A Write Royal Rant
MAY 2013
A little late this month due to pressure of work and electrical problems with the trusty (iron) Steed, still Bikes in the shop (being looked at) and the press are now reporting my dismay at English Heritages plans to display ‘our’ Guardians in their new visitors centre and I’m now preparing for next weeks hearing at the Royal Courts, so all is as it should be.
You have to ask, why English Heritage seem so ‘Hell Bent’ on confrontation when there are plenty of alternatives and compromises that could be made, still like I have said elsewhere if it’s a fight they want, they have picked the wrong Druid. There’s a clue in the name of our Order as to how we will respond.
That aside for one moment, as most of you will know I am ‘King Arthur Pendragon-Appearing at a Courthouse near you’ and in this instance will be putting my case before a Judge at the Royal Courts of Justice on 15th of this month.
I have, as most of you are aware called for ‘Robed support’ but let’s remember this is not and never has been simply a Pagan or Druid issue but one of common decency that effects members of ALL and NO faiths. The simple matter of letting the dead Rest in Peace, surely something we can all agree on. And it’s not only ‘us’ that wear ‘robes’. Put word out far and near, let’s get some clergy and Priests of other faiths to join us.
But more than that, it’s not just about this case and the Governments attitude towards the Dead; it’s about their attitude to the wishes of the people, and how they try and ‘fob us off’; it’s about Duplicity. Them telling us ‘Don’t worry, as the law stands they are going to be returned” and at the same time telling the Archaeologists “Don’t worry, that will never happen, we are going to change or re-interpret the law to make sure it never does” as in fact it appears is in deed the case.
Some time ago I learnt that under law it was not incumbent on a Secretary of state to adhere to, or honour the promises or pledges of a previous secretary of state, which kind of tells us that any promises made by our law makers are not worth the ‘Hansard’ they are printed on. Now, it appears that the Ministry of Justice can give two conflicting answers to two conflicting sides trying to please All of the People-All of the time. Thus it goes to the very Heart of our democracy and how we allow ourselves to be governed.
So in one weeks time The Queen on the application of King Arthur Pendragon is to apply for a Judicial Review against the Ministry of Justice on the Grounds of Duplicity. Wish me luck, or come along for moral support. King Arthur Pendragon-Appearing at a Courthouse near you.
Blessings from the Front /|\
You have to ask, why English Heritage seem so ‘Hell Bent’ on confrontation when there are plenty of alternatives and compromises that could be made, still like I have said elsewhere if it’s a fight they want, they have picked the wrong Druid. There’s a clue in the name of our Order as to how we will respond.
That aside for one moment, as most of you will know I am ‘King Arthur Pendragon-Appearing at a Courthouse near you’ and in this instance will be putting my case before a Judge at the Royal Courts of Justice on 15th of this month.
I have, as most of you are aware called for ‘Robed support’ but let’s remember this is not and never has been simply a Pagan or Druid issue but one of common decency that effects members of ALL and NO faiths. The simple matter of letting the dead Rest in Peace, surely something we can all agree on. And it’s not only ‘us’ that wear ‘robes’. Put word out far and near, let’s get some clergy and Priests of other faiths to join us.
But more than that, it’s not just about this case and the Governments attitude towards the Dead; it’s about their attitude to the wishes of the people, and how they try and ‘fob us off’; it’s about Duplicity. Them telling us ‘Don’t worry, as the law stands they are going to be returned” and at the same time telling the Archaeologists “Don’t worry, that will never happen, we are going to change or re-interpret the law to make sure it never does” as in fact it appears is in deed the case.
Some time ago I learnt that under law it was not incumbent on a Secretary of state to adhere to, or honour the promises or pledges of a previous secretary of state, which kind of tells us that any promises made by our law makers are not worth the ‘Hansard’ they are printed on. Now, it appears that the Ministry of Justice can give two conflicting answers to two conflicting sides trying to please All of the People-All of the time. Thus it goes to the very Heart of our democracy and how we allow ourselves to be governed.
So in one weeks time The Queen on the application of King Arthur Pendragon is to apply for a Judicial Review against the Ministry of Justice on the Grounds of Duplicity. Wish me luck, or come along for moral support. King Arthur Pendragon-Appearing at a Courthouse near you.
Blessings from the Front /|\
APRIL 2013
The rebellion has started, the people are on the move and their Druids are with them. We started with the Anti Bedroom Tax Demonstrations over the weekend, and we will continue throughout this summer in ever increasing numbers as a very visible force.
We are The Loyal Arthurian Warband, The Warrior Political Arm of The Modern Druid movement and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the People in their opposition to the Unjust Austerity measures brought in by this Government.
Measures designed to ‘claw back monies from those who can least afford it, in order to prop up those who least need it. For we are, the peoples Druids and we are NOT above their needs and concerns.
Nor are we afraid to ‘Walk the Walk’ as well as ‘Talk the Talk’. We are not Keyboard Warriors, we are the real deal, and to any of the other Druid Orders who say Druids should be spiritual not political, I say “Tell that to the Romans” and to those who say protest never changes anything I say “Tell that to Ghandi.” And like Ghandi, we too will ‘fight’ with nought save non violent direct action, but Warriors none the less.
There will be many Marches and Rallies against these unfair and unjust measures throughout this coming summer and we will see ‘Dragons on Parade’ as we join them. It is time to ‘put up or shut up’ Ministers and clergy of other faiths have spoken out against these measures. Speaking out is no longer enough, without acting upon it.
We will not assume someone else will do it; we are Knights and Warrior Priestesses sworn to the ancient virtues of Truth of Honour and of Justice. Now is the time to fulfil those vows. We will ‘Robe Up’ and stand with the People. Pagan and Proud, the Peoples Druids, The Loyal Arthurian Warband.
King Arthur Pendragon, Leading from the Front /|\
Supplemental
On the Anti Bedroom tax Rally in Southampton and in Salisbury we were confronted by the same tired old Rhetoric. From the Party (Tory) faithful and the ‘Brain-washed’ masses, “Get a Job”, they would say. Clearly an assumption on their part and one that was ill-though through, as both were organised on the weekend, traditionally when the ‘working classes’ have time off from their labours.
The Government relies on the fact that if you ‘hit’ the poor and oppressed, the Ill and infirm only they will demonstrate as only they are effected, brand them ‘scroungers’ and they rest of the country will react in such a manner . Blame them for the economic crises and the rest of the ‘tax paying’ public’ will oppose their protest; simple but effective, divide and conquer tactics.
The one flaw in their ‘smug’ Rhetoric is that the numbers just don’t add up. It’s not the welfare state that brought about this financial crisis, it’s not the poor and oppressed, the Ill and infirm that is ‘milking’ this country dry. And it’s not exactly ‘Rocket Science’ to do the Math and see who is.
It’s not a ‘Can’t work, won’t work’ attitude that has seen such a rise in unemployment. It’s lack of jobs, lack of production, and its cheap imports from foreign ‘sweat shops’ and outsourcing to foreign call centres that has depleted our job market. It’s going out to tender and taking the cheapest option. It’s Hypermarkets and out of town shopping that are responsible for the Boarding up of our high street shops and with it the loss of jobs. It’s ‘Thatcher’s’ right to buy that has caused the lack of Social housing. Not those who are ‘lucky’ enough to live there.
Until such times as we get back to production, and back to buying and working locally and dispense with the myth that we can be a Nation of ‘Service Industries’ there will never have full employment and those who say ‘Get a job’ will never be safe in the knowledge that they too may soon find themselves in the same position as those they mock.
King Arthur /|\
We are The Loyal Arthurian Warband, The Warrior Political Arm of The Modern Druid movement and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the People in their opposition to the Unjust Austerity measures brought in by this Government.
Measures designed to ‘claw back monies from those who can least afford it, in order to prop up those who least need it. For we are, the peoples Druids and we are NOT above their needs and concerns.
Nor are we afraid to ‘Walk the Walk’ as well as ‘Talk the Talk’. We are not Keyboard Warriors, we are the real deal, and to any of the other Druid Orders who say Druids should be spiritual not political, I say “Tell that to the Romans” and to those who say protest never changes anything I say “Tell that to Ghandi.” And like Ghandi, we too will ‘fight’ with nought save non violent direct action, but Warriors none the less.
There will be many Marches and Rallies against these unfair and unjust measures throughout this coming summer and we will see ‘Dragons on Parade’ as we join them. It is time to ‘put up or shut up’ Ministers and clergy of other faiths have spoken out against these measures. Speaking out is no longer enough, without acting upon it.
We will not assume someone else will do it; we are Knights and Warrior Priestesses sworn to the ancient virtues of Truth of Honour and of Justice. Now is the time to fulfil those vows. We will ‘Robe Up’ and stand with the People. Pagan and Proud, the Peoples Druids, The Loyal Arthurian Warband.
King Arthur Pendragon, Leading from the Front /|\
Supplemental
On the Anti Bedroom tax Rally in Southampton and in Salisbury we were confronted by the same tired old Rhetoric. From the Party (Tory) faithful and the ‘Brain-washed’ masses, “Get a Job”, they would say. Clearly an assumption on their part and one that was ill-though through, as both were organised on the weekend, traditionally when the ‘working classes’ have time off from their labours.
The Government relies on the fact that if you ‘hit’ the poor and oppressed, the Ill and infirm only they will demonstrate as only they are effected, brand them ‘scroungers’ and they rest of the country will react in such a manner . Blame them for the economic crises and the rest of the ‘tax paying’ public’ will oppose their protest; simple but effective, divide and conquer tactics.
The one flaw in their ‘smug’ Rhetoric is that the numbers just don’t add up. It’s not the welfare state that brought about this financial crisis, it’s not the poor and oppressed, the Ill and infirm that is ‘milking’ this country dry. And it’s not exactly ‘Rocket Science’ to do the Math and see who is.
It’s not a ‘Can’t work, won’t work’ attitude that has seen such a rise in unemployment. It’s lack of jobs, lack of production, and its cheap imports from foreign ‘sweat shops’ and outsourcing to foreign call centres that has depleted our job market. It’s going out to tender and taking the cheapest option. It’s Hypermarkets and out of town shopping that are responsible for the Boarding up of our high street shops and with it the loss of jobs. It’s ‘Thatcher’s’ right to buy that has caused the lack of Social housing. Not those who are ‘lucky’ enough to live there.
Until such times as we get back to production, and back to buying and working locally and dispense with the myth that we can be a Nation of ‘Service Industries’ there will never have full employment and those who say ‘Get a job’ will never be safe in the knowledge that they too may soon find themselves in the same position as those they mock.
King Arthur /|\
MARCH 2013
Last month was quite busy here on the Justice front, filling papers and working on the Skeleton argument to be presented to the court before the ‘oral hearing’ at the Royal Courts in May. On the Truth front certain ‘evidence’ came to light at the end of the month that left us in no doubt that a certain supposed Druid had been ‘pulling the wool over many of our eyes’, and on the Honour front many have since apologised to his x partner for the way they were ‘duped’ by this person masquerading as a Druid. Well, I took it upon myself to excommunicate him, and that as they say, is an end to it. Let him move on out of our circles and out of the lives of decent Pagan and Druid folk, but move he must.
We will not take the same approach as has Catholicism for centuries and ‘cover up’ for the misdemeanours of our priests, nor will we ‘Brush it under the carpet’.
On the seventh of this month, I shall be by-locating in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, No mean feat, even for a Druid. While attending a meeting here in Salisbury with the Authorities, over plans for the coming Summer Solstice access at Stonehenge, I shall also be entertaining the good folk attending the Byron Bay film festival in Australia. The documentary ‘Being King Arthur’ gets its World Premier and I wish Matt Conil every success with this venture. Not only because it features me and I therefore have a vested interest but because it must have taken a lot of courage to walk away from the lucrative world of corporate TV, to work instead on ‘something you believed in’; without the certainty of a sellable commodity at the end of it. Regardless of how it is placed in the category it’s entered in; it will always be a winner in my book for the above reasons. And I guess Matt can now claim to have been ‘mentioned in dispatches’. Good luck in Oz.
As we come out of Winter and into Spring Let us once again be renewed with the vigour of nature and ‘come out fighting’ Non Violent Direct Action only but fight we must for there are far too many injustices in this world to stand idly by and do nothing.
Onward We Charge!
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
We will not take the same approach as has Catholicism for centuries and ‘cover up’ for the misdemeanours of our priests, nor will we ‘Brush it under the carpet’.
On the seventh of this month, I shall be by-locating in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, No mean feat, even for a Druid. While attending a meeting here in Salisbury with the Authorities, over plans for the coming Summer Solstice access at Stonehenge, I shall also be entertaining the good folk attending the Byron Bay film festival in Australia. The documentary ‘Being King Arthur’ gets its World Premier and I wish Matt Conil every success with this venture. Not only because it features me and I therefore have a vested interest but because it must have taken a lot of courage to walk away from the lucrative world of corporate TV, to work instead on ‘something you believed in’; without the certainty of a sellable commodity at the end of it. Regardless of how it is placed in the category it’s entered in; it will always be a winner in my book for the above reasons. And I guess Matt can now claim to have been ‘mentioned in dispatches’. Good luck in Oz.
As we come out of Winter and into Spring Let us once again be renewed with the vigour of nature and ‘come out fighting’ Non Violent Direct Action only but fight we must for there are far too many injustices in this world to stand idly by and do nothing.
Onward We Charge!
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
FEBRUARY 2013
As campaigns get underway and continue to respect the wishes of the dead, to bury the Irish Giant at sea and to have Richard III remains interred in York as were there respected wishes let us not forget the cremated human remains known to us as ‘The Guardians’ held by the Archaeologists for ‘Study’ and our call for them to be re-interred at Stonehenge.
The news and the web are awash with stories of suffering and hardship brought on to the most vulnerable in our community, how benefits are being cut and the ill, the infirm and increasingly the dying are being told that they are expected to return to work. There are real issues of morality here as we slip from a once caring nation down the slippery slope to becoming an uncaring one.
You could be forgiven for believing that the wishes of the dead and in the case of ‘The Guardians’ the ancient dead pale into insignificance compared to the very real suffering and hardship now being experienced by so many of our less fortunate Brothers and Sisters. But I say again, what chance the Old and Infirm, the Poor and Oppressed when we can not even respect the Dead.
We must show compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves and we must speak out for those unable to do so themselves and there are none less able to speak up than the dead and we must remember that none of us would be here, or in any position to speak out if it were not for our ancestors who went before us and were instrumental in making this world what it is today.
So I say, honour the wishes of the dead, where possible rebury rather than exhibit and when you have honoured their earthly remains then honour their thoughts, achievements and beliefs, Honour the Ancestors, for it is them that made you what you are today.
Blessings from the Son of a son, of a Son of a son, of a Son of a son, of a Son of someone who Did, ‘Care’.
King Arthur /|\
A WRITE ROYAL RANT
(Supplemental)
February 2013
Hail All, having a slight disagreement elsewhere on the web I am reminded that I do not speak for All Pagans and/or All Druids. Not that I ever claimed to, I am also reminded of my ‘Pronouncement’, actually it was more a statement that; “You are either for me, or you are against me” sounds like something I might have said. In fact it is something I did say and recall well. Taken out of context it may appear quite arrogant.
But let’s put it into context shall we? It was part of a statement written and published on a Druid site that was clearly stating that I was wasting my time and energies applying for a Judicial Review of a decision by the Department of Justice to grant an extension to an exhumation licence with regards to the cremated human remains (known as the Guardians) taken from Stonehenge. And it was referring to a specific group and a specific court case.
I lost that application, but am continuing down differing Avenues through the Courts to gain such a Judicial Review (that indecently the same web site has since agreed, when appraised of the facts and recent developments, is most definitely called for).
During the first application I alone with no legal support faced the combined legal expertise of The Department of Justice, English Heritage, and Sheffield University (who had engaged the services of the ‘biggest’ corporate solicitors in the world) and the Biggest stick they could collectively find to beat me with was the fact that “I didn’t speak for All Pagans or All Druids and that a so called ‘large group’ of Pagans called Pagans for Archaeology were in favour of museum retention.
It was to this group I was referring, when I said either you are with me or against me. “Anything you say may be taken down and used in evidence against Arthur” Differing sides of a legal challenge.
Therein lies the problem, I do not claim to speak for ALL Pagans and/or Druids, but it is not the State that thwarts me, nor is it the Church, the Archaeologists or English Heritage. No, it’s the well meaning Pagans and Druids that thwart me every time and try their level best to discredit me, somewhat of a home goal don’t you think?
Blessings from the Front, Arthur /|\
The news and the web are awash with stories of suffering and hardship brought on to the most vulnerable in our community, how benefits are being cut and the ill, the infirm and increasingly the dying are being told that they are expected to return to work. There are real issues of morality here as we slip from a once caring nation down the slippery slope to becoming an uncaring one.
You could be forgiven for believing that the wishes of the dead and in the case of ‘The Guardians’ the ancient dead pale into insignificance compared to the very real suffering and hardship now being experienced by so many of our less fortunate Brothers and Sisters. But I say again, what chance the Old and Infirm, the Poor and Oppressed when we can not even respect the Dead.
We must show compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves and we must speak out for those unable to do so themselves and there are none less able to speak up than the dead and we must remember that none of us would be here, or in any position to speak out if it were not for our ancestors who went before us and were instrumental in making this world what it is today.
So I say, honour the wishes of the dead, where possible rebury rather than exhibit and when you have honoured their earthly remains then honour their thoughts, achievements and beliefs, Honour the Ancestors, for it is them that made you what you are today.
Blessings from the Son of a son, of a Son of a son, of a Son of a son, of a Son of someone who Did, ‘Care’.
King Arthur /|\
A WRITE ROYAL RANT
(Supplemental)
February 2013
Hail All, having a slight disagreement elsewhere on the web I am reminded that I do not speak for All Pagans and/or All Druids. Not that I ever claimed to, I am also reminded of my ‘Pronouncement’, actually it was more a statement that; “You are either for me, or you are against me” sounds like something I might have said. In fact it is something I did say and recall well. Taken out of context it may appear quite arrogant.
But let’s put it into context shall we? It was part of a statement written and published on a Druid site that was clearly stating that I was wasting my time and energies applying for a Judicial Review of a decision by the Department of Justice to grant an extension to an exhumation licence with regards to the cremated human remains (known as the Guardians) taken from Stonehenge. And it was referring to a specific group and a specific court case.
I lost that application, but am continuing down differing Avenues through the Courts to gain such a Judicial Review (that indecently the same web site has since agreed, when appraised of the facts and recent developments, is most definitely called for).
During the first application I alone with no legal support faced the combined legal expertise of The Department of Justice, English Heritage, and Sheffield University (who had engaged the services of the ‘biggest’ corporate solicitors in the world) and the Biggest stick they could collectively find to beat me with was the fact that “I didn’t speak for All Pagans or All Druids and that a so called ‘large group’ of Pagans called Pagans for Archaeology were in favour of museum retention.
It was to this group I was referring, when I said either you are with me or against me. “Anything you say may be taken down and used in evidence against Arthur” Differing sides of a legal challenge.
Therein lies the problem, I do not claim to speak for ALL Pagans and/or Druids, but it is not the State that thwarts me, nor is it the Church, the Archaeologists or English Heritage. No, it’s the well meaning Pagans and Druids that thwart me every time and try their level best to discredit me, somewhat of a home goal don’t you think?
Blessings from the Front, Arthur /|\
JANUARY 2013
Last year closed, with the Loyal Arthurian Warband’s coming of age, when I addressed the World (well anyone who would listen via satellite link-up anyway) with The Stonehenge Message.
It’s out there now, and it’s up to us to spread it by all means at our disposal. We are (and always have been) the Warrior/Political arm of the British Druid movement, and we have always been (at the sharp end) Front line troops, from the Battlefields of Newbury to the European Court of Human Rights.
I would like to thank the members of our Order and those of other Orders who have supported us over the years in our many campaigns and to thank those individuals who have recently joined us to ‘stand and be counted’ But most of all, I would like to thank those who belong to a very small group of diverse but very vocal individuals who have constantly put me and the work of our order down. For it is their ‘fault’ I am in the ‘position’ I am today. It is because of, rather than despite such individuals that I have had the strength to carry on.
It’s in my nature, tell me I can’t and I’ll prove that I can. I am an old ‘warhorse’ and thrive on the challenge. And I am obviously doing something right as they seem completely obsessed with what we do, and let’s face it , they spend more time ‘Bitching’ about us then we do, worrying about what they think.
There will be many more challenges ahead, and no body said that life was going to be easy. Personally I wouldn’t wish it any other way.
We will continue with our present campaigns and we will ‘step them up’ we will take on new campaigns and we will be a political force to be recognised, and recognised we most certainly are.
Pause on that for a moment, pat yourselves on the back, think of all we have achieved since our conception in ’86, but don’t take too long about it, there’s work to be done. Onward we Charge.
Blessings from the Front
Arthur /|\
It’s out there now, and it’s up to us to spread it by all means at our disposal. We are (and always have been) the Warrior/Political arm of the British Druid movement, and we have always been (at the sharp end) Front line troops, from the Battlefields of Newbury to the European Court of Human Rights.
I would like to thank the members of our Order and those of other Orders who have supported us over the years in our many campaigns and to thank those individuals who have recently joined us to ‘stand and be counted’ But most of all, I would like to thank those who belong to a very small group of diverse but very vocal individuals who have constantly put me and the work of our order down. For it is their ‘fault’ I am in the ‘position’ I am today. It is because of, rather than despite such individuals that I have had the strength to carry on.
It’s in my nature, tell me I can’t and I’ll prove that I can. I am an old ‘warhorse’ and thrive on the challenge. And I am obviously doing something right as they seem completely obsessed with what we do, and let’s face it , they spend more time ‘Bitching’ about us then we do, worrying about what they think.
There will be many more challenges ahead, and no body said that life was going to be easy. Personally I wouldn’t wish it any other way.
We will continue with our present campaigns and we will ‘step them up’ we will take on new campaigns and we will be a political force to be recognised, and recognised we most certainly are.
Pause on that for a moment, pat yourselves on the back, think of all we have achieved since our conception in ’86, but don’t take too long about it, there’s work to be done. Onward we Charge.
Blessings from the Front
Arthur /|\
THE KINGS SPEECH
As we move into 2013, it is my vowed intention, not only to start as we mean to carry on, but to ‘Hit the floor running….’
After the success in taking the ‘Guardians Campaign’ to the streets of Salisbury, (as promised stepping up the campaign after Solstice), it is our and my intention to ‘take it to the people’ in the New Year. King Arthur and Megaphone-appearing at a shopping centre near you, whilst continuing with both ‘The Stonehenge Picket’ and the Legal challenges. We also intend to create dedicated face-book and/or web sites for both the ‘Guardians campaign’ and to promote ‘The Stonehenge Message.’ We shall ‘Fight’ in any and all arenas and we shall not go quietly into the night.
So Mote it Be.
Blessings
Arthur
/|\
After the success in taking the ‘Guardians Campaign’ to the streets of Salisbury, (as promised stepping up the campaign after Solstice), it is our and my intention to ‘take it to the people’ in the New Year. King Arthur and Megaphone-appearing at a shopping centre near you, whilst continuing with both ‘The Stonehenge Picket’ and the Legal challenges. We also intend to create dedicated face-book and/or web sites for both the ‘Guardians campaign’ and to promote ‘The Stonehenge Message.’ We shall ‘Fight’ in any and all arenas and we shall not go quietly into the night.
So Mote it Be.
Blessings
Arthur
/|\
DECEMBER 2012
As we approach ‘The end of days’ Winter Solstice 2012 it’s time to take stock and look back at what led us here. Not Historically or Politically but for each one of us there has been a personal journey that has been a ‘roller coaster’ ride of emotions and a ‘learning curve’ of experience. We are however, ‘more than the sum total of the parts’ and by whatever means have arrived here at this point in time as the person we now are.
And, if each individual is more than just their Nature and Nurture, then so too is the ‘Tribe’ more than just the individuals that go to make up the component parts.
The Twenty first of December, could be ‘A Brave New Dawn’ or the Dawn of just another day and I will be making a Political Statement from Stonehenge at 11.11 am to that effect, trying, for my part, to encourage the former rather than the latter when addressing the press in order to get the message across. The ‘Message’ will be relayed across the world by our Officers not present at Stonehenge via the World Wide Web and other electronic media and Social Networking sites.
As a tribe, we (The Loyal Arthurian Warband) have come a long way, from humble beginnings back in the Eighties and will be welcoming in and initiating a new Coven and a new Druid Grove into our Order this Winter as well as a number of individuals yet to be ‘raised’.
Whatever the future has in store for us, I know we are ready for the challenges ahead, for we are in deed ‘more than the sum total of the parts’ and I am Proud to have served as Titular Head and Chosen Chief of such an esteemed Company.
Your Brother, Friend, Servant and King
Arthur /|\
And, if each individual is more than just their Nature and Nurture, then so too is the ‘Tribe’ more than just the individuals that go to make up the component parts.
The Twenty first of December, could be ‘A Brave New Dawn’ or the Dawn of just another day and I will be making a Political Statement from Stonehenge at 11.11 am to that effect, trying, for my part, to encourage the former rather than the latter when addressing the press in order to get the message across. The ‘Message’ will be relayed across the world by our Officers not present at Stonehenge via the World Wide Web and other electronic media and Social Networking sites.
As a tribe, we (The Loyal Arthurian Warband) have come a long way, from humble beginnings back in the Eighties and will be welcoming in and initiating a new Coven and a new Druid Grove into our Order this Winter as well as a number of individuals yet to be ‘raised’.
Whatever the future has in store for us, I know we are ready for the challenges ahead, for we are in deed ‘more than the sum total of the parts’ and I am Proud to have served as Titular Head and Chosen Chief of such an esteemed Company.
Your Brother, Friend, Servant and King
Arthur /|\
NOVEMBER 2012
Yes, it’s that time of month again. Pearls of Wisdom from Darkest Wiltshire, or the rumblings of a disgruntled Druid? Well let’s see, what’s been happening this month? Media, Media, Media, that’s what’s been happening, some good and some not so good, with interest from as far afield as Australia and as close to home as Wiltshire.
But let’s start with the BBC shall we? Some of you may have seen (or more accurately heard) me on Sunday live (The God slot) speaking from Stonehenge on a debate about the afterlife and what Samhain (Halloween) truly means to Pagans and trying to dispel some of the associations other Faiths hold that we follow.
What you will not have seen is my rendering of a ‘Pagan Grace’ before a meal on ‘Celebrity come dine with me’ channel 4. You will not have seen it because it ended up on the cutting room floor. I was obviously too sensible for their Halloween special. I did however manage to cause a stir by letting the cat in, and ‘our Alex’ came out of the closet, not as Roxanne, but ‘The Dodgy Druid’ and he certainly looks better in my Black Robe than I do.
The filming of the documentary ‘Being King Arthur’ continues and the ‘rough cut’ is looking good, not so much a ‘fly on the wall’ as a look into how the other half/Counter culture live and more importantly, what drives them. There is some interest in this project from a number of overseas and International distributors.
Other Druids often ask why it is always me who pops up on their screen or in their newspaper ‘giving the party line?’ The answer’s simple really, because they have heard of me, and why have they heard of me? Because, rather than sit on my high horse, (which in my case is an Iron Steed) I climb down and actually do something, and usually something that is worth reporting.
And if using the Media give me a platform to highlight the causes and bring our beliefs to the wider public, I will continue to do so, and yes, I am the one The Daily Mail warned you about.
Blessings from the Front (and that may even be the front room) keep an eye on the ‘Cyclops’ TV, you never know when I may appear, as if by Magic.
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
But let’s start with the BBC shall we? Some of you may have seen (or more accurately heard) me on Sunday live (The God slot) speaking from Stonehenge on a debate about the afterlife and what Samhain (Halloween) truly means to Pagans and trying to dispel some of the associations other Faiths hold that we follow.
What you will not have seen is my rendering of a ‘Pagan Grace’ before a meal on ‘Celebrity come dine with me’ channel 4. You will not have seen it because it ended up on the cutting room floor. I was obviously too sensible for their Halloween special. I did however manage to cause a stir by letting the cat in, and ‘our Alex’ came out of the closet, not as Roxanne, but ‘The Dodgy Druid’ and he certainly looks better in my Black Robe than I do.
The filming of the documentary ‘Being King Arthur’ continues and the ‘rough cut’ is looking good, not so much a ‘fly on the wall’ as a look into how the other half/Counter culture live and more importantly, what drives them. There is some interest in this project from a number of overseas and International distributors.
Other Druids often ask why it is always me who pops up on their screen or in their newspaper ‘giving the party line?’ The answer’s simple really, because they have heard of me, and why have they heard of me? Because, rather than sit on my high horse, (which in my case is an Iron Steed) I climb down and actually do something, and usually something that is worth reporting.
And if using the Media give me a platform to highlight the causes and bring our beliefs to the wider public, I will continue to do so, and yes, I am the one The Daily Mail warned you about.
Blessings from the Front (and that may even be the front room) keep an eye on the ‘Cyclops’ TV, you never know when I may appear, as if by Magic.
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
OCTOBER 2012
Here we go again; well it’s that time of the month. This month for me has been all about sifting through legal documents and preparing a case for Judicial Review. Serving papers and crossing the I’s and dotting the T’s. Coupled with that, the Stonehenge picket, (petrol money permitting), an equinox ceremony and the usual round of dealing with the press, I have been kept rather busy.
It was good to see so many Warband Druids present at Stonehenge for the Equinox prepared to ‘stand and be counted’ and I hope to see many more for the Winter Solstice. Keep a wary eye on the TV over Samhain, I expect to be popping up in what could be thought of as a most unlikely place. It’s Prime time TV coverage though and another chance to show the Druids in main stream. I have no doubt the purists amongst you will have plenty to say about that and how I am just ‘Bigging myself up’ again.
Still, I have broad shoulders and am certainly used to the criticism, a lot of my friends and colleagues however are tiring of the constant attacks on me and my Order and unlike me seem to take it to heart; especially when so called Druids and Pagans will not support our campaign simply because it is our Order that is spearheading it.
Well, a good idea is a good idea whoever comes up with it, and a worthy campaign is just that, a worthy campaign.
Here and now, I say, let it be known by all those who claim to believe as I do in the Honouring of the Ancestors. Support my call for a judicial review and sign the UK Gov, e petition ‘Respect the Dead’. Lead, Follow or get out of our way, because with or without you, we are coming through!
Blessings from the front
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
It was good to see so many Warband Druids present at Stonehenge for the Equinox prepared to ‘stand and be counted’ and I hope to see many more for the Winter Solstice. Keep a wary eye on the TV over Samhain, I expect to be popping up in what could be thought of as a most unlikely place. It’s Prime time TV coverage though and another chance to show the Druids in main stream. I have no doubt the purists amongst you will have plenty to say about that and how I am just ‘Bigging myself up’ again.
Still, I have broad shoulders and am certainly used to the criticism, a lot of my friends and colleagues however are tiring of the constant attacks on me and my Order and unlike me seem to take it to heart; especially when so called Druids and Pagans will not support our campaign simply because it is our Order that is spearheading it.
Well, a good idea is a good idea whoever comes up with it, and a worthy campaign is just that, a worthy campaign.
Here and now, I say, let it be known by all those who claim to believe as I do in the Honouring of the Ancestors. Support my call for a judicial review and sign the UK Gov, e petition ‘Respect the Dead’. Lead, Follow or get out of our way, because with or without you, we are coming through!
Blessings from the front
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
SEPTEMBER 2012
Yes, it’s that time of month again. Again we (The Pagan and Druid community) have had a month beset with claim and counter-claim about this person or that and how ‘they’ can’t possibly be a Pagan or a Druid with a view like that or how they can not possibly be ‘genuine’ if they act in that manner. ‘Bitchcraft’ as I oft’ times refer to it.
Well, our opponents are one again ‘laughing all the way to the bank’ for this decent and division and derision are ‘priceless’ to them and are in deed bankable assets.
Every time we deride ‘one of our own’ we are scoring a home goal, a case of yet another casualty to the great God of friendly fire.
Each and every Pagan and Druid out there in the public eye is putting his or her head above the parapet and in so doing is risking ridicule for their beliefs from both the establishment and the members of other or no faith who wish through fear, through ignorance or through prejudice to deride them.
We, so called Pagans and Druids have no such excuse and should remember that when we illuminate who or what we perceive to be ‘the weakest link’ and for what, why do we do so, our own advancement? We merely pass such ammunition to our opponents, real or imaginary to aid in our own demise. For rightly or wrongly, we are ‘all in this together’, and are bound by the Chain that we all draw strength from, a chain like any other that is only as strong as it’s weakest link.
We will never agree on all things, it is not in our nature, and I am not saying that we should brush the differences under the carpet but does it really advance ‘our’ cause to place them on the dining room table under a spotlight for all the world to see?
Stop ‘Bitching’ about each other. No one said you have to like each other. Keep your views to yourself or at least to your own circle of friends (that’s real not imaginary) and stop shouting from the rooftops (Face book and the World Wide Web) what an idiot or fake your fellow Pagan or Druid is. Why? Because they will shout back about you and we will be a laughing stock. The ‘Bitchcraft’ has to stop and it has to stop now or guess what? Pretty soon there won’t be anyone left to ‘Bitch’ about.
On a positive note, we do seem to be behaving with a little more discretion and a little less. ‘Soap opera’ mentality on face book and the World Wide Web but there is still a long ways to go.
Rant over
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
Well, our opponents are one again ‘laughing all the way to the bank’ for this decent and division and derision are ‘priceless’ to them and are in deed bankable assets.
Every time we deride ‘one of our own’ we are scoring a home goal, a case of yet another casualty to the great God of friendly fire.
Each and every Pagan and Druid out there in the public eye is putting his or her head above the parapet and in so doing is risking ridicule for their beliefs from both the establishment and the members of other or no faith who wish through fear, through ignorance or through prejudice to deride them.
We, so called Pagans and Druids have no such excuse and should remember that when we illuminate who or what we perceive to be ‘the weakest link’ and for what, why do we do so, our own advancement? We merely pass such ammunition to our opponents, real or imaginary to aid in our own demise. For rightly or wrongly, we are ‘all in this together’, and are bound by the Chain that we all draw strength from, a chain like any other that is only as strong as it’s weakest link.
We will never agree on all things, it is not in our nature, and I am not saying that we should brush the differences under the carpet but does it really advance ‘our’ cause to place them on the dining room table under a spotlight for all the world to see?
Stop ‘Bitching’ about each other. No one said you have to like each other. Keep your views to yourself or at least to your own circle of friends (that’s real not imaginary) and stop shouting from the rooftops (Face book and the World Wide Web) what an idiot or fake your fellow Pagan or Druid is. Why? Because they will shout back about you and we will be a laughing stock. The ‘Bitchcraft’ has to stop and it has to stop now or guess what? Pretty soon there won’t be anyone left to ‘Bitch’ about.
On a positive note, we do seem to be behaving with a little more discretion and a little less. ‘Soap opera’ mentality on face book and the World Wide Web but there is still a long ways to go.
Rant over
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
August 2012
It’s that time of the month again. So if you are sitting comfortably I’ll begin. Let’s start with the reburial issue and the current campaign at Stonehenge. In fact let’s start and finish with the petition.
The idea of the UK Gov’ petition was to gain 100,000 signatures so that the Government would be obliged by law to discuss it in parliament. Well, the petition closes on 25th of this month and as of this morning we actually raised 749 signatories. Short of a miracle I think that we can assume that it’s not happening, but don’t think for one moment that I have given up or am dis-heartened. I’m on the case and will continue to be so until the safe return and re-interment of the ‘Guardians’.
It has been quite a ‘journey’ for me fraught with ‘pitfalls’ at every turn. Friends and colleges I thought were on side who turned out not to be, but most of all it has shown me that those who care, care deeply, whilst those that don’t simply do not. More than that though, I have come to learn that many, who say they care, simply do not care enough.
As for the 749 who did bother to sign our petition I thank you very much, and the rest who agree with the argument but couldn’t be bothered, like those who don’t vote, I say, that’s the thing with democracy, true-democracy, you have to be in it to win it.
If like me, when it comes to elections, you are not happy with the choices you are given, then get out there and stand yourself. But do make the effort otherwise nothing ever changes.
And remember those who throughout history who laid down their lives so that you could have such a right. Signing the petitions is merely an extension of that right. The right of the people in a free democratic society to be counted.
So if as a result of ‘our’ apathy they don’t debate it in ‘the House’ big deal, it was just another string to the bow.
I haven’t given up on the courts yet and I have every intention of forcing a National debate. And let’s stay focussed it’s not a purely Druid or Pagan issue. It is one of ‘common decency’ Let those we lay to rest-Stay to rest whatever our belief structure.
let us also remember that these ‘Guardians’ lay at rest encircling Stonehenge for thousands of years prior to their being disturbed in the name of Science and that they are after all Cremated Human Remains. How much can science learn from Cremated remains? They have had them nearly four years now, in their Lab’ and have learnt precious little.
So come on, prove me wrong about your apathy have a final push and get the petition out there, flood face book Share and sign, show you care. Or alternatively leave it to me and the 749 who did make the effort. Blessings from the front /|\
CLICK TO VISIT PETITION WEBSITE
The idea of the UK Gov’ petition was to gain 100,000 signatures so that the Government would be obliged by law to discuss it in parliament. Well, the petition closes on 25th of this month and as of this morning we actually raised 749 signatories. Short of a miracle I think that we can assume that it’s not happening, but don’t think for one moment that I have given up or am dis-heartened. I’m on the case and will continue to be so until the safe return and re-interment of the ‘Guardians’.
It has been quite a ‘journey’ for me fraught with ‘pitfalls’ at every turn. Friends and colleges I thought were on side who turned out not to be, but most of all it has shown me that those who care, care deeply, whilst those that don’t simply do not. More than that though, I have come to learn that many, who say they care, simply do not care enough.
As for the 749 who did bother to sign our petition I thank you very much, and the rest who agree with the argument but couldn’t be bothered, like those who don’t vote, I say, that’s the thing with democracy, true-democracy, you have to be in it to win it.
If like me, when it comes to elections, you are not happy with the choices you are given, then get out there and stand yourself. But do make the effort otherwise nothing ever changes.
And remember those who throughout history who laid down their lives so that you could have such a right. Signing the petitions is merely an extension of that right. The right of the people in a free democratic society to be counted.
So if as a result of ‘our’ apathy they don’t debate it in ‘the House’ big deal, it was just another string to the bow.
I haven’t given up on the courts yet and I have every intention of forcing a National debate. And let’s stay focussed it’s not a purely Druid or Pagan issue. It is one of ‘common decency’ Let those we lay to rest-Stay to rest whatever our belief structure.
let us also remember that these ‘Guardians’ lay at rest encircling Stonehenge for thousands of years prior to their being disturbed in the name of Science and that they are after all Cremated Human Remains. How much can science learn from Cremated remains? They have had them nearly four years now, in their Lab’ and have learnt precious little.
So come on, prove me wrong about your apathy have a final push and get the petition out there, flood face book Share and sign, show you care. Or alternatively leave it to me and the 749 who did make the effort. Blessings from the front /|\
CLICK TO VISIT PETITION WEBSITE
July 2012
This months Rant has been bubbling away merrily on the back burner for some time, simmering gently at times, stewing at others and boiling over, and over spilling into the other and over worlds on occasion. It has been there constantly and persistently throughout. Likened at times to a nagging at the back of beyond, and so ‘up front’, and ‘in your face’ at others, that it is hard, nay, impossible to ignore.
We are Pagan. Well some of us anyway and it is to those whom I address this Rant. Some of us Druids and/or Pagan Priest/ess’s, and it is to those in particular I would speak.
I have no doubt that this will offend. When is a Pagan not a Pagan? When they are something else, and a lot of something else’s seem to have jumped on the Pagan bandwagon. Priest and Priestesses they may be but Pagan, I am not sure.
What exactly is all this Love and Light Philosophy, and where the Hell did they you get it from? Where exactly does it say in the Pagan tradition that we have to like each other? We may well be prepared to fight and even to die for common cause and in doing so, for each other but that does not mean we have to like or even to tolerate each others unacceptable personality traits in our life and own personal orbit.
We may indeed stand Heart to Heart and Hand in Hand in circle but that does not mean that outside of circle and sacred space that we agree with all the views held by others. We are after all, individuals and hold differing personal and political views.
I am often criticised for the behaviour of members of my order, rightly so, as I believe it is my responsibility as Titular Head and Chosen Chief, but I shall let you into a secret, I don’t always agree with them all myself and I certainly don’t condone all of their behaviour nor do I like or condone all the behaviour of other Pagans and Druids outside of my order. There are good and bad in all walks of life, every race, creed and colour and Pagans and Druids are no exception.
That does not mean you have to shine the spotlight on them, to name and shame. Especially when the only reason I can see for doing so is to discredit them and thereby somehow elevate your own status; this is what I mean by ‘Bitchcraft’. It has no place in modern Paganism. Nor does the puritanical view that when someone makes a mistake or does something you disagree with, that it somehow makes you a better (and them a lesser) Pagan. It does not. It makes them human and it makes you pious and unworldly.
Unworldly, it’s got a certain ring to it, like enlightened, Well here’s a news flash, we are not unworldly or enlightened, we are Pagan, of the land, grounded, part of nature not apart from. so get real guys and girls, get with the programme, get your head out of the clouds and stop behaving like some new-age Guru’s and get back to basics or don’t call yourself Pagan.
And please stop regurgitating the same old tired clichés, Love and Light, Love and Light, Blessings, Bless you, Bless the Dog, Bless the Trees, Love and Light, Love and Light, Bless the Fox, Bless the Cat, Love and Light, Love and Light, Enchanted Day.
You are not Buddha and you are not Jesus. So stop trying to emulate them. A Blessing is alright if used in the right context but surely you can see its ‘overkill’ and it detracts from, and somehow cheapens the true intent.
Stop using the New-age philosophy of ‘mix and match’ use and go with the Shamanic beat, call yourself a Shaman, The Witches Creed, call yourself a Witch. Learn your craft and practice your brand of Paganism. Go with the rhythm of the earth or go with ‘Love and Light’ and call your self a Philosopher. Stand proud in whatever your tradition but please stop diluting the Traditions and belief structures that have been passed down to us since time immemorial. If you are Pagan be Proud and if you are not, learn your craft and be proud to call yourself something else.
If you are a Pagan, of this Earth, start behaving like one, and if you are a Druid, look to our native traditions and stop importing Pagan culture from around the world. Work with members of other traditions and faiths, respect all spiritualities but do not sell your own short. You come from and stand for a Great tradition here in these isles. Stand tall, for you stand on the shoulders of giants;
Or don’t stand at all, not with me anyway, and not with the Pagans, find yourself a new label and stop using ours. Go join a New-Age meditative circle but don’t call yourself Pagan. Spiritual, you may well be, and I applaud you for it but Pagan you are not.
Blessings from the Front,
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
We are Pagan. Well some of us anyway and it is to those whom I address this Rant. Some of us Druids and/or Pagan Priest/ess’s, and it is to those in particular I would speak.
I have no doubt that this will offend. When is a Pagan not a Pagan? When they are something else, and a lot of something else’s seem to have jumped on the Pagan bandwagon. Priest and Priestesses they may be but Pagan, I am not sure.
What exactly is all this Love and Light Philosophy, and where the Hell did they you get it from? Where exactly does it say in the Pagan tradition that we have to like each other? We may well be prepared to fight and even to die for common cause and in doing so, for each other but that does not mean we have to like or even to tolerate each others unacceptable personality traits in our life and own personal orbit.
We may indeed stand Heart to Heart and Hand in Hand in circle but that does not mean that outside of circle and sacred space that we agree with all the views held by others. We are after all, individuals and hold differing personal and political views.
I am often criticised for the behaviour of members of my order, rightly so, as I believe it is my responsibility as Titular Head and Chosen Chief, but I shall let you into a secret, I don’t always agree with them all myself and I certainly don’t condone all of their behaviour nor do I like or condone all the behaviour of other Pagans and Druids outside of my order. There are good and bad in all walks of life, every race, creed and colour and Pagans and Druids are no exception.
That does not mean you have to shine the spotlight on them, to name and shame. Especially when the only reason I can see for doing so is to discredit them and thereby somehow elevate your own status; this is what I mean by ‘Bitchcraft’. It has no place in modern Paganism. Nor does the puritanical view that when someone makes a mistake or does something you disagree with, that it somehow makes you a better (and them a lesser) Pagan. It does not. It makes them human and it makes you pious and unworldly.
Unworldly, it’s got a certain ring to it, like enlightened, Well here’s a news flash, we are not unworldly or enlightened, we are Pagan, of the land, grounded, part of nature not apart from. so get real guys and girls, get with the programme, get your head out of the clouds and stop behaving like some new-age Guru’s and get back to basics or don’t call yourself Pagan.
And please stop regurgitating the same old tired clichés, Love and Light, Love and Light, Blessings, Bless you, Bless the Dog, Bless the Trees, Love and Light, Love and Light, Bless the Fox, Bless the Cat, Love and Light, Love and Light, Enchanted Day.
You are not Buddha and you are not Jesus. So stop trying to emulate them. A Blessing is alright if used in the right context but surely you can see its ‘overkill’ and it detracts from, and somehow cheapens the true intent.
Stop using the New-age philosophy of ‘mix and match’ use and go with the Shamanic beat, call yourself a Shaman, The Witches Creed, call yourself a Witch. Learn your craft and practice your brand of Paganism. Go with the rhythm of the earth or go with ‘Love and Light’ and call your self a Philosopher. Stand proud in whatever your tradition but please stop diluting the Traditions and belief structures that have been passed down to us since time immemorial. If you are Pagan be Proud and if you are not, learn your craft and be proud to call yourself something else.
If you are a Pagan, of this Earth, start behaving like one, and if you are a Druid, look to our native traditions and stop importing Pagan culture from around the world. Work with members of other traditions and faiths, respect all spiritualities but do not sell your own short. You come from and stand for a Great tradition here in these isles. Stand tall, for you stand on the shoulders of giants;
Or don’t stand at all, not with me anyway, and not with the Pagans, find yourself a new label and stop using ours. Go join a New-Age meditative circle but don’t call yourself Pagan. Spiritual, you may well be, and I applaud you for it but Pagan you are not.
Blessings from the Front,
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
JUNE 2012
Politically things have been ticking over, the Picket at Stonehenge continues (when funds are available) and I made an appearance in London to talk at the inspiring minds forum. The subject ‘I fought the law and the LAW won. Speaking about some of the successes we The Loyal Arthurian Warband have had through the Justice system. Throw a Handfasting into the mix and you get an idea of the spiritual side of the Druid, combine that with a new ‘bog oak’ staff gifted to me and the challenges of combining the Irish ‘banishing wand’ with said staff and you get an idea of the Magical side of the Druid tradition. Throw in a trip to Wales to lay down the ‘Weather Magic’ and we have a brief glimpse at the Ritual side. Coupled with two appearances in print last month, a mention in one and a forward in the other, putting the word out there, and promoting the work of the Druid to the general public and you see that all in all, it has been an eventful month, or ‘another day at the office’ for a working Druid.
That’s what I have been up to this month away from the World Wide Web and social networking sites. There is life and there is a world out there beyond face book.
The social networking sites are there as a tool to promote such life not as an alternative to living such. How many hours, days, months, years, do we waste peering at our computer screens and interacting with a virtual community, a tribe that we have never meet? Ticking ‘like’ to this and ‘like’ to that, living our lives through others. Calling to our friends or partners when yet another ‘picture’ of some fluffy animal comes up and saying isn’t that cute? No it’s not cute, it’s a picture. Were the animal in the room you could stroke it and maybe it would roll over and allow you to tickle its tummy. That would be cute. But it’s not there, it’s not here, it’s a picture on face book.
And, what’s this new trend all about, ‘control freaks’ using the social networking sites as if they are some kind of weapon? The so called ‘Culling’ of friends, and the deleting of people who they disagree with, or hold other views than their own. It’s not going to change their views and guess what? In doing so you haven’t deleted anything or anyone you have merely chosen to bury your head in the sand and not listen to their point of view. Personally I take the same view as did Voltaire, in that I may not agree with what you say but would die for your right to say it, a belief in Freedom of Speech.
And where on earth do we get off on the idea that we will have to delete this person because they are ‘friends’ with that person? What right have we to choose others friends for them, or to find them guilty by association? Playground mentality, if you ask me. You can’t be in my gang if you are in their gang, well I have news for you, we are all in the same gang, and we are all part of the same family and tribe, the Human race, and we all have to live and work along side each other and we are all part of the same community and shared accommodation here on plant earth.
Worse still are the benign comments we make on such social networking sites and the photographic evidence we find it necessary to share. ‘made a cup of tea’ the caption reads. What part of World Wide Web don’t we understand? And why on earth do we think the rest of the world is interested. If you wanted to know what a cup of tea looks like you could probably ‘Google’ it. Or better still make yourself one, that way not only do you get to see it, smell it, taste it and experience it but it takes you away from face book for a few minutes and the benign banter that’s going on. Just do us a favour and please don’t photograph it and feel you have to share the experience with the rest of the world. Life is for living and social networking sites are for sharing experiences and views that we may not have come across in our own lives.
And please stop all this so called home spun philosophy and the idea that each and every one of us is some kind of New Age Guru or in some way the new Pagan Messiah. That is what web sites are for ‘Preaching’ or ‘selling’ the company line. And please stop tagging people who are not, and were not there in photographs as a way of free advertising for your pet cause, message, or campaign. Just send links and if people wish to slap it on their ‘wall’ they are free to do so or not as the case may be.
Share experiences and share views by all means, that’s what social networking is about, but try and have some of your own first in order to share them.
Perhaps if we spent more time in the community we ‘live’ in and less in the virtual one we frequent through the social networking sites we would have more experiences and views to share, and like the Tree Herders from Lord of the Rings we would not speak unless it’s worth Speaking about. Rant Over.
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
That’s what I have been up to this month away from the World Wide Web and social networking sites. There is life and there is a world out there beyond face book.
The social networking sites are there as a tool to promote such life not as an alternative to living such. How many hours, days, months, years, do we waste peering at our computer screens and interacting with a virtual community, a tribe that we have never meet? Ticking ‘like’ to this and ‘like’ to that, living our lives through others. Calling to our friends or partners when yet another ‘picture’ of some fluffy animal comes up and saying isn’t that cute? No it’s not cute, it’s a picture. Were the animal in the room you could stroke it and maybe it would roll over and allow you to tickle its tummy. That would be cute. But it’s not there, it’s not here, it’s a picture on face book.
And, what’s this new trend all about, ‘control freaks’ using the social networking sites as if they are some kind of weapon? The so called ‘Culling’ of friends, and the deleting of people who they disagree with, or hold other views than their own. It’s not going to change their views and guess what? In doing so you haven’t deleted anything or anyone you have merely chosen to bury your head in the sand and not listen to their point of view. Personally I take the same view as did Voltaire, in that I may not agree with what you say but would die for your right to say it, a belief in Freedom of Speech.
And where on earth do we get off on the idea that we will have to delete this person because they are ‘friends’ with that person? What right have we to choose others friends for them, or to find them guilty by association? Playground mentality, if you ask me. You can’t be in my gang if you are in their gang, well I have news for you, we are all in the same gang, and we are all part of the same family and tribe, the Human race, and we all have to live and work along side each other and we are all part of the same community and shared accommodation here on plant earth.
Worse still are the benign comments we make on such social networking sites and the photographic evidence we find it necessary to share. ‘made a cup of tea’ the caption reads. What part of World Wide Web don’t we understand? And why on earth do we think the rest of the world is interested. If you wanted to know what a cup of tea looks like you could probably ‘Google’ it. Or better still make yourself one, that way not only do you get to see it, smell it, taste it and experience it but it takes you away from face book for a few minutes and the benign banter that’s going on. Just do us a favour and please don’t photograph it and feel you have to share the experience with the rest of the world. Life is for living and social networking sites are for sharing experiences and views that we may not have come across in our own lives.
And please stop all this so called home spun philosophy and the idea that each and every one of us is some kind of New Age Guru or in some way the new Pagan Messiah. That is what web sites are for ‘Preaching’ or ‘selling’ the company line. And please stop tagging people who are not, and were not there in photographs as a way of free advertising for your pet cause, message, or campaign. Just send links and if people wish to slap it on their ‘wall’ they are free to do so or not as the case may be.
Share experiences and share views by all means, that’s what social networking is about, but try and have some of your own first in order to share them.
Perhaps if we spent more time in the community we ‘live’ in and less in the virtual one we frequent through the social networking sites we would have more experiences and views to share, and like the Tree Herders from Lord of the Rings we would not speak unless it’s worth Speaking about. Rant Over.
King Arthur Pendragon /|\
MAY 2012
The last couple of weeks have been a washout as far as the Stonehenge Picket is concerned but I hope to get back to it next week. My time however has not been wasted as there is always a lot to be done ‘behind the scenes’, meetings to attend, correspondence to be caught up with, new alliances to be forged and old ones to be renewed. Friends old and new that need attention and a mountain of ‘Officialdom’ to climb and where possible conquer.
We have been putting things in place for the summer solstice at Stonehenge. Meeting with the Authorities and other agencies and calling on the wider Pagan community to support us, and on members of other faiths and spiritualities to join with us in our call for world peace and enlightenment.
There will be a sun set ceremony and it is hoped that there will be many more throughout the night and to celebrate the Dawn.
Twenty Twelve Summer Solstice Stonehenge will see the return of The Ancestor. A rather large piece of art, a Giant kneeling, arms raised to the dawning sun fashioned by a local sculptor and of late to be viewed at the local Solstice Park. He (The Ancestor) first put in an appearance at Stonehenge Summer 2010. It is in my opinion, a pity that the ‘real’ ancestors, ‘ those cremated human remains taken from Aubrey hole seven in 2008 can not yet be returned, but that as they say is another issue and believe me, the fight continues.
As well as the Ancestor (Stationed in the Northern Quarter) there will be a ‘performance area’ (To the west) where The Arch Druid, Rollo Maughfling will introduce music and song, acoustic only, it’s a sacred site after all and we would not wish for amplification, as we Pagans are well known to be quiet folk, after all, are we not?
After a brief absence, and by popular demand this Solstice will also see the return of Shamus (to the Eastern quadrant) with the Sacred Soapbox where you may hear poetry, and Ranting as well as verse and prose, and it is hoped that many of the musicians in attendance will be seen and heard at each of these sub venues, rather like the wandering Bards and Minstrels of yore.
For our part we (The Loyal Arthurian Warband) will endeavour to keep the people attending amused and enlightened with Sacred Rites and Bardic interludes throughout the night at the Hele Stone, where we hope also to introduce a number of other spiritualities to the proceedings. All Bards and acoustic musicians are most welcome to come along and join us, throughout the night and for our Dawn Ceremony.
One of the purposes of these satellite areas is to draw the pressure off of the centre circle. ‘Robes’(Druids, Priests and Priestess’s are most welcome at any of these) not only to assist and to take part in Sacred Rites but also to speak with the many people who attend and have questions that need answering, from the curious to the profound.
The ‘Nitty-gritty’ of the Solstice access arrangement is much the same as in previous years and can be found on English Heritages web site. It should be remembered that we will be there at our premier Temple to mark the Dawning of the longest day. There in a Celebratory manner as is our Pagan way.
It will be loud and it will be crowded and it will be hectic, and yes, some people will be there for the wrong reasons but who is to say that many of them will not return sometime in the future for the right ones. It is only by example that people will change their behaviour. More importantly, It will also be ‘organic’ in nature and will grow into anything we wish it to.
Do not stay away because it is not spiritual enough for your tastes, turn up and make it more spiritual. Do not turn away because they are not playing your style of music, bring along your guitars and play your taste in music for us. Do not refrain from joining in the spiritual Rites because they do not work for you, Robe up a lead a Rite or Ceremony of your own. Let us make this a Solstice to remember not only for ourselves but for all those attending.
And let the worlds press report that the Olympics are and were, not the only game in town Summer 2012. Stonehenge Summer Solstice. See you there.
Blessings /|\
We have been putting things in place for the summer solstice at Stonehenge. Meeting with the Authorities and other agencies and calling on the wider Pagan community to support us, and on members of other faiths and spiritualities to join with us in our call for world peace and enlightenment.
There will be a sun set ceremony and it is hoped that there will be many more throughout the night and to celebrate the Dawn.
Twenty Twelve Summer Solstice Stonehenge will see the return of The Ancestor. A rather large piece of art, a Giant kneeling, arms raised to the dawning sun fashioned by a local sculptor and of late to be viewed at the local Solstice Park. He (The Ancestor) first put in an appearance at Stonehenge Summer 2010. It is in my opinion, a pity that the ‘real’ ancestors, ‘ those cremated human remains taken from Aubrey hole seven in 2008 can not yet be returned, but that as they say is another issue and believe me, the fight continues.
As well as the Ancestor (Stationed in the Northern Quarter) there will be a ‘performance area’ (To the west) where The Arch Druid, Rollo Maughfling will introduce music and song, acoustic only, it’s a sacred site after all and we would not wish for amplification, as we Pagans are well known to be quiet folk, after all, are we not?
After a brief absence, and by popular demand this Solstice will also see the return of Shamus (to the Eastern quadrant) with the Sacred Soapbox where you may hear poetry, and Ranting as well as verse and prose, and it is hoped that many of the musicians in attendance will be seen and heard at each of these sub venues, rather like the wandering Bards and Minstrels of yore.
For our part we (The Loyal Arthurian Warband) will endeavour to keep the people attending amused and enlightened with Sacred Rites and Bardic interludes throughout the night at the Hele Stone, where we hope also to introduce a number of other spiritualities to the proceedings. All Bards and acoustic musicians are most welcome to come along and join us, throughout the night and for our Dawn Ceremony.
One of the purposes of these satellite areas is to draw the pressure off of the centre circle. ‘Robes’(Druids, Priests and Priestess’s are most welcome at any of these) not only to assist and to take part in Sacred Rites but also to speak with the many people who attend and have questions that need answering, from the curious to the profound.
The ‘Nitty-gritty’ of the Solstice access arrangement is much the same as in previous years and can be found on English Heritages web site. It should be remembered that we will be there at our premier Temple to mark the Dawning of the longest day. There in a Celebratory manner as is our Pagan way.
It will be loud and it will be crowded and it will be hectic, and yes, some people will be there for the wrong reasons but who is to say that many of them will not return sometime in the future for the right ones. It is only by example that people will change their behaviour. More importantly, It will also be ‘organic’ in nature and will grow into anything we wish it to.
Do not stay away because it is not spiritual enough for your tastes, turn up and make it more spiritual. Do not turn away because they are not playing your style of music, bring along your guitars and play your taste in music for us. Do not refrain from joining in the spiritual Rites because they do not work for you, Robe up a lead a Rite or Ceremony of your own. Let us make this a Solstice to remember not only for ourselves but for all those attending.
And let the worlds press report that the Olympics are and were, not the only game in town Summer 2012. Stonehenge Summer Solstice. See you there.
Blessings /|\
APRIL 2012
It’s that time of Month again, so here goes. Caught at least one broadcaster out with the April Fool this year when I said I was to return to the Church of England, and take my place at the General Synod. On a serious note though, we were joined in Circle at Stonehenge this spring by a Medicine man from the Lakota Sioux who offered a Morning Prayer and entered into the spirituality of our ‘Temple’.
Earlier in the year I was approached by a local Christian Minister who was present at our Winter Celebration and commented on how much he liked our eclectic approach to the Druids Vow, and how we are often joined at Stonehenge by members of other faiths.
We, Pagans are not alone in striving for a better world where nature is honoured, nor are we alone in our call for the return and re-interment of the Ancient Human remains taken from Stonehenge and held by Sheffield University. The role of Honour continues to grow as members of many differing faiths join in our petition at Stonehenge for their return.
This summer Solstice gathering is set to see record numbers at Stonehenge and it would be good to see more spiritual activity there and many more robed Druids and Pagans present. It is a self fulfilling prophesy to stay away because it is in your view not Spiritual enough. Many Pagans and Druids come up to me and say exactly that. Well the more ‘Robes’ who stay away the less Spiritual it becomes. Turn up, take part in one of the many ceremonies going on throughout the night or lead your own. Show the public and the ‘revellers’ what you are there for and encourage them to join in. Who knows, you may even enjoy it, but don’t stay away because it’s not spiritual enough for you. Be there and make it more Spiritual.
Blessings from Stonehenge
Arthur
/|\
Earlier in the year I was approached by a local Christian Minister who was present at our Winter Celebration and commented on how much he liked our eclectic approach to the Druids Vow, and how we are often joined at Stonehenge by members of other faiths.
We, Pagans are not alone in striving for a better world where nature is honoured, nor are we alone in our call for the return and re-interment of the Ancient Human remains taken from Stonehenge and held by Sheffield University. The role of Honour continues to grow as members of many differing faiths join in our petition at Stonehenge for their return.
This summer Solstice gathering is set to see record numbers at Stonehenge and it would be good to see more spiritual activity there and many more robed Druids and Pagans present. It is a self fulfilling prophesy to stay away because it is in your view not Spiritual enough. Many Pagans and Druids come up to me and say exactly that. Well the more ‘Robes’ who stay away the less Spiritual it becomes. Turn up, take part in one of the many ceremonies going on throughout the night or lead your own. Show the public and the ‘revellers’ what you are there for and encourage them to join in. Who knows, you may even enjoy it, but don’t stay away because it’s not spiritual enough for you. Be there and make it more Spiritual.
Blessings from Stonehenge
Arthur
/|\
MARCH 2012
Another month has gone by and I have been back on the Picket at Stonehenge. The Suzuki is dead-long live the Kawasaki. I managed to go from a 900cc twenty year old motorcycle to a thirty one year old 550, but transport never the less and although smaller and older she’s doing the job, getting me to and from meetings and the Stonehenge picket.
With regards to meetings, I have attended two this last week both principally about Stonehenge. One with the Authorities and the other with The Council of British Druid Orders. Despite what you may hear elsewhere on the World Wide Web and in ‘face book land’, there is a surprising amount of unity out there. All united in the wish for a safe and sustainable Summer Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge, and for a continuance of our spiritual observances at Equinox’s and the winter Solstice.
We have worked alongside the Authorities for many years, that has not stopped me opposing them and challenging their views through the courts and at several public inquiries. Sometimes I am successful, as in the European court and at the recent Inquiry and sometimes I am not, as was the case with the recent application for a Judicial review. But it’s Politic not Personnel and there are no hard feelings or grudges held.
It is a pity the wider Pagan community can not behave in the same manner and stop this, “my gang’s better than your gang” mentality. And of course “Only we can be right” Well I have news for you, we are ALL right and we are ALL wrong in equal measures and we are all doing our best and ALL working for what we believe to be a better world and there is no place in such a world for the type of personal attacks and open hostility that are so prevalent on the World wide web.
This year, Twenty Twelve, my Order, the Loyal Arthurian Warband, will be working towards Multi-Faith and I would encourage men and women of Spirit to join with us whatever their faith as we strive for a more Honest, Honourable and Just world.
We are planning a day of action at Stonehenge on Easter Sunday to highlight this issue of the Cremated Human remains removed from Stonehenge and to call for their return and re-interment. There will be an art installation and a gathering, a picnic (if you bring food) Music, if you bring instruments and song. I invite all people of all and no faith to come and join us in the spirit of Unity a spirit that is alive and well in this once Green and Pleasant land.
Blessings from Stonehenge
Arthur
/|\
With regards to meetings, I have attended two this last week both principally about Stonehenge. One with the Authorities and the other with The Council of British Druid Orders. Despite what you may hear elsewhere on the World Wide Web and in ‘face book land’, there is a surprising amount of unity out there. All united in the wish for a safe and sustainable Summer Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge, and for a continuance of our spiritual observances at Equinox’s and the winter Solstice.
We have worked alongside the Authorities for many years, that has not stopped me opposing them and challenging their views through the courts and at several public inquiries. Sometimes I am successful, as in the European court and at the recent Inquiry and sometimes I am not, as was the case with the recent application for a Judicial review. But it’s Politic not Personnel and there are no hard feelings or grudges held.
It is a pity the wider Pagan community can not behave in the same manner and stop this, “my gang’s better than your gang” mentality. And of course “Only we can be right” Well I have news for you, we are ALL right and we are ALL wrong in equal measures and we are all doing our best and ALL working for what we believe to be a better world and there is no place in such a world for the type of personal attacks and open hostility that are so prevalent on the World wide web.
This year, Twenty Twelve, my Order, the Loyal Arthurian Warband, will be working towards Multi-Faith and I would encourage men and women of Spirit to join with us whatever their faith as we strive for a more Honest, Honourable and Just world.
We are planning a day of action at Stonehenge on Easter Sunday to highlight this issue of the Cremated Human remains removed from Stonehenge and to call for their return and re-interment. There will be an art installation and a gathering, a picnic (if you bring food) Music, if you bring instruments and song. I invite all people of all and no faith to come and join us in the spirit of Unity a spirit that is alive and well in this once Green and Pleasant land.
Blessings from Stonehenge
Arthur
/|\
FEBRUARY 2012
When is a Druid not a Druid? When he dresses up in a white frock (Druid Robe), calls himself a Druid, and does nothing but ‘put down’ other Druids and the work they do.
January has seen a spate of ‘hate sites’ and videos springing up on the internet aimed, not only at me but at The Council of British Druid Orders, The Stonehenge Round Table Forum, and many other Orders, Covens and Groves. They all stem from a couple of individuals who call themselves Druids and believe that gives them licence to ‘bad mouth’ the work done by other Druid groups and to attack the leadership of other groups on a personal level.
These (so called) Druids relish in attacking the personalities rather than the politics. Thus bringing any argument they may have down to the most ‘base’ of levels and doing nothing to further their cause. They take the view it would seem that anything that brings another Druid down will automatically elevate their position.
The insults have to stop here and they have to stop now. I do not mind healthy debate and disagreement but the personal insults levelled at me and my friends must come to a halt.
Let me tell you, I have been in this game long enough, a senior Druid for over twenty five years, to know the difference between a real Druid and a wannabe. These (so called) Druids who claim to be the real deal, whilst doing nothing, save spreading descent and ‘knocking’ other Druids. They are little more than ‘spoilt kids’ who scream and scream and scream when they do not get their own way.
They are not Druids and I will not recognise them as such.
Let them go in peace, but go they must, for they are no longer part of my universe, and to them I say “Hail and Farewell” Blessings /|\
January has seen a spate of ‘hate sites’ and videos springing up on the internet aimed, not only at me but at The Council of British Druid Orders, The Stonehenge Round Table Forum, and many other Orders, Covens and Groves. They all stem from a couple of individuals who call themselves Druids and believe that gives them licence to ‘bad mouth’ the work done by other Druid groups and to attack the leadership of other groups on a personal level.
These (so called) Druids relish in attacking the personalities rather than the politics. Thus bringing any argument they may have down to the most ‘base’ of levels and doing nothing to further their cause. They take the view it would seem that anything that brings another Druid down will automatically elevate their position.
The insults have to stop here and they have to stop now. I do not mind healthy debate and disagreement but the personal insults levelled at me and my friends must come to a halt.
Let me tell you, I have been in this game long enough, a senior Druid for over twenty five years, to know the difference between a real Druid and a wannabe. These (so called) Druids who claim to be the real deal, whilst doing nothing, save spreading descent and ‘knocking’ other Druids. They are little more than ‘spoilt kids’ who scream and scream and scream when they do not get their own way.
They are not Druids and I will not recognise them as such.
Let them go in peace, but go they must, for they are no longer part of my universe, and to them I say “Hail and Farewell” Blessings /|\
JANUARY 2012 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
January 2012, after a successful Winter Solstice at Stonehenge attended
by an estimated 5,000 people (English Heritage stopped counting at four
and a half thousand) we move into Twenty Twelve with a sense of unity.
Many differing faiths joined us for the celebrations and many differing
walks of life were represented as can be seen on the video footage of
the event.
No longer can the differing strands of the Pagan movement be insular to either their own path or that of Paganism alone. As we march into twenty twelve with our own brand of spirituality it is time to extend the hand of friendship to members of other faiths and spirituality.
There are, in my opinion, only two types of people in this world, those that ‘believe’ and those those don’t. It is time for those that believe to unite. It does not matter to which God/ess one honours or prays to. As humanity, we are one and must face the challenges ahead together.
If organising Pagans may be likened to herding cats, how much harder can and must Multi-Faith be, but it is in multi-faith that the answers to our human condition lies. Only through honouring ALL spirituality can we as a race (the human race) move forward.
I am not interested in the age old argument “My God’s better than your God” or “We are right, which makes you wrong” We must learn to work together for the common good and in effect to ‘pray together’ for such an outcome.
The Loyal Arthurian Warband (the Druid Order I lead) has always been open to members of ALL and NO faiths and will continue to be so. I invite other Druid Leaders to do likewise and members of other faiths to join us in our quest for Truth, Honour, Justice, and enlightenment.
In one, with Spirit.
King Arthur
Senior Druid
/|\
No longer can the differing strands of the Pagan movement be insular to either their own path or that of Paganism alone. As we march into twenty twelve with our own brand of spirituality it is time to extend the hand of friendship to members of other faiths and spirituality.
There are, in my opinion, only two types of people in this world, those that ‘believe’ and those those don’t. It is time for those that believe to unite. It does not matter to which God/ess one honours or prays to. As humanity, we are one and must face the challenges ahead together.
If organising Pagans may be likened to herding cats, how much harder can and must Multi-Faith be, but it is in multi-faith that the answers to our human condition lies. Only through honouring ALL spirituality can we as a race (the human race) move forward.
I am not interested in the age old argument “My God’s better than your God” or “We are right, which makes you wrong” We must learn to work together for the common good and in effect to ‘pray together’ for such an outcome.
The Loyal Arthurian Warband (the Druid Order I lead) has always been open to members of ALL and NO faiths and will continue to be so. I invite other Druid Leaders to do likewise and members of other faiths to join us in our quest for Truth, Honour, Justice, and enlightenment.
In one, with Spirit.
King Arthur
Senior Druid
/|\
DECEMBER 2011
It has been said in some ‘Circles’ that there is a general feeling in
the Pagan community that ‘Politics’ should be kept out of Circle. Well
this is One General that disagrees.
Paganism is a broad Church and we first have to look at the distinctions between the differing strands and how they are applied in ‘Circle’ and their differing roles.
The Pagan who joins a ‘circle’ to celebrate the turning of the season and the festive wheel, may very well be ‘A’ political and see no place for ‘politics and world affairs’ in circle, and speak solely of ‘Love and Light’ Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The Wiccan or Witch may wish to devote more time to ‘Healing and Spell-Casting’ But for the Druid therein lies a different story.
The ancient Druids were the Political force of the tribes and were always involved in the ‘Politics of the day’ It was for this very reason that the Romans put our Ancestors to the Sword.
It is in my opinion incumbent on the Druids to speak out against injustice wherever they find it and on the ‘Presiding Druid’ to do so in public. If this is not the view of the wider Pagan community and individuals in particular then needless to say they are free to express their views but it should be remembered that ‘holding such a view’ is in itself a political act.
I make no apologies for my Political stance’s over the years, for taking court cases against my Government, for Protesting against injustice, for spearheading campaigns to bring about changes where necessary, for attending and speaking out at ‘public inquiries’ for bringing Political issues to the attention of the gathered congregation or for highlighting issues that effect us all and standing as an Independent in the last four General Elections. On the contrary I am proud to ‘Stand and be counted’ and whilst I draw breath I will continue to speak out against injustice and to do so in circle.
There is a place for Justice, and thereby a place to speak out against injustice in a Sacred Circle and there always will be whilst there is a Druid presiding.
King Arthur Pendragon
Battlechieftain
Council of British Druid Orders
Paganism is a broad Church and we first have to look at the distinctions between the differing strands and how they are applied in ‘Circle’ and their differing roles.
The Pagan who joins a ‘circle’ to celebrate the turning of the season and the festive wheel, may very well be ‘A’ political and see no place for ‘politics and world affairs’ in circle, and speak solely of ‘Love and Light’ Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The Wiccan or Witch may wish to devote more time to ‘Healing and Spell-Casting’ But for the Druid therein lies a different story.
The ancient Druids were the Political force of the tribes and were always involved in the ‘Politics of the day’ It was for this very reason that the Romans put our Ancestors to the Sword.
It is in my opinion incumbent on the Druids to speak out against injustice wherever they find it and on the ‘Presiding Druid’ to do so in public. If this is not the view of the wider Pagan community and individuals in particular then needless to say they are free to express their views but it should be remembered that ‘holding such a view’ is in itself a political act.
I make no apologies for my Political stance’s over the years, for taking court cases against my Government, for Protesting against injustice, for spearheading campaigns to bring about changes where necessary, for attending and speaking out at ‘public inquiries’ for bringing Political issues to the attention of the gathered congregation or for highlighting issues that effect us all and standing as an Independent in the last four General Elections. On the contrary I am proud to ‘Stand and be counted’ and whilst I draw breath I will continue to speak out against injustice and to do so in circle.
There is a place for Justice, and thereby a place to speak out against injustice in a Sacred Circle and there always will be whilst there is a Druid presiding.
King Arthur Pendragon
Battlechieftain
Council of British Druid Orders
NOVEMBER 2011
(Written in association with the letter
‘P’)
Pragmatism, nice word that, to be pragmatic. I have always prided myself on being such. Personal, another good word, meaning what is between two people, I have always tried to keep it so. Politic, another ‘P’ word, meaning what is between and/or in the interests of many, not to be confused with personal. So what does any of this mean in Practice (another ‘P’ word). Well in practice it means ‘telling it like it is’ if I disagree with say English Heritage, or the government on one issue, it does not stop me from agreeing with them on other issues. Politic and Personal to me means that I can disagree with their views as an organisation but that does not mean I necessarily have to fall out with them/or their officers on a personal level. Paganism, there’s another ‘P’ word, a place where there seems no place for Pragmatism, a place where there is so much ‘Bitchcraft’ that there is little or no distinction between Politic and Personal.
A place where if someone or some organisation holds a differing view to you where you feel somehow licensed to ‘have a go’ not necessarily at their Policies but at the Personalities that voice or implement them. Don’t disagree in principle just because it comes from ‘the other side’, a good idea, is a good idea wherever it comes from just as is a bad one whoever voices it. Don’t ‘slag off’ certain organisations or individuals just because they are viewed as ‘the other side’, there is nothing wrong with agreeing to differ and there is nothing wrong with healthy debate but there is everything wrong in judging someone by the’ hat’ they wear. Just because they work or even represent an organisation that you may be opposed to does not in it self make them a bad person.
The Authorities and the establishment often make that mistake and because I am in the public eye I expect a certain amount of public attacks to my person and belief structure but I hold no animosity towards the individuals concerned and anyone who ‘puts their head above the parapet’ has to be something of a Pachyderm (another ‘P’ word, meaning thick skinned) and believe me I am, and as I always say “ I have been called worse-by better) I do tire of the constant personal attacks on myself, but it show that we (that’s the Royal we) are rattling their cage). I will not resort in like manner because quite simply they are not Rattling mine.
Seriously though, let’s get out of this negative headspace and be more pragmatic in our approach. Tribe is one thing but ‘Gang’ is a completely different ‘kettle of fish’ and in my view a mentality better suited to kindergarten then the Political arenas we must work in. So, it doesn’t matter who’s ‘Gang’ you deem yourself to be in just what side and I know what side I’m on. The side for common decency, mutual respect and natural Justice.
Blessings from the Front /|\
King Arthur Pendragon
Pragmatism, nice word that, to be pragmatic. I have always prided myself on being such. Personal, another good word, meaning what is between two people, I have always tried to keep it so. Politic, another ‘P’ word, meaning what is between and/or in the interests of many, not to be confused with personal. So what does any of this mean in Practice (another ‘P’ word). Well in practice it means ‘telling it like it is’ if I disagree with say English Heritage, or the government on one issue, it does not stop me from agreeing with them on other issues. Politic and Personal to me means that I can disagree with their views as an organisation but that does not mean I necessarily have to fall out with them/or their officers on a personal level. Paganism, there’s another ‘P’ word, a place where there seems no place for Pragmatism, a place where there is so much ‘Bitchcraft’ that there is little or no distinction between Politic and Personal.
A place where if someone or some organisation holds a differing view to you where you feel somehow licensed to ‘have a go’ not necessarily at their Policies but at the Personalities that voice or implement them. Don’t disagree in principle just because it comes from ‘the other side’, a good idea, is a good idea wherever it comes from just as is a bad one whoever voices it. Don’t ‘slag off’ certain organisations or individuals just because they are viewed as ‘the other side’, there is nothing wrong with agreeing to differ and there is nothing wrong with healthy debate but there is everything wrong in judging someone by the’ hat’ they wear. Just because they work or even represent an organisation that you may be opposed to does not in it self make them a bad person.
The Authorities and the establishment often make that mistake and because I am in the public eye I expect a certain amount of public attacks to my person and belief structure but I hold no animosity towards the individuals concerned and anyone who ‘puts their head above the parapet’ has to be something of a Pachyderm (another ‘P’ word, meaning thick skinned) and believe me I am, and as I always say “ I have been called worse-by better) I do tire of the constant personal attacks on myself, but it show that we (that’s the Royal we) are rattling their cage). I will not resort in like manner because quite simply they are not Rattling mine.
Seriously though, let’s get out of this negative headspace and be more pragmatic in our approach. Tribe is one thing but ‘Gang’ is a completely different ‘kettle of fish’ and in my view a mentality better suited to kindergarten then the Political arenas we must work in. So, it doesn’t matter who’s ‘Gang’ you deem yourself to be in just what side and I know what side I’m on. The side for common decency, mutual respect and natural Justice.
Blessings from the Front /|\
King Arthur Pendragon
OCTOBER 2011
Another month has passed and we go into the darker part of the year. This last month, for me at least, has been taken up by the Public Inquiry into the proposed vehicle restriction sought throughout the World Heritage site of Stonehenge by Wiltshire council. I will not go into any detail here as that may be found elsewhere.
... I would like to express my thanks to those who bothered to turn up and support us throughout what was for the most part, a very tedious three weeks, and to those who offered support in other ways with words of encouragement and interest.
I would like to thank the many other Pagan and Druid Orders, Covens, and Groves for their support, I would like to, but unfortunately I can not, as any such support was not in evidence. No phone calls of encouragement, No questions as to how it was going, No ‘troops on the ground’ and the same can be said for all the other non pagan groups who regularly ‘mouth off’ about the present situation at Stonehenge, Where were you?
Like most people in this country, ‘armchair warriors’, sitting behind their computers, or down the pub, moaning about the present state of affairs, and when they get the chance to do something about it, simply can not be bothered. We are not even talking here about ‘the present state of affairs’ but a loss or reduction of what little ‘Rights’ we already have, and have fought hard to gain.
If ‘all is lost’ those few who stood with us at the Inquiry, those few who stood on the picket line with us, those few who sat through endless Inquiries public meetings and court cases, those few who like us can be bothered, they may hold their head up in pride because they did not sit back and watch as our rights were eroded, but stood to be counted.
We (the Loyal Arthurian Warband) have for some time been viewed as the Warrior/Political arm of the Druid and Pagan movement and will continue to be so. Leading from the Front and taking the Authorities head on in our quest for Truth, Honour and Justice. We will not falter in this, but a little support now and again would not go amiss.
That to one side, I hope you all had a good Equinox, quite busy for me Stonehenge dawn and on to the Inquiry and the day prior a Handfasting at a medieval castle.
So it’s back to the ‘picket’ for me and a continuance of the campaign to secure the Guardians return, if you haven’t yet signed the on line petition please do so and tell your friends to do likewise if that’s not too much to ask?
Rant over, Blessings from Stonehenge
King Arthur Pendragon
/|\
... I would like to express my thanks to those who bothered to turn up and support us throughout what was for the most part, a very tedious three weeks, and to those who offered support in other ways with words of encouragement and interest.
I would like to thank the many other Pagan and Druid Orders, Covens, and Groves for their support, I would like to, but unfortunately I can not, as any such support was not in evidence. No phone calls of encouragement, No questions as to how it was going, No ‘troops on the ground’ and the same can be said for all the other non pagan groups who regularly ‘mouth off’ about the present situation at Stonehenge, Where were you?
Like most people in this country, ‘armchair warriors’, sitting behind their computers, or down the pub, moaning about the present state of affairs, and when they get the chance to do something about it, simply can not be bothered. We are not even talking here about ‘the present state of affairs’ but a loss or reduction of what little ‘Rights’ we already have, and have fought hard to gain.
If ‘all is lost’ those few who stood with us at the Inquiry, those few who stood on the picket line with us, those few who sat through endless Inquiries public meetings and court cases, those few who like us can be bothered, they may hold their head up in pride because they did not sit back and watch as our rights were eroded, but stood to be counted.
We (the Loyal Arthurian Warband) have for some time been viewed as the Warrior/Political arm of the Druid and Pagan movement and will continue to be so. Leading from the Front and taking the Authorities head on in our quest for Truth, Honour and Justice. We will not falter in this, but a little support now and again would not go amiss.
That to one side, I hope you all had a good Equinox, quite busy for me Stonehenge dawn and on to the Inquiry and the day prior a Handfasting at a medieval castle.
So it’s back to the ‘picket’ for me and a continuance of the campaign to secure the Guardians return, if you haven’t yet signed the on line petition please do so and tell your friends to do likewise if that’s not too much to ask?
Rant over, Blessings from Stonehenge
King Arthur Pendragon
/|\
SEPTEMBER 2011
Organising Pagans may be likened to ‘herding cats’, never more so than in the previous month. Talk about, something in the water; Any Senior Druid or Pagan leader has to hone his parenting skills when it comes to dealing with his or her Order, Coven or Grove. “Play nicely children, share properly, and stop pulling your brother/sister’s hair,” All the usual stuff but this past month has been way over the top.
Pagan’s it seems to me are definitely to ‘touchy’ and I don’t mean ‘touchy feely and demonstrative’ I mean, “I’m not playing if she/he’s playing” and “But he said, she said…” I mean, “why should I ? When…”
Why should you? Because you are supposed to be on the same bloody side, that’s why! Yes, even the best parents, given, the patients of Job and the Wisdom of Solomon (to borrow from the Christians) will eventually come to the end of their tether.
I am not saying, that there are not a lot of great Pagans out there who ‘rise above it’ on a daily basis and a lot of genuinely caring people in our midst but, there is and always has been a lot of ‘Bitchcraft’ out there, and it has to end here and end now. Otherwise how can we expect members of other faiths to ever take us seriously?
And where does it all start? Why, right here, on the social networking sites and the World Wide Web. What part of World don’t we understand? Let us stop ‘doing our dirty washing in public’ and learn that with the best motives in the world some Truths are simply better left unsaid, especially (shouted from the rooftops) out load on the World Wide Web…..
Blessings from Stonehenge
Arthur /|\
Pagan’s it seems to me are definitely to ‘touchy’ and I don’t mean ‘touchy feely and demonstrative’ I mean, “I’m not playing if she/he’s playing” and “But he said, she said…” I mean, “why should I ? When…”
Why should you? Because you are supposed to be on the same bloody side, that’s why! Yes, even the best parents, given, the patients of Job and the Wisdom of Solomon (to borrow from the Christians) will eventually come to the end of their tether.
I am not saying, that there are not a lot of great Pagans out there who ‘rise above it’ on a daily basis and a lot of genuinely caring people in our midst but, there is and always has been a lot of ‘Bitchcraft’ out there, and it has to end here and end now. Otherwise how can we expect members of other faiths to ever take us seriously?
And where does it all start? Why, right here, on the social networking sites and the World Wide Web. What part of World don’t we understand? Let us stop ‘doing our dirty washing in public’ and learn that with the best motives in the world some Truths are simply better left unsaid, especially (shouted from the rooftops) out load on the World Wide Web…..
Blessings from Stonehenge
Arthur /|\
AUGUST 2011
AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR POLITICIANS FROM KING ARTHUR
SENIOR DRUID.
We have (since the days of Thatcher) become a Nation of service Industries. I was born into a United Kingdom that exported Coal, that built and exported ships, a Nation that had a flourishing car and motorcycle industry, a Nation that had a world renown Steel Industry.
Now, if faced with a World War Two type blockade, we would certainly not be able to ‘dig for victory’. No land army could possible grow enough food to sustain us. We have been ‘fighting above our weight’ for far too long.
Until we get back to production (Heavy and light industry) and stop relying on cheap foreign imports we will always have large unemployment and the related social problems that such high unemployment brings.
Until we ‘do something’ about the increasing gap between ‘the have and the have not’s’ and truly are ‘all in this together’ we will always be only one spark away from civil unrest. It is time our politicians woke up to the reality of Twenty-first Century Britain.
“Wake up and smell the coffee” that’ll be Starbucks or any of the other American owned or styled chain’s of course, long gone the traditional English ‘greasy spoon’. Soon to be joined by the Traditional British Pub, forced out of business by cut price supermarket sales and the ever increasing number of people who simply cant afford to avail themselves of the service.
We can’t keep juggling figures, printing money, and borrowing ourselves out of debt. We’re (like the rest of Europe, and the Free world) broke. It’s time our politicians admitted it and stopped swanking around abroad thinking that we can be the world’s policemen. Bring our boys and girls home, while there’s still a home to come back too and sort the economy out properly, Get the Nation ‘back to work’ and stop paying out vast non existent sums of money to your cronies and banking buddies.
In short, ‘Get real’ and stop living above ‘our’ means.
King Arthur Pendragon
SENIOR DRUID.
We have (since the days of Thatcher) become a Nation of service Industries. I was born into a United Kingdom that exported Coal, that built and exported ships, a Nation that had a flourishing car and motorcycle industry, a Nation that had a world renown Steel Industry.
Now, if faced with a World War Two type blockade, we would certainly not be able to ‘dig for victory’. No land army could possible grow enough food to sustain us. We have been ‘fighting above our weight’ for far too long.
Until we get back to production (Heavy and light industry) and stop relying on cheap foreign imports we will always have large unemployment and the related social problems that such high unemployment brings.
Until we ‘do something’ about the increasing gap between ‘the have and the have not’s’ and truly are ‘all in this together’ we will always be only one spark away from civil unrest. It is time our politicians woke up to the reality of Twenty-first Century Britain.
“Wake up and smell the coffee” that’ll be Starbucks or any of the other American owned or styled chain’s of course, long gone the traditional English ‘greasy spoon’. Soon to be joined by the Traditional British Pub, forced out of business by cut price supermarket sales and the ever increasing number of people who simply cant afford to avail themselves of the service.
We can’t keep juggling figures, printing money, and borrowing ourselves out of debt. We’re (like the rest of Europe, and the Free world) broke. It’s time our politicians admitted it and stopped swanking around abroad thinking that we can be the world’s policemen. Bring our boys and girls home, while there’s still a home to come back too and sort the economy out properly, Get the Nation ‘back to work’ and stop paying out vast non existent sums of money to your cronies and banking buddies.
In short, ‘Get real’ and stop living above ‘our’ means.
King Arthur Pendragon
JULY 2011
A lot has been happening this month past, to show the cracks and the disunity in the Druid movement, and most of us are familiar with the expressions “Organising Pagans is like herding Cats” and “Witchcraft not Bitchcraft” When you view the Druids as the Political force of the Pagan tribes, it should come as no surprise that they often disagree. There are more Druid Orders in this Country than there are Political Parties in Parliament. And as for ‘free thinking Pagans’ agreeing on any one course of action, some hope.
That aside for a moment, and despite all of the above, It is time for, not so much a united front as a show of support and a visible and very visual statement of intent.
Call to Arms.
Robe up “Put your frocks on”, Druid, Pagan, or Witch and take your annual leave and get down to Salisbury late September-early October. The venue is Salisbury Rugby club, adjacent to ‘Hudson’s Field’ camping site. Bring Banners. “Just say No to the TRO” or such like. Bring food, bring Music and song.
Show Pagan and Druid support for your Brothers and Sisters who are challenging the imposition of the proposed Traffic Regulatory Orders that will mean ‘NO parking in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, save for in English Heritages ‘new’ visitors centre car park.
The Inquiry starts on 20th September and is set to ‘run’ for nearly three weeks (Excluding Weekends) The full programme and any changes will be available on my fb page.
The Pagan and Druid Objectors will be heard from 29th September, on the Thursday and Friday, and on the following Monday and Tuesday and winding up on Wednesday 5th October.
It is a non Statutory Public Inquiry and the Inspector will be advising Wiltshire Council.
We need a very visible and lawful presence outside, of the Inquiry, and we have a lovely field for a picnic to do it in.
If these Traffic Regulatory Orders are passed. Future Generations will be denied the ability to access Stonehenge in the way we have been able to, as ALL the By-ways will be closed to traffic.
Let the Authorities see, we will not stand idly by, and let them see also a ‘peaceful demonstration’ of support for our objection to any such imposition as is proposed by Wiltshire Council and English Heritage in and around Stonehenge.
Take a day out and come to Salisbury, let’s show them, we mean business. E mail me direct for more information and details k.pendragon@yahoo.co.uk
‘Tis time to Stand and be counted. Or stand by and let ‘Big Brother’ tighten his grip.
King Arthur Pendragon
Objector TRO Inquiry Stonehenge.
That aside for a moment, and despite all of the above, It is time for, not so much a united front as a show of support and a visible and very visual statement of intent.
Call to Arms.
Robe up “Put your frocks on”, Druid, Pagan, or Witch and take your annual leave and get down to Salisbury late September-early October. The venue is Salisbury Rugby club, adjacent to ‘Hudson’s Field’ camping site. Bring Banners. “Just say No to the TRO” or such like. Bring food, bring Music and song.
Show Pagan and Druid support for your Brothers and Sisters who are challenging the imposition of the proposed Traffic Regulatory Orders that will mean ‘NO parking in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, save for in English Heritages ‘new’ visitors centre car park.
The Inquiry starts on 20th September and is set to ‘run’ for nearly three weeks (Excluding Weekends) The full programme and any changes will be available on my fb page.
The Pagan and Druid Objectors will be heard from 29th September, on the Thursday and Friday, and on the following Monday and Tuesday and winding up on Wednesday 5th October.
It is a non Statutory Public Inquiry and the Inspector will be advising Wiltshire Council.
We need a very visible and lawful presence outside, of the Inquiry, and we have a lovely field for a picnic to do it in.
If these Traffic Regulatory Orders are passed. Future Generations will be denied the ability to access Stonehenge in the way we have been able to, as ALL the By-ways will be closed to traffic.
Let the Authorities see, we will not stand idly by, and let them see also a ‘peaceful demonstration’ of support for our objection to any such imposition as is proposed by Wiltshire Council and English Heritage in and around Stonehenge.
Take a day out and come to Salisbury, let’s show them, we mean business. E mail me direct for more information and details k.pendragon@yahoo.co.uk
‘Tis time to Stand and be counted. Or stand by and let ‘Big Brother’ tighten his grip.
King Arthur Pendragon
Objector TRO Inquiry Stonehenge.
JUNE 2011
As the Solstice approaches and my thoughts are drawn to the coming gathering at Stonehenge one is spoilt for choice whilst ranting. Who to upset this time? The Serious Druids, The not-so Serious Druids, The Armchair Pagans, The Authorities, The Warriors, who go off ‘half cocked’, The Church, in it’s pomposity, all or none of the above, well let’s see.
This month just gone, for me has been all about finance, well the lack of it anyway. So any fund raising activities you can come up with to keep the campaigns going will be very welcome. The main campaigns centre on Stonehenge at present, the up-coming Judicial review (don’t write it off just yet, I have lodged an appeal) and the Public Inquiry over access to the Droves.
Two very different films have recently been given an ‘airing’ on our sites, one by Carrie Kirkpatrick filmed in 2000 and one by Celestial Elf ‘filmed’ this year. Both short pieces are about me and both tell the story of the Solstice at Stonehenge, both brilliant in their own way.
This year we, the Loyal Arthurian Warband hope to settle by the hele stone throughout the night and will welcome any who come with ‘good heart’ to join us, it is hoped that many will bring a song or a poem to share, acoustic instruments only, and that we may make something of the atmosphere of Eisteddfod.
In ten days time, on 11th June I will have ‘been Arthur’ for twenty five years. This is not a time to Rant, but a time for thanks and I would like to thank all those friends old and new who have helped me along the way. All our Officers for their self sacrifice and diligence along the way, All our Brothers and Sisters who have given aid and support to the causes we have fought for, and most of all, All our Priestess’s (aspects of the Goddess) who have assisted along the way. This is starting to sound more like an acceptance speech than a Rant. But that’s what it is, I accept who and what I am, and my part in the Universe.
Let us look forward, not with pessimism and gloom, but with wonderment and awe as the universe unfolds before us and we each find our place within and surrounded by our tribe.
Yours in The Heat of Battle, The Peace of The Grove, and The Sacred Space Between,
Your Brother, Friend, Servant and King, Arthur /|\
This month just gone, for me has been all about finance, well the lack of it anyway. So any fund raising activities you can come up with to keep the campaigns going will be very welcome. The main campaigns centre on Stonehenge at present, the up-coming Judicial review (don’t write it off just yet, I have lodged an appeal) and the Public Inquiry over access to the Droves.
Two very different films have recently been given an ‘airing’ on our sites, one by Carrie Kirkpatrick filmed in 2000 and one by Celestial Elf ‘filmed’ this year. Both short pieces are about me and both tell the story of the Solstice at Stonehenge, both brilliant in their own way.
This year we, the Loyal Arthurian Warband hope to settle by the hele stone throughout the night and will welcome any who come with ‘good heart’ to join us, it is hoped that many will bring a song or a poem to share, acoustic instruments only, and that we may make something of the atmosphere of Eisteddfod.
In ten days time, on 11th June I will have ‘been Arthur’ for twenty five years. This is not a time to Rant, but a time for thanks and I would like to thank all those friends old and new who have helped me along the way. All our Officers for their self sacrifice and diligence along the way, All our Brothers and Sisters who have given aid and support to the causes we have fought for, and most of all, All our Priestess’s (aspects of the Goddess) who have assisted along the way. This is starting to sound more like an acceptance speech than a Rant. But that’s what it is, I accept who and what I am, and my part in the Universe.
Let us look forward, not with pessimism and gloom, but with wonderment and awe as the universe unfolds before us and we each find our place within and surrounded by our tribe.
Yours in The Heat of Battle, The Peace of The Grove, and The Sacred Space Between,
Your Brother, Friend, Servant and King, Arthur /|\
MAY 2011
Another month has gone by in the Druid and Pagan community and the summer Solstice at Stonehenge is another month closer. I went to a meeting yesterday with the Authorities to discuss the plans for this year and hardly any of ‘us’ turned up. Thing is, as I keep saying, there is no ‘Them and Us’ and ‘they’ are just ‘us’ who don’t know it yet.
Pity the same can not be said for the Pagan community, we are still ‘Bitching’ among ourselves at every opportunity. What gives him/her the right to speak for us, being the most often way of dismissing, those who do. Well if yesterdays’ meeting was anything to go by. The fact that they made the effort and turned up when no one else could be bothered is probably the answer to that. It’s exactly the same when someone like me, takes a court case, or puts themselves in line for arrest, or attends an Inquiry, the web is awash with armchair activists and would be advisors ready to decry anyone’s actions and right it off as nothing more than ego.
The Council are hassling me for ‘round two’ in the ‘picket office’ saga at the moment, once again trying to remove me from my lawful protest at Stonehenge. I will challenge any application for a possession order through the courts. I will continue in my fight for a Judicial review for the return of our Guardians and I will attend the Public Inquiry to try and stop the imposition of the Traffic Regulatory Orders in and around Stonehenge and if the ‘fluffy bunnies’ wont to put it all down to my ego, let them, and if the would be activists and armchair advisors think I’m doing it all wrong, fine. But until they are prepared to do it themselves they are going to have to put up with me and my ego.
To that end I expect that you will probably see a lot more of me in the press in the coming months, “That’s just Arthur and his ego again” Well, if I can use my ego to highlight the cause and ultimately to win battles, what’s so wrong with that? What’s wrong is that I get all the glory and they get none, but wait a minute, isn’t that because I get off my arse and do something about it, and they don’t? There will be plenty of our Pagan Brothers and Sisters who say. I shouldn’t be talking to the Authorities, and/or I shouldn’t be challenging them. Shouldn’t get arrested, Shouldn’t do this, shouldn’t do that. Should I suppose, be more like them and ‘shouldn’t do anything’. But hey, that’s not in my nature is it? In the words of my muse and joint leader of our Stonehenge Grove-Onwards we Charge…..
Pity the same can not be said for the Pagan community, we are still ‘Bitching’ among ourselves at every opportunity. What gives him/her the right to speak for us, being the most often way of dismissing, those who do. Well if yesterdays’ meeting was anything to go by. The fact that they made the effort and turned up when no one else could be bothered is probably the answer to that. It’s exactly the same when someone like me, takes a court case, or puts themselves in line for arrest, or attends an Inquiry, the web is awash with armchair activists and would be advisors ready to decry anyone’s actions and right it off as nothing more than ego.
The Council are hassling me for ‘round two’ in the ‘picket office’ saga at the moment, once again trying to remove me from my lawful protest at Stonehenge. I will challenge any application for a possession order through the courts. I will continue in my fight for a Judicial review for the return of our Guardians and I will attend the Public Inquiry to try and stop the imposition of the Traffic Regulatory Orders in and around Stonehenge and if the ‘fluffy bunnies’ wont to put it all down to my ego, let them, and if the would be activists and armchair advisors think I’m doing it all wrong, fine. But until they are prepared to do it themselves they are going to have to put up with me and my ego.
To that end I expect that you will probably see a lot more of me in the press in the coming months, “That’s just Arthur and his ego again” Well, if I can use my ego to highlight the cause and ultimately to win battles, what’s so wrong with that? What’s wrong is that I get all the glory and they get none, but wait a minute, isn’t that because I get off my arse and do something about it, and they don’t? There will be plenty of our Pagan Brothers and Sisters who say. I shouldn’t be talking to the Authorities, and/or I shouldn’t be challenging them. Shouldn’t get arrested, Shouldn’t do this, shouldn’t do that. Should I suppose, be more like them and ‘shouldn’t do anything’. But hey, that’s not in my nature is it? In the words of my muse and joint leader of our Stonehenge Grove-Onwards we Charge…..
APRIL 2011
The World wide web and social networking sites in particular are awash with ‘Bitchcraft’ I said to someone recently that it was likened to ‘Peyton place’ or ‘Coronation street’, they replied yes, but Coronation street has better dialogue. Well sit-coms and TV drama have script writers, so that is only to be expected.
Take face book for instance, it’s part of the World wide web, does the rest of the world really wish to know what goes on behind closed doors? I think not.
And as for the Pagan community using it as a means to do their dirty washing in public, it’s about as tacky as the day time TV shows, yes you know the ones, cheap TV, let the public ‘bitch’ it out for free, saves paying actors.
Well I for one am not interested in who said what about whom and I’m certainly not interested in the latest crop of face book Drama Queens or their penchant for reporting each other to the police and other authorities, showing my age and class here but in my day we had a code of Honour and we called them ‘Copper’s Nark’s”
Let he/she who is without sin etc. Where do we as Pagans get the God/ess given right to judge and to make pronouncements? Don’t answer, it was a rhetorical question.
Let’s have less ‘Bitchcraft’ and more unity and let us include those of other faiths in the equation, for as I see it, there are only two types of people in this world, those that believe, and those that don’t. It doesn’t matter what you believe in, if you believe, you have part of the puzzle, a piece of the jigsaw.
A Rabbi once said that religion was like a pyramid, many faiths at the base but only one god at the apex. The closer you get to God/ess the apex, the closer you come to each other. So let’s stop the ‘Bitchcraft’ now and pull together for our mother earth. We The Loyal Arthurian Warband will. We shall fight for peace and guess what, as warriors, if we ever get it, we’re out of here. Until then, well. Onwards we charge…..
Take face book for instance, it’s part of the World wide web, does the rest of the world really wish to know what goes on behind closed doors? I think not.
And as for the Pagan community using it as a means to do their dirty washing in public, it’s about as tacky as the day time TV shows, yes you know the ones, cheap TV, let the public ‘bitch’ it out for free, saves paying actors.
Well I for one am not interested in who said what about whom and I’m certainly not interested in the latest crop of face book Drama Queens or their penchant for reporting each other to the police and other authorities, showing my age and class here but in my day we had a code of Honour and we called them ‘Copper’s Nark’s”
Let he/she who is without sin etc. Where do we as Pagans get the God/ess given right to judge and to make pronouncements? Don’t answer, it was a rhetorical question.
Let’s have less ‘Bitchcraft’ and more unity and let us include those of other faiths in the equation, for as I see it, there are only two types of people in this world, those that believe, and those that don’t. It doesn’t matter what you believe in, if you believe, you have part of the puzzle, a piece of the jigsaw.
A Rabbi once said that religion was like a pyramid, many faiths at the base but only one god at the apex. The closer you get to God/ess the apex, the closer you come to each other. So let’s stop the ‘Bitchcraft’ now and pull together for our mother earth. We The Loyal Arthurian Warband will. We shall fight for peace and guess what, as warriors, if we ever get it, we’re out of here. Until then, well. Onwards we charge…..
