First published in November 2004 as a print-on-demand book with software CD, Moon Tides, Soul Passages received solidly positive reviews in leading astrology publications. More recently, Wiccan and Pagan reviewers have praised both book and software for the ease of use for those who are new to astrology, and the book for its spiritual content— correlations with Goddess mythology, mediations and rituals. Much appreciation has been expressed for the color art.

In the new Second Edition, released August 2006, the book is reformatted for a large press, with color art beautifully reproduced in a full 16-page section. The front cover remains the same. Additonal illustrations have been added inside, including two sample report pages run from the software. These are referenced within the text to aid those new to astrology in understanding how to use the report. The final chapter, the author's "Concluding Reflections" has been expanded. Otherwise, the text of Second Edition is substantially the same as the earlier edition, except that references have been updated within several examples illustrating how progressed phases have been reflected within the lives of public figures who are still prominent in the news. The software CD within the new Second Edition book includes the most recent updates to ACS Atlas.

Brief Synopsis of Content :

Moon Tides, Soul Passages guides your understanding of your past and present, your power of personal choice and evokes new insights of soul and spirit. The Moon Tides software, easy to install and use, provides all you need to apply the book's in-depth interpretative material—even if you have never before studied astrology.

Specifically, the book, with the software report, guide your personal application of:
• Birth sign, house and phase of Moon
• All eight progressed lunar phases for a lifetime of three complete cycles
• Progressed Moon sign changes over a lifetime
• Prenatal lunar and solar eclipses
• Use of current Moon sign and phase in daily life
• Correlation with the 8 Wheel of the Year festivals, including the significance
of the energy release at the astrological date and time for each one

Author's Note:

While I’ve based my interpretations on nearly 25 years of studying how Moon at birth and in progression over a lifetime correlates with my own life and the lives of many others, I’ve also written this book from my inner spiritual understanding of living within the flow of Moon's cycles and celebrating her in ritual as a symbol of Goddess within. By adding a few of my paintings and those of my daughter, Molly Sullivan, along with mythology, poetry, mediation and ritual, I hope to take you beyond intellectual knowledge of lunar astrology to also evoke your intuitive understanding.

Excerpts from published reviews:

From the review by Judi Vitale in The Mountain Astrologer, Aug./Sept. 2005:
Maria Simms has a knack for weaving ancient traditions with the complexities of modern life in her writing, and this book is the finest example to date. Complete with software designed by Rique Pottenger...allows readers to follow Simms on her latest odyssey through the cosmos completely equipped with personalized information about our individual Progressed Moon journeys...we are initiated into a whole new way of studying our emotional and psychological development... magnificent art, plus the author's gripping writing, made Moon Tides, Soul Passages well worth owning and cherishing for many years to come.

From the review by Jim Barnes, Editor, Independent Publisher Online
With this powerful book, author Maria Kay Simms helps readers reconnect with their Moon astrology, explaining in great detail how our lives are influenced by the Moon, its phases and cycles, during what Simms calls our Soul Journey. As the sun is said to affect our actions, the Moon’s realm is the subconscious, and astrological techniques, meditation and journaling will unlock doors to perception and increase self-awareness and faith in oneself.

From the review by Ken Irving, Horoscope Guide, June 2005
As a basic textbook for understanding the Moon in the birth chart, this book works like a charm...it is clear the author herself not only uses this technique, but is deeply involved...giving her both an intellectual understanding of the lunar phases and a passion for them, a passion that comes alive in every page...well-packaged with beautiful paintings by the author herself and her daughter...accompanying software by Rique Pottenger, which is not mere icing on the cake, but a main ingredient...The book is a joy to read, but being able to use the printout for my own chart as I read through it proved to be enlightening. I have never quite looked at the Moon in my chart in such a thorough—and yes, accurate—way. Simms' book is destined to become a classic.

From the review by Chris Lorenz, Dell Horoscope, June 2005
Her artistic, mythological and analytical style presents a straightforward road map to personal empowerment, whether that means enhancing spiritual growth, making smart professional choices or developing healthy relationships...accompanied by a CD that readily boots up all the astrological data you'll need to get the most out of the book...paintings and poetic prayers...awaken the reader to an inspiring, aesthetic presentation...After reading, the astrologer will have a new appreciation for the power of the Moon...gain a solid interpretive tool and forecasting technique.

From the review by Donna Van Toen, NCGR Memberletter, April/May 2005
This book is well-written and comes from a psychologically and spiritually sound perspective. The tone is upbeat and geared to personal growth...the software, which mirrors the text, is easy to install and use...And did I mention the paintings? There are a full dozen beautiful, evocative paintings by Maria herself and by her daughter Molly Sullivan. These allow you to meditate on the text as you read and to feel the various phases and positions...Consider this a must-have!

From the review by Susan Hopper, Geocosmic Journal, Winter 2006
Simms' wisdom, experience and passion for all things lunar shines through in this comprehensive guide to the Moon's cycles in our lives...covers all the basics, making this a book that even the astrological neophyte can use...inspires with spiritual wisdom related to the Moon's cycles and shares beautiful artwork...Even if you already have astrological software, the CD-ROM created by Rique Pottenger is quite useful...prenatal, birth and progressed moon phases making life much easier for the practicing astrologer!...one of the better CD-ROM book combinations I have seen and would recommend it to both the beginner and the more advanced astrologer. Overall, the book is an enjoyable read, a useful resource and a good value.

From the review by Randall Sapphire on The Cauldron, a Pagan Forum:
...Simms is a professional astrologer and one of the better eclectic Wiccan authors writing today...The [CD] program is easy to install and use...once you have the printout from this program, you are ready to see what lunar-based astrology has to say about your life and spirituality...goddess spirituality is a part of this book from the beginning...The last two chapters...make this book a must buy for eclectic Wiccans with any interest in using astrology in ritual. Read the full review

From the review by Moisoiu Radu Dan, Astrology Weekly Newsletter, April 9-15 2006
...beginners in astrology and advanced practitioners alike will benefit...An experienced Wiccan priestess, the author offers at the end, simple rituals of the "self-help" exercises type, for experiencing the Moon, invoking her energy, which are available for anyone, even for those with no connection to Wicca at all...So, as far as I am concerned, this is a complete Moon book: symbolism, mythology, interpretation by sign and house, progressed phases, transits, rituals and software, this book has it all. Read the full review.

Moon Tides, Soul Passages, 2nd Edition
ISBN 0-9762422-1-4 312 pages, Eclipse Tables 1950-2030, index, CD $22.95

Moon Tides, Soul Passages is available at standard wholesale discounts. Click on Starcrafts Publishing to query for our wholesale discounts, terms and order forms for our book and art products.

Booksellers may also order our books from New Leaf Distributing.