Quality Time with George Gruhn

Interview Date: August 27th, 2026 | Interview Moon: Waxing Gibbous Aquarius

Introspection From Melinoe:

Welcome Ghouls, Demons, and Fellow Wyrd Ones!!! On August 27th, 2026 (the day before the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Pisces) I had the privilege of sitting down with Vintage Guitar Expert and Music City Legend- George Gruhn! Although, our story truly begins the week before on Friday, August 21st.

As I was bulldozing through every phase, of every goal, of every dream, that I have in this lifetime- that I have for Rock Oracle– that I have in honor of my Vision for this World? I found myself face to face with yet another obstacle. Another financial blockage. Another uncomfortable, suboptimal, and painfully pragmatic decision to make. Unfortunately, there are times where these experiences are inevitable. And here I was… yet again. At my wit’s fucking end. Lucky enough, I had become friends with a collector and gold reseller named Chuck, at the Nashville Flea Market. I sorted out my emotions, and weighed out my sentimental values. I concluded which ancestral heirlooms could reasonably be sacrificed without regret, and made my way to the Flea to see what I could muster up to get us through this chapter.

That morning I was feeling broken down, beyond distraught, and on the brink of another meltdown. I was struggling with my decision. My heart was sunken in. I cried as I placed the jewelry into a sachet- reminiscing the moments in which I received each piece of jewelry. It was bittersweet to say the least. The jewelry itself represented a different time in my life. A time that no longer exists, and will not exist again. There was a part of my soul that desperately desired to hold onto the sentiment. As if that was the only feasible way to hold on to my connection to the bloodline I am estranged. Letting go of such monuments felt like the final nails being hammered into my coffin. A Death of Self that has already occurred. A restive spirit that could finally be put to a peaceful rest. Needless to say, I was not at my best when walking into the Flea Market. Inside I was trembling. Talking myself through the brave face I needed to wear for the public. Reassuring myself through the uncertainty weighing down every step toward Chuck’s booth.

As I was chit-chatting with Chuck, a high-toned country elder and the date on his arm, made their way over to the booth. Chuck boomingly said his Hellos to the couple. I smiled shyly, awaiting the fate of my heirlooms. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. The jewelry was not as valuable as I had hoped it would be. The sale would get us through the next few weeks. I was grateful that it was something, instead of nothing. However, my grief was beginning to consume me. Not only did I feel forced to make a decision I didn’t want to make in regards to the jewelry- I felt disappointed that such a sacrifice only provided this level of momentary relief. My soul swallowed up her tears of defeat, her pride, and accepted the sale. August 21st was my late grandmother’s birthday, as well. I was selling her jewelry on her birthday. Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually I was in pure agony. I had hit a peak of pressure along my life’s path. I was questioning absolutely everything. Wondering if all of this was truly worth it. To which, I answer “Yes” to each and every time I find myself here with a great big sigh. The sigh of a woman who chooses to suffer simply because she refuses to settle. All of this to express that I was unprepared for the sequence of events that would follow. The Gods surprised me with a Blessing greater than I could have ever imagined for myself in that moment. While I was getting lost in my mind the way us Aquarians tend to do– the Universe disrupted the Prison Cell I was weaving for myself. It was at that moment that I was introduced to George and Darlene.

Now, I swear to tell the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth- so help me God. I had absolutely no idea who George was. I didn’t know anything about Gruhn Guitars. And (transparently) in that moment, I couldn’t have cared less about who he was. I was struggling to be in the present moment. As stated above, my mind was everywhere else and I was self-absorbed with my life, and my personal struggles. As far as I was concerned, George was nothing more than another cute little ol’ man walking around the Nashville Flea. Now, this is not to say that I was rude, or antisocial, or any of the above. Internally I was drowning. Externally? I was the sweet, smiley Melinoe the public knows and loves. I firmly believe the best way to fill any space is with great conversation. So, as I waited for Chuck to finalize my sale, I engaged in conversation with George and Darlene. And what a refreshing conversation it was indeed.

If my memory serves me right, after friendly introductions, Darlene was in awe over the tattooed sleeves on my arms. Nothing tickles my fancy more than receiving a genuine compliment about the artwork I had permanently etched into my skin. I was able to briefly tell the tale of my tattoos. Sharing how I have had a vision for them since I was 13 years old. Highlighting my love for the craftsmanship of tattoo art, and the artwork I intentionally designed for my body. George added depth by expressing his love for art, and sharing his ambigram (reversible) illustrations he has been crafting. He mentioned he believed they would be a perfect tattoo design, and stated his annoyance with the fact that tattoo artists didn’t seem interested in the concept. I agreed with George, and we bonded as artists who grasp the same understanding and vision.

The conversation wasn’t superficial, nor was it dense. My conversation with George and Darlene was refreshing, enlightening and engaging. If I wasn’t deeply concerned about the fact I left my Dogs with the car running in the parking lot? I could’ve stood in the aisle talking to them for hours. Instead, Darlene held my arm and re-exclaimed how beautiful my tattoos were, and reiterated that I needed to be a model as lovely as I am. George invited me to scope out Gruhn Guitars on 8th Ave anytime– and we parted ways. Chuck endearingly laughed with wide eyes as George and Darlene walked down the Flea Market aisles. He impressively remarked, “Girl! Talk about the right place at the right time. You have no idea how lucky you are.” To be honest, I still am not entirely aware of how lucky I am. I wouldn’t say I am Lucky. I would argue that I am Blessed. Which continued to prove itself as I made my plans to venture over to Gruhn Guitars the following day.

That Saturday afternoon I giddily took my husband to witness the Vintage Guitar Shop in Nashville. Personally, I was happy to go witness the shop. I tend to enjoy exploring everything that life has to offer. I don’t quite care about guitars to the same caliber as George, or other musicians, or anyone who is in this Guitar World. Most certainly not in the way my husband cares. But! I do appreciate music, history, craftsmanship, art, antiques and culture. Chad loves music, instruments and all the above, however, he wasn’t aware of who George was either. This was going to be quite the new experience for us both. It felt like we were entering into a whole new realm. As if we were walking onto a whole new level of the Music Scene. Chad was awestruck, to say the least. As a musician, and craftsman, Chad had a different approach to the escapade. Where I was simply a whimsical woman overjoyed just to be there. I especially appreciated witnessing the emotion that overcame my dearly beloved. The respect and care he had for the instruments was unlike anything I had ever seen before. He felt unworthy to be in their presence, to which I was forced to remind him that he absolutely deserved to be there. I believe it takes a special kind of person to see, hear and feel the spirits within this world’s creations. And my beloved is as special as they get.

You see, as much as I could enjoy all of this for myself? It meant nothing to me compared to what it meant to grant this experience to him. My thrill came from what this could mean for Chad, and the inspiration it would provide him. He has confided in me his dreams. His visions of owning such a collection. His desire to lose himself in the Sound of Music. Allowing every day to be filled with musical spontaneity of whichever tune speaks to him that day. I wanted our time at Gruhn Guitars to remind Chad that the Dream is more than possible. I wanted both of us to have a moment to renew our faith in the path we have chosen at all costs.

We walked around and stared starry-eyed at every work of art, every antique and every foreshadow of our dreamiest future. I witnessed the genuine contentment of the employees that roamed the building. I listened to the various ways people talked about George. I observed people’s interactions in relation to George. Chad and I were still unsure of exactly who George Gruhn was, but I was starting to gather just how significant he is. Which only left me feeling nervous as I awaited to introduce Chad to George. I was beginning to slump back down into my head once again. I had told Chad that George was a “Precious Appalachian Paw-Paw” with a Vintage Guitar Collection. I was starting to wonder if I was being disrespectful through my ignorant lens. As cool as I thought George was? He was just another Gampy if you were to ask me. And boy, oh boy was I wrong!

After introductions were made, Chad and I began chatting with George about his ambigram art. Wanting to know the inspirations for such creations. My husband inquired where his characters, visions, and all the above came from. From my perspective, that seemed to surprise(?) George a bit. Almost as if he had a loss for words to answer the question. Instead, he took us into his office and showed us where his art came from. He began drawing a characterized collage. Following with one of his reversible drawings. Which ended up being a demon-looking creature. It felt so intuitively aligned, and eerily tapped into my personal life in a way that George could not have ever known! I have a Mahakala mask- hand carved from Nepal– purchased at an Oddities Festival Booth- that reminded me of his drawing. I was geeked. It was honestly difficult to remain calm, cool, and collected. I was bursting with glee to share all the fun insights. However, I found myself doing my best to be on the quieter side. I needed to pause, slow down, quiet, and listen. The joy was almost too much. The Inner Child was as excited as a GrandChild who was stoked to go Play at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. The longer I was at Gruhn Guitars, the more I understood why he called it his “Play Pen.” George is always at the shop. It’s one of his favorite places to be!

The more I interacted with George, the less I could shake the Grandfather Energy! Through witnessing George’s Creative Process, I was initiated into something more. Something I still have yet to fully explain- in the most innocent of ways. In fact, as I tell this story, I find myself continuing to be at a loss for words to truly capture this moment in time. This moment in the History of My Life. How do I convey such phenomena of human connection, and sentiment?

Well…. I decided to ask George if I could write an article about my time and experience at the shop. (I had already handed him a Rock Oracle Business Card at the Flea Market. Annnnnnd hid Rock Oracle Stickers around the shop while I was moseying around…) I figured why not at least try to write this up. It was truly a beautiful experience artist to artist. Leo Sun (George) to Leo Moon (Melinoe). George responded by inviting me back to the shop for an interview. He said he was always around, and I knew where to find him. I knew the eclipse was coming, and I scheduled the interview accordingly!

Now, I could write another 5+ pages about my Interview Day with George. Which is why I ensured to capture the entire interview on video! (Watch Here) As I meditated on how I wanted to format this article, and present it to the Rock Oracle Audience? I decided to break it up by engaging in various mediums of Living Art. My articles at Rock Oracle are some of my most beautiful works of art. I would argue the organic, unconventional, and imperfect impromptu videography, podcasting and interview creations are other adored works of art. I have always wanted to live a life full of creativity. I often ensure that my art is like leaving bits and pieces- chapters- of my life behind for the world to peek into, and to learn. I do not care for a polished publication. I cherish the way I leave my mark upon this world as a woman living in this era, in the way that I am. Just as George wove his legacy into stamping his mark upon our world as a man of his era, living in the way that he is. A perfect example of a healthy Leo Sun Life Path. What I would give to dive deeper into the Astrological birth chart of George for a deeper assessment. However, I do not necessarily need to see the ins and outs of his chart to see the truth of his life experience radiating from his aura. I love the way that George is simply L-I-V-I-N. I found a deeper appreciation for myself for always grabbing the opportunity bull by its horns regardless of poise, and finding a way to make every Imperfect moment of my Life a Rebellion to the Perfection Police. The same Adversarial Force that Bound Me in Fear. The Fear of not being Good Enough. The Fear of Unworthiness. The Power of Humility.

It is not always about how something looks, or how the public perceives it. It is the sustenance of what that something provides. The craftsmanship of their nature. The intention of their spirit. It is not always about how you record, or report the message. But in how the message is apprehended. Those who are paying attention will receive such a message at the right time, in the right way for them. How I interviewed George was the best way I could have been guided at this leg of my Hero’s Journey. Inside I am nothing more than a sad, seemingly lost little girl- trying to light her way through darkness. To receive the soul medicine I received in the way I did? Was truly mythological, paranormal, and deeply spiritual. George Gruhn shares the same birthday as my late Grandmother, Sammie Louise (whom I adored). I cannot deny her presence throughout this experience. As well, I will memorialize that synchronization. For my podcast is nothing more than an excited, eccentric, quirky little girl geeked out of her mind to enjoy a delightfully captivating storytime with an Elder with a Heart of Gold. I used to spend hours hanging out with Sammie in this same way. I didn’t realize how much of my heart missed that form of connection. That’s the thing about life, and the thing about grief. They both sneak up on you pretty fast. Which is why we must find the play, joy, laughter, wisdom, beauty and appreciation in every seemingly random, or seemingly insignificantly small moment. For it is typically the moments that happen in an instant that change our lives forever.

At the end of the Day, I realized I don’t care about the name George Gruhn, and all the whispers of who George Gruhn is rumored to be. I promise you, as I have shared this memorable moment with my peers, I have heard it all. I care about the man behind the name, and the sweet man who shared his sincerity with me that day. I crave to learn all I can learn, and George has gifted me one of the greatest lessons of all. I am Graciously Blessed to have had the opportunity to spend such Quality Time with George. It was an honor to set up my iPhone, and spend the day chit-chatin it up with my Country Western-Tennesean-Appalachian Paw-Paw! I hope he loves the candle I crafted in his image. Inspired after my first visit at his shop! Any additional time would only be the Cherry on top to an already initiated life. My Time with George has changed me forever. And I cannot say Thank You enough. While also evolving into a life of desiring to learn, and experience more. My time with George was as beautiful as witnessing a Fall Day for the first time. However long the season may be, it truly does not matter. Every random moment is a gift of light if you are trusting in presence. Every intuitive nudge, despite the torturous sacrifice, will land you at the Right Place, At the Right Time for the Necessary Wisdom or Magick of the Divine, the Universe, The Higher Power, and the Gods that Be. George’s Legacy is not only his Expertise in Guitars, or his impact on the Music Scene here in Nashville. It is equally, if not more so, The Message he Shared with Me and for the Younger Generations that will live now, and long after he is gone.

Watch the Recorded Live Footage of the Interview Process Here!!!

May we all give a vibrant Thank You! to George Gruhn for devoting his life to the Local Community, and the Music Scene! I understand crystally why a passionately driven man like Nathan would intentionally direct his life’s path to work next to a mentor like George. Nathan had a dream, and he pursued it- relentlessly! When a path is meant for you? Everything will simply seem to gently fall perfectly into the “right” place, at the right time, every time. The Universe will meet us in the middle, as long as we are Walking down that Called Path. George encourages us all to follow suit with passion. May our generations receive this torch with honor, and carry on the lineage with Great Pride!

Rock Oracle will be conducting a Concert & Musical Craftsmanship Event in Collaboration with the Nashville Fairgrounds.

Join us, and (possibly) George Gruhn, for October’s Nashville Flea Market
(October 23rd-25th, 2026.)
He has expressed he never misses a single one- if he can help it!
He is always on the hunt for his next Magickal Treasure.

May we Choose a Life that Makes Us Feel Alive. May we Brave the Hardships, the Discipline and the Suffering for something as Bright as the Sun, and Greater than Ourselves. May we honor our Right to Play!

The world of art will only survive if we have creatives supporting creatives– Regardless of Personally Choiced Mediums. Let’s all come together for our love of art, music, and community!

Live Deliciously. Love Authentically. And Always, Stay Wyrd!

-Melinoe Macaria Mourningstar