We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace McGrade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think a lot of people believe that astrologers are simply intuitive, and the work ends outside of one and one sessions. So much of my job entails doing mass research about the upcoming cycles, math, reading and observing the astrology occurring both in the past, future and present. Astrology is a language, and is one of the few things that. you can never learn enough about. I can continue to study til the day I die and still not know everything. When you pay for an astrology reading, you aren’t just paying for an hour of time, you are paying for years of learning, research and wisdom.

What should our readers know about your business?
A lot of Astrology we see reflected back to us today in mainstream culture is narcissistic, personality based or memes. Theres a large amount of unhealthy generalizations associated with Astrology. I treat astrology as a psychological art form, a way to get deeper insight into the soul and the stories we are living out. It took a lot of bravery and self-assurance in proclaiming the work I do, and to this day I have to navigate a large deal of skepticism and nay-sayers. I’ve learned that if I trust in my own peculiar uniqueness, and follow my passion, the obstacles ahead seem miniscule. I trust that if I am self assured, the right people are magnetically drawn to my work. This is not just a career for me, it is purpose work, and I can’t articulate the level of fulfillment I receive from working with clients one on one and helping them feel seen and understood in ways they never had. Astrology is liberation. It is way for us to understand the divine intelligence working through us at all moments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Garden of Oz is a secret mosaic garden in Beachwood Canyon, embedded in trees and hidden from the public. It is only open on Thursdays and is one of the most magical, secluded and secret places in LA. I like to go there to meditate. The whole garden is covered wall to wall in mosaics, figurines and messages made by various people. It’s a colorful wonderland of miracles, and will only be open if you are lucky. No phones are allowed to maintain it’s secrecy. I would take someone to eat at La Poubelle, as they have the best French fries, the sweetest staff, and they let you draw in crayon on the table. Something about being able to draw before I eat makes me giddy. Cliftons Cafeteria in downtown feels like walking into a life-sized nature themed diorama. It is.a four story restaurant and bar, built around a massive tree. There are bears, lions, hidden passageways and a secret tiki bar. I don’t eat meat, so I am hesitant to support taxidermy, but the whole restaurant is jaw dropping. It was built in the 1950’s and I love being in places that feel old. I love getting wine from El Prado, as they have a great selection of natural wines. El Coyote is also great for margaritas, and it’s kitchy decor paired with old Hollywood folk lore always ensures an exciting time. I would go see a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and probably end the week with a trip to the waterfall in Los Angeles Crest Forest.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad, Philip McGrade, had an entire library of astrology books begging to be picked up. He gifted me my first reading when I was 15, and has whole-heartedly supported and encouraged my path. I feel like I picked up where he left off, and there was almost an inter-generational understanding of astrology as a psychological art. It was encouraged, accepted and embraced in my household at an early age. I am very fortunate to have grown up in an environment as open-minded and as inclusive as my family home.

Website: www.palpablemagic.com/sessions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemcgrade

Other: https://www.patreon.com/gracemcgrade

Image Credits
Photographs by Tamara Fox Instagram: @babyshotme

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