For those who have not had the opportunity to visit Edinburgh’s Samhuinn Fire Festival, now is your chance to participate albeit online as this year’s festival goes virtual.

The virtual hearth fire is an evening of performance, music, and ritual bringing Samhuinn Fire Festival’s traditional Samhuinn celebrations to life in the digital realm.

Organised by the Beltane Fire Society, Samhuinn Fire Festival marks the transition from Winter to Summer with a characteristic mix of fireplay, drumming, and immersive performance.

Samhuinn Fire Festival takes place on top of Calton Hill on the same night as Hallowe’en. The story follows the overthrowing of Summer by Winter, with a dramatic stand-off between the Summer and Winter Kings. This is overseen by the Cailleach, a Celtic representation of the Goddess, or Divine Hag, who ultimately decides each King’s fate and ushers in the colder months.

The transformation from Summer to Winter is supported by the energies and interactions of the Summer and Winter courts through performance, music and dance. The narrative focuses on this conflict and its resolution, but also focuses on the transition that many aspects of life take during the changing of the seasons.

The event, which takes place from 7PM GMT this Saturday (31 October 2020), is ticketed. The organisation have a suggested donation of £5 (+ booking fee), but there is also the option for participants to pay-what-you-can.

For more information and ticket information, visit Samhuinn Fire Festival

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living. She also offers content services to businesses and individuals at Rosamedea.com