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List Price: $17.95 Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser Salesrank: 98,547 Released: April, 2003 Our Price: $12.57 Used Price: $11.19  Media: Paperback   Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours

[PNN] How did you end up writing this book with Diana L. Paxson, and how did the idea for it come about?

[Z] Diana and I have been writing buddies for years. Almost every book I have published was edited by her-as you can see from the inside cover for each book. Diana sometimes said she can "channel Z". This is the most a writer can dream of-an editor who merges with the writers' intentions. The idea for the book we've jointly written for Weiser Books, Celestial Wisdom for Every Year of Your Life came from my earlier book, Summoning the Fates. These two books are really sister works. The essence of both books is an exploration of "generational destiny" versus "personal destiny." Other astrology books don't tell you much about how generations have destinies and how we all play a part in them as we travel with a specific generation. Celestial Wisdom

Diana Paxson (left) and Z. Budapest (Photo courtesy of Marcella Paolocci)

[PNN] Apart from an Afterword in Margie Lapanja's book The Goddess' Guide to Love (Conari Press), this is, I believe, your first joint venture. What challenges did you face putting this together that were different from "flying solo?"

[Z] Writing with Diana Paxson was much easier than flying solo. I would generate the new material from examining the transpersonal planets and their effects at certain ages. Then I would send it to Diana who would flush it out, add material and write the birthday rituals/celebration suggestions that appear at the end of each chapter that marks a separate birthday year.

[PNN] You've written many books, covering all aspects of feminine spirituality, and each in their own way has helped draw women out from under their oppression and empowered them to take back their lives and their equality. Clearly, there is still a long way to go, but what other factors and influences (e.g. political, economic) do you see in the world today that are helping to make that happen? Any people you admire that are making a positive difference?

[Z] The Return of the Goddess, the acceptance of feminine spirituality as norm is a huge success. Layers of soul evolution contributed to it. "Life is a layered cake," I have always said. It took feminism most of all to bring back the dignity of women and their visioning a better world. I call today's young women "Generation Z." They are so free of older generations' sexism/ racism/ apathy etc. They are enjoying life without much of the shackles we cast away.

[PNN] The last few decades have seen many people coming back to the Goddess the Earth, carrying pain, hurt and disillusionment with the Judeo-Christian religions. This is very different from your own background - your mother was a witch, an artist, a psychic and a medium, and so what people are learning later in life, you were born into. As the second generation of new pagans starts to emerge as teenagers and twenty-somethings, are you seeing less hurt and more understanding in them? Or are they now distancing themselves from their pagan roots, as you did for a while?

[Z] When I distanced myself from my pagan roots was only for a couple of years. As I have become a mother, you need magic to raise your kids. There were needed protections spells under the full moon. Sudden fevers had to be broken, bullies had to be removed. I found my way back pretty quickly.

[PNN] It seems that some of the folk traditions either have or are developing a degree of structure that rivals Catholicism. Do you think this is beneficial, or is it likely to push new seekers away, perhaps reminding them too much of what they were trying to escape from in the first place?

[Z] Some seekers are disappointed with my Aquarian style. It's only for the talented, the creative. Structure is good too. We are so many different people. Some like it strict. I don't.

[PNN] If you could give one simple message to women that are still trapped by their own perceptions of how the world works, what would that be?

[Z] Without sisterhood we can be destroyed. Without sisterhood we are weak and vulnerable. Organize.

[PNN] Nine books under your belt. Are you already thinking about number 10? What do you have in mind for that?

[Z] I am taking off this year and starting an on-line Dianic university. This year is for foundation and health.

[PNN] What would you say has been your greatest achievement to date?

[Z] The rebirth of Goddess worship by women.

[PNN] If you could go back in your life and change one thing, what would it be?

[Z] I would skip getting married.

[PNN] How would you want to be remembered?

[Z] As a Hungarian writer who changed the psychic landscape of the USA.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite author?

[Z] Yes, I like humorists. I love satire…any writing that makes me laugh.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite artist?

[Z] That's easy: my mother the temple-raiser. You can see her artworks on my website soon. www.zbudapest.com

[PNN] Do you have a favorite group/musician?

[Z] I Love rock and roll. I still think the Beatles were prophetic in their soul messages. John Lennon to me is sacred.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite bumper sticker?

[Z] Yes - one with the slogan, "My other car is a broom."

[PNN] If you drew a picture to represent your mind, body and spirit, what would you draw?

[Z] A circle.