The Governing Body
We, the members of the Governing Body of the Druidical Order of the Golden Dawn, exist to lead the DOGD in order to perform the work of teaching, promoting, fostering, preserving, and developing the DOGD, its work, and its curriculum The Celtic Golden Dawn (CGD), and directly related works of John Michael Greer including The Encyclopedia of Natural Magic, The Coelbren Alphabet, The Mysteries of Merlin, The Litany of the Tree of Life, and any future magic curriculum or practices compatible with the Order’s work and the CGD. To increase and encourage opportunities to aid members and each other in magical growth; provide a forum for the discussion of problems, requirements and goals, use our individual, collective, and leadership skills in ways that will strengthen the Order and build a superior level of confidence performing the work of the Order. We, the Governing Body, in turn shall ensure our professional and personal demeanor is such, as to guarantee the rights, privileges and responsibilities for all members of the Order in good standing in accordance with our Bylaws. We affirm, both jointly and individually, that we will strive to place the reputation and core values of the Order above our own personal interests in performing our duties and carrying out our obligations.
Our Governing body consists of four Archdruids.
Chief Archdruid - Dean Smith
I’m a longtime member and leader of several western esoteric and fraternal communities and have been studying and practicing ceremonial magic for over 15 years, getting my start in traditional Golden Dawn magic. I joined the DOGD as an Aspirant in 2014, initiated into the Ovate Grade in 2015, the Bardic Grade in 2018, and the Druid Grade in 2021. I’m also a 32nd degree Freemason (Grand Lodge of the state of California, and Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction), as well as a Bardic Grade member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD). Aside from practicing Druid magic, I love to spend my time studying Golden Dawn and Druid History, harassing and embarrassing my children and grandchildren, being ever grateful to my wonderful wife, and collecting as many vinyl records as I can fit into my Druidical man cave.
Archdruid and Chief Druid - Pauline
My journey began with the Druidical Order of the Golden Dawn (DOGD) in June 2013, initiated Ovate in early 2014. Continued on in the Bardic Grade to Initiation in 2016, and then became an initiated Druid in late in 2020. I have been a member of the Governing Body for the last 3 years and will continue for as long as I am capable and willing. All being Well. I am located in Western Australia, living on the edge of the beautiful Indian Ocean, the blueprint of early work as an Aspirant being added to in time, enriching all on strong foundations, giving flow to move into the Druid Grade. My life has been and still is being enriched since I joined DOGD. Being a member of the GB has given me the opportunity to expand on rituals for all members in addition to their own studies. Once I was an initiated druid, an inner expansion allowed all to move as the crest of waves, continuously with a bit of turbulence of the strong winds, it is fun with lots of reading, rituals with more study. As a member of the governing body of DOGD we work as a team, working to give our members extra curriculum to suit their grades and enhancing their development and experience. I am always grateful to the founders of The Druidical Order of the Golden Dawn – Sara and John Michael Greer. And to Dean, Steve and Val of the governing body. Thank you. Welcome to all prospective new members.
Archdruid and Chief Bard - Steve Thomas
Steve began practicing magic in 2013, beginning with the work of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn but transitioning to the DOGD once The Celtic Golden Dawn was released. He spent his time since then in intensive study and practice of Western magic and astrology, Neoplatonism and occult philosophy, and esoteric Christianity, as well as Taoist philosophy and movement arts such as qigong and taijiquan. In addition to his work with the DOGD Steve practices astrology and divination and writes about occultism and esoteric Christianity. His books include The Book of Sacramental Magic and its follow-ups, The Sacramental Magic of Advent and The Sacramental Magic of Easter.
Archdruid and Chief Ovate - Val Seleznev
Val has been practicing, studying, and teaching Yoga and Reiki for more than a decade before joining the order. In parallel, he was developing a great interest in permaculture, ecology, and long-term sustainability. Discovering Druidry allowed him to bring all these interests together into a whole while, at the same time, becoming increasingly interested in the western esoteric methods. Val joined DOGD in 2017 and, since then, Celtic Golden Dawn has been his spiritual home.
