Whirling Dervishes

“We carry inside us

the wonders we seek

outside us”

Rumi

Whirling Dervish turning from the Mevlevi order of dervishes is a potent method for experiencing inner stillness and the opening of the heart.

It was originally taught to us in 1963 by a Mevlevi Sheikh with the permission of the head of the order. It has been taught and practised at The Study Society’s home at Colet House on a regular basis since then.

The Turning is a part of a ceremony known as a ‘Mukabele’ (meaning ‘coming face to face’) and it was originally developed by followers of the 13th century Persian mystic Jalalu’ddin Rumi. When we were taught it, we were asked to preserve it in its original form.

As well as having a deep transforming effect on the turners, the whole ceremony has a profound inner symbolism, which represents mankind’s inner journey back to the realisation of his essential oneness with God and the unity of all creation. 

You are invited to join us for a public Mukabele on the 1st Friday of each month.

The ceremony is open to people of all beliefs and backgrounds.

Anyone interested in one day becoming a Turner is encouraged to join the existing turners on Fridays, at our regular 7pm practice. They will be shown the 'slow turn' – a meditative practice that is part of the turning –and would need to come and slow turn regularly, for a long period of time, in preparation for eventual training as a Turner.

Slow turn: every Friday of the month at 7pm (apart from the first, when Mukabele is held).

Please note - Mukabeles are subject to enough Dervishes being available and may be cancelled at very short notice!

Tickets are available on the door for a suggested donation of £10 per person