In the Advanced IET class on Sunday we were discussing the idea of 'Soul Buddies', or 'Soul Friends'. Soul mates is a term used frequently by people searching for their other half or missing piece in terms of a romantic relationship. (I believe we have more than one soul mate and that it is never a good idea to be looking for that other half-rather to be whole before even venturing into a relationship-but that is just my opinion and you can find more on that HERE)This is a different thing entirely, although a soul friend could become a soul mate, or life partner, in this case I am talking about really dear friendships. Kindred Spirits.I know when I look at the dear friends I have made so far in this life, I am very grateful! When I remember back to that moment of meeting~ it is true that there was an instant recognition of the other and a feeling of picking up wherever we left off ~as though we knew each before from another time. It does not matter how often you see these friends-there is always that same feeling of deep friendship that transcends time and space. You can have more than one soul friend. These relationships are special, and are usually life long.In the Celtic tradition, there is a beautiful understanding of love and friendship ~ the idea of soul love; “Anam Cara” refers to the Celtic spiritual belief of souls connecting and bonding .In Celtic Spiritual tradition, it is believed that the soul radiates all about the physical body what some refer to as an aura. When you connect with another person and become completely open and trusting with that individual, your two souls begin to flow together.Should such a deep bond be formed, it is said you have found your “Anam Cara” or soul friend.Your “Anam Cara” always accepts you as you truly are, holding you in beauty and light. In order to appreciate this relationship, you must first recognize your own inner light and beauty. This is not always easy to do. The Celts believed that forming an “Anam Cara” friendship would help you to awaken your awareness of your own nature and experience the joys of others.The “Anam Cara” was originally someone to whom you confessed, revealing the hidden intimacies of your life. With the “Anam Cara”, you could share your innermost self, your mind and your heart. This friendship was an act of recognition and belonging. When you had an “Anam Cara”, your friendship cut across all convention, morality and category. You were joined in an ancient and eternal way with the “friend of your soul”. The Celtic understanding did not set limitations of space or time on the soul. There is no cage for the soul. The soul is a divine light that flows into you and into your Other.This art of belonging awakened and fostered a deep and special companionship. When you love, you open your life to an Other. All your barriers are down. Your protective distances collapse. This person is given absolute permission to come into the deepest temple of your spirit. Your presence and life can become their ground. It takes great courage to let someone so close. Where a friendship recognizes itself as a gift, it will remain open to its own ground of blessing….. When you are blessed with an “Anam Cara”, the Irish believe, you have arrived at that most sacred place: home. This bond between friends is indissoluble: “This, I say, is what is broken by no chances, what no interval of time or space can sever or destroy, and what even death itself cannot part”.~ from “Anam Cara…Wisdom from the Celtic World“, by John O’Donohue
