The importance of a name: what is an anamchara
Welcome to Anamchara Wellbeing.
I'm Nancy, a holistic wellbeing practitioner, offering healing, meditation and end of life companionship.
It's lovely to have you here.
You may well be wondering what is an anamchara, or what does an anamchara do? What does anamchara mean? Or even, why did you choose such an obscure name for your business?! There are several reasons why, but primarily the essence and integrity behind the role of anamchara resonated with me deeply. While positive wellbeing is, I would say, a fundamental requirement for all of us, at every stage of life.
In this post, I'm focusing on the anamchara part of the name, and sharing what an anamchara was, and did. I will also share why I think this is relevant to me and Anamchara Wellbeing today.
What is an anamchara
Anamchara is an old Irish Gaelic word, a noun, meaning confessor, confidant, or spiritual advisor. Over time, the word has become anglicised and is now often written as anamcara, or anam cara, with the literal translation of anam = soul and cara = friend, ergo soulmate. However, this is a construct of two words which cannot actually exist in that format in the Irish language. An anamchara really isn't a romantic soul mate, or soul friend in the 'Best Friends Forever' way that many google searches would have us believe. Indeed, the whole concept of soul mate is far more deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophies than those of early Celtic spirituality. It basically just didn't exist then, so there was no word in Irish for it.
The role of an anamchara went far deeper than that of friend, and is perhaps more analogous to the role of a spiritual director today. Early Christian monks or novices would have anamchara to support them with their spiritual growth and development. In effect, they were seen as an essential advisor, mentor or guide as novitiates found their way on what was, often, a challenging, spiritual journey. It was a role that brought responsibilities and commitment.
History
Although much of our information on anamchara comes from Christian sources, there is evidence that the role was founded on pagan and druidic roots. Anamchara at this time were wisdom keepers; they were the pagan priests, wisemen/women and spiritual guides of the ancient Celtic tribes. They would have carried responsibility for sharing and teaching their spiritual knowledge and druidic wisdom with those in their community. However, as Christianity spread, the role began to be taken on by nuns and monks, bringing greater emphasis on spiritual growth through prayer, penance and religious practices. Despite the shift in focus, early Christian anamchara still provided a deeply safe, contained, space for those within their care to grow and flourish.
21st Century relevance
I have never been a fan of the recently oft-heard term 'unprecedented times'. Yes, our world has changed, significantly, but worlds changing is cyclical. At every stage in history, worlds have changed, and for those living in each of those times, it has been significant. And unprecedented. But, I would certainly agree that the times in which we live now bring their own challenges. I would even go so far as to say that our times can be difficult, messy, volatile, and for those in more vulnerable situations, downright scary and overwhelming. Sometimes, looking at the news there is a deep sadness at where society is currently at, other times bring an incredulous WTAF moment. But, I know these times shall, eventually, pass.
However, for me, being able to have someone to turn to who is non-judgemental, who can listen deeply, and who doesn't feel the need to fix is invaluable. We all need someone we can trust, to confide in, to share with, safe in the knowledge that we, us, our views, are seen, heard and validated. We all need ways to boost our resilience, to bring moments of calm, to help us find our way again when times get tough. I offer you that.
I see the role of anamchara as being relevant to all, and, in today's world, I do not see it as only a religious one. It is of our time, for any faith or none.
A modern day anamchara is someone who:
has your back;
listens, witnesses and honours;
doesn't judge;
doesn't go into sympathy mode;
demonstrates honesty of words and being;
is always present for you;
comes from a place of deep integrity;
knows when to stay silent;
provides a safe space for vulnerability to happen;
doesn't give advice on what you should or shouldn't or must or mustn't do;
allows you the right to be wrong;
doesn't fix things for you or give you all the answers or say only what you want to hear;
maybe brings in some tough love and asks the challenging questions or points out your blind spots;
In short, someone who always walks with you on your path to be the best possible version of yourself, however many twists and turns there are.
I've always been anamchara
For as long as I can remember in my adult life, I have always been the person people turned to in times of need, for advice, to be a shoulder to cry on, to bring a different perspective. They knew I would be there for them: I was dependable, calm, and very loyal; I was good at listening and holding space; I brought them stability when they were in turmoil; and I would also say things as they were. So, when I came across the term anamchara and understood what it meant, I recognised this as something I had already being doing for my friends, family and work colleagues for a very long time.
Our 21st century world can be tumultuous, crazy and unpredictable, and I think the core of that anamchara role, that steadfast, non-judgemental, 'being there-ness' for someone, is as relevant now, if not more so, than it's ever been. And that is what Anamchara Wellbeing is about.
An Anamchara Guidance session
As part of that, I offer Anamchara Guidance sessions. These are a little different, with the consultation discussion becoming the main event, followed by a short healing session to balance the energies. I provide a safe place where feelings and emotions can be voiced and explored, where there is no judgement, and where things can be worked through in our minds. Even if that can be a bit uncomfortable. I describe it as almost like thinking out loud, but with no censorship! In our Anamchara Guidance sessions, I normally ask you to draw an oracle card with something specific in mind, or with the intention you receive the message you need from the cards at that time. We then explore how this makes you feel, what it's bringing up for you, and why the image may be relevant.
To be clear, this is not a tarot or oracle card reading, and nor am I a counsellor, or other talking therapist. You do most of the talking! I won't be providing easy answers of fixing things for you. I prompt you towards a different perspective which you can then take into the healing session. These sessions are more akin to you opening up to a close, non-judgemental, friend. In this case, me.
I am your anamchara.
I hope this answers your question on what is an anamchara .
If you have any further questions or would like to book a session, please contact me or book your free Getting to Know Me call.
