The Sacred Symbols Of Belly Dance.

All dance is sacred in my opinion. It lifts your mood, releases emotions and connects you to the all that is. There are many traditions of sacred dance around the planet. Fusion belly dance incorporates many of these styles. But even dancing at a rave or dancing in your front room is a spiritual experience. Within every style of belly dance there are similar movements. And these movements can be symbolic. They can tell a story. A way of expressing your joy and your gratitude to all that is. Here we'll explore some of that symbology:

The circle: The circle stands for oneness, unity, eternity, wholeness, life without beginning or end and perfection. Circles can be drawn with your hips, heart, hands, shoulders and head.

The undulation: Representing the serpent. This is one of the oldest and most widespread symbols. It can represent duality, rebirth, fertility and spiritual energy. It is also symbolic of the Kundalini. The word Kundalini means "coiled snake." The sacred life force energy that sits dormant at the bottom of the spine. Awakening this energy can lead to profound spiritual transformation. belly dancing regularly can assist in the awakening of the Kundalini.

The infinity symbol: The symbol of infinity represents limitlessness, eternity, balance and the interconnectedness of all things. Figure eights can be drawn with hips, heart, shoulders in many directions.

The crescent: The crescent has it's connection with Grandmother Moon. The crescent is seen as a sacred symbol across many cultures and can represent the divine feminine. Crescents can be drawn with hips, heart and shoulders and head.

The shimmy: Rather than a symbol, the shimmy is a powerful movement that can release energy from your body. Shimmy's can be down with your hips, sharing your creative energy with your audience. They can be done with your heart, sharing your love and your joy.

There is no doubt in my mind that the snake like movements and the shimmy's of belly dance have added to my spiritual journey. They lift me up and bring me joy every day. What other symbols can you find within dance?