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Celebrating the life of

Maria Kay Simms

18 Nov 1940 - 08 Jan 2025
24 entries
  • Jeremy GuthrieI met Maria through her daughter, Molly, when they owned Star Crafts in Ocean Beach, CA. It was always a pleasure and she was always kind. I bought several of her books and it's because of her I understood the importance of timing and the planets/stars. I was blessed 3 fold when she performed my dedication into the mysteries. She was/is an absolute light. May her love be felt always. 17th March, 2025
  • Zita ChristianMaria's self-portrait hangs over my shoulder as I type this. She was both a fearless leader and a compassionate mentor. I'm fortunate to have been one of her students of astrology and Pagan studies. She opened minds. She filled hearts. 13th February, 2025
  • Maritha PottengerMaria was a warm, loving, talented, and amazingly versatile woman. She fulfilled many different roles in her life—all of them with skill, empathy, and understanding. The role that I believe was most important to her was being a mother (and eventually grandmother). She adored her three daughters and was immensely proud of each of them. That was apparent throughout all the years we worked together at Astro (ACS). She was also a dedicated wife. She and Neil (Michelsen) had a joyous wedding on the beach in San Diego. Although they did not have many years together (before his passing), they were both very happy and had a great working as well as romantic partnership. After Neil's death, Maria eventually reunited with Jim Jossick (Liz's father). They had both grown, changed, and evolved, and their remarriage was truly loving and fulfilling for both of them. I was thrilled that they had found happiness together once more. Next in importance was Maria's artistic skill and creativity. She could create beauty in just about any form or medium, although visual arts were her primary focus at Astrob where she was Artistic Director before becoming CEO on Neil's passing). However, her aesthetic sense helped to make a beautiful home and a more attractive working environment. Maria had a strong spiritual connection and a dedication to the human community. She was active in the pagan world, and happy to share her practices with anyone interested. She served on the NCGR Council and other volunteer positions that gave back to the astrological community. She built up Starcrafts as a source and support for alternative spirituality practices and materials. She felt a compelling need to preserve Neil's legacy with ACS. Her empathy and understanding were present in her employee relationships. She knew when her workers had domestic issues and would make allowances, even when it was affecting their work. She would help her employees look for solutions. She was a good business woman and willing to push hard when necessary. At one point ACS was burdened with a very expensive lease (a decision pushed by a business manager) on equipment for print on demand. Maria went to the very top echelon of Xerox to negotiate more favorable terms for us—and got them! Maria was a good friend to many people. I remember when we were at an astrological convention and one of my uncles came up to say hello. I introduced Maria as “my boss.” Afterwards, Maria said to me, “I do not feel like your boss.” It was true. We were friends even as we both worked really hard after Neil was gone to keep ACS going and thriving. Maria gave a lot to our world and community. It was an honor and privilege to work with her and to be her friend. 11th February, 2025
  • ilker EmI was sorry to hear about Maria Kay Simms. She will be missed by all of us.9th February, 2025
  • Alexandra KaracostasMaria will be deeply missed by the astrological community and all who knew her and loved her. Though I was not a personal friend, I enjoyed her prolific wisdom and many of her works. A star has died among us. May her spirit rest in the light!8th February, 2025
  • Sue MorrisI met Maria at a conference years ago and bonded instantly, one witch to another!7th February, 2025
  • Johnny Mirehiel6th February, 2025
  • Issachar Bey Maria Kay Simms was one of the greatest astrologers to walk this earth. As a fellow Uranian astrologer, I learned so much from her brilliance and insight. She was a true visionary—creative, courageous, and unwavering in her wisdom and confidence. Her impact on the astrological community is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to shine for generations to come. Thank you, Maria, for your strength, your guidance, and the light you shared with the world.6th February, 2025
  • Michael MunkaseyIt was enjoyable working with you over the years and sharing our many common interests. Thank you for the art cover on my Midpoints Book.6th February, 2025
  • Carol TebbsI first met Maria Kay in 1971 at an ISAR conference. I was a new astrologer, and she was friendly and welcoming. Years later when her husband, Neil Michelsen, passed I was one of Neil's friends and family that Maria invited to join "the service at the sea". Maria chanted and gave blessings as she scattered flowers into the Pacific Ocean. Though I can't be there for her, I hope Maria is blessed with the love she gave to others.6th February, 2025
  • DIXIE DIXIE TURNERRIP with the Angels! I really liked her books ❤️🙏🏼6th February, 2025
  • Baris IlhanI am very sorry to hear of the death of Maria Kay Simms. She was one of the former chairs of NCGR, and had been on the board for several years. NCGR-Turkey was formed during her term as a chair in 2003, at NCGR Minneapolis Conference. 2 years later she came to Istanbul to teach Uranian astrology and Moon Tides. We had good time together in Istanbul. Good bye Maria.6th February, 2025
  • Linda DoodnauthI met Maria K Simms – at the Seacoast Astrological Society. It was a small group of astrologers that met smack in-between my Dad's two houses in MA/NH, go figure! Wow! Going out to lunch after meetings was the best! I loved her Scorpio energy – she was a mystery that you wanted to know more about! She was so gracious and reminded me of a fairy, of all those mystical paintings that she made. She lived them and I believe she told the other story of herself through them. I get it now – but I longed to understand her more then. I don’t think I knew what questions I wanted to ask. I’m sure she would have answered them – she seemed so willing participate in conversations. I really loved her generous energy. She has made a great contribution to astrology and I will love her wherever she is because she’s in my heart. 6th February, 2025
  • Nadiya ShahDearest Maria- I was just thinking of you... One of the very first interviews I did was with Maria, about 12 years ago. I adored her books and felt her to be so present in her own brilliance. I will miss her. 6th February, 2025
  • Garry ChristenI have worked with and been associated with Maria since my earliest years in astrology. My first lectures were for the Connecticut group and staying at her house. We all worked on NCGR and had the Uranian System in common. She was a proponent of my dial designs, using them in her book, "Dial Detective" and as she and Neil worked and married, I went out to visit San Diego and lecture often. I was out there downloading the Gauquelin data when my first child was born. After Maria reclaimed ACS, she entrusted me to take custody of the ACS Atlas, an honor I have faithfully committed through Astrolabe. The latter years have been fleeting for us all and I should have visited New Hampshire more often. I am so honored to have had Maria in my life and surprised myself at missing her so quickly. Carry your honor into the next era, Maria, I will always support and look out for you.6th February, 2025
  • Dawn SilverRest in Peace and Rise with gusto Maria - you were a force of wisdom! I got to meet you from our good friend Janet Berres. She brought you to my store, Healing Earth, where you lectured, and of course where we carried your books and all of Neil's ephemerides ( and yours). The Magical Child - you gifted me when both of mine were born. They are a family treasure. Bless you eternally. Enjoy the lighter realms. Aho! 6th February, 2025
  • Sonja Foxe6th February, 2025
  • Laura Laura DesJardinsI send blessings to Maria and her family as she will be missed. It’s been a while since I saw her, but I always had good memories in my heart sending blessings from SoCal. Laura Rose DesJardins 6th February, 2025
  • Steven ForrestMost of my interactions with Maria were around ACS Publications, back in the days when Neil Michelsen was still with us, and shortly thereafter. I always found her to be lovely. She was forceful, but also deeply spiritual. I’d not seen her for many years, but there will always be a warm place in my heart for her. 6th February, 2025
  • Scott SilvermanMaria will be greatly missed. I’ve started a small reading group , Uranian book club, and we’re going to read the dial detective first. I think both Maria and Madalyn (Hillis) did superb jobs as chairs of NCGR. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the NCGR’s chart was elected by the Uranian astrologer, Charles Emerson, with some help from others. I would encourage folks to get copies of Maria’s books. For those of you who never sat in on any of her lectures, she was a clear and personable instructor. And I will echo Glen Perrys’ words - ‘warm and wise ‘ are the right descriptors! 6th February, 2025
  • Shirley SofferI had the honor and privilege of serving on the NCGR Board during Maria's Presidency, and our friendship grew over those years. Maria was warm, intelligent, and a brilliant astrologer and leader. I was, and still are, fortunate to have had access to her practical wisdom, kindness, and inherent spirituality for so many years. I visited her home many times, and she visited mine as well when she was in NYC, and it was always a wonderfully special time to be with her. Rest in peace, dear Maria... Shirley Soffer 6th February, 2025
  • Herb HochmanThank you for appearing in the 1986 video series "The Basic Course in Astrology." You are a great astrologer and person. You will be missed.5th February, 2025
  • Glenn PerrySo sorry to hear of Maria's passing. She was an extraordinarily wise, gentle, and powerful figure in our community. I will never forget her beauty, warmth, and kindness of spirit. 5th February, 2025
  • NCGR BoardMaria Kay Simms was a remarkable figure in the field of astrology, art, spirituality and business, known for her dedication and passion for understanding the connections between cosmic influences and human behavior. As a practicing astrologer over 35 years, credentialed from National Council for Geocosmic Research and American Federation of Astrologers, Chair of the NCGR 1999-2004, author, lecturer, artist and HPs she made significant contributions to our community, inspiring many with her insights and knowledge. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to her craft touched the lives of countless individuals. Maria's legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she guided and inspired. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and teachings will live on in her prolific work and that of those she influenced. Rest in peace and power, Maria. Blessed Be*4th February, 2025
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