About anamchara

“Anamchara.” This is the name given to me by friends and family whom I’ve read for, or aided in spiritual practice. It was sort of an accident, really, and of course, not an accident at all. My name is Morgan Ruaidhrí O’Sullivan, my pronouns are they/them/their, and I am a New York City based Healer, Diviner and budding Herbalist & Druid. My family has always cherished their heritage, and for that reason, my family has always worked to remind me where I come from. Although I am a born and bred American, the work I do is heavily influenced by ancestral healing, which led me to study Irish Paganism and divination for the past several years, both as direct product of my own recovery and healing process. In recovery, I learned that one of the greatest joys of my life is holding space for people and helping them to connect to their own intuition and clarity. It was as though my entire childhood had been preparing me for the time when Anamchara would be used to describe me, and I was finally prepared to accept the task. The name Anamchara found me, and I have welcomed it with open arms. Now, as I continue to practice healing for my community, my querents (those who ask questions of a diviner), my ancestors and myself, the name has become an anchor to remind me who I am and why I do what I do. So, what does it mean?

I use the tools of divination like (the tarot) to help others find clarity. The Tarot is a collection of 78 cards (usually) with a series of images that trigger a subconscious response in each of us based on our personal experience. The ancient Irish used language that was based largely in images; it was extremely visual, and although this form of divination doesn’t necessarily come from the Celts, the idea that sometimes images are more powerful than words does. The same way you may find a deep, cathartic experience in viewing a piece of art in a museum, the Tarot’s specific imagery stirs feelings all of us. My job as a hyper-empath is to connect to what you are already feeling before our reading, and use the cards as they relate to your emotional state to give names to your experience, thus helping you to find clarity.

Anamchara (or the Anglicized Anam Cara) translates immediately to "soul friend." Contrary to popular belief, this doesn't quite mean "soulmate," though, despite its association with marriage and true love; the term Anamchara both predates and transcends Christian culture in Ireland, and it was the name given to a person who acted as a spiritual guide or teacher. It's said that when you meet your Anamchara, you're seen and understood in the eyes of another like never before. Which brings me to my mission:

My mission in life as a healer, a diviner, a druid and an artist is to create safe spaces for those experiencing both the physical and non-physical planes to express themselves without judgement in order to experience the necessary growth to lead the most fulfilling version of their life possible.

So, you can see how the name Anamchara and I became fast friends. I chose this name for myself and my practice because it immediately relates to why I do what I do. So, what is it that I do?