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dallasdoesntexist · 7 months

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dark academic things I love since moving to Edinburgh

I recently moved to Edinburgh to study psychology at the University of Edinburgh. These are some things I like to remind myself of how privileged I am to be able to experience when I'm feeling a bit melancholic

The sun against Arthur's seat in the morning

Feeding the squirrels in George Square garden when you got to the lecture too early

The empty Royal Mile on your way to your 9AM

Mourning the loss of Teviot Row House (may she rest in peace... for two years while she gets renovated)

Watching the sun paint the sky pink and the buildings a deep orange as it sets, cup of hot earl grey tea, laptop open, notebooks everywhere, LED candles flickering around the room.

Tutorials where people take things as seriously as you do

Walking around Greyfriars Kirkyard on a crisp autumn evening, sipping chai from a local coffee house

Sharing biscuits with the crows in Holyrood park

Disgracing the architecture of the Holyrood Parliament building -- much preferring St Andrew's House -- but also just disgracing the Parliament as a whole

Not feeling like you're trying too hard; everyone's trying harder than you

Meeting a bunch of Oxbridge rejects. Being thankful you didn't apply (and thus avoided that embarrassment...)

Buying dried herbs from the herbalist across the street from the university to make your own tea blends

Quoting Shakespeare; someone finishes the quote for you

Pondering your own mortality in the many museums across the city (especially the Surgeon's Hall museum...)

Feeling validated when someone mentions they're on their third coffee of the day and it's only 12PM

getting the bus from Old Town to New Town, being able to look out across the North Sea. Mentally conjuring up Siren's songs

Venturing out to Leith for the Witchcraft Market once a month

Pinning handouts of poetry to your pin board in your room. Saves you spending money to print off your own

the Law library

Taking a French class, because Greek clashed with your main course and Latin had prerequisites. Studying all 3 on your own out of spite

Being taught in the Anatomy Lecture Theatre, where Burke and Hare delivered bodies to

It's normal to wear a suit and tie every day; it's also normal to wear a hoodie and jeans if you woke up too late from studying all night

Cringing when someone compares the city to Harry Potter. Then softening as you realise they're just noticing the same magic that you noticed, too, only articulating it differently

Watching the trees turn red and scatter their leaves across the pavement before they're carried away by the wind. being reminded once again of your own approaching doom

Going to the Frankenstein bar, zoning out of the conversation and watching the black&white film that plays on loop. Then talking at the person next to you about the inaccuracy, using quotes from the novel to back up your argument

Bonus points if they agree

Everyone freaking out about deadlines in a few weeks' time; knowing you'll be fine, because you developed your study methods in school

The Christmas market coming up

Farmers' markets on the weekends

Beltane Fire Society, and the upcoming Samhuinn festival in the pitch black of Holyrood park

Imagining the horses and their carriages trotting along the cobblestone roads

Fantasising about moving to Dean's village; knowing you'll have to settle for Stockbridge

Or wanting to move to Murrayfield, but not wanting to be too far from the university

Vanilla room spray. Fresh black coffee. Biscuits to dip into it

Being the one people go to for answers, but only helping them if they're genuinely stuck and want to learn

Cashmere scarf, tweed coat, saddle bag -- copious amounts of compliments on your outfit choice

Watching the bats flutter past your window

Not being able to go into the castle, lest you fail all your exams!

Buying a hefty coat from Armstrong & Son's vintage emporium

Double doors built so small, you have to open both in order to get through. Then feeling like a villain as the heavy wood slams behind you

Dimly lit, dark wooden hallways

Free coffee, if you know where to look

Taking a nap in the library between lectures. No weird stares

Being able to spot the people you know have definitely read The Secret History, or The Song of Achilles, or The Picture of Dorian Gray

Avoiding the touristy areas, but finding places just as good

#writers of tumblr #dark academia #dark acadamia aesthetic #dark academism #academia #edinburgh #scotland #chaotic academia #light academia #studyblr #study aesthetic #student life #studying #studyspo #study motivation #study blog #university of edinburgh

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blairstales · 1 year

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Scottish Historical Beltane/May Day

Bealtiunn (Beltane) is a cross-quarter day, meaning it is approximately half-way between a equinox and solstice. Due to this, it was one of the four main fire festivals of the year, and a time when the veil between our world and the otherworld was said to thin. This was thought to allow fairies in particular to be extra dangerous.

"The first–called “Beltaine” in Ireland, “Bealtiunn” in Scotland, “Shenn da Boaldyn” in the Isle of Man, and “Galan-Mai” (the Calends of May) in Wales–celebrates the waking of the earth from her winter sleep, and the renewal of warmth, life, and vegetation. " Celtic Myth and Legend by Charles Squire[1905]

It was once a huge celebration that may even last a whole week, but it also served as a marker for when to start farming practices. For example, it marked when to sow barley, or put cattle out to graze.

Due to the pagan origins of the day, opposition towards May Day celebrations was not uncommon, and eventually led to it’s fall in popularity.

"In 1696 a number of persons were tried before the Kirk Session of Aberdeen and censured for celebrating May Day morning." Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland

For customs click "keep reading." ⬇

May Pole

May Poles are a pole that was raised on beltane and raised with a crown of flowers on the top.

“The May Pole is up , Now give me the cup, I’ll drink to the garlands around it, But first unto those Whose hands did compose The glory of flowers that crown’d it.” “Faiths and Folklore: Volume 2,” By William Carew Hazlitt (1905)

It was also often decorated with flowers, leafy garland, ribbons, and more. Thought to be a fertility symbolism, with it came the queen and king of May.

"We may infer,’ says Frazer, ‘that our rude forefathers personified the powers of vegetation as male and female and attempted, on the principle of homeopathic or sympathetic magic, to quicken the growth of trees and plants by representing the marriage of the sylvan deities in the persons of a King and Queen of May, a Whitsun Bridegroom and Bride, and so forth. Such representations… were charms intended to make the woods to grow green, the fresh grass to sprout, and the flowers to blow. And it was natural to suppose that the more closely the mock marriage of the leaf-clad or flower-clad mummers aped the real marriage of the woodland sprites, the more effective would be the charm." Silver Bough 2 By F. Marian McNeill

Dressing the Home

Due to the veil being thinner, all sorts of supernatural dangers were thought to be at play. To counteract that, people dressed their homes in flowers, greenery, and other decorations.

“To counteract their evil power pieces of the rowan-tree and woodbine, chiefly of rowan-tree, were placed over the byre doors, and fires were kindled by every farmer and cottar. “ “Notes on The Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland,” By Walter Gregor (1881)

It was not just leafy garlands, however, but flowers as well.

"In the country west of Glasgow it is still remembered how once the houses were adorned with flowers and branches on the first of May” “Essays in the study of Folk-Songs,” by Countess Martinengo-Cesaresco (1886)

May-Dew

The very first thing many girls wanted to do in the morning was race out to collect the morning dew.

“COUNTY OF EDINBURGH. At Edinburgh about four o’clock in the morning there is an unusual stir ; and a hurrying of gay throngs through the King’s Park to Arthur’s Seat to collect the May-dew.” “British Popular Customs, Present and Past; Illustrating the Social and Domestic,” by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer (1876)

Depending on the area, where you would collect it from may change. It might be from a specific hill of grass or a specific type of trees.

This liquid, called may-dew, was said to have curative or beautifying powers.

"It was long an article of popular faith in Eastern and Western Europe , that a maiden , washing herself with dew from the hawthorn on the first day of May at daybreak , would preserve her beauty for ever, the operation being of course annually repeated.” “Faiths and Folklore: Volume 2,” By William Carew Hazlitt (1905)

“Till quite lately there was a belief in some parts of England that a weakly child would be made strong by being drawn over dewy grass on the morning in question. To effect a complete cure, the treatment had to be repeated on the two following mornings.” “Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs,” by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

However, the dew inside a fairy ring would have the opposite intended effect.

“May-dew from the grass was equally efficacious, except when gathered from within a fairy ring, as the fairies would in that case counteract the influence of the charm.” “Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs,” by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

Egg Rolling

Egg rolling, something we trend to associate with Easter, was occasionally practiced on Beltane. Colorfully decorated eggs would be rolled down a hill.

"Egg rolling, something we trend to associate with Easter, was occasionally practiced on Beltane. Colorfully decorated eggs would be rolled down a hill." “The Folk-lore Journal, Volume 7; Volume 24,” By Folklore Society (Great Britain)

Visiting Healing Wells

“Besides saining with fire, there was also saining with water, and Beltane was the great season for visiting “magic” or “holy” wells. The custom has by no means died out, the most notable survival being the annual “pilgrimage” to the Cloutie Well on Culloden Moor, near Inverness, which described elsewhere.” The silver bough vol 2

Visits to healing wells was a common occurrence for people on May day.

Two centuries earlier an attempt was made by the kirk-session of Perth to put a stop to an annual gathering on May Day at a cave in the face of Kinnoul hill adjoining the town. This cave was called the Dragon Hole, and was the scene of ancient rites of a superstitious nature. Other illustrations might be selected from the Folklore of May Day, but those given above show that the season was held in much superstitious regard. Accordingly, we need not be surprised that well-worship took its place among the rites of May Day, and of May Month also, since the whole of May was deemed a charmed time. "Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs" (in regards to Hone’s Every-Day Book on Edinburgh)

Mock Human Sacrifice

During the quarter days, quarter cakes were eaten ritually. For Beltane, this was called bannoach Bealltain or Beltane Cakes.

"Beltane cakes were also made at Keith, being baked the day before. The upper side was watered with a batter, made of whisked eggs, milk, and oatmeal. Struan Michaels and Beltane bannocks were prepared in Ross-shire down to the close of the nineteenth century." “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

Exactly how they were eaten would depend on the area.

"In Caithness, within the last seventy years, each family in the neighbourhood of Watten carried bread and cheese to the top of a hill called Heathercrow and left it there. After sunrise, the herds might take away the spoil for their own homes." “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

For some, it involved a mock human sacrifice.

The boys would go out, kindle a fire, have a meal, and sing and dance around it for fun. After, someone would produce a bannock and divide it for the group.

"Towards the close of the entertainment, the person who officiated as master of the feast produced a large cake baked with eggs and scalloped round the edge, called am bonnach bea-tine—i.e., the Beltane cake. It was divided into a number of pieces, and distributed in great form to the company.John Ramsay, laird of Ochtertyre, near Crieff, the patron of Burns and the friend of Sir Walter Scott." The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer[1922] Chapter 62. The Fire-Festivals of Europe

One piece stood out from the others, and the person who picked it was doomed to be “sacrificed.” It was just a symbolized sacrifice and the group would act as if (but would not actually) throw the person into the fire.

“There was one particular piece which whoever got was called cailleach beal-tine—i.e., the Beltane carline, a term of great reproach. Upon his being known, part of the company laid hold of him and made a show of putting him into the fire; but the majority interposing, he was rescued. “ John Ramsay, laird of Ochtertyre, near Crieff, the patron of Burns and the friend of Sir Walter Scott." "The Golden Bough" by Sir James George Frazer[1922] Chapter 62. The Fire-Festivals of Europe.

Unfortunately for the poor boy, the victim would then be referred to as dead for as long as people remembered for the year.

“Similarly at the Beltane fires in Scotland the pretended victim was seized, and a show made of throwing him into the flames, and for some time afterwards people affected to speak of him as dead.” “The Golden Bough,” by Sir James George Frazer (1922)

Luckily, in other places, the sacrificed only had to jump the fire(typically either three or seven times), then that would be the end of it.

“….then lots are cast, and he on whom the lot falls, must leap seven times over the fire, while the young folks dance round in a circle. Then they cook their eggs and cakes, and all sit down to eat and drink and rise up to play.” Old Scottish Customs, Local and General by Ellen Emma Guthrie 1885

For others, it was not as dramatic.

"While the fire was blazing, a common meal was partaken, part of which was offered to the spirit of the fire." “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

After making and kneading a bannock, the boys would bake it on a flat stone placed on embers. When it is properly baked, they divide it to the same number of people there is in the group (trying to keep the pieces the same shape).

"They kindle a fire , and dress & repast of eggs and milk of the consistence of a custard . They knead a cake of oatmeal , which is toasted at the embers against a stone . After the custard is eaten up , they divide the cake into so many portions , as similar as possible to one another in size and shape , as there are persons in the company ." PERTHSHIRE . In Sinclair’s Stat . Acc . of Scotland ( 1794 , vol . xi . p . 620 ) British Popular Customs, Present and Past; Illustrating the Social and Domestic

Only one piece is selected and covered with charcoal until it is completely black.

That done, all the pieces are placed in a bonnet, and everyone is blindfolded to pick out a piece. The person who is holding the bonnet gets the last.

Whoever was unlucky enough to pick up the black piece is the symbolized sacrifice and must jump the fire three times.

“The boy, to whose share the black piece falls, is obliged to leap three times through the flames, at which the repast was prepared.” Statistical Account of Scotland, 1794, XI. 620, Witchcraft & Second Sight in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland

For others still, they would take a bannock, face towards the fire, and break a piece of the bannock while throwing it over the shoulder as an offering of protection. The request was different for each throw.

‘This I give to thee, preserve thou my horses,’ and ‘This to thee, preserve thou my sheep,’ and so on. After that they use the same ceremony to the noxious animals, This I give thee, O fox, spare thou my lambs! This to thee, O hooded crow! This to thee, O eagle!’ When the ceremony is over they dine on the caudle.” “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

Fires

The Beltane fires were man’s response to the attack of the powers of darkness which were believed to be abroad with peculiar force at this season. “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

A large heap of old thatch, straw, or other materials were piled. Traditionally, this was done on a hill.

“To the south of the Forth several sites are known to have been specially associated with Beltane fires. In Lanarkshire two such sites were, the hills of Tinto and Dechmont. “Tinto, indeed, means the hill of fire. It was used for beacon-fires as well as for those connected with nature-festivals, and was well adapted for the purpose, being 2335 feet above the sea, and 1655 feet above the Clyde at its base. Though not nearly so high, Dechmont hill commands a splendid view over the neighbouring country. Early in the present century a quantity of charcoal was discovered near its summit hidden beneath a stratum of fine loam. The country people around expressed no surprise at the discovery, as they were familiar with the tradition that the spot had been used for the kindling of Beltane fires. In Peeblesshire, too, the Beltane festival long held its ground. Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs

For some, this would serve as the need-fire; which was a purification fire that was lit by friction.

"Tein-ēigin, neid-fire, need-fire, forced fire, fire produced by the friction of wood or iron against wood." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

It was a saining practice done on quarter-days, when there was some sort of calamity, or just when someone needed extra luck for an especially important event. It was considered bad luck to bring fire out of the house or gift any to someone on the day. For Bealtane, two fires might be lit, and cattle would be driven through to purify them.

"When the sacred fire became kindled, the people rushed home and brought their herds and drove them through and round the fire of purification, to sain them from the ‘bana bhuitseach mhor Nic Creafain,’–the great arch witch daughter Cranford, Mac Creafain, now Crawford." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

After, the ashes would be scattered, sometimes with yells to “burn the witches.” The intent was to destroy and scare off the forces of evil, which would allow the area to become fertile.

“The fire in consuming them destroyed the powers hostile to man, purified the air, and allowed man and beast and vegetation to thrive and become fertile.” The circumambulating the fields with blazing branches carried the virtue to areas a considerable distance from the bonfire. “ “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

It would work in a way, too. The ash would fertilize the soil, helping to make it healthier for the coming growing season.

Other

Another significant ceremony, as showing the adoration of nature, was the combat between winter and summer which took place on May-day (Laa-boaldyn); the latter, which was represented by a young girl, decorated with leaves, being victorious, and thus typifying the victory of Nature’s reproductive power. The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man by A. W. Moore[1891]

"On the night preceding it, i.e. Beltane eve, witches were awake, and went about as hares, to take their produce (toradh), milk, butter, and cheese, from the cows. People who believed in their existence were as earnest to counteract their machinations. Tar was put behind the ears of the cattle, and at the root of the tail; the animals were sprinkled with urine to keep them from fighting; the house was hung with rowan-tree, etc., etc. By having a churning past and a cheese made (muidhe ’s mulchag) before sunrise, the Fairies were kept away from the farm for the rest of the year. If any came to ask for rennet (deasgainn), it should not on any account be given to them. It would be used for taking the substance out of the giver’s own dairy produce.When the day arrived, it was necessary, whatever the state of the weather, though people sank ankle deep in snow, or (as the Gaelic idiom has it), though snow came over the shoes, to get the cattle away to the summer pastures among the hills (àiridh)." Witchcraft & Second Sight in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland

John Duncan’s “Riders of the Sidhe” (1911) “The artist here represents the fairy folk “setting forth on a Beltane eve in a kind of ritualistic procession, carrying symbols of their faith and power, and their good pleasure dowering mortals with spiritual gifts.” E.A. Taylor; Art. Some Pictures by John Duncan in The Studio, Vol. 80 (1930)

#folklore #scottish folklore #fairies #fairy #fae #scottish mythology #mythology #scottish #scottishfolklore #FairyDays #beltane #Bealtiunn #Beltaine #may 1 #ImportantScottishDays

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divinum-pacis · 2 years

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Edinburgh, Scotland: The May Queen during the Beltane Fire Festival, a celebration of the return of summer.

Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA

#religion #neopaganism #wicca #witchcraft #beltane #festival #scotland #europe #divinum-pacis

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steliosagapitos · 1 year

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Blessed Bealtaine/Beltane To All )O(

~ “Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the beginning of summer. It is one of the major festivals in the wheel of the year and is a sacred day and night of union between the Goddess and the God. Beltane in English, Bealtaine in Irish, Calan Mai or Calan Haf in Welsh, Bealltainn in Scottish Gaelic, and in Manx Gaelic Boaltinn or Boaldyn. It is one of the four seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh. This is a time of year when the veil between the worlds are thin and people would light bonfires on May Eve/Walpurgus nacht (April 30th) to ward of mischievous spirits, and to represent purification, tending the fire until dawn breaks. Historically in rural communities, cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease and evil spirits. It was also considered to be lucky to leap over the bonfire. The Maypole is a tradition that still exists today where people will dance around the maypole weaving ribbons (and magic) while they go. In Edinburgh, Calton Hill, there is a Beltane Fire Festival on May Eve every year with music, dance, fireplay, drumming, and immersive theatre that heralds the Goddess and God and the start of summer. It is a visually spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors and is not to be missed. There are celebrations throughout England; Thornborough Henge, near Ripon in North Yorkshire hosts a weekend festival of camping, stalls, a Beltane fire, with the main Beltane Ceremony observed on the closest Sunday to May 1st. Drummers, dancers and a mummer’s play are part of the festivities, with Handfastings performed by the local Druid by appointment in advance. Family friendly, pet friendly this is a celebration for all. Hastings, Sussex, celebrate the Jack in the Green festival over the May day bank holiday weekend which hosts live bands, dancing, social events and family fun. The main event is a procession through the streets of old Hastings town on Bank Holiday Monday. The procession is filled with unique characters such as drummers, mummers, Morris dancers, giants and the beloved Green Man. Glastonbury, Somerset, also hosts a variety of celebrations. There is a gathering to witness the Sunrise at Glastonbury Tor, followed by a procession in the town of Green Men, Morris dancers, Druids, Witches, and other Pagans, Dragons, and Maypoles. There are a number of artisan shops on the high street that sell Pagan wares, not forgetting the fantastic Artist Linda Ravenscroft who has a gallery and studio at the Market Place. Throughout Wales, there are parades, fetes, Morris dancing, music and singing of Carolau Mai, or May carols, the crowning of the May Queen and May King, and dancing round the Maypole which is very much an essential part of Welsh culture. It would be fashioned out of birch wood and painted bright colours, adorned with ribbons and hoisted into the air and dancing would commence.The drinking of beers and elderberry and rhubarb wines were supplemented by metheglin, a variant of mead laced with spices. The drink had its origin in folk medicines, and traces its etymology through a combining of the Welsh words meddyg (meaning healing or medicine) and llyn (liquor). ‘May Day’ in Wales was also associated with festivities on the village green, or – to be more Welsh about it – the ‘twmpath chwarae’. Literally the ‘tump for playing’ was a place where people could gather in the evenings, long before television, for dancing or for sports. On Calan Mai, musicians would play while traditional dances were performed. One popular theatrical entertainment was the traditional ‘mock battle’ between two men dressed to represent Summer and Winter. ‘Winter’ would arrive carrying a stick of blackthorn decorated with pieces of wool to represent snow. He would inevitably be defeated by his garlanded opponent, willow wand tied with ribbons. At the end of the fight, a May King and Queen were crowned and the serious business of eating, drinking and cavorting would continue long into the evening.In Ireland, Bealtaine is celebrated at the Hill of Uisneach. The Bealtaine Festival was revived on the Hill of Uisneach in 2009 and today’s' festival remains much as it was in ancient times, a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. A family-friendly event that welcomes all the different tribes to celebrate the beginning of summer at the sacred centre of Ireland. In 2017, the ceremonial fire was lit by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins; making him the first Irish Head of State to do so since the last High King, nearly a thousand years ago. It is gathering where heritage, art, culture, music, fire-dancing, talks, workshops, wellbeing, yoga, story-telling, children's fun and food is enjoyed and celebrated before the great Bealtaine Fire is lit at sundown. Mayday celebrations vary from town to town, region to region but all have the same theme – the celebration of the start of Summer. With the arrival of the annual of the April Lyrids meteor shower (April 16th – 25th) and the first Swallows and Bats sighted here on the Ards Peninsula this week – Summer is here ! What are the Bealtaine/Beltane/Mayday celebrations happening near you ? Get in touch as we would love to find out. However you choose to celebrate, have a magical weekend. Love and bright blessings to all.” ~

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abbiistabbii · 5 months

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Glaswegians: Edinburgers are so posh and stuck up.

Edinburgers: Every year we hold a ceremony on the day before Beltane full of fire and naked people on top of Carlton Hill to Welcome in the summer. :)

Glaswegians: ...

Edinburgers: We also have a similar procession on Hallowe'en down the Royal Mile.

Glaswegians: O...k.

Edinburgers: This is where we used to burn people at the Stake!

Glaswegians: Are you okay?

Edinburghers: lol no

#Scotland #Edinburgh #Glasgow

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tomtenadia · 2 years

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Aelin’s week - Day 1 - Beltane

Happy Beltane everyone.

Here we go with another wonderful event. I am not sure how many fic I will write but I am looking forward to read all of your works.

My Beltane celebrations are based on the modernised version they do in Edinburgh on Calton Hill. It’s an amazing festival and I love it. (https://beltane.org).

Hope you will love this short Rowaelin. (1.7K Words)

THE PROCESSION - GREEN MAN AND MAY QUEEN

REMNANTS OF WINTER

REMNANTS OF WINTER 2

SUNSET BATTLE

The photos in the links and the one used as banner are all mine. I took them myself at the fire festival in Edinburgh.

------

YOUR MAY QUEEN

The sun was setting over the hill and Aelin wandered around the place watching all the people who, like her, had climbed to the top to celebrate Beltane. The ancient festival that would mark the beginning of the longer days of daylight. It meant rebirth, the land becoming fertile once again after the long winter months. And Orynth had very long ones but also had very long summer days and Aelin was looking forward to that. It was the first time she went to the festival which apparently had been a tradition that ran annually. Aelin had discovered the event when browsing something to do and this had piqued her interest. Beltane meant a new beginning, and she hoped it brought her the break she needed. After Chaol broke off the engagement she had been a mess for a while until she realised that it was not worth ruin her sanity for a man who had endlessly cheated on her. Good riddance. So she had taken time for herself and decided to explore new things. The fire festival was one of them.

Aelin walked slowly around the hill and took in the view of Orynth. It was a gorgeous clear night and the skyline was stunning. In the distance she spotted a few people with black coats and strange masks walking around and entertaining the revellers.

Aelin did a bit of reading and discovered that a procession led by the Green Man and the May Queen was supposed to crawl up to the top of the hill and it would start after sunset. They were meant to be followed by a variety of characters that would hinder or help them in their journey. Then a stage performance would signify their union and the beginning of the summer. The massive fire at the top of the hill would be lit and the celebrations would finally start. She was also looking forward to the part were people would jump the fires. It was a symbol of purification. All of it sounded amazing and wondered why she never did any of that.

An hour later, when the sun was set she finally spotted the torchlit parade peeking from the corner and the sound of the beating drums filling up the air. She took out her camera and started taking a few pictures. She felt alive all of a sudden, the beating of the drums resonating in her. Aelin moved closer to the barriers around the main bonfire and waited in the front row for the main event.

She felt someone beside her and when she turned her head she noticed a man. His face was lit with the soft tones of the fire torches and she was positive his hair was silver. What struck her was his content expression. The stranger leaned on the barrier at her side and looked at her “first timer?”

Aelin looked at him puzzled.

“You have the expression of wonder and amazement of someone who has never seen this.”

Aelin felt a retort coming but stopped “Yes, you got me.”

He smiled at her and she was positive he was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen.

“The Green Man and the May Queen are leading the procession and at the front of the procession you have the Remnants of Winter causing trouble. They are the black cladded people you have seen walking around earlier on,” he told her pointing at what was happening in the distance “by the time they get here, they will become the reds. The reds are mischievous and they will both start dancing around the fire. They interact with the crowd and the dancing can become a bit… sensual.” A smirk appeared on his face “It’s Earth’s rebirth any way. And it’s also a holiday that is always good for blessing hand-fasting and couples in general.

She looked at him smiled back. That was super interesting and she admitted she knew nothing about Beltane. She remembered celebrating it when she was little but never thought about the meaning behind the holiday.

“Traditionally, all the fires in the community would be put off and only a special one called Tein-eigen would be lit,” and he pointed at the big spot where the main bonfire would happen. Aelin felt a shiver down her spine when he said the word in the old language. His voice changed and he became all of a sudden even sexier. She shook her head, she didn’t even know his name and was already fantasising about this stranger. Get a grip Aelin.

“Was that the old language?”

The man nodded “yes, my parents were speakers and taught it to me too. And they followed the old ways. I still respect the ancient festivals and I love to come to the fire festival,” he explained with a soft smile on his lips “it’s a modernised version but I love it.”

“I have never heard of this before yesterday. I needed a distraction for a night and this sounded like fun.”

The sounds of the drums intensified and Aelin saw the procession getting closer and her excitement grew. The man moved closer and started pointing out things to her. So close that she could smell his scent: pine and snow. He smelled of forest and winter “The May Queen is the personification of the energy of Earth, The Green man is the life that exists on Earth and they cannot exist without each other,”Aelin listened to him with interest “When the horned God, which is the winter aspect of the Green Man, sees the May Queen in her maiden form he realised that if he wants to be with the woman he loves he needs to undergo change,” he kept talking while they both followed the procession approaching “As they get closer to the hill he gets ready to undergo his transformation and give up his life to be with her. She gives him energy and life and he becomes the Green man to be with her.”

“And they lived happily ever after?”

The stranger chuckled “we get spring and summer, so yeah.”

The smile he gave her almost melted her on the spot.

Finally the performers reached the main staging area and Aelin watched the Remnants of Winter, transform as well and shed their black cloaks leaving men painted in red with horns on their heads joined by other men painted in white, dancing together signifying the union.

At the main point, the union of the May Queen and the Green Man, the large bonfire became alive. Spring was born. The night had ended. Aelin could feel the heat of the flames brushing her skin and she closed her eyes for a second to enjoy the feeling, to let the meaning of that night sink into her. Rebirth, a new beginning. When she reopened her eyes, the stranger was leaning against the barrier, enjoying the performers, reds and whites, dancing sensually around the big bonfire. Her hand tapping on the metal of the barrier at the rhythm of the drums. She wanted to dance too.

“Fancy jumping fires?”

At the question she turned her head to the man at her side “Don’t I get a name first? You know, I am not one to jump fires with strangers…”

He smiled “I am Rowan.”

Gods, even his name was perfect.

“I am Aelin.”

He bowed slightly and offered her his hand “Aelin, would you like to jump fires with me?”

With a hint of hesitation she took his hand, noticing the callouses on his palm. Together they walked to the area where smaller fires were lit for the revellers and they could see a lot of people waiting for their turn. Aelin was bouncing on her heels with impatience. She wanted to jump. The fire was calling to her.

When their turn came Rowan moved aside and let her go first. Aelin took a few steps backward and then a deep breath and then ran and when she reached the fire she jumped letting out a small cry of joy. She landed safely on the opposite and turned to see Rowan staring at her with a funny expression. That had felt amazing, to the point she wanted another go. She could still feel the heat of the fire brushing her skin as she jumped. She had no idea if it was the adrenaline or what, but in that instant she felt free, cleansed and ready for a new beginning. A new cycle, just like Earth.

Rowan eventually jumped too and he as well cried out in joy.

“This was awesome,” her voice thick with excitement.

“When I was little in my small village they would lit fires in the main square and we kids would spend the night jumping until exhausted. It always leaves me with an amazing feeling.”

Aelin closed her eyes “I hate that I never done this before.”

Rowan’s gaze drifted to the big bonfire lightning up the night sky “maybe it was not the time. Perhaps tonight was the night you were meant to do this and start your new cycle. Shed your black coat and be reborn.”

The meaning behind his words hit her hard. Yes, after Chaol had dumped her she had left Rifthold and went back to Orynth where she belonged. She got a job and started anew but had still felt stuck. Still,s somehow clung to the man who had broken her heart. But on that night something had snapped. Maybe it was just a temporary feeling, but in the instant she had jumped she felt the chain break, and free her.

Aelin shook her thoughts away when she felt Rowan’s hand twin with hers “Jump with me… together…”

Aelin’s heart raced. She had no idea how it was possible that this stranger had sparked so many emotions in her so quickly. A part of her compelled her to say no. she had just met him. But the other… the other wanted to say yes. Maybe it was a sign. So in the end accepted and squeezed his hand.

Hand in hand they walked back to the bonfires and queued once more. Once their turn came Rowan looked at her.

“Together then?” He asked.

“Together.”

His hand gripped hers tight as if he was never letting go of her and both jumped the fire. She landed unsteadily and his strong arms caught her. When she looked up, Aelin noticed his green eyes sparkling with joy and she thought that maybe on that night symbolising rebirth, fate had brought to her, her own Green Man.

And she… she could be his May Queen.

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