Anam Cara - Celebrating Your Soul Friend!

Anam Cara is an old Gaelic term meaning “soul friend”. There is actually an entire book written by John O’Donohue titled “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom” dedicated to understanding and appreciating the beauty of the “soul friend”. The term was traditionally used to describe a companion, spiritual guide, or a teacher. With this person, it was very easy to reveal your deepest secrets and confess innermost desires of your heart. This type of friendship meant that you could safely share your true self, your mind and your heart.

O’Donohue captures the essence of this quite eloquently, “In this love, you are understood as you are without mask or pretension. The superficial and functional lies and half-truths of social acquaintance fall away, you can be as you really are. Love allows understanding to dawn, and understanding is precious. Where you are understood, you are at home. Understanding nourishes belonging. When you really feel understood, you feel free to release yourself into the trust and shelter of the other person’s soul… This art of love discloses the special and sacred identity of the other person. Love is the only light that can truly read the secret signature of the other person’s individuality and soul.” Trust, love, understanding, belonging, release and full-disclosure of yourself are at the very heart of Anam Cara.

I am so elated to be able to write about something that speaks from my heart…quite literally. I have had the distinct honour of having an Anam Cara in my life for the past 29 years, since Form Two at Secondary School. Our friendship has weathered many a storm, through personal changes and challenges, we have always managed to maintain a healthy respect for each other. She was there for me when I was devastated over the loss of my mother, she proudly stood by my side as the maid of honour at my wedding, she has been my confidante and has listened intently whenever I had everything and nothing to say.

I truly believe that Anam Caras are spiritual friends that happen once in a lifetime…if we are so lucky. Who is your Anam Cara? Are you both still in contact or has the challenges of balancing the commitments of daily life kept you apart? At Symbols Jewellery, we understand. It is not often that we can find the time or words to express what you really feel about someone who has been there for you through thick and thin, who accepts you without judgment and who loves you completely and eternally. This Christmas, celebrate your Anam Cara with this beautiful pendant necklace or pair of earrings. Celebrate your many years of friendship with a gift that truly speaks from your heart!