Who is Juli Malone? 'Hedge Witch' druid officiates music icon Sinead O'Connor's funeral
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Throngs of fans lined the streets of Sinead O’Connor’s former hometown in Ireland to bid farewell to the gifted singer as her funeral procession passed through, following a private memorial service on Tuesday, August 8.
The late singer's funeral carried a unique touch as it was officiated by a druid who identifies as a "Hedge Witch," as reported by Daily Mail. Juli Malone, also known as "Juli Ni Mhaoileoin the Dingle Druid," joined forces with a Muslim cleric to create a funeral service that embraced various belief systems.
This unconventional approach saw the druid taking on the role of the "main celebrant" during the funeral proceedings as O'Connor was laid to rest in Bray near Dublin.
Who is Juli Malone?
Malone, as indicated by her Instagram bio, wears a multitude of hats. She describes herself as a health and wellness advocate, a guardian of plant wisdom, a florist, a celebrant, a practitioner of plant lore, and a "Hedge Witch" specializing in crafting lotions, potions, candles, and soap from natural sources.
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She has received official recognition as a solemnizer and priest under the Civil Registration Act of Ireland. On her Facebook page, the druid openly emphasizes the influence of the sun, moon, and plants, and organizes gatherings to commemorate the solstices.
"I use the gifts of nature in ceremony, ritual and handmade products. In this way, I call on Nature to guide us, heal us and soothe us. My deep love of nature originally led me to train as a horticulturalist and florist," says Malone.
'I dedicate myself and my work to help people'
"After years of further study I now focus on Herbalism and Plant Spirit Medicine to share the sacred gifts of Nature. I am what you might call a 'hedge witch'," writes Malone, describing herself.
She adds that as a "ceremonialist" she works with nature and the elements to "combine the ancient lore of plants with the healing, power and wisdom of the Druids, resulting in heartfelt ceremonies and deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us."
"I dedicate myself and my work to help people connect with nature, with the magic of the plant world, and through it forge deeper connections in their lives, with their inner selves and with others," expresses the druid, mentioning her inclination towards utilizing the sacred energy of fire.
"Grief needs to be heard, witnessed. It changes with time. Grief happens within, mourning happens with the external expression," adds Malone, stating that the moon has consistently offered her solace and that she extends that comforting presence to people who are mourning.