Dg ostarabeltane 2018

Clan Dolmen Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Camp This year’s Beltane Spirit of Re birth camp was opened by folk singers/songwriters Amy and the Raven. Her warm vocals and pitch perfect delivery complemented by the smooth guitar playing of the Raven saw the weekend get off to a great start! She was immediately followed by some sassy tunes from rock songstress, musician and lyricist Esme Knight whose new album Forever Wild is due for release in May 2018. Esme was accompanied by the unending musical talents of Zero. And bringing the Friday night to a close Dolmen Grove were delighted to welcome the internationally renowned and thrilling Speedfolk band Perkelt. It was safe to say Friday night rocked and that was just the beginning.

Saturday saw a full line up of speakers kicked off with a talk by historian, writer and artist Cheryl Waldron on the somewhat auspicious subject of the number 13; the origins and history surrounding our inherent fear and suspicion of the number itself and anything relating to it. After which, Dragon Shaman Esme Knight shared her knowledge on how she works with her fire dragon/serpent through her music and dance and especially when dancing with fire, fire breathing, when she and her dragon/serpent become one as well as how she communicates with her dragon/ serpent through a meditative state.

Following a lunch break, Renowned historian Professor Ronald Hutton, who is known for his informative and entertaining talks shared his wealth of knowledge on the roots of the Mabinogion and the great clanship of the welsh. This was immediately followed by Ana Adnan telling the tale of Blodeuwedd and Gwyddion and when Anna relays a story, her enthusiasm and grace in the way she delivers it leads the mind to wander and become lost in the story. Anna's talks have always been informative and fun and Beltane was no different!

Dolmen Drummer, Chris Harris ran an educational drum workshop for all levels of drumming, prioritising on us all doing the same beats with our different types of drum but splitting the group so the accents of the beat were emphasised at alternative times. Also, Chris spent time showing those that didn't know how to play our going into ritual rhythm.

Saturday night began with the Clan Dolmen Fire Ceremony, as always, a passionate and spectacular event as the crowd mustered to the call of the Drums that notorious sound of Dolmen thunder echoing throughout the Dorset valley the rallying sound of the Clan Bagpipes from German duo Hyttis conjuring the spirits and creating a spine-tingling atmosphere that made one feel deeply connected to the great mother earth as the Clan Dolmen began the ceremonial parade. The ceremony celebrated with the Spirit of Rebirth Blessing and a Norse ritual which recreated an ancient and traditional