Hello,

I was just going through some of past posts and I caught the one about the term "anam chara."

I read an article about how the phrase was used to describe someone on a spiritual level as opposed to a soul mate (lover).

But now...the phrase is appearing more and more to mean the second, guess it is the romantics in us all!

My question is how do I say "my soul mate?"

Anam chara *does not* mean soul mate. It means a spiritual director - somebody who helps you improve your spiritual life.

Nach

"cara anama"

a bheadh ann.

Ní aontaím le hAonghus go díreach. Within the context of religious orders "anam chara" has one meaning, that of a spiritual mentor to an initiate. In a general context, the meaning of "anam chara" is somewhat akin to that of a soul mate, but not in any soft, new age, touchy-feely way. Between "anam chairde" there is presumably a deep spiritual connection, the recognition of a fellow pilgrim journeying life's road wrestling with the central questions of existence. And here's where it touches on Aonghus' point: an essential part of that soul friendship is to challenge and encourage that friend on the journey. Not to impart cheap grace.