attraction;I attract those who have value and those who bring Abundance.

Food Aphro"siacs
With Alternatives Sex Therapist Allie Theiss
The word aphrodisiac derives from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Since ancient times, people use aphrodisiacs to increase attractiveness or to enhance sexual interest. Aphrodisiacs can enhance mood, delight the senses, and energize the chakras. The next time love is elusive or the sex drive is not what it used to be, try some of Mother Natures natural aphrodisiacs.

1) Fruits and veggies: the goddesses bounty bubbles over with L-arginine. Asparagus is an especially vibrant source of folic acid, which increases the histamine production needed for satisfying sexual energy. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins. Both component aid the production of sex hormones. Bananas also contain Bufotenine, an alkaloid compound that improves mood and self-confidence. Avocados, arugula, carrots, celery, watermelon, mangoes, and figs all have long histories of use as aphrodisiacs. 2) Nuts: almonds promote fertility and an increase in sexual energy. Pine nuts contain high levels of zinc, which aid in fertility and are a natural stimulant for women. Nuts packed full of L-arginine include; walnuts, peanuts, and cashews, which will help with performance issues in men and women. 3) Seafood: oysters are the poster boy aphrodisiac dish and also rich in zinc, which can help with male fertility, potency and sex drive. Salmon and other fatty fish like mackerel and sardines are great sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help improve mood, to strengthen the aura for love and desire. 4) Meat: provides much needed protein and zinc for an increase in male stamina, as well as fertility. Turkey and beef are the best two meats. If meat is not on the menu, beans are an excellent substitute. 5) Spices: chili peppers are loaded with capsaicin, a compound known to stimulate nerve endings and rev up the pulse, just like a romantic interlude. Ginger stimulates the circulatory system and improves blood flow for an improved performance in bed. Licorice, mustard seed and anise seed also increase interest and strengthen the aura to attract love. 6) Honey: the nectar of Aphrodite is rich in boron, which helps the metabolism of estrogen and increases the level of testosterone in the blood to increase sexual drive in both men and women. Honey is a great source of B vitamins that aid in testosterone production. It also increases fertility in women and provides a magnetic boost to the aura. 7) Red wine: women, this one is for you. Red wine contains high levels of resveratrol, which is an antioxidant known for the ability to increase estrogen. Women need estrogen for sexual desire. The red wines that strike a masculine tone such as, Pinots, Burgundy, or Cabernet Sauvignon, work best. 8) Caffeine: a cup of java or tea helps blood flow, which will improve bedroom performance for both men and women. It will also add a charge the aura to attract love. 9) Chocolate: is the reigning king of aphrodisiacs! Eating a quality piece of dark chocolate triggers the release of the chemical phenylethylamine that leads to feelings of wanting love and the vibrancy of sex. Also, found in dark chocolate is tryptophan, which is an important component of serotonin, a chemical that relaxes the body. The next time love or sex appears to be a far-away dream, reach for the kitchen cupboards instead of the medicine cabinet.
Allie Theiss from Ohio, is a sex and relationship expert, 6th generation intuitive. She is the author of four Gypsy Magic books on love, prosperity, dreams, and family & hosts a radio show.

Beauty for Mind

Body and Soul
The Spiritual Side of Beauty
What makes a person beautiful? Have you ever looked at someone who truly glows from the inside out and realized they didnt have any special or extra-ordinary features, but had a charisma that drew people to them?
My mother was like that. She passed away at age 92 and even though her face held the deep wrinkles of age, she was radiant. Although her makeup was sparse, just a bit of lipstick; her hair short and nails manicured, she was never complete without her hoop earrings! Her infectious smile, laughter and love of family and friends were among her greatest attributes, but it was her deep faith and love of God that touched everyone she met. She truly exuded spiritual beauty! This sort of attractiveness that starts on the inside can be seen and found at any age from children who instinctively gravitate to each other; the natural born leaders; to those who give tireless of themselves, such as Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama or Mahatma Gandhi. What do they have? Besides compassion, humility and courage, I think its an inner peace; an inner calm and a sense of embracing more than just themselves and more than just outward appearances. They are comfortable in their own skin, no matter what that skin looks like. How can we achieve this? In future columns I will share behind the scenes tips and secrets on everything from skin care, makeup, nails, hair and fashion to specialty columns on anti- aging and plastic surgery. I will take into consideration the whole body, mind and spirit approach to show that to shine on the outside you must rst glow from within. But before that journey begins, I ask you to rst go to your inner core. Are you feeling depressed; lonely? Have you been through a stressful time and cant seem to clearly see the path laid out for you? Whatever is going on in your mind will affect your body and your spirit. You need to let go and listen to that quiet voice inside you that is there to help you heal. There are ways to tap into that voice meditation, yoga, prayer, a walk outside, a hike up a mountain, sitting in a quiet, beautiful spot, or simply closing your eyes and breathing deeply and mindfully. Experience it now. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply. As you breathe out, visualize letting go of your stress, your fear, anxiety or anything else that is holding you back from being you. Visualize these feelings as you exhale and transport them from your body. Now continue doing this until you feel totally relaxed and slightly sleepy. Then return to your normal rate of breathing and listen to the quietness of your soul. Your aim is to cultivate a positive relationship and attitude between the body, mind and spirit so it can begin the healing process Exercise, especially when practiced mindfully, is a true gift to the spirit. What do I mean by mindfully? If you view exercise as a chore, it will do little good. Studies have even shown that exercise can be detrimental if you are going through it as drudgery and not as something exciting and fun. So nd something that you really want to do and that you can put your whole body and mind into. Exercise is known to reduce risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers. It strengthens, tightens and tones your bones and muscles and is known to increase the longevity of your life. Exercise as a beauty treatment has far reaching effects and its free! f youre sore and tired, a simple and soothing touch like a massage would be a great place to start. It can increase circulation, boost your immunity, relieve stress and soothe pain from injury or surgery. At the same time, a facial massage can nourish the skin leaving it radiant and glowing; help slow the process that contributes to wrinkles, aging and sagging. Sounds too good to be true? It is not! Along with all the practices above you may want to do something as simple as taking a long relaxing bath, reading a book, writing in a journal or connecting with an old friend. And sometimes, the best healing, which contributes to healthy, attractive glowing skin, takes place when we do nothing - just sleep, rest and meditate. Finally, beauty of any kind whether in sickness and in health, radiates from the soul - its that positive outlook, that glow, that can-do anything attitude. My hope is that each month while traveling the road of exploring every conceivable aspect of beauty, I will supply you with the tools and incentive to achieve that beauty which we are all seeking!

By Alternatives Beauty Editor Roberta Ruggiero

Your Thoughts Have Power

By Marybeth Rombach Nelson Alternatives Spirit Guide Contributing Writer
The Universe is listening to the thoughts you send out. So make your thoughts be something that you want to come back to you. Your thoughts have power to become your reality. Are you creating the future you want? On a daily basis write down affirmations that you want to come true in your life. In the affirmation you are declaring the statement to be true in your life. Positive affirmations have tremendous power to create the life you want. Combine positive affirmations, positive thoughts and action toward creating the life you want. This winning combination will have profound effects on your life now. An example of a positive affirmation is thank you God for my new job in marketing making 70k. Everyday picture yourself at this new job. Next put your resume on all of the career websites for the action component. In every area of your life, you can have thoughts that positively create what you want in reality. Make it a daily habit to focus on the good things you want in your life. Write them down as if they have already happened. Express gratitude for everything you have. Visualize the life you want and take action toward creating it. Amazing things are about to happen in your life now!
Marybeth Rombach Nelsonis a Michigan basedSpiritual Teacher & Intuitive. She is a featured speaker at Maria Shaw Lawson's Cosmic Connections Convention in Saginaw MI October 26-28. Details on Marybeth's appearance and workshop can be found at mariashaw.com

Just For Today...

With Shari Gresk

To give the gift of time is difficult I found out that time cannot be contained, only the memories caught within that time can be, in the midst of our living, time continues on its endless journey. Now is the time to make the movement to execute those dreams, live those desires, and go after your goals. We were given the amazing ability to capture precious moments within our memory bank those moments that cause us to become embodied with adrenaline, love, passion, peace, and a revealing awareness of who we are as individuals. Time is a gift; I am honoured to say that I was able to spend time with you; In fact, this would be an ideal time to take a hiatus from responsibilities in favor of completely relaxing, immersing yourself in beauty and meditation!
Shari Gresk is a MSSW, LPC, CSAC and light worker from Wisconsin. She will offer monthly contributions titled "Just for Today"

Changing Your Emotional Heart Rhythm Pattern

By Cathy Schuttler
Many people believe that emotions just flutter through us on a whim, without control. Research has actually shown however, that you can have a lot more control over your emotional well-being than you might think. Like a muscle that needs to be exercised, anyone can build up their emotional muscle. As long as they are willing to devote some time and practice to learn to harness this ability; it is entirely within the realm of possibility for anyone! Both negative and positive emotional states can and do have an impact on the body. In fact, up until a few years ago there were no studies on the subject of positive emotions. Most of the studies to date focused entirely on either pathological behaviors or the effects of negative mental reinforcement on the body (hostility, depression, anxiety, and stress). All this is changing, and the new research is exciting! Researchers have learned that there is a way to connect with your heart, both in the physical world and in the metaphysical emotional world. Not only is the heart affected by physical factors such as food, exercise, and cholesterol, but also by poetry, philosophy, religion, and motivational speaking. When you reinforce a new, happier emotion, by then changing your behavior while focusing on maintaining this uplifting emotion, you set up a feedback system that spirals up and can actually change your heart pattern and physiology. The different systems in the body (heart rhythms, nervous system, immune system, and hormonal systems) all react and respond differently. Positive reinforcement can bolster the immune system, enhance hormonal and nervous system balance, and actually disrupt pain. By harnessing this ability and acknowledging how positive emotions work, you can transform your negative stress into a regenerative positive force. Researchers have also found that positive emotions can smooth the heart rhythm patterns that allow for cortical or higher brain function. Conversely, negative emotions (like stress) and disordered heart rhythms are detrimental to a persons ability to think clearly. This explains why when people are stressed they often make mistakes or make decisions that they later regret. Another fascinating discovery was that the electromagnetic field generated by the heart changes as the heart rhythm changed. This field can even be measured from across the room! As you feel and experience different emotions your heart and main organs are actually carrying these emotional patterns right into the electromagnetic field, like 'waves'. This electromagnetic field affects the environment around us and influences people around us too. Thus the term, environment of stress. The combined aspects of the physical heart and the emotional stimulus are referred to as the energetic heart. The field acts as a conductor of the energy patterns produced by the heart. In a nutshell, your positive or negative energy and attitudes can have an effect on other people by radiating through your electromagnetic field! So if you feel an honest positive emotion such as compassion, then you can convey that feeling to another person, as well as experience your physical heart and emotional state come into balance. If you were to attach a heart monitor to watch your pulse, you would see that your heart rhythm pattern can change as your feelings change. Researchers have learned that we can sync up certain heart patterns, and learn to understand their meaning with insight into our emotional state. For instance, smooth and coherent heart patterns yield a sense of solidity and security. Conversely, feelings of anxiety or stress are reflected in heart rate variability patterns as looking jagged and incoherent. When you learn how to get in touch with your energetic heart, you can change your heart rhythm patterns to another pattern when you are stressed, and your feelings will follow accordingly. Your mind then becomes clearer. You can sync your brains electrical rhythms with your heart rhythms and feelings. With this adjustment you will gain a new perspective; you will generate a positive emotion, which will lead to pushing aside stress. You become more coherent, which expands your perception, allows you to make better decisions, feel more content with life, even sleep better, and ultimately live happier and more stress free!
Cathy is from White Plains Missouri and the owner of Wellness Coach Connection and Creator of Burnout Breakthrough!

Vision Holding
By Lisa Joiner
Every new beginning comes to us from some form of ending, sometimes welcome, sometimes not, always heading us in a new or different direction. These times of transition can be exciting, fun and start us on a great adventure like graduation, a new job, a promotion, or a move to a new home. Using our inner vision, we can easily see our dream unfold. Not all endings are of our choosing though and those transitions can be more difficult, stressful and emotional. Sometimes, even in those instances when we choose to make a change, our trepidation or the uncomfortable circumstances surrounding the change can hold us back from truly moving forward. Envisioning right outcomes, taking right action and dreaming a new dream elude us. We may find ourselves filled with self doubt or negative thoughts spinning in our heads as we try to find our way forward. During these times we might seek clarity and support from many sources: prayer, therapy, friendships and intuitive readings. Even if we have a great relationship with Spirit, understanding and interpreting the divine messages can be tricky when we are not in a state of believing. I experience this at times with clients. During the reading certain aspects of their future light up before me with such strength, clarity and purpose I know they can easily claim this possibility as reality. I cant talk fast enough to share the vision before me. Yet, even as I tell them what I see, they are not believing the vision. Their self doubt is evident. They are focused on questioning rather than on believing in the vision. Belief that the dream is already realized and just waiting to be claimed escapes them. Of course, divine timing and free will always come into play, but belief is what they are missing at this point in their life. These are the times when we need help believing. We need someone else to believe for us, to hold our vision and be our believing eyes. It is much easier to believe for someone else because we do not have their doubts and worries. What seems impossible to believe for ourselves we believe without question for someone else. We have absolute faith. We know their vision can become reality. We believe in both them and in their dream. We see it clearly and hold it as truth. Holding someones vision is a sacred act. Keep in mind it is never right to ask anyone to hold a vision that involves specific outcomes with regard to specific people or relationships. The vision holder should be able to see the dream in its pure potentiality and probability with no judgment or editing. Many times holding the vision energetically is enough, and no discussion or information exchange is necessary between the parties. Belief alone will ignite the dream energy into being. Through the help of the vision holder we once again have believing eyes.
Lisa Joiner is a metaphysician and healer from Northern California with an international clientele. She is a sought after author and speaker. Alternatives is anticipating her upcoming book!

Queen Of The Sea

By Amy McAdams
Sitting on the bench at the end of my routine beach walk, I tend to let my eyes relax into a hypnotized stateun-focused and staring out into the shimmer that pops up from every wrinkle of the oceans skin. The only thing that brings my pupils direct is the occasional pod of dolphinsas they organize a buffet with small schoolsof fish. I get so enthralled with their wild methods and movementswhen they surface, when they blow, and Ive even witnessed a pair jumping completely out of the water. Dolphins are amazing creatures. Yet the most magical creature of the sea isnt even believed to exist.
Late in the evening just before dusk, if you walk all the way out onto the end of pier when its deserted, you might get lucky enough to see her. You have to slowly and quietly approach with the purest of energy and intentions. She knows you are there even before you are. Dont fool yourself into thinking she doesnt. If you get a short glimpse its only because she felt you worthy.

Her beauty is beyond comprehension. Her hair is long, thick, flowing and as wavy as the sea itself. The golden tint of her brown skin is a color we humans could never replicate. The valley of her back and stomach marry her identity into scales of metallic blues, purples, and greens that cant be real. Her tail is no less than 4 feet wide. Ive only seen her twice and only from a distance. She has yet to actually look toward me or acknowledge my presence other than quickly leaving taking her classy privacy with her. Serendipitously, representing to me the uncovering of hidden things; it was the second sighting that I realized it was exactly on a Full solar eclipse.
I have no doubt she is the Queen of The Sea. She rules 75% of the earth with wisdomorchestrating jet streamscalling up or calming storms as the sun moves across its ecliptic path. She avoids our class of mammals, as she should. We hominids have yet to leave anything on this planet better than we find it. Being much more evolved and a much older soul, she will waste no energy and time indulging such nonsense. As a mermaid, she has to constantly heal all sea lifebecause of our actions. Her mysterious beauty and unattainable intimacy makes me desire her connection like no other. I thirst for her strong female energy. I crave her secrets like the air I breathe. She is a Healer. She is a Lover. She is the Queen of The Sea.
Amy McAdams is a creative soul and writer from Mississippi. She will offer insight and share her talents on the Alternatives Spirit Guide pages

Cosmic Chat
With Maria Shaw Lawson
Dear Maria I am at a crossroads in life. I have been living with a man (June 4, 1964) for seven years. I have waited for him to propose for the past ve and got nothing more than a cheap gold plated promise ring! I have helped him secure a home, paid for some of his kids private school costs and paid o some of his gambling debts. He is a former alcoholic. This past summer has been dicult because we have been ghting a lot. I cant seem to leave him! Every time I think I am strong enough to say goodbye for good, I end up going back because he has some crisis he needs me to help with or something. But now I think I am ready because I found him irting with his ex wife on his texts. (Yes, I stooped to snooping). I know I should leave. But what I want to know is why cant I leave? Will I ever leave? I am born September 4, 1960 around 7:10a.m. New Orleans, From M.B. New Orleans

Dear M.B.

I studied both of your charts. First thing rst, this man is not going to commit to you; not now or ever. I feel he is a big kid who will not grow up and has no intentions of changing the status of your relationship. Your chart says you are being used. You know this! I could go through all of the good, bad and the ugly about this relationship but you are already well aware. Your real issue is YOU. Why cant you leave? Astrologically, there is a square between your sun signs; to the degree. So there will always be an undercurrent in this relationship that something is not right. Theres seven days in a week. Three you get along. The other four, you dont. Hes not going to change. That challenging square does make for good sexual energy at times and thats one of the reasons you have stayed in this relationship. But possibly the biggest reason is that as a Virgo woman, you need to be needed. You need to x things....and people. The more needy or more dysfunctional, the more interested you are. You may not even realize this on a conscious level. Its as if you have to save and serve stamped on your forehead. Im not trying to get down on you. Its just you have to nd something else to save or x to feed you need. You also have a habit of creating patterns in the beginning of a relationship that once established cannot be reversed easily. In this relationship, you started by doing everything for this man. You volunteered to take care of everything. It was never even. You didn't give him a chance to invest anything. You did everything! From paying his bills, to taking care of his kids, to enabling his addictions and more. You needed to prove your worth to him because your self worth was low when you entered the relationship. Your chart shows you ended a relationship and felt lonely when you met him. Not wanting to be alone, you jumped at the chance at this relationship, was swept way sexually and set bad patterns with him. You trained him to expect you would do everything. So he didnt have to invest much. Your Pisces rising sign feels guilty a lot and takes on other peoples problems,making them your own. It also causes you to be indecisive, going back and forth, on whether to leave or stay. Continued on next page...

Cosmic Chat continued

So what do you do? Around age 50, Virgo women start to ask themselves Whats in it for me? They basically live their entire lives for everyone else, making others happy. But at mid life, they want to live their lives for themselves. This is where you are at. In order to fulll the need to be needed, I suggest nding a career or volunteer situation where you can be of service, x things and help people. You should also work on making and sticking to a decisions. Hard to do for an analytic Virgo with a an indecisive Pisces rising sign. But sometimes making a decision, any decision is better than being stuck. Your chart says you are coming out of a challenging nancial period so you will be able to support yourself on your own. You could also meet a new relationship after the rst of the year with mars oppose your sun but I would caution you and tell you to wait until after youve changed some patterns so you dont draw a similar situation. The best time to make the break will be on the new moon next month. You need to leave before November or you will likely stay for past the holidays. Now I must warn you, he doesn't want you to leave. You are an asset to him but he doesnt want to make a commitment either. His chart shows he has deceived you in the past and will be talking more to his ex over the holidays. I do not see this relationship serving any purpose for you any longer. If youre worried about being alone you will not be. Jupiter trines your house of relationships next summer and into the early part of 2014, so you will draw someone special. However Neptune is transiting there too. So you have to be careful of drawing a new man who has addictions or is hiding something. Do not wear your heart on your sleeve until youve learned more about him. There is also a strong past life tie between you and the current lover so you probably feel you owe him. Understand that the karma has been paid in full! You can do this. But you need to formulate a good game plan and have things in order before you move out; nancially and emotionally otherwise you could go back. Good luck to you. Making this break will change your destiny. You will be in love again and in a good relationship. Just remember, do not repeat old patterns and all will be ne.
If you have a question for Maria please email your birth data and question to MariaShawLawson@aol.com If used, it will be answered free of charge here. Because of the overwhelming requests, all questions cannot be addressed in this column. Maria does offer a one question reading service at Mariashaw.com For a small fee you can get your question answered through voice text or voice memo. For longer readings, you can book a personal appointment.

September Horoscopes
By Maria Shaw Lawson
Aries - Your work and those you work with are highlighted the first three weeks of the month. You gain more recognition amongst your peers. However, you could feel overburdened by your daily routine and mounting tasks. Try to prioritize and youll accomplish more in less time. For some Aries, a health concern needs to be addressed. As you near the end of the month, challenging Saturn rewards you for the hard love lessons youve learned during the past two years. Relationships of all kinds improve. Taurus - You could be extra lucky this month. Even though youre not much of a gambler, you may enjoy some unexpected windfalls. Investments made in the past pay off too. A new romance could blossom on or around the new moon. Some Bulls will land a second job or income. If you have issues in relationships, clear the air now. It will be much harder by next month to see eye to eye with your partner. Gemini - Home is where your heart is this month. Its the perfect time to remodel, redecorate or even plan a move. A family reunion or get together is extra special because of a surprise announcement. Toward months end, a love affair improves. With expansive Jupiter in your sign, watch for unwanted weight gain. This fall is the perfect time to gain willpower and determination to create healthy changes. Cancer - Short trips, a flurry of messages, visits and calls fill your month. Youll be busy with lots of responsibilities that may seem tedious. But quite frankly, you work well under stress, especially when theres several things on your plate rather than just one task. Later in the month, home improvement projects can be tackled. Concerns for a parent or elderly person may cause worries but eventually subside. Leo - Financial matters are highlighted this month. If youve manifested well, this month brings a huge pay off. If not, bills pile up and you fall behind. However, most Leo will find the urge to splurge is hard to control. Your generous nature wants to help others in need too. Set some cash aside for car repairs. Troubles or miscommunication with siblings and neighbors may cause a sleepless night. Think before you speak these days. A new friend proves to give good advice. Virgo - Financial hardships begin to clear. You see a light at the end of the tunnel soon. The main emphasis is YOU this month; your goals and dreams. As you enjoy your solar return on your birthday, set positive intentions. Thoughts are like boomerangs. They come back to you. A new cycle starts. Its your time to shine. Be careful trusting new acquaintances. They may not be what they appear to be. Neptune clouds your judgment in love. Libra - Whew! Your hardships are just about over. Saturn has been in your sign for over two years. Its moving away and into the sign of Scorpio next month. So, September is your chance to clean house once and for all. Tidy up your life. Count your blessings and get ready to receive a big reward for all of your hard work! People from your past could resurface. Reunions of all kinds are favored but there may be one person, who youd like to avoid, contact you! Be kind but firm. Dont make the mistake again. A hidden enemy or lie is revealed. You gain lots of energy near months end. Scorpio - Its who you know that will help you get ahead this month. You stand to gain ground with important friends and contacts recently made. If waiting on a check or financial matter to be resolved, know that it could materialize this month. Social events are highlighted. Throw a party or plan a group outing. Some Scorpios will be planning a cruise or travel near water. As saturn visits your sun next month, youll want to use September as time to clear up troubles in any area of your life. Whatever you need to change, do so now, when the aspects are easier. Sagittarius - If youre looking for a new job or to expand your current situation, nows the time to do so. You have the green light to move forward on the career front. Work matters are highlighted and you gain a greater understanding of your talents and capabilities. Your social circle expands later in the month and an age old dream can be revisited. You may also find romance when you least expect it. A friend reveals a secret. Its a juicy one and youll want to share it. But resist the urge to do so. Capricorn - If youve been working diligently the past few years and feel as if no one noticed, youre mistaken. The universe has been keeping score! Cappys who have laid a strong foundation in the workplace will now receive their just rewards. A chance to travel long distance may present itself. Some Capricorn will decide its time to update their education or book work related conferences. Aquarius - Its time to shore up job skills and make some big decisions as to what you want to be when you grow up. LOL. This month, you decide if what youve been doing work-wise, suits your skill sets and life long goals. If they dont, youll want to head in a new direction. Just make sure your debt is manageable before you make a leap of faith. Deals and sales are yours for the asking. Pisces - Romance is no stranger this month if youre willing to open your heart. Single Fish may meet someone special. Those attached may find common ground with their mate. Dreams could prove prophetic. Money from other sources comes near months end. With Uranus in your personal money sector, unexpected financial opportunities appear. However, there is a tendency for cash to come and go in the blink of an eye. If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Maria Shaw Lawson has been an astrologer for 20 years. Her horoscopes reached 69 million households as the on air host of the TV Guide Channel. She pens the weekly astrology columns for the National Enquirer and Soap Opera Digest. Visit mariashaw.com for phone and personal consultations. Follow her on Face Book Maria Shaw Lawson for daily astrology posts.

Alternatives Spirit Guides Monthly Tarot Pick

Learn Tarot with each month's chosen card and forecast! By Izabella
Ever feel the world is just cracking up around you or things are just not falling into place? Thats where your Strength card in the tarot deck comes in and provides exactly what it says. It often depicts the heart and roar of a lion to help to move you forward in all areas. Use your inner strength to be guided through the mists and physical strength to enlighten and rise with new energy to face and deal with any obstacles, in health,finances or relationships. Strength is about the extra effort you need to put into life, use it enthusiastically as a back up to new ideas or projects and take the extra boost of energy to rearrange the pieces which make up your visions and goals. Strength works with consistency so don't try to rush instead, focus on strong foundations to build up piece by piece. What comes out in the end will be protected, sure footed and help you overcome your weaknesses. Concentrate on your own strengths and dry any tears of disappointment, brush away any negative thinking and be brave in the jungle of life as you advance into the open space ahead.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, Begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, Begin it now.- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Izabella lives in Scotland and studies,teaches and loves the Tarot. She writes online creatively and works with the earth and its elements as a life coach.

We probably have all heard or used the phrase "I'm sending you love and light". Our friend Midge from Tawas, Michigan shares a wonderful way to use light to raise your vibration, Maria

!
! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

!Living in the Light and ! ! Loving ! ! it! ! ! ! ! ! Dr. Midge Miller ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! !

"Get out of the EGO and into the WEGO! Be a willing energy, generating oneness
All too often in this self-absorbing world, we edge out the eternal God order for the ego. When we become en"Light"ened, we nd our purpose, that of "unication". And it is then, that we truly experience the unication of souls. When we live to love,we leave ego behind. What we need most in our lives,isnot just food, water and shelter.We need Light!Solar light, Lunar Light, Spiritual Light, Prism Light; all spectrums of Light generating from everywheregives us life. Because Light travels at 186,000 a second, and our thought travels faster, we can think light to all places in time and in all parallel universes. Here is a simple technique you can easily do to enhance the light in your life.Pick up a ashlight.LED is preferable. Think love and light simultaneously. Direct the light to your third eye (in the middle of your forehead).Then direct itto your ears, to listen for love. Next tryunder the orbits of your eyes, to see love. Then into your nostrils, forthescent oflove. Place it directly under the soles of your feet and embrace the light upon which you walk.Next, usethe colors of the sevenchakras. Visualize each colorto direct thoughtand prism lightlike thatof a rainbow, to all parts of your body.

" You will Transx, Transmute, Transgure and Transcend using this technique. Let us all become that willing energy, generating oneness by loving into the light is well as living in the Light. The Alternatives meditation for September: Creatively visualize a rainbow. Place your visual center beneath the bow and let your auric eld spread throughout all of the colors. Hum the Om at the same time and breathe in the colors of Love.

Loved one, Im eternally with you.

Midge.

If you would like to distribute or advertise in Alternatives Spirit Guide visit.....

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for details on how you can be part of our community!

Maria Shaw Lawsons

Law of Abundance Checks

Many of you who have followed me over the years, know about the Law of Abundance checks. But for those of you who havent, Im happy to share this information with our Alternatives Spirit Guide readers. For the past several years, I have been giving people specific dates to write checks out to themselves based on fortunate astrological days for prosperity and manifesting. Basically, one should make a check out and sign it from "The Law of Abundance". You should carry the check with you. I also work in radio and have shared this theory with listeners. One woman reported back to me that she won $40,000. Others won gas cards, lottery and bingo. Many clients have told me of landing a wonderful job after writing a check or receiving upgrades and perks. Even if you're a skeptic, why not try it?
Deb, a follower, recently wrote: "I wrote my very first law of abundance check on June 30th. I was thankful that my company offered me the opportunity to work overtime. What a blessing: I haven't seen any since 2010! But today (out of nowhere) I was given a chance to take my niece on an all expenses paid mini vacation!! Sometimes- life is sweet! THANK YOU Maria!"

The theory behind the Law of Abundance checks or LOA checks is that you are putting positive energy out into the universe when you write one on a specific astrologically good day. The cosmic energy combined with your own energy helps the law of abundance work. Here's what you do: Take a check from an active checking account Make it out to you Do not date the check Sign it "The Law of Abundance" Do not put in a dollar amount because this limits how much the universe can bring you Do not void the check in your bank book, just note that it's for The Law of Abundance Do not destroy the check unless you have closed the account Make out a new check when new dates come up ONLY after your have received a blessing. You should only be carrying one check at a time. You'll find dates listed in Alternatives Spirit Guide each month of in my annual Moon calendar available at mariashaw.com website store.
Carry the check with you and watch what happens! In a matter or hours, days and weeks you should see money or blessings come in! Remember prosperity it doesn't always mean cash in hand. Good luck!

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

September LOA Dates

F A L L

2 0 1 3

Maria Shaw Lawson and Alternatives Spirit Guide invite you to the Eclipse Cruise!
5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise departing from Miami November 2, 2013 on the Carnival Victory cruise ship

Itinerary
Saturday
Miami, FL Departs 4:00 pm

Sunday
Fun Day at Sea

In celebration of 20 years of Marias Psychic Fairs and the revival of Alternatives Newspaper, we invite you to join us.
A total solar eclipse will occur on November 3, 2013. It will be visible from the Atlantic Ocean and is in the sign of Scorpio, which calls us to transform a part of our life or our entire life. Being part of a like-minded group on an eclipse is very powerful. This is more than just a fun-filled and entertaining cruise. It can also be a spiritual journey for many of you. Explore Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Join in on the classes and special events sponsored by Alternatives. Meet new friends and catch up with old.

Monday
Ocho Rios, Jamaica Arrive 10:00 am Depart 5:00 pm

Tuesday
Grand Cayman Arrive 9:00 am Depart 4:30 pm

Wednesday
Fun Day at Sea

Thursday
Miami, FL Arrive 8:00 am ***Classes to be announced and will be held on sea days.

Package pricing!
Stateroom:
Inside Oceanview Balcony

Price:
$550.15 $610.15 $720.15

Includes:
Package prices include all classes, events, all taxes and fees. Optional insurance, pre-paid gratuities, airfare and transfers are additional.

All prices are per person, double occupancy

Call Linda to book 1-800-403-7936

A Letter from Alternatives Paranormal Editor, Joe Lawson Beyond!...with Lawson Paranormal
Welcome to Beyond with Lawson Paranormal; your guide to the supernatural. My name is Joseph Lawson. Ive been searching for answers to other worldly questions my entire life. I grew up in Pontiac Michigan, with the Pontiac General Cemetery literally, in my backyard. My interest in the paranormal goes way beyond the average person. I want to welcome each of you to my monthly section of Alternatives Spirit Guide and share with you my adventures in the supernatural and everything it encompasses. Much of my column will be devoted to education, ghost hunts, the latest equipment on the market, interviews with respected investigators on local and national levels. Ill also provide features on horror movie reviews, haunted sites and more. In my special October edition, well take a look at the best places to celebrate Halloween and the most popular (man made) haunted houses to visit. The investigation group I founded, Lawson Paranormal, is designed to lead groups on actual investigations across the country to active areas and teach folks the art of ghost hunting.

Now Im not going to claim that Im the be all and end all in the industry. Nobody is and if they tell you they are, theyre lying. NOBODY knows it all and thats what makes this field so interesting; the very fact that no matter how much we learn about the other side, we will never understand everything until we actually GET to the other side. Ill warn you right out of the box, Im very open and honest about stuff. If I dont know something, Ill tell you. I also dont believe that just because you have a television or radio show or authored a book about the paranormal, that youre an expert. This business can be very self absorbed and some folks who claim to be paranormal experts are down right arrogant and misleading. Ive never understood this since Ive always felt that we were here to HELP people, not dismiss their concerns. Some high profile investigators dismiss clients, telling them that they are just imagining things or theres a very reasonable explanation to what they think theyve seen. Then others are unnecessarily dramatic and make something out of nothing! Spirits dont perform on command and thats one of the things I like to stress in my classes I host, because as I learned during my recent Lizzie Borden House investigation, they don't always answer when you want them to. Case in point, I was doing an investigation at the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA. During the investigation, I asked over and over for confirmation that we were talking to Lizzie herself, through the use of the worlds best EMF meter, my wife Maria Shaw Lawson (The National Enquirer Astrologer/best psychic medium I've ever seen and back seat driver/person who tells me to use an umbrella when its raining because God knows I couldn't have figured it was wet outside myself) and actual communication equipment. I asked continuously, What is your name? No response. But when I went to sleep later, my bedroom got extremely cold and a ghostly figure of a woman with frustration in her voice (not my Maria this time) leaned over my head and said WHAT IS YOUR NAME???!!! I think I got my answer! Youll read of my personal experiences in the Alternatives Beyond with Lawson Paranormal pages. Ill be sharing stories on the The Lizzie Borden Murders, Gettysburg, Salem Witch Trials, haunted New Orleans and more. Much of what Ill share are personal experiences that I've found many groups dismiss, namely because they didn't see or catch something. As for Lawson Paranormals mission statement, Ill steal a line from one of my favorite movies of all time, Ghostbusters, when Pete Venkman, Ray Stanz and Egon Spangler film their commercial ending saying, Were ready to believe you! We have a lot of cool events coming that include investigations you're invited to join us on. Our pages will include a section that I will devote to you, the reader to share your interests and findings too. When you go on one of Lawson Paranormals hunts, I want to hear your take on what happened and what you saw ( or didn't see). So sit back and enjoy the ride, we will get to know more about the other side; what's around the corner...what's hiding in the dark. Joe Lawson

JosephLLawson@aol.com

Top 5 Most Haunted Cities in the Country

By Joseph Lawson, Paranormal Editor

These are my picks based on my professional opinion and investigations as well as personal experiences.
5. Key West FL - Yes, I do realize that this may come as a shock to many of you, as it did to me.... until I investigated it myself. Key West is rich in history with pirates and treasures. Strange, bizarre murders, some never solved, helped Key West to nab my Number 5 Most Haunted spot. The home of the Southern Most Point is also the home of the world famous Robert the Doll, a cursed doll that now resides at the East Martello Museum there. Roberts powers have left even the rich and famous and those usually skeptic, begging for mercy. 4. Salem MA - Twenty people were hung or killed and many more falsely accused of witchcraft. Americas first horror story is set in Salem 1692. Today, Salem is an enchanting and beautiful New England town with a dark side shrouded in terror, greed and blood. The Witchcraft Trials created history that brought on the demise of the Puritan religion. Stay overnight in room #7 at the Salem Inn, if you dare! 3. Savannah GA - Just knowing that you are walking on a massive unmarked graveyard is enough to help you understand why Savannah makes it on my list. For hundreds of year, this charming Old Southern city suffered major fires and tragedies. Thousands died and gravesite markers were moved or destroyed. Bodies are being discovered even today, as city workers and contractors uncover graves under sidewalks and streets. You can feel the energy of lost souls around every corner of the Spanish moss draped neighborhoods. Check out The Moon River Brewing company for dinner, known for spirit activity. 2. Gettysburg PA - 51,000 killed, injured or captured in just three days, leaves a sorrowful psychic scar on the town of Gettysburg. When you visit the battlefields you can sense that the Civil War is far from over. Many lost and wandering souls dont know theyre really dead. They continue to fight a war thats been over for 150 years. Its pretty much a guarantee you'll have a personal experience here. Check out The Dobbin Inn or The Jenny Wade House for a ghostly encounter. 1. New Orleans LA - In a city ruled by the sign of Scorpio, which relates to sex, voodoo, mayhem and ghosts, a walk through the Vieux Carre, can introduce you to the citys underworld like never before. Sensitive types can easily pick up on the energy here. Youll feel like youre being watched as the veil is thinner here between the earth plane and the ethers, especially on Bourbon and Royal Streets. Maria put it this way, During the day the living rule the city. The dead rule the night. Check out St. Louis cemetery #1 and the Hotel Monteleones 15th floor.

Alternatives Spirit Guide Information

Alternative Spirit Guide 1000 Bourbon Street Box 258 New Orleans, LA 70116 Maria Shaw Lawson MariaShawLawson@alternativesnews.com 504-266-2771 Publisher/Editor Joseph Lawson JosephLawson@alternativesnews.com Paranormal/Features Editor Rachel Welliver RachelWelliver@alternativesnews.com Advertising Manager 504-701-8270 - call for ad rate sheets Articles and Submission may be sent to MariaShawLawson@aol.com
Thank you for Reading Alternatives! Coming in October - Our Halloween Edition Look for your print copy at locations around the country.

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Other resources www.MariaShaw.com Facebook -www.Facebook.com/MariaShawLawson www.Lawsonparanormal.com www.Facebook.com/JosephLawson Alternatives Spirit Guide is published monthly via the web and four times a year in print, distributed in the United States. Advertisement, display, classified, calendar or directory in this publication are not an endorsement of products or services of the advertisers. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the Publisher for any advertisement or service. The Publisher will not be held in any way responsible for advertisers actions or claims. Alternatives Spirit Guide is an open forum for the change of opinions, views and information to provide contributors and readers alike with the opportunity for expression and evaluation. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the Publisher. Copyright material 2012 by Alternatives Spirit Guided No materials contained in any issue may be copied or reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publisher.