Secular Order of Druids
Encyclopedia
The Secular Order of Druids or SODs emerged after the violent clashes between police and public surrounding the Stonehenge Free Festival
in June 1984/85. The establishment determined to shut the festival down with an exclusion zone and aggressive policing resulting in the Battle of the Beanfield
.
Founder of the SODs, Tim Sebastion created the order using the druid's customary rights to perform ceremonies at Stonehenge, making a humorous but political point that everyone should have a customary right to freedom of worship, to freedom of movement, and to freedom of assembly
at Stonehenge
as ancient tradition.
Their secular nature is non-religious. The Order are concerned with worldly natural spirituality.
Tim went on to found the Council of British Druid Orders (COBDO). Working with the Secular Order and other Druid Orders he set the Council to be a representative body who could liaise with other organisations such as the National Trust
and English Heritage
. He was instrumental in the 1992 Petition to the Queen for the establishing of an English National Eisteddfod.
Tim Sebastion was chosen as Chief of the SODs by the members. Up till his death in February 2007 he represented the Secular Order as Arch Druid and Chosen Chief.
Stonehenge Free Festival
The Stonehenge Free Festival was a British free festival from 1972 to 1984 held at Stonehenge in England during the month of June, and culminating on the summer solstice on June 21. The festival was a celebration of various alternative cultures...
in June 1984/85. The establishment determined to shut the festival down with an exclusion zone and aggressive policing resulting in the Battle of the Beanfield
Battle of the Beanfield
The Battle of the Beanfield took place over several hours on the afternoon of Saturday 1 June 1985 when Wiltshire Police prevented a vehicle convoy of several hundred new age travellers, known as "The Convoy" and referred to in the media as the "Peace Convoy" from setting up at the 11th Stonehenge...
.
Founder of the SODs, Tim Sebastion created the order using the druid's customary rights to perform ceremonies at Stonehenge, making a humorous but political point that everyone should have a customary right to freedom of worship, to freedom of movement, and to freedom of assembly
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of assembly, sometimes used interchangeably with the freedom of association, is the individual right to come together and collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests...
at Stonehenge
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks...
as ancient tradition.
Their secular nature is non-religious. The Order are concerned with worldly natural spirituality.
Tim went on to found the Council of British Druid Orders (COBDO). Working with the Secular Order and other Druid Orders he set the Council to be a representative body who could liaise with other organisations such as the National Trust
National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as the National Trust, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
and English Heritage
English Heritage
English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
. He was instrumental in the 1992 Petition to the Queen for the establishing of an English National Eisteddfod.
Tim Sebastion was chosen as Chief of the SODs by the members. Up till his death in February 2007 he represented the Secular Order as Arch Druid and Chosen Chief.