Ritual Use of Sadomasochism in Magick

Ritual Use of Sadomasochism in Magick *Excerpt from seminars presented in the USA & UK* copyright by dagon productions
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 unacceptable practices, has it's own set of lingo that revolves around it. I will define a few of the terms that will be used throughout this presentation.. 1. Dominant, Dom 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 is responsible for creating the gnosis in their partner and also for the overall safety of the working. The Dom 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 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 creatively or artistically brings forth magical manifestation. A good metaphor put forth by Stephen Flowers in "Carnal Alchemy" is that the Dom 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 participants. S/M scenes are in most every respect rituals without the added impowerment 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 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 magical 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 magicians we 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 ourselves or the world around us. 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 magician can apply these techniques to effect with safety and reliability.
One 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 magician is able to handle and manipulate at any one time." This ability is similar to those 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 oneself has a side of effect of illuminating the magicians mind to the fact that these feelings and emotions are only constructs of the mind. Preconceptions are destroyed when the magician 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 students 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 ones mental and physical limits through S\M experiences empowers the magician to feel increasingly more confident to make decisions unfettered by meaningless fear and strengthens ones fortitude and resolve in overcoming obstacles that could sabotage ones desires. 4. "To push the edges of the magicians psychic and psychological envelope."
This is directly related to the precept above and, for myself, one of the most useful dynamics I have found within Chaos Magick. Rather than being a spectator in life, I explore all facets of it to gain more experience that will help in the understanding of myself and others; identifying ones' strengths and weaknesses, fortifying the weak areas, and identifying and incorporating various experiences into new magical insights and outcomes. In general the techniques utilized in sex magick also pertain to S/M magick. A good book to read in respect to sex magick is _Secrets of the German Sex Magicians_. The S/M magician takes sex magick a step further with their interest in S/M, as it helps increase their arousal. A general sex magick maxim is "The higher the level of arousal, the more sexual energy the magician has to work with." (Carnal Alchemy)
Typically when people hear the words Sadism and Masochism they immediately think of pain. Our typical aversion to pain is an instinctual reaction. It is a useful instinct that teaches us that once we burn ourselves on the stove, to not stick our fingers in the flame again. It helps keep us alive, but then transcending pain can lead to states of consciousness not readily accessed through other means. 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 participants with their bodies and minds reactions and allows them to harness it to gnostic effect. Proper application of S/M techniques allows the participants 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.
	Domination & Submission - Power exchange and humiliation First off, we need to throw out any concepts of Political Correctness. S/M is a way to power by accepting that one's own fantasies are worthy of indulging. S/M is a way to power for both the Submissive and the Dominant. The roles can be adopted by Male to Female, Male to Male or Female to Female. Many magicians have found it enlightening to throw off accepted roles and adopt a system of experience for experiences sake. Regardless of the sexes involved S/M scenes allow the participants to experience roles that empower themselves in one way or another.
To adopt a submissive role can be a cathartic experience that allows one a release from the daily life of exerting power over others; through total resignation to someone and allowing them to access power they would not normally have access to. Adopting the role of the submissive also gives the sub experience in being a conduit for power and learning the dynamics of power. To adopt the role of Dominant allows one to experience ultimate power and learn to become comfortable with it or learn to wield power to effect all areas in your life. Personally I have found that experiencing roles that I normally didn't accept so wholeheartedly within normal everyday life allowed me new perspectives and while turning my mind inside out, opened it up in the process to wield power in manners that further my own desires.

S/M techniques are powerful and when used wisely are great sources to personal growth, power and effecting the world in a clear manner. The key is to know what you are doing, to not be afraid to experiment and to always nurture communication with those you are involved with. Different people have different tastes and by learning a bit about each technique and fully exploring those that interest you the most will instill confidence in yourself and increase not only your repertoire of magickal techniques, but also your abilities in opening new partners minds and experiences with your abilities in the sexual arena.