All photography provided by Jared Chambers

I am an ordained One Spirit Interfaith minister and legal solemniser of marriage in Ireland. Interfaith ministers are trained non-denominational Ministers in Ireland. We foster spiritual diversity and inclusiveness and serve people of all faiths or none. 

The Priestess

I call myself a Priestess primarily out of mischief! 

There is something in the term sparks the imagination and brings a glint of mischief to most people’s eyes. It is a heartfelt invitation to be bold, to say yes- we can do whatever we like with this ceremony, this spirituality, this life! 

I believe that now is the time for people to choose, create and celebrate in the ways that are most authentic to them, without external dictates. It is time to appreciate the many diverse ways by which people practice and experience meaning in our ever-evolving society, families and communities- the delightful rainbow dance of today’s Irish society is welcome. 

I use Priestess as an offering of freedom, an honouring of new and ancient ways of practicing ceremony and spirituality…a deep bow to the many women of our past who were persecuted for their healing life crafts, and a joyful cheer to all little girls (and boys and non binaries) that they may be bold enough to play at being priestesses as well as princesses.

The Everyday

A smile…a flower opening…a cup of tea…a song…a breath…a tear…a cry for help…a belly laugh…these are beautiful things. These are everyday things and these are sacred things … they are the most normal and the most special of moments…they are the stuff of life, and the stuff of everyday spirituality. For me, the times that we are living in call for recognition and honouring of the spirituality that is inherently present in the day to day of our lives- our connections with each other, with life around us and within us. 

My ministry is to pay attention to these things, to remember them and to honour them- everyday…and to support others to do so, if I can! My offering is to help create and hold ceremonies that mark the beauty of life’s sacred moments in ways that are heartfelt, inspiring and authentic for people.I also hold spaces for people to explore what it is that heals, inspires and nourishes their own soul- through workshops, meditation and spiritual counselling.

What makes your heart smile?

What nourishes your soul?

What is most important in your life?

What brings you a sense of belonging?

What makes you glow with joy?

These are questions that I have sought answers to throughout my life… for myself and for others, and they are what guide my spiritual ministry. 

My Path

I have had a lifelong interest in spiritual exploration- educated in one of Irelands first multi-denominational schools (Bray School Project) I was fascinated by different religions and cultures, and horrified by the prejudices and inequalities I perceived in Ireland and the world. Driven by a sense of loss and longing in my teens, I began to learn Buddhist meditation and Shamanic practices and have since explored many other paths- including my One Spirit interfaith training. I strongly value equality and diversity and take great delight in being able to celebrate with all variations of family and culture including: single/ multi/ LGBT+/ mixed culture/ adoptive parents…halves, wholes, steps… (I myself have a tangled family web rather than a tree!) – I now know that we are all welcome in this mystery of life. 

Initially trained in drama and theatre studies I have over 15 years of experience facilitating arts and wellbeing work for groups and individuals, I currently work in a youth service in Dublin. I am particularly passionate about working with children, young people and their families to develop new rites of passage for transitions in early life. Similarly, I love working with women to mark and honour the various stages and expressions of life, which may not often get the acknowledgement they deserve. 

I currently nourish my own soul through connection with nature, meditation, lighting fires and by dancing my prayers. My wild dancing prayer today is for Ireland to continue to evolve and thrive as a home where all beings are welcomed, protected and celebrated- where we reclaim old and create new ways of expressing the inherent, vibrant passion of ourselves as soulful peoples- honouring each other and the Land of Eire.   

QUALIFICATIONS

• Spiritual Minister and Counsellor: One Spirit Foundation, 2018

• BA Hons. Community & Youth Work: Maynooth University, 2015 

• Dip. Life Coaching: Kingston College, 2010 

• Dip. Drama and Theatre: Maynooth University, 2001