Pagan Chaplaincy Training
This training is rooted in respect for diversity and a commitment to serving those who walk spiritual paths outside the mainstream. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to serve their communities with integrity, sensitivity, and professionalism.
The Pagan Seminary offers a full Celebrant Training Course made up of four immersive weekend modules. Each weekend provides stand-alone accreditation, allowing students to build recognised qualifications step by step. Those who complete all four weekends will receive their Pagan Celebrant qualification, demonstrating competency in leading rituals, handfastings, funerals, and other rites of passage.
Students wishing to continue may progress to the Minister Level, a One year programme that deepens training in pastoral care, community leadership, and chaplaincy. This level leads to formal ordination (Adorned Minister) — a recognised mark of spiritual and professional service within the Pagan community and beyond.
Why Train with Pagan Seminary?
Across the UK, Pagan Chaplains are increasingly being recognised and welcomed as part of chaplaincy teams. Discussions are already taking place about their inclusion in hospitals, hospices, prisons, and other institutional settings.
Our chaplains may also find opportunities to serve in community projects such as:
Homelessness outreach
Mental health support
Interfaith work and representation of Pagan faith traditions internationally
The Pagan Seminary is here to equip and accredit those called to this work. We provide:
Accreditation for Celebrants and Chaplains
Proof of skills and competencies for professional positions in institutions and community roles
Course Overview
The Pagan Seminary offers training and support for those called to serve the Pagan community as Celebrants, Community Leaders, and Chaplains. Our courses are designed for:
Pagans seeking to develop skills in ritual leadership and celebrancy
Those wishing to serve as Pagan Chaplains in institutions or community projects
People working in the caring professions who wish to deepen their spiritual practice and broaden their professional development
Our Pagan Chaplaincy Training Programme is designed to equip individuals from nature-based and alternative spiritual paths with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to offer meaningful spiritual care in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, prisons, and other institutions.
Course Objectives
Institutional Chaplaincy Preparation
To prepare Chaplains to work effectively within a variety of settings—such as hospitals, hospices, prisons, and community spaces—offering spiritual support where it is most needed.
Understanding Pagan Diversity
To develop a broad and inclusive understanding of the many paths within Paganism. Through talks, discussions, and workshops, trainees will explore a rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and spiritual approaches, fostering respect and competence in serving a diverse community.
Ceremonial Training
To enable trainees to design and deliver bespoke, heartfelt ceremonies for all of life’s major transitions. This includes:
Naming Ceremonies
Wedding Blessings
Handfastings
Rites of Life and other significant celebrations
Students will learn how to create and officiate these ceremonies with professionalism, confidence, and deep spiritual sensitivity.
Death and Dying
To guide Chaplains in providing compassionate care at the end of life. This includes:
Supporting individuals and families before and after death
Understanding the role of a Chaplain during the dying process
Offering comfort in grief
Officiating funerals with reverence and empathy
CELEBRANCY AND RITUAL LEADERSHIP
The first four units of study may be studied in one year or could be studied over a longer period. They reflect our LifeRites legacy and aim to develop Celebrancy skills.
There are four Weekend Modules with supporting online materials and assignments for each.
• Liferites & Ritual Leader,
• Handfasting Celebrant,
• Pagan Funeral Celebrant
• Death & Dying – The Pagan Way.
Upon completion of each Module, Students will be able to join the register on the Pagan Seminary Website at an appropriate level.
CHAPLAINCY AND PAGAN MINISTRY
The second Course of study consists of four weekend units and supporting materials and leads to the Chaplaincy qualification. Students sign up for all of the four week course as it aims to prepare Celebrants for Chaplaincy.
Upon completion of the Course, students will be members of the Institute of Leadership Management and – if they go forward to Chaplaincy – membership of the Institute of Pagan Chaplains. Celebrants, Ministers and Chaplains are listed on the Seminary website.
UPON COMPLETING THE COURSES
Members may choose to participate in an Ordination Ceremony. Everyone will be entitled to Full Membership of the Pagan Seminary, Celebrant insurance, and listing at an appropriate level on the Pagan Seminary Website.
We have an Annual Conference and members will receive continuing support and be expected to complete CPD to maintain membership
Mentoring and Support
Each trainee will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the course. Mentors are experienced practitioners who can offer insights, encouragement, and clarification on course material and practical application.
Written Work
In addition to weekend sessions, trainees will complete written assignments designed to consolidate learning, encourage personal reflection, and demonstrate understanding of core principles.
Assessment
Assessment will be by external assessment, plus the recommendation of their mentor, in addition to observed practical skills and marked written work.
The course is mainly practical work, interspersed with written modules and an agreed task. The final assessment will be completed on the last day of the course.
Accessible Learning Pathways
We recognise that not everyone has the same financial or time resources. To ensure accessibility, our courses are:
Modular – split into free-standing sections, so you can take the training step by step
Flexible – those with relevant experience may apply for accreditation in recognition of their prior work, bypassing certain modules
Affordable – study options designed to support those with limited funds or time
Skills Needed
Interview skills, empathy and listening skills.
Diplomacy and the ability to cope with emotion often in awkward and complex situations.
An ability to relate to assembled people and speak with them in a confident, not patronising manner.
A background of work with clients or experience in one of the caring professions (whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors) would be a real advantage, but life experience will be taken into consideration.
Who Is This Course For?
If you feel the call to sacred service…
If your voice longs to speak for those unheard…
If your heart aches to support the vulnerable…
If you dream of a world where all spiritual paths are respected and honoured…
Then you may already be a Chaplain at heart.
This training is for those who walk nature-based or Pagan paths and feel a deep pull to serve their communities in times of need, celebration, and transition. Whether you are a Druid, Wiccan, Heathen, eclectic practitioner, or simply someone who honours the sacred in the everyday, this course is designed to support your journey.
You may already be offering support informally—holding space for friends, creating ceremonies, or offering spiritual guidance—and now wish to deepen your understanding, gain professional skills, and step into this role with confidence and clarity.
Whether your path leads you into hospitals, hospices, prisons, or community circles, this course will guide you in bringing your spiritual gifts into service with grace, strength, and compassion.
Ready to begin?
You can download our full Course Prospectus [here] (insert link) to learn more about the modules, structure, and expectations.
Enrolment
Check our Enrolment Dates and upcoming Course Start Times [here] (insert link) to reserve your place and begin your journey into Chaplaincy.
The world needs your voice. Let your path be one of healing, honour, and sacred service.
Celebrant Course DATES
Friday 23rd January 2026 – Sunday 25th January 2026
Friday 27th March 2026 – Sunday 29th March 2026
Friday 29th May 2026 – Sunday 31st May 2026
Friday 26th June 2026 – Sunday 28th June 2026
Chaplaincy Course DATES
- Friday 24th – Sunday 6th July 2026
- Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026
- Friday 6th – Monday 9th November 2026
- Friday 4th – Sunday 6th December 2026
The Pagan Seminary
Enrol Now
The Pagan Seminary offers training and support for those called to serve the Pagan community as Celebrants, Community Leaders, and Chaplains.
Celebrant Course