Soul Friends
In Celtic tradition, there’s a beautiful and profound understanding of love and friendship. At the heart of this tradition is the concept of anam cara, which translates to “soul friend.”
This isn’t just a poetic phrase.
No amigo. Not even close.
It’s a way of describing a relationship that reaches the deepest parts of who we are—a bond that transcends time, space, and convention.
What Is Anam Cara?
In Gaelic, anam means “soul,” and cara means “friend.”
Together, they describe a friendship that touches the core of your being. In the early Celtic church, an anam cara was more than just a companion—it was someone who acted as a spiritual guide, mentor, and confidant.
With an anam cara, you could share your most vulnerable thoughts, fears, and dreams without judgment.
Think of it like a relationship of radical trust and belonging, where you can reveal your hidden self—your craziest thoughts and truest feelings—and be fully seen without fear.
This kind of friendship isn’t bound by rules or roles.
It isn’t about what you do or how you measure up.
It’s an act of mutual recognition: two souls seeing each other for who they truly are.
In the Celtic understanding, an anam cara relationship is ancient, eternal, and sacred—a connection that defies the limits of space and time.
The Boundless Soul
One of the most powerful aspects of the Celtic worldview is its belief in the boundlessness of the soul.
It’s always been, and will always be.
The belief that the soul cannot be caged or contained; it flows freely and infinitely.
This understanding shaped how the Celts viewed anam cara relationships.
To have a soul friend is to experience a connection that transcends the physical world. It’s about more than companionship—it’s about awakening something divine inside and in another person.
I see you. And, you see me.
This bond becomes a source of light, clarity, and deep companionship, offering both people a profound sense of belonging.
In a culture that often values surface-level connections and transactional relationships, the idea of anam cara challenges us to think differently about what friendship can be.
Especially in 2025.
It’s not about what someone can do for you, but about seeing and honoring the unique, sacred light within them—and allowing them to do the same for you.
The Celts remind us that the best relationships don’t fit neatly into categories or expectations.
Nope.
They cut across boundaries, offering a sense of safety and acceptance that goes so much deeper than words.
As I reflect on anam cara, I’m struck by how rare and precious this kind of connection is—and how much we all freaking need it.
Take a moment to think about the relationships in your life. Do you have someone you can trust with your innermost thoughts? Someone who makes you feel truly seen and known?
And perhaps a better question to ask is: Are you that kind of friend to someone else?
The idea of anam cara invites us to step into relationships with more courage, honesty, and intention. It asks us to move past the surface-level BS, and to lean into the deeper work of seeing and being seen.
The soul is eternal and infinite. And, its capacity for connection is limitless.
Whether it’s in an old friendship or a new one, there’s always an opportunity to create a bond that feels timeless and transformative.
I don’t know about you, but I want to lean into the kind of friendships that matter—the ones that awaken the soul and remind us of what it means to truly belong.
Because in the end, this life is about relationships and we all need an anam cara.
And, I believe, we’re all called to be one too.
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Steve Knox | Huntsville, Utah
\\\ Thanks for reading. You are a big part of why I write. I hope this finds you starting 2025 with more than just good intentions. If I can help you, your team, or your community please reach out. Until next week, dig deep amigo. Be honest. Be you. Much love.