Cosmic Conversations: Grace McGrade
Born in London to creative parents, Grace developed a fascination for the fantastical and unknown. Moving to Los Angeles for better opportunities, she lost touch with this side of herself during adolescence and focused solely on modeling.
By 19, disillusioned, she turned to spiritual practices like Esoterism and Astrology, discovering latent intuitive abilities and the power to manifest desires. This led her to embrace her ancestral lineage and pursue studies in Astrology and Reiki Healing at Findhorn in Scotland. Returning to Los Angeles, she established a private practice, coming out as a Intuitive and finding support from clients and friends. Now, she helps others tap into their own creative potential and magic, sharing the love and wisdom she’s received on her journey.
Sun / Moon / Rising:
Leo / Gemini / Sag (Pluto aspected) – could you tell us what the aspected means? :)
I feel like an honorary Scorpio because of my chart placements and the role Pluto plays in my chart.
How do astrology / tarot / esoteric arts play a role in your life?
It’s become my life! It is my profession, my own healing tool. Astrology and Reiki keep me intimate with myself. My great aunt was an astrologer who wrote under a secret pseudonym for the Scottish Herald, mainly out of fear of disapproval from the church. My Dad also studied, and purchased my first reading at 16. I think when I first had my chart read, it was the closest I ever felt to my soul. It was also the first time I had heard the human condition described without dualism, diagnosis or compartmentalization. I think I fell in love with it because it made me recognize how much of my reality I was creating or perpetuating unconsciously. Astrology became a medium for self love I was desperately lacking, and helped me take radical self ownership. It encompasses my favorite things. It’s poetry, written word, history, mythology, shadow work and empathy in action.
What limiting beliefs / blocks have you worked through to get where you are today? Where do you still want to go?
I’ve had to work through a lot of generational trauma, religious dogma, attachment wounds and scarcity programming. Inner child work has become a huge tool. I feel like there is always more room for me to love myself and others deeper, with less conditions or attachment to outcomes.
Why do you think creative exploration and expansion are important in today’s world?
I think creativity is the key to self discovery and development of the intuition. I think art comes from an emotional place, sometimes even a place on the outskirts of time. I think that it is a medium for sharing one’s individual frequency, even abstractly.
What’s your approach to natural wine? Why do you love it? Do you have any rituals?
I like natural wine because it requires patience, and artistry, which translates into my experience drinking it. I don’t have any specific rituals other than serving it at dinners with loved ones in my garden. And collecting ridiculous goblets.
How do you nurture balance in your life? Any tips / tricks on how to enjoy yourself and stay grounded?
I spent a lot of time living in extremes, either by swearing off pleasure in pursuit of spiritual perfection, or doing the inverse. I have come to the conclusion that to fully enjoy life and love oneself requires treating yourself with kindness throughout all octaves and experiences of reality. Astrology has helped me realize that life is cyclical, and I practice positive self talk and stay away from guilt and shame. The more time I spend outdoors, the more grounded I am. Connecting with my body through the senses is vital magic!!
What’s filling your cup this season?
I have been going to Elf Cafe in Echo Park and enjoying their botanical wine spritzes, which are the best. The ambience there is immersive, and as soon as you walk in, you are transported to a hidden hideaway in a foreign country. You can taste the intentionality in their food and drink. Gemini season is always compelling for me, and I find myself writing and reading more. I’ve been learning more about Irish mythology and trying to figure out where the ley-lines in Los Angeles intersect, which is surprisingly difficult.
Who and what is inspiring you right now?
I’ve become infatuated with Aquirax Uno, a surrealist Japanese illustrator, who draws stylish mermaids and strange sphinx women. I read Francesca Lia Block's books whenever I need a good dose of magical realism to keep me romantic about LA. I think applying a fantastical lens to the mundane keeps things interesting.
Dream dinner party guests – dead or alive.
Mary Magdalene, Boudica and Lana Del Rey
Where’s your happy place?
The Hollywood Reservoir
What’s the best advice you’d give your younger self?
You are more psychic than psychotic. What anyone else thinks about you is none of your business. Love more.
