This is MY signal!

I nudge the drummer beside me, who wakes with a start. In truth, he was not sleeping. Just wrapt up in the swirling flames. He gives the drum a soft thup-thup, then another. The people look up, holding their torches high. I raise my harp to the crook of my arm and start into a stately march.

The Druids lead the group in a serpentine dance, a long line of torches winding around the circle. Once all are moving in the same direction and in some semblance of order, Ruis and Flidhais lead them between the fires as well. For certain, they are in need of cleansing. The long winter has left illnesses and infirmities on many of the good folk. As the last of the bunch pass the flames, the drummer boy and I fall in behind.

When we are clear, we subtly shift from the march to a merry dance! The people join hands in a ring and parade sunwise around the twin pillars. After a bit, some pair off and gradually slip away from the commotion, to a quieter place where they can be alone, together. Others with a more adventurous spirit (or having drunk much of the same), try leaping the bonfires.

This is an ancient Beltaine tradition, a form of showing off ones skills and agility. Many of the young lads are trying to impress certain young lasses in the crowd. Their leaps involve twists and turns, and even somersaults, in one case. Ahhhh... the young and the energetic. I content myself to watch and play the music for their antics.