Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo and the Two of Wands
Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo was born in the heart of rural Ireland in 1929, where her early life in a small, close-knit community instilled in her a sense of compassion and resilience that would guide her through an extraordinary journey. Raised in a devoutly Catholic family, Oonagh chose to dedicate herself to religious life, joining a convent as a young woman. For over 20 years, she lived as a nun, spending time in India, where she met and learned from Mother Teresa, whose humility and dedication to the impoverished deeply inspired Oonagh.
However, after two decades, Oonagh decided to relinquish her vows and leave the convent. This decision was a bold move, as she stepped away from a life she had known for so long, embracing instead an adventurous path that would take her around the world and bring her into contact with some of the most influential figures of her time. Oonagh’s transition from convent life to the world beyond would be the start of her remarkable journey as a healer, counsellor, and pioneer in the fields of holistic medicine and wellbeing.
Her travels took her across continents and cultures, where she absorbed a wealth of knowledge about alternative healing practices. Inspired by traditional Eastern medicine, she became one of the first Irish women to study and practice acupuncture, at a time when it was virtually unknown in the Western world. This pioneering spirit helped her establish a reputation as a healer capable of merging the spiritual wisdom of her religious upbringing with the holistic and natural methods she encountered during her travels.
Oonagh’s work as a healer earned her widespread respect, and her compassionate nature opened doors to people in the highest echelons of society. One of her most well-known roles was as a nurse to the Duke of Windsor in the final days of his life. The former King Edward VIII, who had famously abdicated the British throne to marry Wallis Simpson, was said to be greatly comforted by Oonagh's care and presence as she assisted him in transitioning through his final days with dignity and respect.
Oonagh’s life and talents also caught the attention of the fashion world. Known for her graceful demeanour and timeless beauty, she was chosen to model for the acclaimed Japanese designer Issey Miyake. This experience introduced her to an entirely different sphere of influence, as she became an icon in the world of fashion, challenging traditional views on beauty and age. Her work with Miyake showcased her versatility and added to her unique image as a woman who seamlessly blended compassion with style, intellect, and beauty.
Beyond her role in fashion and healing, Oonagh's counsel was sought by another iconic figure—Princess Diana. At a time when the princess was undergoing personal turmoil, Oonagh offered her guidance and a compassionate ear. Oonagh's own experiences of self-discovery and resilience resonated with Diana, and their relationship grew beyond mere counsellor and confidante. Oonagh became a source of emotional support for Diana, providing her with guidance and empathy that few could offer, given the uniqueness of both their lives.
Throughout her life, Oonagh was often captured in the lens of notable photographers, including Lord Snowdon, a well-regarded British photographer and former husband of Princess Margaret. His photographs of Oonagh reflect her elegance and the quiet strength that radiated from her. Snowdon’s images added a further layer to her public persona, immortalising her as an icon of beauty and resilience.
In a world that often seeks compartmentalisation, Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo defied easy categorisation. She was a nun, a world traveller, an acupuncturist, a healer, a counsellor, and a model; her unique life was a testament to the possibilities that lie in embracing new experiences and remaining open to growth and change. Oonagh’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, from the humble to the exalted, her journey a profound example of compassion in action.
The Two of Wands
The Two of Wands in the Tarot symbolises a pivotal moment of choice, a crossroads where we can consider whether to stay within the familiar or venture into the unknown. This card resonates profoundly with the life of Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo, who faced several such decisions throughout her extraordinary journey. Like the figure in the Two of Wands , Oonagh stood at numerous crossroads where she could have remained within her comfort zone but instead chose a bold new path.
Leaving the convent after two decades as a nun was one of the most significant choices she faced. The Two of Wands often heralds a new plan of action or a burning desire to pursue a different life direction. Oonagh’s decision to relinquish her vows marked the beginning of a transformative journey filled with unique opportunities, from training as an acupuncturist to nursing the Duke of Windsor and even counselling Princess Diana. Each step was a leap into the unknown, but it opened doors she might never have encountered had she stayed in her previous life.
The Two of Wands also speaks of travel, both physical and spiritual. Oonagh’s globe-trotting adventures expanded her knowledge and deepened her healing practice, allowing her to build a career that blended holistic and conventional care. Like the Two of Wand’s call to seize the opportunities that lie beyond one’s comfort zone, Oonagh’s life was a testament to the rewards of embracing change. She exemplified the courage to pursue a different path, demonstrating how stepping beyond what is known can lead to remarkable growth and unexpected influence.