Re: Anancara or Ananchara The Celtic Rite of Friendship

[Guest guest]

Dear Liane,

Thank you so much for posting this!! I have always felt

such strong love and caring for my friends that I have even literally

said to them male or female, why can't friends be married too??

hehe I feel that there are definitely MANY soul friends in my life,

soul partners, etc... This was so great to read, and also awesome

for I am half Lakota Sioux and half Irish, lol....Thank you again,

dear!! Om Mani Padme Hum, LUNA

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> Anancara or Ananchara

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> The ancient Celts often practiced a ritual they called " Ananchara " ,

> formalizing friendships in the same way that marriage rituals

formalize

> the bond between lovers.

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> Like the Native Americans who perform blood - brother rituals, the

> ancient Celts often formalized their friendship bonds through a

ritual

> known as " Ananchara " (pronounced ahn-im-KAR-uh).

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> This is a gaelic word that translates as " soul " friend. Soul

friends are

> partners and equals who discuss problems and share advice; they

balance

> out each others strengths and weaknesses and feel able to share

> everything with one another. By performing the Ananchara ritual, the

> Celts outwardly formalize their inner feelings for their friend,

> deepening the spiritual and emotional connection that already

existed

> between them.

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> A soul friend isn't a crutch, however. Rather than bearing all of

your

> burdens, they share them so your load is lightened. They will lend a

> sympathetic ear and also a shoulder to cry on, but always remember

your

> friend needs you as often as you need them.

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> Celtic Friendship's Prayer

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> In the eye of the Father who created me,

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> In the eye of the Son who purchased me,

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> In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me,

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> In friendship and affection.

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> Through Thine own Anointed One, O God,

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> Bestow upon us fullness in our need,

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> Love towards God,

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> The affection of God,

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> The smile of God,

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> The wisdom of God.

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> The grace of God,

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> The fear of God,

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> And the will of God

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> To do on the world of the Three,

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> As angels and saints

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> Do in heaven;

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> Each shade and light,

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> Each day and night,

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> Each time in kindness,

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> Give Thou us Thy Spirit.

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