Druid leader condemns Just Stop Oil’s ‘random attention-seeking’ after Stonehenge stunt

Druids and witches have united to criticize Just Stop Oil for allegedly throwing orange powder on the sacred Stonehenge before the summer solstice.

Two Just Stop Oil activists are accused of stone-pelting the ancient site on Wednesday – the day before thousands of witches, pagans and visitors arrive to celebrate the longest day of the year.

The alleged attack was condemned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Adrian Rooke, 66, a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids for over 20 years, said The independent Druids sympathize with Just Stop Oil’s message, but criticize its tactics.

“We know we have to come together collectively as a species if we want to have a future,” he said.

“But these random acts of attention seeking, like the painting of King Charles and Stonehenge, don’t get support.

“It may impress people who are firmly in their camp, but it causes anxiety and annoyance in many other people who might sympathize with their ideals. We do not tolerate random acts of vandalism.

An English Heritage spokesperson said the orange powder had already been removed but could still have a detrimental impact by eroding the stone and damaging the lichen.

The organization had no comment on security for tonight’s summer solstice, the biggest event in the Druid calendar.

But Mr Rooke warned of further measures, having fought against Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s to have the site opened to the public.

He said: “If you put a big glass bubble on top of Stonehenge and you have to look at it from afar. You don’t get the sensual experience you get from being there, having the freedom to sit and touch gently. I wouldn’t want any more restrictions, it would be counterproductive.”

He said the summer solstice is the only day of the year when people can “connect with the stones and have a good relationship.”

“There are very strict rules against bringing water or fire to bless the circle. You can’t even touch the stones – it’s already gone too far,” he said.

He said he would “sing, dance and rejoice” this summer solstice.

He added: “It’s food for the soul. It’s going to be beautiful and they won’t stop us or Stonehenge. It will outlive Just Stop Oil and many other things – maybe even us one day.

“Druidism teaches us to live day by day, to seek what is good in the world rather than evil, and to appreciate the gifts and blessings we have in this little life we ​​lead.”

Self-proclaimed witch Sarah Kerr, 44, president of the Pagan Federation, said many pagans were furious about the protest, with some calling for prison sentences for those involved.

She said The independent: “I was heartbroken. It’s not just the act itself, it’s the thoughtlessness behind it.

“Although they say the paint is harmless, they don’t know it. This ecosystem could be devastated by what they did.

She called on Just Stop Oil not to take any further action at the site, adding: “I think pagans are very protective about things that are important to them. They will stop (the protesters). I expect them to form a circle around the stones and create a human barrier.

“What would have happened if they had attacked the Church of England before Easter?

“We would support their cause, but actions like this have alienated almost the entire community. They attack the arts and areas of spiritual importance – it won’t hurt the oil industry. »

A 73-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman have been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, damaging an ancient monument and dissuading a person from committing a crime. lawful activity.