Celtic Spirituality

By around the 6^th century BCE the people now known as Celts came to the British Isles.  When Christianity came to these islands in the 4th Century CE, the Celtic way influenced how it was practiced.  Presently, expressions of Celtic Spirituality are found in many countries, in both Christian and non Christian contexts.

Celtic spirituality is noted for being relatively communal, expressing horizontal equality and deemphasizing vertical, hierarchical differences.  Men and women are equally able to inspire, lead, and participate in all aspects of community and spiritual practice.  Religious leaders are close to those they guide.  “Soul-friends” or “anam cara”, who serve as mentors or spiritual directors, accompany others on their spiritual journeys. Pilgrimages to sacred sites are an expression of the inner journey to deeper experience of the Divine.

Celtic spirituality involves a mystical approach to reality, seeing all creation as sacred.  Because the realms of heaven and earth are so close, one may cross between them at “thin places”.  In the Celtic view, there is a natural connection between people and the Divine. Prayer and blessings may be applied to even the humblest things and activities.  For example, in agricultural areas, one might say a blessing before milking the cow.
 
In the fall of 2020, the Continuing Education Program at the Spiritual Life Center will offer an eight session online program called "Celtic Spirituality for Spiritual Companions".  As the name implies, the program is intended for those who have experience as spiritual directors.  The goal is to help participants deepen their own spirituality and enrich their ability to serve their clients.  

Rev Susan Izard and Rev Molly Louden will co-lead this prrogram.  Both have many years of experience in this field including leading pilgrimages to sites such as Iona.  Participants are asked to obtain a copy of John Philip Newell's book Listening to the Heartbeat of God.  If time permits, please begin reading the book before the program begins.

A sample of topics includes:

• Nature Mysticism--Nature is revelatory, and nothing is too trivial to be connected with the Sacred;
• The Feminine--Honoring feminine aspects of spirituality, leadership and the creative feminine energy.
• The Intuitive Way--trusting in non-rational ways of knowing.
• The Anam Cara--How the role of "Soul Friend" can deepen your work as a spiritual companion.
• Thin Places--Finding the places in life where the veil between the natural and the divine is thin.
• Pilgrimage--Both inner and outer journeys to deeper awareness of the Sacred.
• Hospitality and the Hearth—the importance of community.