7

WORKING TECHNIQUES

 

 

As we mentioned in the preface, these techniques should not be tried without learning something about them from a living person—if at all possible—unless you are already very experienced in S-M sexuality with your partner and you are just widening your repertoire. This book is not intended as a “training manual” for dominants, but rather a commentary from a magical perspective on various methods common in Sadean sexuality.

The number of separate techniques you can use in S-M sexuality is endless. This infinite variety has ensured that S-M is a sexuality in which there are a thousand virginities to be lost—and a thousand to be taken.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the apparent complexity of the techniques involved. However, it must be said that Carnal Alchemy can be readily worked by using the simple technique of a basic over-the-knee spanking if that is what works for the individual(s) involved. The complexity is a tool, but not a necessity.

This possibility of virtually infinite variety and novelty in the sexual life of individuals holds out the promise of great power when viewed from a magical angle. Also the fact that magic is a technology of hidden powers and S-M is a form of sexuality, which hinges on a very similar idea, makes them natural allies in the human quest to uncover the hidden avenues of life.

We must emphasize the absolute necessity for that empathetic link between the dominant and submissive. If this link or bond is present, almost any method can be used safely because the dominant is “in touch” with the feelings and reactions of the submissive, if it is not present, almost any technique can be dangerous. Also, although there are actually hundreds of methods to be mastered in a technical sense, if the magically forged empathetic bond has been formed by the dominants and are guided by that link in the application of every technique, they will be able to work successfully and safely with almost all techniques. Stay in touch with your submissive. This is necessary in recreational S-M, and it is doubly so in the practice of Carnal Alchemy.

To begin with there are six major types of techniques commonly used among Sadeans—any of which can be employed for Sado-Magical ends:

1. Bondage
2. Flagellation
3. Piercing
4. Penetration
5. Clamping
6. Temperature (heat/cold)

 

Combined with these six in one way or another is the seventh element of sexual stimulation, which holds them all together and gives them their transformative edge.

These basic techniques in no way exhaust the possibilities—which are indeed endless. But they form a basic repertoire by which the art of Sado-Magic can be practiced. To break things down into what are perhaps the most essential technical components, you must be able to use three basic stimuli: 1) quantum pain (the kind given in quanta [incremental], such as strokes of a whip or the quick insertion of a needle) 2) continuum pain (the kind which is continuous and long as the stimulus is applied, such as clamps or that which certain modes of bondage provide) and 3) sexual stimulation. In the right combination, applied with the complete knowledge of the individual subject’s responses and tolerances, these three become a Carnal Trinity, giving access to the realm beyond Heaven and Hell, beyond Pleasure and Pain.

BONDAGE

The purpose of bondage in Sado-Magic is manifold. It may be used to control the physical movement of the submissive so that when techniques involving pain are applied the submissive will be less likely to alter his or her position, causing an uncontrolled stroke or application.

A note should be added from the beginning that it is in the area of bondage where the greatest physical dangers lie in the area of S-M. Often among the public “bondage” is viewed as “maybe okay.” What otherwise unimaginative partners haven’t tied each other up for sex? But S-M—whipping, clamps, and so on—is viewed as “dangerous” or “sick.” In fact more injuries are likely to occur through accident or misapplication of technique when using the methods of bondage than when using more strict S-M techniques. There are true bondage “artists” who might spend hours tying up their submissives in intricate works of art made of flesh, rope, and chain. This form of bondage constitutes a special craft within the D/S subculture itself. But most of the real physical effects achieved by these art forms can be accomplished with little technical skill in a matter of seconds.

Basic forms of physical bondage can be achieved easily by using leather cuffs on the wrists and ankles with the possible addition of a collar around the neck. These objects, usually put on as a part of a ceremony within the ritual or session, in combination with snap hooks and short lengths of rope or chain, can then serve to bind the submissive in just about any possible position and do so in a quick and easy fashion. These are also discussed a bit more in chapter 8.

Submissives can be bound in place for punishments, or the bondage itself can be a form of training. Many submissives work well using great amounts of muscle tension that can be built up in forms of restraint where they are held virtually immobile. Seabrook’s “Dervish Dangling” is an example of how such bondage techniques are useful in and of themselves in magical operations.

One word of added warning: No submissive should be left in the chamber unattended while in bondage.

Beyond physical forms of bondage, there are some modes of working that might be referred to as “psychological bondage.” These are restrictions placed upon the behavior of the submissive by the dominant. These include various rules that might be given to submissives—that they must stand or walk in a certain way, must address the dominant in a certain manner, or they are not allowed to say certain things or to touch themselves without permission—and so on into infinity. These psychological restrictions placed on submissives as rules serve a special purpose of disciplining and focusing their minds on their status in the chamber. Given what was said in chapter 4 about the focus of the submissive’s attention on the physical, sexual, and emotional centers, it is most important that rules be created that will facilitate this focus in the submissive. Because these restrictions in behavior are focusing mechanisms, they can be sources of great magical power.

FLAGELLATION

The most classic forms of quantum pain are provided by flagellation: spanking, paddling, strapping, whipping, and caning. These are listed in ascending order of difficulty to master.

The simplest kind of flagellation is the slap of an open palm on the bare bottom cheek—and it is amazing how much such a simple act can fire the imagination. In fact this (at least formerly popular) form of parental discipline can be quite pain-ful—but is unlikely to cause harm or injury. In Sadean activity it is now used as a sort of “warm up” phase for more severe things—although there is also a dedicated following totally devoted to this one act. Traditionally spanking is done over the knee or lap of the spanker (either sitting on the side of a bed or on an armless chair), or the one receiving the spanking can be bent over a chair or kneel on a bed. In an equally traditional fashion the victim is never bound for a spanking. Submissives must hold their positions of their own wills—although kicking of the legs is sometimes unavoidable. A spanking can go on for a long time and is usually delivered with fast strokes of the palm of the hand. The pain of a spanking is allowed to build and build—until the submissive can bear no more. The process can be repeated often.

The most traditional type of institutionalized corporal punishment in the United States during this century was the paddle—usually made of wood. The paddle can be very effectively used in Sadean sessions to deliver “quanta” of pain. This instrument can be made of wood or leather and be either of the elongated rectangular shape (so popular in American fraternities and elsewhere) or of the more rounded “ping-pong” variety. Paddles are almost exclusively used on the buttocks of the submissive.

Leather straps can also be used for flagellation, of course. The simplest form of this would be provided by the belt—another favorite of “traditional discipline.” More elaborate kinds of straps are also used (such as the tawse or “prison strap”). With spanking and paddling the dominant does not have to worry about “wraparound”—that is, the unintentional wrapping of the ends of the instrument being used around the side of the body, buttocks, or legs of the submissive. This can result in uncontrolled and overly severe impacts of the instrument at the tips. Such technical difficulties must be foreseen and learned about firsthand. Dominants only want to deliver just the quanta of pain they intend to deliver—no more and no less. Straps can be used on the back, buttocks, and legs of the submissive.

Whips come in an almost infinite variety. Some are simple to use, such as the quirt or riding crop, while others are extremely difficult—the ultimate being the bullwhip. The best common source for good whips is the local equestrian shop—although there are many extremely fine whip-makers in the S-M or Leather community as well. (Some of these can be found in the Resources section of this book.) Depending on the type of whip, they can be used on any part of the body, from the back to the most tender and vulnerable areas. Whips can also be made to give an almost infinite variety of sensation, from a cutting bite that can break the skin to a light tingling kiss.

Of the basic types of flagellation mentioned here, caning is the most difficult of the methods to master. Its effects can be very severe on the flesh of the submissive. A cane can be made of (kooboo) rattan or bamboo, be from an eighth to a quarter of an inch in diameter, and usually be anywhere between twenty and thirty-two inches in length. Canelike instruments made of synthetic material have recently become popular due to the fact that they can be cleaned of any body fluids. The cane was the instrument of choice for corporal punishment in British and Continental schools and penal institutions during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The submissive is traditionally bound, most preferably over a wooden “horse” for the application of the cane. This is one instrument that absolutely should not be tried without guidance.

From a Sadean perspective it is only important that you have a way of delivering pain to your submissive in quanta of sufficient intensity so that his or her body will begin to release endorphins. For this, flagellation is the most traditional, most reliable, and probably the safest method.

PIERCING

There is something powerful about the symbolism of yielding, supple flesh being pierced by hard, cold steel. The great Japanese writer, Yukio Mishima, wrote that he had his first orgasm when he first looked upon an image of St. Sebastian with the martyr’s flesh pierced with arrows.

It must be said from the outset that piercing can be dangerous and should only be tried by experienced and knowledgeable people. Safe practice is a special concern when it comes to breaking the skin. Piercing is only to be done with sterile needles. These needles must always be the types that are made to pierce living flesh. Do not use sewing needles, pins, and so on! These are far too dull. In these times proper needles can be hard to find. Some remote pharmacies carry them, but the most likely source nowadays might be veterinary supply or feed stores. Needles used for permanent piercings can also be used for temporary ones, of course. Areas of the body that can be pierced temporarily are basically those that are often permanently pierced—the nipples, labia, skin of the penis, and scrotum. Once the needles are inserted, weights can be hung from them, or line attached to them to give some tension to the area of pierced skin. Here we see a modern reflection of the shamanic rites of the Plains Indians mentioned in chapter 2.

Needles can be inserted into the flesh, creating a “human pincushion” effect. Such piercings can be made to be no more painful than a shot in the doctor’s office—although slow insertions are substantially more painful than quick ones! Also piercing the skin just below the surface is, of course, considerably more painful than direct vertical entry. A safety warning here, however: consult with a doctor (some are sympathetic) or a textbook on anatomy and physiology to determine the areas of the body that can be safely pierced in this way. Nerve pathways can be damaged easily. The sciatic nerve, which runs down the center of each buttock and down the center of the back of each thigh, must be avoided at all costs. Damage to this nerve can lead to chronic pain and disability! As with all techniques, if you aren’t sure how to do it—don’t!

Most permanent piercings may seem more readily classified in the area of cosmetics than as a Sadean technique. However, as exemplified in Story of O such piercings (and even brandings) can serve symbolic purposes in the aesthetic life of the Sadean. To be true symbols they must be the result of piercings done without anesthetic, and done in a ritual setting. Popular areas of the anatomy to be pierced in this way include the nipples, labia, (majora and minora), and a wide variety of possible penile and scrotal piercings.

PENETRATION

Penetration of the bodily orifices—especially the vagina and anus—are acts usually considered a part of vanilla sex. However, such penetrations are extremely useful in a Sadean context. First of all it must be remembered that sexual excitement—the transformative Fire—is essential to the Working of Carnal Alchemy. This can be and usually is present in submissives without genital or anal contact. Yet such penetrations (often with a dildo or other artificial device) can facilitate such excitement. But the true Sadean use of such penetrations comes in when such penetrations are made painful, at least initially, due to the size or surface texture of the object being inserted, or made humiliating in some way. Submissives may be trained to take larger and larger objects into their orifices—each time stretching them a bit more, each time causing them to have to struggle with the pain of the insertion. Since, as a rule, for these penetrations to be successful the submissive has to “give in” to the experience—and literally “open up” to accept the violation of the dominant—this technique is powerful both symbolically and physically.

Penetrations can indeed evoke a sense of “violation” and extreme vulnerability in the submissive. For this reason such methods are especially valuable to use on male submissives because they are not penetrated in vanilla sex and may not have this sense otherwise.

Perhaps the ultimate experience in this type of penetration is the act known as “fisting” in which a dominant will thrust an entire hand and often forearm into the vagina or rectum of a submissive. This is often a painful and dangerous technique and requires in-depth training for both persons.

CLAMPING

Under the general category of “clamping” we would place any technique that restricts the blood supply to or from various areas of the body. One of the basic ways to accomplish this is with rope, cord, line, rubber tubing, rubber bands, and so forth—applied to areas such as the female breasts or the male genitals. This method causes swelling in these erogenous zones but is rarely painful in and of itself. However, once the binding is complete, the areas in question are well presented and sensitized for further punishments.

More strictly speaking, clamps are devices used to pinch small areas of flesh. These can be light or quite severe. Such clamps may be obtained commercially, or a hardware or variety store can be an innovative source for such equipment. Everything from clothespins to alligator clips and battery clamps (available in a diabolical array in neighborhood electronic shops) can be used. These are most commonly applied to the nipples. A word of warning: Do not apply these devices right on the tip of the nipple—the “bite” of the clap should come just behind the nipple on the aureola. Clothespins can be applied all over the body—anywhere there is enough supple skin for them to hold.

As a rule, such clamps are more painful coming off than they are either going on or while they are in place. They should not be left on for very long. The dominant should check the circulation in the clamped area frequently. If the flesh becomes numb or cold and pale/blue, the clamps should be removed immediately.

Weights can also be hung from the clamps and clips of this kind. These will add to the tension and incrementally increase the pain. The use of clamps and weights is perhaps the best way of delivering continuous pain to your submissive in a controlled and safe way (as long as the submissive’s neurovascular and circulatory status in the clamped area is checked frequently).

TEMPERATURE

The application of heat to the skin of the submissive can be a powerful symbolic act as well as being a dramatic kind of pain. The most common mode of delivering heat to the skin comes in the form of hot wax. The easiest and safest way to do this is by dripping wax from a lit candle onto the skin surface. The further away the candle is from the skin the cooler the wax will be when it hits the skin’s surface. To increase the heat and the intensity of the sensation just bring the candle closer to skin. Candles made of softer wax melt at lower temperatures, and wax from them is therefore not as hot. So-called “dripless” candles (which can be made to drip) are not recommended, and beeswax candles are to be avoided as their wax can actually burn the skin.

In general the use of candle wax is safe and can be quite effective. The only drawback is that it tends to make a mess and be unaesthetic after the waxing is done.

A more advanced technique, not to be tried by beginners, is the use of hot needles, or as we romantically refer to it, “Devil Fire.” Ideal for this technique are those needles used for dissection purposes in biology labs. They are available in scientific supply stores. Suitable and perhaps more aesthetic versions can also be fashioned from sewing needles (at least two inches long) set in the ends of wooden dowels. These are to be heated and then applied to the skin. At first only the points of them should be lightly touched on the surface of the flesh. Then at more advanced stages the hot metal can be laid lengthwise on the skin. If the needles are heated to high temperatures the burns caused by them will leave scars that will last from a few weeks to many months. Do not heat the needles in candle flames. Use only a clean burning flame. This is most easily obtained from the use of jelly fuels, of the kind used for camping or fondue pots.

The application of objects that are very cold to the skin of a submissive can often have effects very similar to those of heat. Ice cubes or metal objects (such as chains, needles, and so on that have been frozen in a freezer) will do for this technique. Interesting physical effects may be generated by oscillating between hot and cold objects.

A sensation very close to that of heat and cold is often created by various mentholated ointments, tiger balsam, peppermint oil, powdered ginger, and so on. These are applied directly to the skin; only those substances that are safe to ingest orally should be placed in or around the mucous membranes of the urethra, vulva, or anus. Many “sports rubs” with ingredients such as methyl salicylate should never be used in those areas.

Other major areas of interest often explored by Sado-Magicians and Shamans might include enemas, sensory deprivation, electricity, asphyxiation, catheterization, cutting/scarification, branding, suspension, golden showers, corseting, “forced” cross-dressing, tickling, abrasion, public humiliation . . .

The reason any technique is used is always twofold. First, it can be simply arousing or exciting to the people involved—thus it can help fulfill the requirement in sexual magic that excitement be raised to the highest levels—regardless of methods. But on the other level, on the more particularly Sado-Magical level, methods are to be applied that are difficult for the one suffering them to bear. Barriers must be broken; thresholds of pain and pleasure must be crossed, violated, and transformed. In this there can arise a problem. With regard to the use of painful stimuli in magic a German expert on sexual magic, Frater U D, has stated

Physical pain tends to dull the senses in the long run, so that stimuli have to be increased incessantly. This may quite easily lead to grave bodily harm, not to mention the fact that it can become downright addictive and lead to a kindled frenzy not very easily mastered. Furthermore, such practices usually involve a great deal of paraphernalia, precise dramatizing, and plenty of physical and psychological energy . . .¹

These words are very true. Lucretius, an epicurean Roman philosopher of the first century BCE, pointed out that pleasure, not pain, is the natural state of the body. The body is equipped with natural chemical mechanisms for alleviating pain, and humans only have a limited capacity to suffer pain until it is either turned to pleasure or is anesthetized through numbness. Our capacity for pleasure, however, can be made infinite. Since all of this is true, special practices must be observed to ensure that thresholds of endurance remain at manageable levels.

This is accomplished in two ways. First, within a session, you can vary your methods. Don’t keep using flagellation until the pain tolerances have built up so high that you have to use a Russian knout to get the physiological results you desire. Use flagellation until high tolerance is reached, then switch to another technique—the application of heat or clamps, for example. Later you can return to a flagellation technique with renewed effects.

For most people you will find that although their Sado-Magical tolerances for one type of pain may be high, they are no more than average with another. Even within a given technique this may be true. Some may adore the sensation of the cane but find that of the leather strap almost unbearable.

The second way to manage thresholds of endurance over a longer time span is to refrain from engaging in S-M activities at all for a while. If you are lucky enough to be in a relationship with someone who can be both dominant and submissive, you may consider a periodic switch of roles in order to manage this potential problem.

Here we have purposefully not discussed psychological techniques. As delicate as the physical techniques are to master effectively, the psychological ones make them pale by comparison. By “psychological techniques” we mean everything from the personas the dominant might assume and the ones they demand of their submissives to the verbal symbolism used in the chamber.

It is perhaps in this area of psychological methodology where the greatest number of mistakes is made. A misplaced whip-stroke is much less harmful in any lasting way than a misplaced word or symbol. The best way to avoid these problems and at the same time take advantage of the power provided through the use of such psychological techniques is to communicate extensively with your partner outside the chamber. Find out what words, phrases, gestures, and so forth, excite arousal, shame, humiliation. . . . Then discover whether these feelings are, in fact, detrimental to the experience of the submissive. Once these things are discovered, the dominant can act accordingly.

The communication necessary for this level of activity is assured through the proper use of the “Triskelion Process” or “Triskelion Game.” Find out what excites your partner and what his or her fantasies are. Then you will have a much better idea as to whether he or she wants to be shamed or humiliated, and if so, how.