Storefront fortune tellers are almost as ubiquitous as nail salons in New York. Who among us hasn’t succumbed to the lure of peering into the mists of the future, seeking a hint of reassurance that things are going to be okay? Or guidance to make a choice?

Only $10 to gain a moment’s comfort from a wise woman! Well worth the price—even if you don’t quite believe—to have a spirit-seer touch your hand and give you 10 minutes of attention to satisfy your curiosity or narcissistic needs.

I have sought the guidance of psychics, astrologers, and mediums at various choice points in my life. Their words of wisdom still resonate in my soul. One seer—many years ago—said she saw me as a medieval town crier, shouting messages that would be heard around the world. I was seeking a career change from accounting, and didn’t know I’d become a writer, but her words helped me move in that direction. When I was in my early twenties, a past-life channeler at a psychic fair took me back to a village in Zambia where I was a warrior’s wife, to help me see that my journey in this lifetime was not about being a wife and mother. Been there, done that.

The marvelous astrologer David Pond read my charts, also when I was in my twenties, and told me that I wouldn’t find my life love until the second half of life. I’m still waiting to see how that one turns out! But then again…

I fell in love with New York around the mid-point of life (assuming my plans to live to 100 bear out—assured to me by a tiny storefront psychic on Bleecker Street). I was still living in Vancouver but staying here for seven weeks to see if my New York love affair was more than a one-night stand. I’d devoured Cosmic Sugar, by Leela Jones, aka modern mystic Joan Pancoe, and booked a soul reading with her at her garden apartment in the East Village. She went into a deep trance to channel a spirit who would read the Akashic records to tell me about my life purpose. The guidance I received was that my soul would do fine in Vancouver, but thrive in New York. I didn’t know how I could possibly make it happen, but this advice gave me the courage to set my foot on the path to move 2,400 miles, to another country and another world. I feel I have thrived in every possible way, and the surreal afternoon I spent in Joan’s apartment was the catalyst.

While I haven’t crossed the doorstep or crossed a palm with silver at the psychic storefront in the photo above, it’s beautifully appointed, and spotlit like a diorama at eye-level, in a splendid 1910 building on Horatio Street. It’s just around the corner from West Village’s marvel, Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Take a double-dip of comfort some Sunday with a confection of meringue and whipped cream after your sprinkling of stardust.

This article was first published in the Village Sun.

Style Notes

• Vintage French 1980s Free Lance metallic rose-patterned pumps. Edith Machinist, 104 Rivington Street.

• Vintage 1950s gold coin necklace. Edith Machinist.

• Vintage 1970s Grecian belt of gold metallic macramé. Edith Machinist.

• Hippie Rose coral ditsy-patterned tiered skirt. Goodwill, 44 West 8th Street.

• Peach Free People floral ruffled blouse with gathered sleeves. Goodwill.
• Deep red velvet scarf with gold cinches and pompoms. Dress Shoppe II, 83 2nd Avenue (now closed).
• Red velvet belly dancing scarf with gold coins. Beckwoman’s Hippie Emporium, 1314 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
• Black flowered brocade half-corset. The Bay, Vancouver.
• Garnet bracelets. Penny Whillans Designs, Victoria, BC.

• Lucite hoop earrings filled with multi-colored sparkle flakes. Gift shop at the Met. 1000 Fifth Avenue.