How to do a Spiritual Trance Dance

Trance dancing is a powerful ritual. In many tribal cultures, trance dancing was and is still used to connect with the spirit world and do intense inner healing work, as well as pay homage to the ancestors. Using special breathing exercises, tribal percussion music, and a blindfold, you will enter an altered state where you can receive messages from other realms, see clearly obstacles that are blocking you in your life, and even meet your ancestors or spirit guides. Follow the steps below to create your own trance dance.

Things You'll Need

• Tribal music for dance
• Blindfold
• Large, clear space to dance and move in

Instructions

1. Clean and energetically clear the space by burning a sage stick. Ask for your spirit guides and helpers to be present. If you wish, you may play a rattle, drum or another organic instrument to open the ceremony space. Be sure the space is clear of furniture and there is enough room for you to dance.

2. Play the music. Your CD should be just about one hour long. This is ample time for a trance dance, but you can make it longer or shorter if you wish. The first track should be six minutes long, so you can time your breathing exercises to it. Whether you make your own CD or buy a special one, be sure that the music starts at a slower tempo, builds up to a peak for a few songs and then goes back to a slower tempo.

3. Put your blindfold on. Be sure the material is thick enough so you cannot see through it. Tie it snugly around your head.

4. Take five deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Fill your whole chest with oxygen.

5. Take two quick, short breaths through your nose. Then, exhale through your mouth. Repeat this breath for five minutes.

6. Move how you feel guided to move. Keep breathing. Let your inner world and your feelings dictate your movement and dance. Do not try to make anything happen. Follow your impulses.

7. Express yourself. Most likely, emotions will come present. Connect a sound to your emotions, express them and keep breathing. Trance dancing is extremely healing. You might find that fears surface during the dance. This is so you can become aware of self-created obstacles in your life.

8. Once the music is over, take a few minutes to "come home" in your body. Lie on the floor, lightly touch your arms and legs lightly. Take deep breaths. Take your blindfold off. It's a good idea to meditate on your experience and write down any insights or messages you received.

Tips & Warnings

• In many areas, people host group trance dances. To locate one, search the Internet.