FAQ - Academy of Inner Wisdom

What is a Celebrant?

Wikipedia (Australia) where Celebrant was created:

“Celebrants are people who conduct formal ceremonies in the community, particularly weddings, which are the main ceremony of legal import conducted by celebrants. They may also conduct extra-legal ceremonies such as naming of babies, renewal of wedding vows, funerals and memorial services, divorce, becoming a teenager, support in adolescence, changing name, significant birthday, retirement, adopting a child, on taking over a house, on leaving a house, or dedicating a house – in short for all of life milestones.”

How long does it take to become a certified Celebrant and Spiritual Practitioner?

You can be ready to perform weddings in about 4 months from the beginning of your start date.
The Canada Celebrant and Spiritual Practitioner Training consists of 66 hours of course material over 3 months, currently offered online.
Once you are certified, you can apply for your clergy status.

What is a Spiritual Practitioner?

Spiritual Practitioners are Metaphysics Ministers trained to provide support and tend to the spiritual well-being of individuals and families across diverse beliefs, cultural perspectives, and practices.

What is Metaphysics?

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of consciousness. The word metaphysics comes from two Greek words that mean “after or behind or among [the study of] the natural”. Metaphysics seeks to answer the four fundamental questions of life: 1. Who am I? 2. What am I doing here? 3. Where do I come from? 4. Where am I going?

Metaphysics studies questions related to existence. To be interested in or drawn to the study of metaphysics, there is only one conviction needed and this is outside of the constraints of any religious or specific spiritual beliefs. It is a certainty, a knowing by the individual, that ‘I am more than my physical body’. This may be defined in any personal way and based on any personal belief system. The part of you that is ‘more than your physical body’ is generally referred to as your higher self, or your soul.

What pre-requisites or prior qualifications do you need to have?

There are no educational pre-requisites, just a deep desire to be of service.

Do you wish to make a difference? To be of service in your community?
Would you like to play a meaningful role and be a witness to the key life milestones of others?
Are you someone who can become comfortable with public speaking?
Are you willing to develop your ceremonial writing ability?
Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit, and a good sense of business?
Are you comfortable meeting couples where they’re at, regardless of gender, background, or sexual orientation? Are you able to share in their excitement, while collaborating on creative ideas while being open minded to new and different ceremonies?
Are you someone who has empathy with those experiencing grief and loss?
Are you a team player, who is looking for a community of like-minded people who share in meaningful work as celebrants?

Will I have to attend all the modules to become certified?

Yes, you are required to complete all 63 hours of training – Tuesday evenings 6:30pm – 9:30pm and Saturday mornings 9:00am – 12:00pm for the duration of 3 months.

Please ensure you are dedicated and committed to this training and process, and fully ready to embrace your new career.