The Healing "Zar" Dance
Move to the pulse of the drum
Abandon yourself to the dance
You are safe, and all is well
The "Kodia" will guide you
Let the movements flow freely
Become oblivious
Liberate your spirit
photo by Velomar
Zar Tradition
The Zar ceremony is practiced in many Mid-Eastern regions. As a cult, it has a specific setting and specific requirements. A Zar group has a leader and members. Sessions are attended regularly. There are private rituals for families, and public rituals for the community. The Zar is not an "exorcism". The spirit is accomodated and soothed, not exorcised.
photo by Youssef Abdelaal
The leader is called a "Kodia" (Egypt), a "Saykha" (N. Sudan), or an "Umiya" (Sudan), depending on the region. A leader has helpers who give rhythmic backup, and assist the process. To be a leader, one must have come to terms with her "Jinn" (spirit) in order to help others with the condition of their Jinn. Leadership is often passed from mother to daughter or female members of the family.
If you were your own Kodia
How would you Diagnose
the 'Condition' of your Jinn?
A Kodia has a 'tool box' (called al-ilba) which contains symbols of knowledge and experience, clothing, make-up (henna/kohl) and fragrance. No box is identical. A leader inherits her "original" al-ilba from her mentor.
photo by Youssef Abdelaal
A Kodia is trained in the songs and rhythms of each particular malady of the spirit. As the rhythms play, she sings each song, and watches for the reaction of the dancer. Through this method, she diagnoses what has taken "possession" of the spirit, and uses the songs and rhythms to "treat" it.
photo by Sara Lechner
What Rhythms would summon
the health of your Spirit?
What would you Place
in your Al-ilba?
The Zar ceremony can last for an afternoon or days. Participants and guests are expected to contribute money to support the leader and helpers, but it works more like a charitable fund than a 'production'.The setting of the healing ritual is usually a large room with an altar. It can be a room in a home, or a space that is rented. The domestic living space is always separate from the sacred space, and the dancer is absolved from all domestic duties. On the altar there is a white cloth and plenty of nuts and dried fruits. The woman (and rare circumstances - man) is prepared by dressing in white, decorated with henna and kohl make-up, and perfumed with frankincense or other perfumes. On the final evening, a sacred meal is consumed that includes special meat, bread, rice, broth and drinks. The specific courses depend on the region and group that gather.
Can you collect
a group of Supportive Friends
to accompany you in a Trance Experience?
photo by Velomar
You cannot 'exact' the Zar tradition, no matter how hard you try, and it is questionable whether it should ever be taken to the stage. But it would be a shame to fear appropriation so much that you miss out on the healing power of this healing trance dance. So take it to heart. Be inspired by this ancient ritual and cultivate a practice of trance in your life. As the Kodia advise..."Be attentive to the spirits, do only the necessary work, avoid dirt, and refrain from negative patterns."
Click here for some 'mind-body therapy' that could follow your trance dance.
To Your Health and Vitality!
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