Karen Dempsey

So I'll never let it overwhelm me.

But I think it adds to the authenticity and the connection when we let ourselves be moved because otherwise it's not an acting role.

There is a type of celebrancy which is more public speaking.

You know, you can buy a thing online and you go... And actually, I say that as well.

Anybody can hold any ceremony.

Not the legal part in Ireland.

Not the legal wedding ceremony.

But anybody can hold a funeral ceremony or a wedding ceremony or a baby welcoming or anything like that.

So you do not need formal training, but there's a big difference in the quality of it when you're a person who has reflected deeply on what you're doing and why.

I think the place to start is a bit of space for yourself.

I think very often we can go straight in our head and start trying to figure it out, the pros and cons of everything.

I always encourage people to give a bit of space and time to reflecting on what did you love as a child?

What drew you as a child?

What were you like?

What way was your personality inclined before the world started pointing you in different directions or telling you that's a good part of you, that's a bad part of you?

So if you can go back to the core of yourself, it will help move it forward for you.

I think as well, people that are drawn to ceremonial work, self-awareness is the absolute key piece.

So if you're drawn to the work, getting yourself into some kind of therapy, I think is a really good step to get to know yourself a bit better.

And also, if people are drawn towards celebrancy, part of it is sometimes people kind of see it as a business in a box kind of thing.

That's a job that I could do and earn money and sure it's great.