Reverend Akasha Lonsdale, ordained OneSpirit Interfaith Minister and Ceremony Celebrant
Mysticism, mystery and spirituality have always interested me and from my early teens I was investigating different religions and spiritual traditions. What I found at the heart of them all are the foundations for healthy living: love, respect, compassion, integrity, forgiveness, truth, generosity, community and friendship.
However, I ultimately chose not to be aligned with any particular form of organised religion but to follow my deep spiritual core. When I first heard about the OneSpirit Foundation with its inclusive teachings and philosophy of 'many ways; one truth', my heart sang!
So in 2004, after a successful senior career in Human Resources and thirty-five years as a psychotherapist, I 
embarked on a two year deep-dive training with the OneSpirit Interfaith seminary. It took me into a deeper understanding of different faiths and connected me more profoundly to spirituality.
And since 2006 it has also given me the opportunity to create and conduct beautiful personalised ceremonies for wonderful couples and families. It also allows me to utilise my other skills of professional speaking, writing, facilitation, counselling and mentoring.
Weddings, funerals and baby blessings all come with their own associated emotions and stress, so being able to help beyond just creating and conducting a ceremony has proved invaluable for those I've had the privilege of working with over the years.
Off-duty?
People often ask me "what do you do when you're "off-duty?" Well the answer is that I never consider myself to be "off-duty" because for me ministry is not a job. It's who I am and it flows through every encounter I have, whether that be a passing smile, a general conversation, when I'm shopping, when I'm grumpy - or when I'm enjoying the privilege of creating ceremonies for wonderful people. I love what I do and if I were a stick of rock you'd find the words people; authenticity; service, communication and unity stamped through it. (Yes, it would be a large stick of rock!)
I'd love to help you
If you are thinking of getting married, renewing your vows, have recently welcomed a new arrival to your family or need to say goodbye to a loved one, then please get in touch and we can arrange a time for a no obligation chat. I can also help if you are facing challenging times and need some support. After all, everyone needs a little help sometimes.
Wishing you abundant health, laughter and happiness.
Rev. Akasha Lonsdale-Deighton, OneSpirit Interfaith Minister and Ceremony Celebrant is also the author of the popular self-development book 'How to do Life' and the essential guest guide 'Do I Kneel or Do I Bow?: What you Need to Know when Attending Religious Occasions'. She is an inspiring and engaging speaker on a range of personal and spiritual development topics, and in 2010 she founded The Life Mastery Academy (TM) which focuses on confidence and positive change from the inside-out. For many years she has been a regular media guest for local and national BBC Radio and TV, including with Aled Jones on his popular 'Good Morning Sunday' radio show.
Akasha is a member of The Professional Speaking Association
Just a reminder that if you want to be legally married, you will still need a quick visit to your UK Registry Office before your ceremony here in beautiful South West France. The four areas I mainly conduct ceremonies are : Lot-et-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers and the Dordogne.
Why not come over to the Simply Divine Ceremonies Facebook page where you will find a selection of ideas to help with planning your special day.
Get in touch today and let's see how we can make your dream a reality.
A wedding ceremony conducted by me is perfect for you if your ceremony is the heart of your celebration, and you value working with an authentic professional who genuinely cares that you have the ceremony of your dreams and the best start to the rest of your lives together.
Simply Divine Ceremonies are also ideal if :
You think of yourself as spiritual rather than religious and therefore a secular ceremony is not enough for you
You don't want to be married in a place of worship but a ceremony with Registrars doesn't satisfy your needs
If you and your partner are from another faith and you want a mixed-faith fusion ceremony to honour both your traditions.
You may have religious beliefs but your partner either doesn't share those beliefs and/or doesn't want to marry in a place of worship