In the past decade there has been a new insurgence of Pagan Activists. As other world religions become more accepted, the Faiths of Abraham, with an estimated 3.6 billion followers, has slowly been losing their monopoly of religious rights. It is once again safe for Pagans to poke their heads out of their holes and to crawl out from under their rocks to openly practice their "unconventional" faiths. Not only have Pagans gained ground in equal opportunity, but many are fighting to recover their ancient sites, temples, and areas of wonder.

    The Council of British Druid Orders, known as The Council for short, is an organization founded in 1989 that attempts to unify Druid sects in an effort to maintain their religious rites and teach Druidism to the 21st century. The Council is currently composed of over thirty different groups and orders including the ADF and The Henge of Keltria, Irish Druidism Associations that represent a good chunk of Pagans in America. The Council itself is a half a dozen men and women that vary in tasks and positions, including the now famous King Arthur Pendragon (or once famous, considering John Rothwell believes he is the reincarnation of the classical British King).

    Mr. Pendragon, who holds the title of Battlechieftain under The Council, caught his fifteen minutes of fame earlier this month with his ten month long sit-in near Stonehenge. Pendragon was representing the Druid Community in an attempt to grant better access to the five-thousand year old monument. Pendragon, and many other activists, have grown angry with the lack of care for the stone circle as a temple (there have been many proposals passed throughout the years for the care of Stonehenge that have not been honored) and the increased dismantle of the area as Britain cashes in on it's number one attraction.

    Archaeologists report that the area might have been used for worship as far back as 8000 BC, and although the builders of Stonehenge still remain a mystery to date, it is a known fact that the ancient Druids had adopted the large stones for ceremony and worship centuries ago. The Ancient Order of Druids are known for the first recorded Pagan Ceremony at Stonehenge in 1905. However, in more recent years the use of Stonehenge has become more and more controlled as it's popularity as a tourist attraction has grown. Now a fence separates visitors from coming in contact with the ancient stones.

    King Arthur claims he's not leaving until he is removed or his demands are met. The Wiltshire Council, which is in charge of the care of Stonehenge, failed to act on a legal order to remove Pendragon on the 3rd of May. Does this spell new Pagan Rights for the Druid Orders?

    Related Links: BBC News: Pagan vows to stay at Stonehenge, The Guardian: Stonehenge pagan ordered to end 10-month protest, Pagan Connection: King Arthur Pendragon protests at Stonehenge