We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Catie Macken. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Catie below.

Catie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In September of 2013, I began a five week solo trip through Europe. The trip was my gift to myself in honor of my 30th birthday. I booked my arrival and departure flight and planned nothing else. Every other aspect of this trip I left up to my impulse, moment to moment. On my way to the airport to fly from Minneapolis (where I was living at the time) to Amsterdam, I submitted my resignation letter from my current job/life in Minnesota and accepted a job that would bring me to Boston.

At the time, I had been working for the government for the past six years in real estate appraisal. I loved my boss, never worked more than 40 hours a week, rarely took work home with me, and had great benefits. Even amidst this “best case scenario” something was missing.

In 2012, I had taken a 200 hour yoga teacher training and started teaching part time on nights and weekends. When I began teaching yoga, I felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my life that I had never experienced prior. Accepting a job and moving to Boston was an opportunity for me to pursue my passion, a career in the well-being industry. I’d traveled both domestically and internationally but I had grown up, went to college, and began my adult life in Minnesota. I knew one person in Boston (who was also a Minnesota transplant).

I sat in the International Terminal at MSP, sobbing. The weight of the trip, traveling alone with no plan, and the weight of my choice – to leave something familiar in search of something spectacular, spilled out of me. And you know what, I found it. The five weeks I spent navigating Europe and the 10 years I spent in the North East are irreplaceable.

The trip to Europe started to fortify my connection to my intuition and trust within my self. It taught me how to slow down, take life at my own pace, and enjoy the ride. I met beautiful people and formed relationships that I still have today. Boston became the place I will always call home, the place where I found my “family.” These two experiences shaped my experience and beliefs about life. What I learned most is that some of the best life choices aren’t always a part of our plan. You simply have to grab the reins and let life take you for a wild ride.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I wear many hats in my professional career: astrological consultant, intuitive guide, spiritual adviser, tarot reader, breathwork facilitator, retreat leader, writer, and creative.

Astrology is often misunderstood and associated with a personal horoscope that can be found in newspapers, magazines, and most recently throughout social media. Astrological consulting is a complex study of the movement of planetary bodies and their influence on our existence on the planet Earth. The purpose is to promote self-understanding, provide insights into our interactions with our external world and ultimately, offer information to support intelligent decision making.

At the core of all of my work, whether 1:1 or in groups, I create an intentional container for self-reflection and transformation. Traversing the interior of our personal and professional worlds can be tricky, especially when trying to navigate them alone. I view myself as an advisor or guide to walk the path with you. To support you in understanding patterns, leveraging strengths, and integrating growth areas, which ultimately leads to expanded self-awareness, self trust, and acceptance. I’m interested in digging deep and unearthing what is below the surface of our conscious awareness. My intention is not to give you the answers, rather to reflect back to you information to support intelligent decision making. Cultivating self-respect and personal responsibility has a positive influence on our careers, relationships, families, and overall experience of life.

Each person has unique intentions and requires different strategies and tools. I embody a multi dimensional approach to personal growth and professional alignment inspired by my study of astrology, ritual, mystical practice, mindfulness, Jungian psychology, mythology, storytelling, nature, meditation, yoga, energetics, and relationships. Much of my work has also been informed by my own healing journey over the past 10+ years.

I am motivated by both integrity and impact. I am forever humbled by this work and will never take for granted the opportunity to support another in their evolution. What makes me the most proud is receiving a message from a client with a story about how our work has impacted their life. Giving back to the community is important to me and I volunteer weekly with local LA rescue shelters to help support the many animals stuck in our shelter system.

I lead many virtual experiences monthly including seasonal workshops, new and full moon experiences. I host 2-3 in person retreats each year at different sacred locations. My writing can be found on my Substack account, as well as audio recordings and practices.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a the same profession or specialty?

Full body yes. I truly feel that I am engaging with the work that I came here for in this lifetime.

I am passionate and lead from embodiment. I would never teach something that I have not trained in or worked with in my own personal life and practice.

What advice do you have for managing a team and maintaining high morale?

Authenticity. Knowing who you are and communicating that clearly and concisely. Creating the art that you want to experience. Creating a positive impact on the world around you. Integrity and alignment. Worrying less about growing your clientele and more about growing yourself into the type of person that models compassionate leadership.

WIth Pluto in Aquarius as of Jan 2024, it’s also time to step into our personal power with a greater responsibility to this Earth. Over the next 20 years, I have a feeling the most influential people will be the ones who are less concerned with their metrics and more connected to what is needed in the greater collective and supporting collaboration and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.catiemacken.com
• Instagram: @catiemacken
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catiemacken/
• Other: https://catiemacken.substack.com

Image Credits
@heyjesshi @rachpetri