As human beings, we are deeply blessed by the sacred initiations of life, birth, death, and union. Since ancient times we have created ceremonies to honor and celebrate these blessed events by gathering with those who are dear and sharing in music, prayer, and other gestures of heart. The ceremony marks our passing through the doorway of one realm, and into another. It celebrates our commitment, and honors our experience.
Whether you are creating a ceremony to welcome a newborn child, celebrate a triumph, or grieve your loved one, I am delighted to assist you in creating a sacred space infused with living music that expresses the quality of reverence you wish to convey.
Naming Ceremony and Baby Blessings
The naming of a newborn child or adult is a sacred and meaningful occasion. The name carries a vibration that will lovingly hold this being in attunement with their essence for as long as they are called by that name. In the naming ceremony, we tune into the name as well as the song of the named one’s essence. These qualities are woven together within a song that is then harped and sung to the named one, as a welcoming reflection and reminder of their divine essence. The song may help to support this being in embodying their essence and name more fully and with deeper grace. Prayers and blessings for their life are also offered through heart and song. This is a beautiful way to welcome souls who are newly entering the earth realm, as well as those who have lived on earth for some time, but who are now birthing into a way of being that feels more in tune with their essence.
Funeral and Memorial Services
Saying goodbye to our loved ones may be one of the most tender experiences we live through. Friends and family members may be experiencing difficult emotions such as sadness, pain, and grief, so it is essential that the music offered within the service have the capacity to provide comfort as well as convey transcendence. The soothing quality of the harp creates an atmosphere of serenity and peace, and is an ideal instrument for such occasions.
Wedding & Commitment Ceremonies
Music to honor and celebrate the path of union with the beloved
As a professional harpist and true romantic, I treasure being given the opportunity to offer music for wedding and commitment ceremonies. I take special care to work with you on choosing the music that is just right. This is your special day, and I am honored to support you by creating a musical atmosphere that reflects the exquisite beauty and sacred nature of your union.
"Shannon Ryan’s remarkable musical talents were largely responsible for making the occasion of my wedding ceremony a classy, solemn, and awesomely beautiful event. She flawlessly played selections both perfect for the occasion and of my personal choosing—illustrative of her versatility and remarkable for the complexity of her primary instrument. Her abilities are on a par with any world class harpist, and I have heard the very best from the nations largest, most esteemed symphonies. Her mere presence lends so much to her performance that she reminds one of an exquisite Renaissance painting wherein the subject is so serene, gentle, and of a beautiful, angelic countenance, that it makes one’s heart ache for the overwhelming natural beauty that she exudes. Extremely personable, amenable, and articulate, her superior intellect allows her to readily grasp any scenario and make it hers. Compliments were profuse from every venue of the ceremony’s attendees, most of whom were Senior educators and PhDs. I stand as a ready and credible referance for any position or event she is being considered for."
~Frank H. Diemer
MBA; MS; Certified Engineer of Human Factors: Lieutenant Colonel, USA, Retired
“Shannon is much more than a talented harpist. Her healing angelic presence and music evoke the spirit of the Divine Beloved. As our guests arrived, they entered into a magical and soothing sacred space that was so much created by the energy Shannon infused it with. She helped consecrate our wedding and we are forever grateful.”
Jessica and Syd
Olympia, WA
“Shannon sang an enchanting, romantic, love song in Gaelic at my wedding ceremony in the summer of 2006. It was the highlight for myself and many others. While she sang to us, I had my first moments of total presence and relaxation on a day that had been quite hectic. She created space for all of the guests to connect and touched everyone with feelings of gentleness, love and passion. The wedding ceremony was transformed from an extremely diverse group of individuals into a group united by the beauty and emotion of her song. Many guests commented on Shannon's performance both that day and the years following. Even the most unlikely made statements of being so moved that they were brought to tears. Shannon is a beautiful person gifted with an amazing musical talent and voice. I highly recommend her as an enchanting addition to any event.”
Molly Chaudoir, Santa Cruz, CA
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