Shadoran

The Shadoran Movement is a social and environmental movement based on a philosophy and ideals of simple living, local economies, and self-sufficiency.

Overview

Those involved often call themselves Eco-warriors. The principle or slogan regularly used in debates is "I’m not only a tree hugger but an air breather just like you." (Scott Zirus - 2007, Australia Day March, Perth)

It incorporates numerous different ideals that thread through most cultures and religions, especially indigenous or tribal based societies. Most members of the Shadoran Movement believe that the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural subsistence gave rise to social stratification, coercion, and alienation. The process of reversing this socialization is referred to in Shavox (the Shadoran conlang) as Rein Tavin (to re-introduce). This is a personal journey aimed at eventually living a lifestyle closer to the original hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Shadorans endeavor to create social change through non-violent terms and setting examples as they believe the only person whom you have any control over is yourself. They try to avoid genetically modified produce or those that contain artificial additives, colors, or flavorings. They believe that because these elements don’t belong to nature they shouldn’t enter their bodies. They live by the slogan ‘the wilderness is our future’ They abide by the rule that simpler is better, quality not quantity. They have no cultural concept of the value of money and believe that the ability to give is more important then the need to receive. They draw inspiration not only from tribal lifestyle, but from a booklet entitled Dair Shoron (The Introduction).

Shadoran at times is called "a way of life," or "way of thinking," and has little, if any, religious element. It’s considered a sub-culture because a member of the movement can remain belonging to a religion or culture.

Shadoran has a small, but steady following with masses of ‘like minded people’ who share the same values. Their aim is to create a network of people who can support each other in their journeys of self discovery and development to live a life more in balance with nature.

In the media

On October 23, 2009 the movement leader, Scott Zirus, was arrested by the F.B.I. on accusations, from multiple parties, of molesting children in the United States. On April 16, 2010, Scott Zirus entered a guilty plea in a Kerrville, Texas court. In a plea deal reached with prosecutors, Zirus agreed to a 40 year prison term with a non-parole period of twenty years.