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Post by anansi on Feb 12, 2015 5:34:07 GMT -5
I was somewhat inspired by TruthTeacher to make this thread on the African Trans Dance known as Zar in Egypt and nearby West Asia wherever Black folks settled, I had posted Zar ritual before but only as support for a different subject.
From what I have read the Zar rituals or dance is extremely old and derived from Africa, the name Zar maybe connected to Asar or better known as Osiris , in other parts of Africa and the Caribbean it is known as Vodun it is rhythmical and drums and other percussion instruments are involved,both men and women participates together,what is not known was it's practice in Islamic Iran,among their Black folks,this scene would well be in Cuba,Brazil,Jamaica,Haiti Purto Rico etc.
ZAR in Iran.
ZAR in Egypt
Zar In Sudan how ever Cuban sounding?? notice the blue and white beads.
Morocco.
Cuba.
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Post by truthteacher2007 on Feb 12, 2015 15:36:26 GMT -5
Love this stuff! A really nice collection of clips. As soon as I get some time I'll shed some insight as to what these clips actually are. Love the last one!
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Post by truthteacher2007 on Feb 13, 2015 22:32:01 GMT -5
I was somewhat inspired by TruthTeacher to make this thread on the African Trans Dance known as Zar in Egypt and nearby West Asia wherever Black folks settled, I had posted Zar ritual before but only as support for a different subject. From what I have read the Zar rituals or dance is extremely old and derived from Africa, the name Zar maybe connected to Asar or better known as Osiris , in other parts of Africa and the Caribbean it is known as Vodun it is rhythmical and drums and other percussion instruments are involved,both men and women participates together,what is not known was it's practice in Islamic Iran,among their Black folks,this scene would well be in Cuba,Brazil,Jamaica,Haiti Purto Rico etc. Hey Anansi. I have a little bi of time, so I'll give some insight as to what I'm seeing here. This is a very incomplete over view however. Okay, first off, Zar is not an exorcism, nor is it a dance. It is a spiritual way of life. The cerimonies always include music and dance because these are ways of raising energy and this is all about being in balance with the energetic forces of nature and the universe. To make a western parallel, a Pentecostal or Baptist service is not a dance, nor an exorcism, however, music and dance are part of the service and extatic expression, (catching the holy spirit), is a by product that may or may not occur. These traditions are the remnants of pre Islamic anamistic shamanistic practices of the various peoples of East Africa. They are not all identical, as each community has evolved their own traditions, even though they may have sprung from the same roots. All Baptists are Protestants, but all Protestants are not Baptists. Basically it is the old nature based religion of the past. The basic philosophy is that human beings are not separate or above creation, but that all livig things are connected to each other. We are interdependent and therefore, to achieve and maintain good health, we must be in balance with our physical, emotional and spiritual energies and with the energies of nature. As with all shamanistic traditions, it is believed that all the energies of the universe also reside within us as well since we are connected. However, we have aspects of these energies that are dominant in us. These differ from person to person. Think in terms of Ayurvedic philosophies, or to some extent, astrology. The belief is that since the universe was made by the creator from itself, that all things have a degree of the creators energy within them. It is also believed that energy is conscious. The natural world is governed by entities who embody the various energies of nature. Since each person has a dominant energy, they also came into the world with a guardian entity associated with their dominant energy. We believe that before birth, we choose to come here for ou own elevation and growth. Therefore, every person comes here with a purpose. The guardian entities are chosen to help us achieve our goals, however, upon birth, we forget our agreement in the other world. Upon death, we will review our lives and see how close we came to accomplishing the tasks we came here for. Some people however, depending on their mission, will need extra help. They will need to have a more direct relationship with their guardian. The guardians will during the person's life try to get their attention. If the person doesn't recognize their efforts, they have to make the attempt more direct. If after all their efforts, the person isn't recognizing the hints, they have to resort to desparate measures. In this case, they may experience misfortune, illness or emotional imbalance. When all conventional attempts to remedy the situation fail, the person will then consult a shaman who can relay the message their guardian has been trying to give them. The Zar ceremony is an initiation which allows the individual to begin to cultivate and recognize their guardian. It could be that the person themselves are destined to become a shaman, in which case the cerimony begins the process of apprenticeship. Every year, there is usually a celebration held in honor of this guardian entity. Once the relationship has been established, the afliction subsides. A zar cerimony may be held for different reasons. Sometimes, it could be for healing, a sort of therapeutic emotional treatment, sometimes a celebration. I think it goes without saying that these practices are not approved of by the mainstram Islamic clergy. Neither are the various Sufi mystical orders. All these practices are seen as being outside of the realm of orthodox Islam and are therefore not approved of. This first clip reflects this attitude. It was made as an attempt to slander and discredit the mystical traditions of the Afro Iranians who are of East African origin. The ominous music and dubbing of demonic screaming and gruntig is evidence of this. Like their western counter parts, these practices are often labled as being Satanic by the orthodoxy as you will see if you explore related videos. It must be said that because of the criticism they receive, they are always defensive and distrustful of outsiders. In general, they refuse to discuss their traditions with outsiders and will often make things up or tell them what they think they want to hear. This is why to really know what these things are, one ha to be part of the community of believing practitioners. Now are there charlatans among some of these people? Of course there are. Just as there are mainstream immams, and pastors and ministers who fleece their flocks. Its a risk that is always present in any area of life. ZAR in Iran. ZAR in Egypt A perfect example of a person not knowing what they're talking about. The video above is a typical Egyptian Zar. It's not Rango in any way shape or form. If I remember correctly, there are three different types of Zar in Egypt. I don't remember the exact names right now, then there is the Zar Sudan which has it's own characteristics and music styles. It must be noted though that Zar is often confused with Sufi Zikr, which is something altogether different. However, once again, outsiders, even if they are from the country, don't know the differences. Zikrs also involve music, I guess you could call it Muslim gospel music and rhythmic movements, commonly a twisting sway from side to side while repeating the name of god. The objective is to enter a trancendental state of trance to achieve union withthe devine. Sometimes, it can become very ecstatic. In some Sufi sects, practitioners will execute super human feats in this state such as eating live coals, piercing their bodies with skewers, even stabbing themselves in the head with knives while sustaining no bodily harm. They reach a state where the mind has total mastry of the body. The most famous Sufi order is the Whirling Dervishes. Their cerimonies aren't as spectacular, but the intent is the same. ("Zar In Sudan however Cuban sounding?? notice the blue and white beads".) Another example of someone who is ignorant of what they are seeing. Rango is not Zar. It's a form of music that originated in Northern Sudan. It is pure entertainment, as is the dance done by the guys in the grass skirts. However, the guy with the belt making the shaking sound, (called a hizam, its made of goat hooves), is a feature often found in Sudan Zar ceremonies, but here it is being done for entertainment. (Morocco.) These are two musical groups. This is totally for entertainment. This is not Zar in any way. Gnaw are a group of people who live in Morocco. The people are called Gnawa. They originated from the Bambara people around the Niger River bend. The metal clappers they are playing are called karkabou. They are best known as entertainers who do an acrobatic dance that consists of deep bouncing squats and jumping splits while playing the karkabou and twirling the tassel on their caps. Couldn't find a video clip that did it justice though. The guys in this video are not Gnawa, but they are Moroccan. The guitar instrument they are playing is called a gimbre. The cerimony done by the Gnawas is called a Leyla. It is very similar to the Yoruba system in that each entity has certain songs, colors, and implements associated with them. The Guys with the harps are Egyptian. The big harp is called a tambour and was a principle instrument in Sudani Zars. The smaller harps are derived from it and called semsimiyas. This video is a colaberation of Egyptian and Moroccan musicians. I've never seen the wooden clappers though. That's a recent innovation. Cuba. [/quote] I'm not too familiar with Voodoo. It is similar to Yoruba, or Lukumi, but has elements that are unique to it. While If a, Luckumi originates with the Yoruba, Voodoo originates with the Dahomey people of Benin. I believe it also has some Congo elements as well. Cuban Luckumi is often referred to as Santaria. That is because they had to hide their deities behind Catholic saints to continue their traditions. These days the pressure to do so no longer exists. Fo example, in my ile, there are no Cathollic overtones, however, there are iles that do retain these elements. The video clip above is not a ceremony, but a performance. Generally speaking, we don't allow our cerimonies to be filmed or photographed. This is a dance depicting the entity Oya. Ifa, Luckumi is a monotheistic religion. The creator is Olodumare, however it has different aspects, the most common are Olorun, the power and energy of Olodumare manifested in the sun and Olofi, the aspect that interacts most closely with humans on Earth. Ota is an orish. The orisha are manifestations of the forces of nature, but they also represent concepts as well. There really is no equivalent in Western languages for orishas, so they are most commonly referred to as gods, deities etc. Oya represents the force of nature in the wind. The wind, tornados, whirl winds, the air, represent Oya. She also represents the concepts of change, transition and rules over the market place. Her implement is the cow tail whisk. Like the wind, her dance is characterized by twirling and spinning. There is a lot more I could say, but this is all I have time for right now. Thanks for starting this thread. |
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Post by anansi on Feb 14, 2015 23:35:55 GMT -5
Brilliant break down TruthTeacher,that's why you are here, teach on brother,this is great especially coming from a person belonging to one of those active communities,you have insights that I could never have.
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Post by truthteacher2007 on Feb 15, 2015 10:13:56 GMT -5
Brilliant break down TruthTeacher,that's why you are here, teach on brother,this is great especially coming from a person belonging to one of those active communities,you have insights that I could never have. Thanks so much. As I said, it's a very incomplete explanation. I am continually growing in my knowledge and there is a lot here. Each of these traditions is it's own unique thing requiring it's own research. What ties them together is the nature reverence. However, it's not limited to Africa and the African diaspora. These traditions represent the very first spiritual traditions of mankind and therefore, you can find their reflections all over the world. For example, one of the closest traditions I've come across is in Korea. Japan where you live also has many practices that are similar due to the Shinto traditions. Keep in mind that the dancing and drummings are only one aspect, or the most visible aspects of what is really a way of life. I felt very at home in Japan. When I was there they wre having the ancestor festival in Kyoto. Ancestor reverence is central to our traditions. I don't know about Tokyo, but in Osaka, just about every corner had a shrine to some sort of ancestor. Japan is on point! I love it there. I'll share some more when I get the time. |
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on Feb 19, 2015 5:35:27 GMT -5
This is part of what you(TruthTeacher) wrote, and Yes! what you wrote is coded in seven colors. Others can't see it but I do, don't ask me how, the text glows because there's truth in it
"the universe was made by the creator from itself, that all things have a degree of the creators energy within them. It is also believed that energy is conscious. The natural world is governed by entities who embody the various energies of nature. Since each person has a dominant energy, they also came into the world with a guardian entity associated with their dominant energy. We believe that before birth, we choose to come here for our own elevation and growth. Therefore, every person comes here with a purpose. The guardian entities are chosen to help us achieve our goals, however, upon birth, we forget our agreement in the other world."
Creator = Red
Creators energy (the sun) = Orange
Consciousness or spirit = Yellow
Energies of nature (photosynthesis) = Green
A person's dominant energy & its guardian entity = Blue
Every person comes here with a purpose (physical manifestation of the invisible) = Indigo
The other world = Violet
Study the text carefully, it is composed of 7 parts from the "creator of itself" to the "other world". This is indeed brilliant
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on Feb 20, 2015 8:50:06 GMT -5
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Post by truthteacher2007 on Feb 20, 2015 23:48:51 GMT -5
This is part of what you(TruthTeacher) wrote, and Yes! what you wrote is coded in seven colors. Others can't see it but I do, don't ask me how, the text glows because there's truth in it " the universe was made by the creator from itself, that all things have a degree of the creators energy within them. It is also believed that energy is conscious. The natural world is governed by entities who embody the various energies of nature. Since each person has a dominant energy, they also came into the world with a guardian entity associated with their dominant energy. We believe that before birth, we choose to come here for our own elevation and growth. Therefore, every person comes here with a purpose. The guardian entities are chosen to help us achieve our goals, however, upon birth, we forget our agreement in the other world."Creator = Red Creators energy (the sun) = Orange Consciousness or spirit = Yellow Energies of nature (photosynthesis) = Green A person's dominant energy & its guardian entity = Blue Every person comes here with a purpose (physical manifestation of the invisible) = Indigo The other world = Violet Study the text carefully, it is composed of 7 parts from the "creator of itself" to the "other world". This is indeed brilliant Wow. Don't know what to say to that one. On the same note I thought you'd find this interesting. I never thpught it through this deep. These people had a resonance with the natural world that was quite profound. Unlike the western world, we saw no conflict between spirituality, science and nature. For us these aspects of life are interconnected. Without one, there can not be the other. We see no division between ourselves and the devine. The creative force is not something outside of us and separate, but it is a part of us and we are a part of it. Science is begining to catch up to what we and other peoples of earth traditions have always known. We warned them that nature has to be kept in balance. They scoffed at us. Now look at the threat of climate chance, rising oceans and the damage cause by the weakening of the ozone layer. Now we're scrambling to figure out how to fix the damage we've caused. And to think most of the world writes these people off as a bunch of hysterical savages. |
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on Feb 24, 2015 9:43:28 GMT -5
Would you agree with me if I told you that the Orishas are lorded over by the principle of Thoth or Djehuti, and that their domain or rather they exist within the confines of the celestial waters, above and below. Any entity with a name is a creation of another, any entity with a color emanates from the principle of Thoth. One might be convinced Orunmila serves the role of Thoth since he too is associated with wisdom, knowledge and divination. Being the only orisha allowed to witness the creation of the universe by Olorun, he bears witness to our destinies in the making as well. His colors are green and yellow and as such he falls within the spectrum which makes him a creation of another. Black and White(purity) are not colors, Black is the canvas of Heaven and White is the ink. The following Orishas have a dual nature since they bear the manifested and the source essence: 1. Shangó with the colors red & white(lightning) hence he bears the key of heaven and earth(double headed axe) 2. Yemayá, colors blue & white(moon) hence he lives and rules over the seas and lakes (tides) as well as maternity 3. Ogún, colors green & black(earth bound black objects like ore, coal, tar including insects like the scarab beetle) 4. Obatalá, color white(most abundant source of white light is the sun) it is the source of all that is pure(white) He is also the owner of all heads(our heads are bio-prisms/pyramids since they diffuse white light) and the mind(thought).White is most appropriate for Obatalá as it contains all the colors of the rainbow yet is above them(the source). Refer to my EgyptSearch avatar, I chose it because my African name is Obakeng. An excerpt from the School of Ra.dise (if only I could discuss this ancients secrets face to face) Behold! the earthly manifestation of duality and it dwells in the firmament that separates the visible from the invisible. It dwells between the courting snakes(futility), between the two ostrich feathers, in the 3 sun phases, the 3 dimensional sphere.     Topping is a behavior exhibited by most vipers in which one snake will twist around the vertically elevated fore body of its opponent and forcing it downward. The snake that manages to force its opponents head to the ground becomes the victor. The sun and the circle of life, for it is written "every living thing was put under the power of change, not by its desire, but by him who made it so, in hope That all living things will be made free from the power of death" |
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on Feb 27, 2015 3:01:27 GMT -5
Another excerpt from the School of Ra.dise   To an uninitiated person the night skies looks exactly like the above, just another marvel of God's creation. But to an initiated person the night skies looks like a QWERTY keyboard  Is there still keepers of the knowledge of the keyboard of heaven? Likewise, to an unschooled person, western and eastern text is like the shadows cast by grains of sand  I find it really amusing when people declare ordinary text/glyphs as magical without really understanding what qualifies text to be classified "magical". In order for me to transfer my thoughts to you, i use this very white background to type in black characters, on the inverse, heavenly thought is communicated on a black background (canvas) using 'star power'(white). The milk of Hathor "star fire", that is why she is labelled the goddess of the sky, queen of heaven, associated with the moon, the daughter of the sun god Ra and wife of sky god Horus.    A copy of the magic stela above relegates the text(inscription) to its lower(earthly) form i.e Black characters/glyphs against a white background thus becoming subject to internalization/consumption and interpretation which will differ from one person to another. We internalize this black energy or matter (written text) and from it sprouts new thoughts, and thought is light(white). It is from this accumulated 'black' that THOUGHT is birthed, it is from darkness that light is manifest. It is from knowledge (of good & evil/dualism) that wisdom(immortality) springs forth, for man was placed in learning in order to attain wisdom. i Zulu is entered or accessed through use of hallucinogens(not always) and it induces varying degrees of trance state. Drumming is the language that ushers a person into a trance and in its purest form cannot be written even though today you find instruments that can be played by reading musical notes The principle of Thoth/Djehuti   "It is hard to fill a cup which is already full" Quote from the Emerald tablet of Thoth of the below firmament/dimension (Erroneously dubbed Atlantis) "Preserve them and guard them, hide them in symbols, so the profane will laugh and renounce. In every land, form ye the mysteries. Make the way hard for the seeker to tread. Thus will the weak and the wavering be rejected. Thus will the secrets be hidden and guarded, held till the time when the wheel shall be turned." |
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on Mar 19, 2015 10:07:43 GMT -5
The explanation using written text the mysteries left by our Fathers but for this course, explain them using images so that each and every one can have their 'Ohh! now I see' moment. In that way the flower becomes reignited because His abode cannot be built by human hands  Thoth offers Men-maat-ra (Seti I) star fire (Mfktz) |
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on May 11, 2015 10:09:19 GMT -5
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on May 12, 2015 10:49:18 GMT -5
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Post by MorolongDithabeng on May 15, 2015 8:48:48 GMT -5
 Click to enlarge Listen, O man, hear the wisdom. Hear the Word that shall fill thee with Life. Hear the Word that shall banish the darkness. Hear the voice that shall banish the night. Mystery and wisdom have I brought to my children; knowledge and power descended from old. Know ye not that all shall be opened when ye shall find the oneness of all? One shall ye be with the Masters of Mystery, Conquerors of Death and Masters of Life. Aye, ye shall learn of the flower of Amen ti the blossom of life that shines in the Halls. In Spirit shall ye reach that Halls of Amen ti and bring back the wisdom that liveth in Light. Know ye the gateway to power is secret. Know ye the gateway to life is through death. Aye, through death but not as ye know death, but a death that is life and is fire and is Light. Desireth thou to know the deep, hidden secret? Look in thy heart where the knowledge is bound. Know that in thee the secret is hidden, the source of all life and the source of all death. List ye, O man, while I tell the secret, reveal unto thee the secret of old. Deep in Earth's heart lies the flower, the source of the Spirit that binds all in its form. or know ye that the Earth is living in body as thou art alive in thine own formed form. The Flower of Life is as thine own place of Spirit and streams through the Earth as thine flows through thy form; giving of life to the Earth and its children, renewing the Spirit from form unto form. This is the Spirit that is form of thy body, shaping and moulding into its form. Know ye, O man, that thy form is dual, balanced in polarity while formed in its form. Know that when fast on thee Death approaches, it is only because thy balance is shaken. It is only because one pole has been lost. The bottom picture collage will effect something in you  |
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