Speaking of rituals and journeys, I'm always fascinated by spiritual journeys and rituals. I've observed Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) rituals in Guatemala, Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in Spain and Buddhist festivals in Bhutan. I've watch believers lighting candles at the Temple of Maximon (an interesting cult figure in Guatemala), at Lourdes (a Christian pilgrimage site in France) and in churches throughout Europe. And I've seen pilgrims walking up Crough Patrick in Ireland, being blessed (and incensed!!) upon completing the Way of St James in Compostela, Spain and sitting in quiet contemplation in churches, both large and small.
I recently had an opportunity to observe an intense spiritual experience - the Turning of a Sufi Dervish. A concert by the Yuval Ron Ensemble included what is commonly called a Whirling Dervish. More accurately a Turning Dervish, the gentleman first offered a ritual prayer toward Mecca and then began slowly turning at ever increasing speed, entering a trance-like state. The white tunic worn by the Dervish was itself mesmorizing to those observing the prayer dance.
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