Companions of the Sun

by Farima Berenji, PhD

Dance and music will take us on the path of the ancients, a journey of discovery through space and time…

Please help support the Preservation of Iranian Sacred Dance, Music, and Rituals.

Originating from one of the world’s oldest civilizations, our ancestors gazed at the cosmos, observed the changing seasons, and marveled at the powerful forces of nature. In response, they crafted dances that embodied devotion, passion, love, strength, and courage. The profound wisdom and refined culture of ancient Iranians have left an indelible mark on the intricate music and dance traditions that continue to inspire cultures worldwide.

Companions of the Sun is a meticulously researched book that explores the evolutionary origins and practices of Iranian ancient rituals and mysticism. It delves into how these sacred traditions have influenced global music, dance, and spiritual practices, evolving into expressive movements that embody mystical poetry, art, and local legends. This book reveals the profound history and mystic traditions that guide seekers toward divine connection through sacred dance and the meditative art of whirling. Each step in these sacred practices becomes a mindful meditation—a prayerful expression of unity with the Divine.

My goal in writing this book is to illuminate the rich and diverse heritage of Iranian dance, music, and art shedding light on its sacred significance and its power to inspire and uplift. This art form, deeply rooted in an ancient culture, intertwines tradition, spirituality, and mysticism. Companions of the Sun serves as a unique resource for those passionate about history, culture, art, and Iranian/Persian mysticism, offering a deeper understanding of these timeless traditions.

There is a significant lack of accurate resources on Iranian/Persian mysticism, rituals, and sacred dance. Many existing books contain incomplete or inaccurate information. Through years of research and personal experience in the field, I have dedicated my life to preserving and presenting these traditions with authenticity and depth. This book is the first comprehensive work on the history and practice of Iranian sacred dance, music, and rituals, providing valuable insight for students, mystics, healing practitioners, dancers, musicians, and historians alike.

Featuring stunning artistic mandalas by Valerie Runningwolf, geometric diagrams of ancient concepts, and rare photographs from my archaeological excavations, this book offers a visually rich and intellectually profound journey into Iranian mysticism, sacred dance, and music. I need your support to bring this vital work to life. Your donations will help cover editing and publishing costs, and ultimately the dissemination of knowledge that honors and preserves Iranian/Persian culture. By contributing, you become part of an important mission to keep these sacred traditions alive and accessible to those who seek wisdom, inspiration, and spiritual connection.

Join me in sharing this cultural legacy with the world. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to publishing this book and ensuring that the beauty of Iranian sacred dance and mysticism continues to inspire generations to come.

Thank you for your support and belief in this work.

Farima Berenji, PhD

Endorsements

Donate to Help Publish the Book

Costs for the book include professional editing, cover design, printing, and distribution. Please help fund Companions of the Sun to help secure its publication and distribution. Make an online donation of any amount towards our $4000 goal. Contact us at info@farimadance.com to make a donation by other means such as Zelle, Vemno, or by check.

Donation Reward Levels

• $100 – Autographed copy of Companions of the Sun
• $250 – Free class or workshop by Dr. Farima Berenji, plus autographed copy of Companions of the Sun
• $500 or more – Honorable mention in book and website plus rewards above.

Simorgh Dance Collective

Farima Berenji

In 2007, Farima Berenji established the worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective, a dance ensemble that seeks to interpret, present, and perform traditional classical, folkloric, and sacred dances of the Silk Road. Based on her training and experience, she began a worldwide collaboration with other traditional dancers and musicians for it to become a world community of expert and emerging artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional, classical, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Simorgh Dance Collective is honored to be the first Persian dance company directed by an Iranian-American woman (Farima Berenji) to perform during a U.S. presidential reception for President Barak Obama.

Our member groups worldwide learn and develop an appreciation of Silk Road art and cultures by engaging with expert and emerging artists devoted to its dance and music. We share this art and love with our local communities by presenting ethnic dances in traditional costume, educating in cultural lectures, and leading dance participations. Our members show dedication as a team to develop and share their talents in these presentations.

Today, it’s increasingly important to share an appreciation of the art of Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other regions of the historic Silk Road. Our work helps present and build an awareness of traditional Persian and Central Asian dance and culture in a world today that ever threatens its existence in its land of origin. It enriches the lives of those who trace their ancestry to these cultures while bringing beauty to our communities.

As a not-for-profit organization, your gift to the Simorgh Dance Collective helps fund the research, costuming, travel, scholarship and public presentation of dances by the Simorgh Dance Collective to our local communities such as schools, libraries, and community festivals. Take pride in supporting diverse cultural community events and have your name or company mentioned as program donor. Even a small donation helps.

Purchases of promotional items, ethnic jewelry, or accessories from our store also helps benefit the worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective.

To ask how you may join or contribute to the Simorgh Dance Collective, please feel free to contact us.

Farima Berenji, Founder and Director – UNESCO-CID

Make a Tax Deductable Donation

Donate
The Simorgh Dance Collective is fiscally sponsored by Allied Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (IRS EIN# 91-0829974). Donations made through Allied Arts Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

Patreon

Join and support the work Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective on Patreon to receive special event previews and behind-the-scenes peeks, educational materials, lectures, and mini-tutorial videos on Silk Road culture and dance. Join in the dialogue. Become a part of our community and work as a Simorgh Dance Collective Patreon member.