Since we are not an organization, coven, or grove we do not have
any regular meeting times. But watch The Witches' Voice, Christopher Penczak's website and emails for Lap
of the Goddess, and the Society of Elder Faiths for information when the banner is to appear.
The Marshalls and many of those that now march with us are members of the newly formed
Sons of Hermes Coven, though, as well as other such groups.
So far
we have appeared only at the GLBT Pride Parade in Boston, MA, for the past 5 years, only. We do this so that the
Pagan community whether they are Gay men, Lesbians, Bisexual or Trangendered or a supporter of their right to the
same treatment as any other human being in our society, can have a way of showing that 1) we care about them, 2) so
that we can show our numbers that are willing to stand for the cause that we support.
Our banner features a large
pentacle in the center with a coiled rainbow snake emblematic of the earth and the diversity of the earth and the
words taken from the American Revolutionary War "Don't Tread On Me." as we will support the rights of
those that we support as well as our own right to worship as we please the Deity, or deities we woship.
On the right of the banner is the "Nile Goddess" with her arms uplifted to embrace the world and the words from Doreen
Valiente's "The Charge of the Goddess"- "All acts of Love and of Pleasure are Her rituals."
This is a proclamation of Love for all, in keeping with the Wiccan Rede.
About the Sons of Hermes: Sons of Hermes Coven is a teaching coven of eclectic
male and transgendered Witches from a variety of backgrounds that are working to connect with the male aspect of the
Deities. A trinity of Gods from Classical times serve as our main source of guidance and understanding. The Goddess
has come now into here own and now the Horned God will be placed with veneration and equality beside the Gracious Goddess
and men will stand as willing equals of women not as masters, through the Desire, Eloquence and Strength of these male deities
that were honored in the places where men met and loved one another, honoring the divine spark that dwells inside of each
of us that is both female and male.
History:
The banner was created in June of 2004 and first appeared in the Boston GLBT
Pride Parade, that year. It was an attempt to get Pagans of all pursuasions together behind one banner.
Not being
an organization we do not have a tax-free status. Fortunately we have had friends that helped out with the expennse
of the entrance fee for the Parade. Since then we have been able to march in every parade. Each year we do an
invocation of Athena, Aphrodite, and Hermes.
2004: The first appearance of the Independent Pagans of New England
banner. We were greeted with cheers and excitement as we passed. Many times we would here those on the sidelines
calling "Blessed Be." and "It's the Pagans.".
2005: Again we were warmly received
by the crowds that lined the route of the Parade, and again received the same greetings of the crowds. We marched despite
the grueling heat of the day. This year we had Christopher Penczak join with us.
2006: This year
was the year of "the deluge". Never before had Pride Day gone on when it was raining so hard. This,
though, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds that lined the streets. This year the Society of Elder Faiths marched
as a separate group but with us just the same. We had the lowest attendence of any parade. Maureen Reddington-Wilde
joined us briefly to invoke Aphrodite, in the ancient dialect of Lesbos, Greece.
2007: Though the skies
were threatening, the rain by-passed us (with a little magickal nudge), and again we were warmly received by those on the
sidelines.
Maureen again joined us, invoking the Hellenic deities, as well as Aphrodite, on Ancient Greek, and in the
dialect of Lesbos. As the knowledge of our banner has grown, we had people that had found us from Lap of the Goddess,
and through our announcement in The Witches' Voice. We were able to participate through generosity of Christopher Penczak.
Because of this years repeated calls from the sidelines and at the Festival on City Hall Plaza, we now have a website.
2008: Was a damp year
as well, but that did not dampen our spirits as we marched the route. We were welcomed warmly along the way and the
skies, though cloudy and occasionally drizzly, did not stop any of us.
2009:
This year we had the largest turn out ever, with several covens, groves and individuals represented. We had fine warm
weather, the best all that month, for the day. It was a welcome change from the previous years.
2010: We had a good turnout this year. We had 20 some people marching with
us. It was a good day for the most part. Spirits were high, and all went well, despite a rude group behind us
that started chanting when I was evoking the gods for all of our benefits. As we marched the clouds rolled in and a few drops
of rain fell as we marched up Boyleston Street. Then it stopped, but Zeus was not throuh with the rain. As we
marched down Beacon Street after passing the State House, we had a heavy shower that thoroughly soaked us. We all took
it in stride though and I even quipped loudly, "Thank you for attending this group shower." to a lot of laughs.
It was a memorable end to the banner.
2011: This year we will be marching in association with The Temple of Witchcraft,
who will help fund the banner's appearance. This was our last year
carrying our banner. In 2011 the torch is passed to the Temple of Witchcraft.
