Anam Cara is a Gaelic expression meaning "soul friend". It symbolises a spiritual friendship that is not affected by time, distance, or separation. In the old Celtic tradition, the Anam Cara is someone with whom you could share your innermost self, mind and heart. This soul friendship is an act of recognition and belonging, helping us return to the hearth of our Spirit.
We have chosen this name as a symbol for the 'circle of belonging', that inner friendship which embraces nature, divinity, spirit and human world as one. Anam Cara lies 600 feet above sea level and overlooks the city of Inverness with stunning southerly views towards the Monadhliath Mountains. We are only three miles from the city centre yet surrounded by farm and woodland.
We have chosen this name as a symbol for the 'circle of belonging', that inner friendship which embraces nature, divinity, spirit and human world as one. Anam Cara lies 600 feet above sea level and overlooks the city of Inverness with stunning southerly views towards the Monadhliath Mountains. We are only three miles from the city centre yet surrounded by farm and woodland.
Services
Anam Cara was established in 2003, and has developed 'organically' with a range of buildings and landscaping initiatives. The evolving physical features of the centre mirrors the changing emphasis of the training programmes on offer, which in turn reflects the maturing interests of the Anam Cara team, who seek to develop the centre as a way of life as opposed to a business.
Anam Cara is at the top of Leachkin Brae on the West side on Inverness just up from Craig Phadrig Forest. Follow the signs for Dingwall / Beauly and the A862. Cross the Caledonian Canal, passing through the first set of lights and turning left at the second onto King Brude Road. At the next traffic lights turn right into Leachkin Road.
Shamanism is the most time tested mind/body healing method that we know of today, dating back at least 40,000 years. It was practised in all five continents, which includes the Celtic and Pictish peoples of ancient Britain. Through the use of these ancient ways, participants will be initiated into 'shamanic journeying', a remarkable visionary method employed to access other realms and discover individual spirit helpers and teachers.
The core intention of this training is to learn and practice a wide range of time honoured shamanic methods of healing and transformation, building confidence in their application and nurturing the role and responsibilities as a shamanic practitioner. This inevitably requires a willingness to deep self-enquiry on what will be a powerful personal journey.
Thousands of years ago, the Toltec in southern Mexico where known as the 'men and women of knowledge'. They were ancient 'shaman-seers', the receivers and holders of mysteries. Toltec Shamanism offers a range of practices within the greater shamanic traditions in which the Toltec created vital teachings and practices for the purpose of developing full consciousness and spiritual awakening.
Reviews (4)
Isabel Zaino
Jan 11, 2020
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Rebecca Skillman
Jan 15, 2019
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Unlike many retreat centres Anamcara is easy to get to - a short drive from Inverness centre. But it is set in countryside and feels quite remote. So you have the best of both worlds. It has a range of interesting courses, and internationally renown course providers. Meals (vegetarian) are tasty and healthy. Accommodation is cosy and for that reason pricing is less expensive than you might find in other places. The community are friendly and welcoming. Thoroughly recommended.
Angela Bailey
Jun 08, 2018
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Attended the ancient ways shamanism workshop. As soon as I arrived at Anam Cara, I fell in love - with the buildings, the people, the views, the grounds, the meditation spaces, the food, our room (a whiskey barrel!)... Anam Cara will forever hold a special piece of my heart. It calls to me even now, as I sit at home in Canada. I feel a pull to come back and journey further, learn more, and grow with this wonderful community of beautiful souls. I was only there for 2 days but I created lasting friendships with several people in the workshop. I do not have words for how much I loved this experience
Stephen Bracciale
Jul 04, 2015
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