Where Winter is often considered to symbolise death, old age, loneliness or despair, we are creatures of the dark that thrive during the season. We awake from slumber at Samhuinn Fire Festival as Teachdairean a’Gheamraidh pound their drums and the Winter Court gains power, but as we have been dormant for a long time, we feel slightly disjointed and out of touch with the world. To some, this would resemble a profound kind of insanity and wildness that has not previously been encountered. It is the liveliness of Winter.

Creatures of the light and of pleasure seek warmth and comfort, and rest and contemplation – not us. It is the cold and the dark that tickles our fancy. It is the lengthening of the nights that drives us wild.

Summer has silenced us – and inevitably will again – but now is our time. In Winter, we reign supreme. The relentless rhythms we bring forth will resemble this empowerment and ownership. Watch us come to life as darkness approaches.

Teachdairean a’Gheamraidh bring forth the new season and we will respond to their calling – the life will come seeping back into our old and dusty bones. We are the Savages of Winter, coming to life and becoming wilder as the night progresses, rejoicing in the fact that our energy is finally taking over and our time is here once more.

Featured image by Vince Graham for Beltane Fire Society. All rights reserved.

Samhuinn Fire Festival takes place on Wednesday 31st October on Calton Hill from 7pm. Tickets are available from Tickets Scotland.