Thursday 5 November 2015

New paths : My career as an Independent Celebrant




Seasons have passed since I last wrote here and it feels even longer, when I look back over the last few months.
From last year I had been slowly coming to the conclusion that I needed a new career. I love my business 'Kiss the Book' but it earns me little. I enjoy the feeling of doing a good job at the Friendship Club but that's not for ever and my potterings in the world of W.I. speakers and life modelling were coming to a natural close.
It was a good friend who suggested I might think of being a celebrant. To be honest, I didn't even know what one was! In case you are similarly uninformed, I will explain.
An independent celebrant is a person who creates and performs ceremonies. They are not tied to Church or State and are free to follow their clients' wishes. I do not perform the legal bit of a marriage (for example) but I do the talking!


Many people do not feel they are part of a particular religion or church and yet find that the alternative civil options are soulless and impersonal. That's where I come in.
I have spent an interesting and testing few months taking an on-line diploma with uksoc.  www.uksoc.com  My tutor James is a wonderful teacher- patient, humorous and inspiring.
So.. to cut a long story short, I have now qualified and I absolutely love my work.


At a beautiful Blessing

It is a challenge to meet people and to learn from them the sort of ceremony they really want.
It suits my nature to spend ages looking up the perfect reading or poem and I really enjoy the buzz when a ceremony I have created and performed  makes people happy.

I still have my beloved ' Kiss the Book' and now have an excuse to buy even more poetry books.




I hope to create ceremonies that are spiritual and beautiful. I have already been part of a handfasting, where the couple make vows to each other and "tie the knot". It was joyous and moving.


Funerals hold special challenges. I like to feel that I have done my very best, that the ceremony captures something of the true character of the loved one and provides a fitting tribute to them. Nothing can take away the grief but a good funeral can provide closure and comfort.



There are so many ceremonies for so many occasions: renewing of vows, sand ceremonies, unity candles, Namings and memorials. I hope I have the chance to try them all.





I think I have now brought you all up to date as to my career. The rest of the family are well but as to their doings...  that had better be another day's tale...






www.janearnold.co.uk  (This is my new page)

14 comments:

  1. Like you I did not know what a celebrant is. It sounds like a good match for you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, as I said, I'm really enjoying myself!

      Delete
  2. Jane - many congratulations and all good wishes for your new chosen career! x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Best wishes for your new adventure.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Blessings on your new journey. May it be even more than you hoped for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane, I hope I'll be a good celebrant.

      Delete
  5. It makes me feel I want to have a special ceremony just so you can be the celebrant :) Anyone lucky enough to have you at their special event is blessed Xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is so uplifting to read this post and experience your pleasure in your new career. It sounds perfect for you and is such an invaluable service to those who have a life event to commemorate. I had never heard of this role before. How wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marianne, I do hope I'll be a good celebrant and create some truly beautiful ceremonies

      Delete
  7. I love this! You are such a good storyteller that this seems a perfect fit for you. I'm so pleased for you. As a collector of folklore tales & items I believe that we need more tradition in our lives and that in times of joy making memories which can be remembered and handed down is so important later on when we encounter bad times. A good funeral can help to ease the pain as it feels as if we have done all that we can for that person. I love that this new career includes your love of books. I have noted your website, just in case and would trust you to make magic for an occasion. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you LeeAnn, what a lovely message. I feel right about this new career, although it's always a bit scary making a new beginning. I'm looking forward to researching old traditions and customs and your blog is the best place for me to start! xx

      Delete