Author talk and performance with Farima Berenji PhD and her new book Companions of the Sun; History and Mystery of Iranian Dance, Music & Ritual.

Companions of the Sun is a meticulously researched book that explores the evolutionary origins and practices of Iranian/Persian 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.

This book illuminates the rich and diverse heritage of Iranian/Persian 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 mysticism, offering a deeper understanding of these timeless traditions. 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.

Farima Berenji is an Iranian-American scholar and dance ethnologist, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist, a choreographer, instructor, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia, Ionia, and the Silk Road. She is a third generation artist—her devotion to the world of arts inspired by both her mother and grandmother as performing artists, poets, and musicians of Azerbaijani heritage. Farima has spent her lifetime studying Persian/Iranian and Central Asian dance, culture, and history. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement.