Anne Murphy

Celebrant, Death Educator and Home Vigil Guide

Your Guide in Bringing Ceremony to Life

I’m here to help you find strength, balance, and beauty through carefully crated ritual, ceremony, and education. Together, we’ll discover the best way to bring beauty, meaning and connection for all life’s cycles in a genuine way, celebrating moments that matter to you most.

Ceremonies . Home Vigils . Education .

Hello, I’m Anne

This is more than my work. It’s a part of me.

Acknowledging the sacred thresholds of life and death requires deep listening, gentle support and practical information. I carry the lineage of the ordinary yet extraordinary people who, from time immemorial, have tended to all the cycles of life with their gentle, trusting and knowing hands. Everyone has a gift to share with the community. This is mine – allow me to share it with you.

Family Directed After Death Care

Anticipating a death or curious about your choices? I offer guidance and education for a heart-centered approach to after death care through body care, ritual, and ceremony.

Ceremonies

Marking a transition in life? Together we step out of the ordinary and into sacred space by creating personalized ceremonies that span the lifetime.

Death Education

Want to learn more? I offer workshops, personal consults and speaking events that demystify death. Topics include: Ceremony & Ritual, Green Burials, Holding Space, Home Vigils, Returning to European Ancestor Death Care.

Healthy communities gather to share and recognize our greatest joys and sorrows. Each individual plays a role in the health of their community and when they experience a change, it does us all good to embrace, honor and mark the changes.

— Anne Murphy

“A tree is no more valuable than a seed. Both are simply at a different stage in their development.”
― J.R. Rim 

I’m Glad You’re Here

Featured In

Thought Starters

Follow Anne’s Latest News, Journeys, and Events

Grief is Learned

Grief is Learned

Grief is a universal and natural response to losing something or someone that we love. It is a sign of our humanity to care so deeply that we become undone by it, enraged by it, frozen from it, thawed by it, and perhaps transformed by it.

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Anti Racism Resources

Anti Racism Resources

Anti Racism Resources – “The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.” Ijeoma Oluo

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Testimonials

Photo of landscape with Peony
 

Loving, Living, and Dying During COVID-19

FAQs for companions, families, guides, friends, leaders, and tenders for each other

I’m feeling anxious and overwhelmed. What can I do?

Put your hand over your heart; count to five and inhale and exhale. Take time to quiet yourself and think of five ways that you are safe right now. It’s important to reach out when you feel overwhelmed.

  • Therapists and spiritual directors are available through the Minnesota Death Collaborative (MNDC) or reach the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
I’m worried about myself or a family member becoming ill. How can I reduce this anxiety?

Having conversations with your family can reduce anxiety about the unknown. Writing down your wishes and identifying what matters most is a practical way to get some relief.

I know someone who is dying but I can’t be physically present with them. What can I do?

You can still connect. Listening is the most important gift. Create a special place in your home with a photo, candle, and memorabilia to bring a sense of connection.

  • Find a local doula through MNDC.
  • NEDA has a national directory of end-of-life doulas.
I’ve never been around a dead person. What if they are at home longer than I anticipated?

Death is not an emergency; it’s perfectly OK if a dead person is not taken away immediately. Slow down and be present with them. With guidance, you can also care for your person’s body.

  • MNDCMTN, and other guides are always available to walk you through this step-by-step.
  • If they weren’t receiving hospice care, contact your non-emergency police department number.
I have experience caring for the dead. Can I still care for the dead during this outbreak?

Yes, you can still care for the dead, but it’s important to take some precautions. Wear a face mask and gloves, disinfect the person’s nose and mouth, and make sure to use a plastic barrier.

I’ve been told I can’t have a funeral or memorial service right now. What can I do?

Saying goodbye and honoring your loved one is an essential part of grieving. Consider an online service to bring your community together. Alternatively, set aside time each day to reflect, create, or light a candle with your family or community. You can hold a service at a later date, and planning for it can be healing for you and your family.

I am overwhelmed by grief. Who can help?
I want to get involved and learn more about these topics. What are some local resources?

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