Ritual Use of Sado-masochism in Magick

The acronyms S/M (for Sado-Masochism), B/D (for Bondage & Discipline), and D/s (for Domination & submission), all describe various delineations of the techniques that encompass the practice of using psychological Dominance and submission, physical bondage, the pain/pleasure dynamic and various related practices to consensually bring about ecstatic states of mind or sexual gratification. S/m, as with other socially unaccepted practices, has its own set of lingo that revolves around it. I will define a few of the terms that will be used throughout this section..

1. Dominant, Dom, Domme, One or Top are terms to describe Who is handling the application of S/M techniques upon Their working partner. For the most part, the Dom/me is responsible for creating the gnosis in Their partner and also for the overall safety of the working. The Dom/me is the Wielder of power, the Artist Who creates magick and ecstasy through the arts of S/M that They have Mastered. 2. sub, submissive, one or bottom is the person who has the techniques of S/M worked upon them. The sub is the conduit of power, the canvas with which the Dom/me creatively or artistically brings forth magickal manifestation.

A good metaphor put forth by Stephen Flowers in "Carnal Alchemy" is that the Dom/me is the Alchemist and the sub is the base metal that will be transformed into gold. Turning pain into pleasure, powerlessness into empowerment.

3. A Scene within S/m circles is defined as a session wherein S/m techniques are practiced to create sexual gratification and ecstasy in the Pparticipants. S/M scenes are in most every respect rituals without the added empowerment of well thought out symbolism and/or imprinting.

Though many S/m scenes I've observed or participated in would not be considered magickal rituals they have had obvious magickal and psychologically sound results in the areas of illumination and breaking past fears, cathartic release, etc..

Let's now discuss various reasons for utilizing S/m or related techniques within a magickal context.

Nicholas Gander in an article entitled "Scourging in Witchcraft", which appeared in a IOT in-house magazine THE KAOS MAGICK JOURNAL (Summer '94) and has been reprinted in the latest issue of WIDDERSHINS, outlines four potential aims for utilizing scourging in Witchcraft, each of them being applicable to S/m Magick as well. I will expound on these aims:

1. "To achieve altered states of consciousness repeatedly and reliably."

As magick Uusers, what Wwe are interested in is the utilization of S/M techniques to bring about a state of gnosis/trance or no mind to create a magickal outcome in either Oourselves or the world around Uus. Primarily this kind of gnosis falls into what Peter J. Carroll calls a excitatory mode of gnosis. Though techniques such as bondage and the use of blindfolds, hoods, earplugs, etc. are techniques that are classically inhibitory, and are used well within rites of a death oriented nature, they are more often than not, in S/M, utilized as a means to strengthen alternate senses that are being excited or stimulated.

By mastering various techniques of S/m, and through experience, a magick Uuser can apply these techniques to effect with safety and reliability.

Oone must keep in mind that there are various safety concerns in practicing such techniques and therefore the techniques should be thoroughly researched and integrated through diligent practice.

2. "To strengthen the ability to move psychic energy (information/ biological signals) throughout the body and increase the potential energy, which the Mmagician is able to handle and manipulate at any one time."

This ability is necessary to Tthose that practice Tantra, internal martial arts such as Tai Chi, Ki Gong, etc. The technique of utilizing the mind to affect the biological being has been proven effective through the use of biofeedback, hypnotism and NLP.

3. "To ritually turn even adversity to advantage, retaining flexibility in discomfort."

This concept is similar to Pete Carroll putting forth anathemism as a technique to liberation of the mind of the magician. To explore and face that which frightens, disgusts or is painful to Ooneself has a side effect of illuminating the Mmagicians' mind to the fact that these feelings and emotions are only constructs of the mind. Preconceptions are destroyed when the Mmagician overcomes the obstacles of fear and pain and realizes how resilient the body and mind are in overcoming such situations.

There seems to be a similar concept within some martial arts and survivalist training. These disciplines train the Sstudents to not give up in the face of adversity. With proper training and practice the mind and body can overcome situations where it would seem easier to give up or throw in the towel. Pushing Oone's mental and physical limits through S\M experiences 00 empowers the Mmagician to feel increasingly more confident to make decisions unfettered by meaningless fear and strengthens Oone's fortitude and resolve in overcoming obstacles that could sabotage Oone's desires.

It is one thing to react to stimulation or pain, whether external or internal, through instinct and another to acknowledge the process through which the body reacts and manipulate it through mental technique. S/m, when properly applied, familiarizes the Pparticipants with Ttheir bodies' and minds' reactions and allows Tthem to harness it to gnostic effect. Proper application of S/m techniques allows the Pparticipants to learn how to reach progressively stronger states of gnosis and apply them effectively.

The practice of inducing pain in the form of whipping, paddling, clamps, etc. is a means of utilizing external stimulation to induce biological reactions that create gnosis through release of endorphins. This is very similar to the state of mind accessed by runners and other athletes after approx. 45 minutes of exertion or 45 minutes of energy raising in preparation of ritual.

Domination & submission -
Power exchange and humiliation