Sacred Origins: Dance, Ritual & the Soul of Ancient Iran

Just Added
Saturday, July 12
Sacred Origins: Dance, Ritual & the Soul of Ancient Iran
A two-day journey of sacred dance, Sufi whirling, and ancient rituals to awaken the heart and remember the wisdom of the ancients.
By
Astralab
Date and time
Starts on Saturday, July 12 · 11am PDT
Location
Astralab
678 La Fayette Park Place Los Angeles, CA 90057
Refund Policy
Refunds up to
7 days
before event
Agenda
11:00 AM
–
4:00 PM
Saturday Day Workshop: Dance of the Soul
Join us for a full-day immersion into the sacred art of Persian mystical dance and Sufi whirling—a journey where movement becomes prayer and the body a vessel of divine connection. Guided by Sufi Mas
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6:30 PM
–
8:30 PM
Sat Eve – Sama: A Gathering of Lovers
Join us for an evening of sacred remembrance and soulful connection at the Sama Gathering, led by Sufi Master Dr. Farima Berenji. Rooted in the mystical traditions of Iranian Sufism—including Khorasa
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11:00 AM
–
4:00 PM
Sunday Workshop : On the Path of the Ancient Ones
Step into a full-day immersion exploring the ancient sacred dances and healing rituals of Iran, guided by the wisdom of Mitraic, Yarsani, Zoroastrian, and early Sufi traditions. Through devotional mo
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About this event
Event lasts 9 hours 30 minutes
Step into a sacred journey of remembrance through dance, ritual, and divine movement as we awaken the ancient wisdom of Persia and the mystic heart of Sufism. Across two transformative days, we will whirl, chant, and commune with spirit through sacred ceremonies, devotional dances, and timeless healing practices drawn from Zoroastrian, Yarsani, and Sufi traditions.
Saturday –
Dance of the Soul
Join us for a full-day immersion into the sacred art of Persian mystical dance and Sufi whirling — a journey where movement becomes prayer, tradition becomes expression, and the body becomes a bridge to the divine.
Led by Sufi Master, Dr. Farima Berenji, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience her unique techniques — developed through years of deep research, personal practice, and spiritual guidance. You will learn her signature approach to preparing the body through specialized breath-work, grounding exercises, and meditative movement.
Together, we will explore the ancient roots of Persian sacred dance and the timeless tradition of Sufi whirling. No previous dance experience or technical skill is required — only a willingness to listen deeply, move soulfully, and surrender to the music within. Through guided movement, storytelling, poetry, and silent practice, we will awaken the wisdom held within the body, experience the healing power of rhythm, and step into the stillness that lies beyond the turning.
Sufi Whirling Techniques and Styles
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Beginning Level: Foundations and Basic Training
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Intermediate Session: Moving Deeper into the Practice
In this focused workshop, we will explore the foundational techniques and diverse styles of Sufi whirling — the sacred practice of spinning toward inner stillness and divine union.
You will learn how to prepare the body and mind for whirling through grounding exercises, breath-work, and posture alignment. We will study the ancient form of whirling from Iran, alongside variations found in other Sufi lineages, honoring the subtle differences in rhythm, style, and spirit.
This workshop will cover:
Farima’s unique breathing techniques
Basic steps for safe and sustainable turning
Techniques for maintaining balance and centering
Hand and arm positions (gestures of offering and receiving)
Variations of whirling styles across Sufi traditions
The spiritual meaning behind movements
Poetry in Motion
Silence and Stillness – Dance of the Heart
Saturday Evening
Sama Gathering – A Gathering of Lovers
An Evening of Sama (Whirling), Prayer, Zikr, and Sacred Sound
Join us for a heart-opening Sacred Circle and Sama Gathering led by Sufi Master Dr. Farima Berenji. This gathering follows the ancient traditions of Iranian Sufism, drawing from the Khorasani, Qaderi, Ali Qalandar, and Yarsani paths. Through the sacred practices of Sama (spiritual listening and turning) and Zikr (remembrance through chanting), we will journey beyond the self, awaken the heart, and align with the divine rhythm within.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (may go later)
Overview:
Welcoming Circle: Opening meditation and grounding
Zikr & Sama: Whirling, chanting, and sacred movement
Closing Circle: Sharing and gratitude
Sohbet (Sufi Talk): Spiritual conversation and wisdom sharing with Farima
Open your heart! Listen! Turn, dance, move, and cry in any way that makes you feel alive!
Participants, feel free to bring a poem to share. Musicians, we welcome you to join us and bless us with your music.
Guidelines and Rules for Sama Participation:
Please wear comfortable clothing (white or light-colored if possible) and socks or soft-soled shoes.
Respect yourself and others: No talking, taking pictures, or videos on the Sama floor; please maintain a quiet and respectful space at all times. Permission from Farima is required for any videos or pictures.
Avoid eating a large meal prior to the gathering to ensure comfort during the Sama; bring some water or sweets with you.
Respectful attire is a MUST. Farima will ask you to cover up if proper clothing is not worn.
Absolutely no alcohol or smoking is allowed at the Sama Gathering.
Sunday Daytime –
On the Path of the Ancient Ones
Join us for a full-day immersion into the ancient sacred ritual dances and healing circles of Iran. This workshop is a rare opportunity to experience the depth of Iraniandevotional dance and ritual ceremonies rooted in ancient Iran, Mitratric., Yarsanism, Zoroastrianism, and early Sufism.
Through sacred movement, music, chanting, and nature rituals, we will reconnect to the wisdom of the ancients, awaken the body’s inner medicine, and open the heart to the divine.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Part 1
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Part 2
This immersive includes:
Persian Mystical and Devotional Dance — Sacred movement rituals honoring the Divine, the Sun, and the 4 Sacred Elements.
Ancient Iranian Circle Dances
Sacred Ceremonies — Ancient Huma, Mitra, and Gawati rituals (medicine dance)
Nature Immersion — Observing, healing, and ritual connection with the natural world.
Sacred Steps — Walking meditations, silent healing walks, and integration practices.
Scholarships – if you are limited financially and would like to attend, we have a few scholarship spots available. Please email lila@teapot.la for more information.