Although yoga and whirling dervish dance are distinct practices, they share certain similarities in their spiritual and physical approach. Here are ten similarities between yoga and whirling dervish dance:
Both yoga and whirling dervish dance are practices that engage the physical body. Yoga uses postures (asanas) to develop strength, flexibility and balance, while whirling dervish dance involves turning and flowing movements.
Both practices emphasise body awareness and the exploration of physical sensations. In both yoga and whirling dervish dance, the focus is on presence in the body and the connection between body, mind and soul.
In both yoga and whirling dervish dance, there is a quest for unity. Yoga aims to achieve union of body, mind and soul, and a connection with the divine. The whirling dervish dance seeks to transcend the ego and achieve unity with God through whirling.
Conscious breathing is an essential component of both yoga and whirling dervish dance. In yoga, specific breathing techniques (pranayama) are used to regulate vital energy. In the whirling dervish dance, rhythmic breathing accompanies the whirling movements.
Both practices can lead to altered states of consciousness. In yoga, meditation and the practice of postures can open doors to profound meditative states. In the dance of the whirling dervishes, the continuous whirling promotes an experience of spiritual ecstasy and transcendence of the ego.
In both yoga and the whirling dervish dance, there is an invitation to be fully present in the moment. Both practices encourage awareness of the present moment, leaving aside past or future concerns.
Both yoga and whirling dervish dance aim to balance the body's energy. In yoga, this is achieved through specific breathing and movement techniques. In whirling dervish dance, whirling is seen as a practice that balances inner energies.
Both practices encourage the cultivation of interiority and the exploration of the inner world. Whether it's through meditation in yoga or spinning in the dervish dance.
What is the Dervish Oracle?
It is a silent spiral. Each card is a step in an invisible dance where we join the rhythm of the world. The oracle is not static: it vibrates, it breathes, it allows itself to be tamed by slowness.
