now is the ritual of the dance. the women present themselves as channels for the goddess. the drummers set the pace but do not control the experience. the audience claps along, sings, chants, shouts "OPA!" and beholds the working of ancient magick. i am only a man, and can see and feel the power but not hold it within myself. this is the only time i wish i were female or more female than male(i am very male). the women go on and on, the drummers try to keep up with the power, the audience joins in the worship. it is beltane and some one will be the sacrifice. finally, a job for a man.