What does the word “anamcara” mean?

Anamcara (pronounced ahn-im-KAHR-uh) is an old Gaelic word meaning “soul friend.” In ancient times the Celts created the role of anamcara as a spiritual companion and mentor.  Historically, these same Celts influenced the ancient Ars Moriendi or Sacred Art of Dying tradition that developed all over the European continent.  The anamcara could also be called a midwife to persons in times of transition.  Both throughout life and at the end of life the role of the anamcara is about spiritual componsionship for persons from all walks of life who yearn for a deeper relationship with the sacred.

What is the Anamcara Project? 

The Anamcara Project is the 'umbrella' term for the entire work and mission of Sacred Art of Living Center.  We have chosen the term, anamcara, because it is beautifully descriptive of the heart and soul of spiritual mentorship.  In ancient times, there were three stages of preparation or training for important life tasks: STUDENT, APPRENTICE AND MASTER.  Technically, the four core program units of the Sacred Art of Living & Dying series.  The Anamcara Apprenticeship Program is the next step for persons wishing to deeped their studies and application of this great spiritual tradition.  Finally, some persons will become anamcara mentors to others based on their level of skill and personal gifts.

What does the Anamcara Apprenticeship prepare one to do?

First and foremost to be a genuine human being who is interested in walking the spiritual journey with another person. The anamcara training is challenging in its approach to the dynamics of human relationships and the spiritual life. Certain skills and spiritual ‘tools’ are taught and applied under the supervision of trained mentors. The ancamcara is expected to cultivate and be faithful to a regular contemplative spiritual practice. Finally, the modern anamcara, reflecting the wisdom of our ancestors, is called to be a special friend to the dying. While not expected to be a health care or hospice professional, the anamcara must demonstrate the capacity to be an advocate and soul-friend, particularly during times of transition and loss.

Why is this called a “project”?

Because it is just that! For centuries Westerners have had few models for this important spiritual work. The ancient yet relevant anamcara lineage will have to be re-created even as we are “forming ourselves” into this tradition. Sacred Art of Living Center has already invested many years of wisdom, experience, energy, resources, and discernment in proposing this venture. The interest and hunger for its practical application confirms our inner knowing – that the time is ripe for this work!

Who sponsors this program?
The Sacred Art of Living Center is the sole creator and sponsor of The Anamcara Project and the Anamcara Apprenticeship program.

Who teaches the courses in the Anamcara Project?
The same team of program faciliators will travel to each program site in order to facilitate the intensive training modules for the Apprenticeship Program. In addition, a faculty of thirty mentor-teachers will provide distant learning throughout the Anamcara Training Modules. These mentors will be pulled from the ranks of notable mentors/teachers from around the world who are experts in various dimensions of the curriculum.  Instructors include a wide range of disciplines, cultural backgrounds and spiritual traditions.  Fortunately, these teachers were video and audio recorded during the first Anamcara Program that was completed in 2006 in order to preserve their teachings for future generations.  Since the first pilot program, some of these mentors have died which makes their recordings all the more valuable.

Click on the link for a pdf of the Anamcara Apprenticeship to learn more about our master teachers.

Is the Anamcara Apprenticeship affiliated with any specific faith tradition?
True to its mission and philosophy, Sacred Art of Living Center seeks to create common ground between all spiritual traditions. Our work is intrinsically inter-cultural and inter-faith in nature. Students who have attended courses offered by Sacred Art of Living Center over the years have also discovered that, as we include and learn from all sincere seekers, we also draw in a particular way from the history and roots of our Western and Judeo-Christian heritage. This is always done in a way that is respectful, non-exclusive and non-proselytizing.

What are the pre-requisites for applying to the Anamcara Apprenticeship?

-Completion of the STUDENT LEVEL of training [i.e. the four units of the Sacred Art of Living & Dying series]

-Familiarty with the sacred psychology of the Enneagram.  Participation in SALC's Spirit of the Enneagram workshop or equivalent training qualifies.

-Participation in the Circles of Trust study groups designed for Pilot Sites.  These monthly sessions are conducted between the four program units of the Sacred Art of Living & Dying series.  If the latter is not possible, applicants will ask to become familiar with Parker Palmer's Circles of Trust process [cf. Application Form for details].

What constitutes a Pilot Site for the Anamcara Project?
A Pilot Site is an organization or community that has officially sponsored the four units of the Sacred Art of Living & Dying series together with the monthly Circles of Trust study group process that is conducted between program units.  Official sites agree to meet the criteria established for the Anamcara Project including an enhanced supervision program. (See Pilot Sites for more details.)

May the Core Education Units [Sacred Art of Living & Dying] be taken in any order?

While there is some advantage to taking the education units in sequence, anyone is welcome to participate in the parts and order of the series that they find helpful.

Can anyone participate in the Core Education Units without committing to the entire anamcara training program?

Yes, we strongly encourage any interested person to attend any of the educational units as a student of the sacred art of living and dying. Participants will gain much in terms of understanding the nature of the spiritual journey and how it relates to real life situations.

How does one become an Anamcara Apprentice?

By enrolling in the Anamcara Apprenticeship program which is conducted every two years.  The next program cycle begins in the late Summer-Fall of 2010.  You can find the Facts Sheet and Application form online here.

What is the deadline for applying to the Anamcara Apprenticeship Program?

Applications are currently being accepted for the Anamcara Project in all four locations.  However, due to the popularity of this program, we strongly encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible  in order to guarantee acceptance. Contact the Sacred Art of Living Center for help in fulfilling pre-requisites for the Anamcara Project.

Are there additional prerequisites for the Anamcara Apprenticeship program?

Applicants will be asked to submit two letters of reference [one personal and the other professional] and complete a series of essays on why they wish to participate in the apprenticeship program.

Is it necessary to be a health care professional or clergy person in order to apply for the Apprenticeship Program?

No.  While the program can have great value for professionals ANYONE interested in deepening their own spiritual journey and assisting others in doing the same can be an apprenctice.  Experience has shown, for example, that hospice or faith community volunteers as well as those who live with and serve the aging and sick will find the apprenticeship training equally useful and enlightening.

Where will the Apprenticeship Program be held?
We anticipate that the same apprenticeship program will be repeated in four locations beginning in 2010:

-Central Oregon

-San Diego, California 

-Cleveland, Ohio

-Dublin, Ireland

Please see the Anamcara Application form for dates and location details

How many persons will attend the Anamcara Apprenticeship Program?
Due to the nature of this work and training attendance in each program location will be limited to approximately 50-70 persons.

How will you determine who can attend the Practical Skills Modules?
At this point, we are accepting registrants into the Practical Skills Modules. An application process is required.

Is there be a formal application process for the Apprenticeship Program?
Yes. Refer to the Application for Anamcara Apprentices.

If I don't sign up for the first intensive training week, can I register for a later module?
No. The Anamcara Apprenticeship is a two year process that requires attendance from the start.

What will apprentices be required to do in addition to attending Intensive Training Modules Modules?
Anamcara Apprentices will be required to work with the tools presented at a personal level and also develop a real-life practicum project in order to apply the skills and lessons of the sacred art of living and dying in their profession, community or faith tradition. Apprentices will also work as small communities under the supervision of a trained Anamcara Supervisor.  Outside of the two intensive training modules during year one, for example, participants will be expected:

-To commit to a daily spiritual practice

-To spend approximately 3 hours a week in personal study with the course curriculum

-To participate in the monthly small commmunity meeting [called Celi De]

-To develop a Practicum Project that begins to apply the tools of the apprenticeship in real-life

Will someone be able to attend [or audit] a Professional Skills Module without doing a practicum project?
No. The nature of this apprenticeship requires full participation.

What about the third level of Anamcara training known as the Master Anamcara?
This final dimension of the Anamcara Project will flow out of the Apprenticeship training. In time we envision the Sacred Art of Living Center as a “think tank” and laboratory for as many practical applications of the Anamcara tradition as there are needs. Eventually some persons will have been trained and want to respond to the call to be an anamcara practitioner. Our dream is that a variety of health care institutions, faith communities, schools and workplaces will be the locus for this work. Together, we have the opportunity to re-create an ancient spiritual wisdom tradition for the needs of our time and communities!

What is the structure for the supervised internship? Will it entail travel to Bend in between classes?
The structure for the internship revolves around the Circle of Support or 'Celi De' groups which will be clustered geographically - not requiring addition travel to Central Oregon.

How do I ask about other concerns or issues regarding the Anamcara Apprenticeship Program?
The best way to initiate communication with the Sacred Art of Living Center is through e-mail on our contact page.