THE SEVEN levels of submission & THE THREE levels of slavery: This explanation takes off where D.S. Veras' "9 levels of Submission" leaves off.....still I"m grateful for her contributions.
This list (DM-sss) has become sort of a defacto BDSM bible of "Submissive Levels" a submissive/slave may or may not attain. The danger in reading the word "attain" is that a dominant or submissive may look at this list as something to "work toward." This is NOT at all the case. It is not a "stair-step" type of thing, where one begins at level one, and progressively moves through the steps up to the platform's auction block. These ten levels simply give us a very broad idea of where a submissive or slave may be upon her own spiritual path. But there is nothing in here that will keep a person from recognizing limitations or freedoms - and then breaking through to the next one - up or down..
We tend to like labels, though I (DrMaster) do not particularly care for them myself. There are far too many shades of kink to pigeonhole people - let alone those in this lifestyle. As with anything, I suggest you take what speaks to you, and discard the rest. No level is "better" than another, or classifies one as a "real" submissive or a "real" slave. You know who and what you are, and the only persons to whom one's level of submission should matter - are the ones doing the surrendering. As slaves (8-10) it matters a lot less. For simplicity I have labeled the dominant as the male and the submissive as female. We all know that this is not real life. But it allows me some liberty with the written choreography. This is the sss (subbie-slave-scale) I taught at Boston University - summer conference/convention - BDSM I & II a few years ago. We now have more than a few different subject matters at our Saturday evening classes at SAFE HAVEN. (See below)
Let's begin:
1)NON-SUBMISSIVE (pseudo) MASOCHIST or "KINKY SENSUALIST" - no servitude, humiliation, or giving up of any control; just some minor pain and "spiced up sensuality" in the bedroom -- very light bondage, spanking, chair suspension, blindfolds, dildo's - all for the pleasure of the TWO people involved. Roles can easily be reversed and the "masochist" can easily switch and take the "sadistic" role. All done with a lot of humor and a wink of the eye. She may be bi - he seldom is. When he looks at her - she looks right back at him - there is no aversion to eye contact. May enjoy playing with a simple (and cheap) dog collar/ leash.
2)PSEUDO SUBMISSIVE - not even into "playing" slave but into other submissive role-playing, e.g. school teacher scenes, infantilism, "forced" transvestism, "forced” rape - which is really consensual. At this level the “submissive” might be into minor humiliation. Very capable of topping from the bottom by using passive-aggressive techniques. She might lower her eyes a little - but during play time only.
3)PSEUDO-SUBMISSIVE PLAY - likes to play at being a slave; likes to feel subservient; might, in some cases, feels she is being "used" to gratify the partner. May even really serve the Dominant in some ways, but only on the "slave's" own terms. She dictates the interaction to a large degree. These playmates can easily switch, and may even suffer from the "approach-avoidance conflict" (look it up). She might demand her own "tools" and collar when playing. Will not come out of the closet. At this stage she may be in(to) porn movies and gang-bangs.
4)TRUE SUBMISSIVE - Gives up control (though only temporarily and within agreed-upon limits), but gets her main satisfaction from her ability to surrender - other than just by serving or being used domestically or sexually by the dominant. Usually turned on by suspense, anticipation, vulnerability, and/or giving up responsibility - but not the ability to respond. Doesn't dictate the scene except in very general terms, but still mainly seeks his/her own direct pleasure - rather than getting one's pleasure mainly from pleasing. She is still under the illusion that her submission is a "gift". She must be told to switch if you want her to play the dominant role - but, really, her heart and soul are not in it. She may, occasionally, share "her" dominant with another girl. She is much more easily "turned on" than the pseudo submissive - and may even go in & out of subspace infrequently. Sub-drop may be just as strong as those that "live" in subspace - so be careful and thorough with after-care. She may beg for a "real" collar - with or without a witnessed ceremony. She comes out of "the closet" to close friends and family. Still able to hold a vanilla job without much ado.
5)SUBMISSIVE "PLAY-SLAVE" - I have a real problem with the term "slave" here - even though it is a popular term for people at this level in the lifestyle. I feel that slavery is pretty much what is described in numbers 8 through 10. But at this level the sub really gives up control (though only temporarily & within limits) and gets her main satisfaction from serving "her" man - but only for FUN purposes, usually erotic. She deeply identifies with the 1950's household. Man is the benevolent dictator and may even be the "Daddy" of the entire family - even his (Leave it to Beaver) "wife" may or may not be into pain. The ocassional SLAP is returned with a smile. She is turned on by pain indirectly, i.e. enjoys her partner's pleasure (when giving her pain) on which the submissive places very few requirements or restrictions. The "Healing Syndrome" starts here. (look it up) which includes sometimes finding other partners for the dominant. Easily goes into the second or even third phase of subspace with just a word or an intense look. Definitely after being severely restricted in some way. She begs a lot. Enjoys the cage sometimes and being alone a bit more.
6)UNCOMMITTED, SHORT-TERM SUBMISSIVE - Gives up control almost all the time she is with her "Master" (within limits). Wants to serve and be enslaved by the dominant; wants to provide practical/non-erotic as well as fun/erotic services; but only when the so-called "slave" is in the mood (not with children, shopping, etc.). May even act as a full-time slave for, say, a long weekend, but is free to quit at any time (or at the end of agreed-upon several days or years). May or may not have long-term relationship. Either way, the "slave" has the final say over when, how and who she will serve and when she comes & goes. Written contracts may be required here. She's still doing it "for her Master". She lives for subspace and nearly dies for the pleasure of asphyxiation - or any other adrenal rush. Subspace is a common hang-out now. So are motorcycles and/or other other adrenal rushes. Many of these "slaves" are addicts - not to hard drugs necessarily but to all the pesticides: nicotine, caffeine, gluten, salt, sugar, etc. Addiction to many of the white foods make them heavy enough to exclude suspension - except by the most well-built pulleys and with expert bondage skills. These submissives need to stop eating sugars and flour.
7)COMMITTED, LONG-TERM SUBMISSIVE - Has an ongoing full-time 24/7 commitment to an owner/slave relationship and regards oneself as the dominant's property at all times. Wants to obey and please her dominant in all aspects of life -- practical/non-erotic and fun/erotic. Devotes much of her time to other commitments (e.g. family, job, housework) but the dominant always has first pick of the submissive's free time. When not occupied she seldom moves from his side and is within eye distance at all times. At this level she can no longer switch and is no longer under the illusion that her submission is a "gift" to her Master. The Healing Syndrome is in full swing - aka a number of signs & symptoms where the individual is unwilling (or unable) to take care of themselves in order to take care of "the more important" O/other. These submissives are often imprisoned in their own early and un-resolved feelings of abusive neglect, trauma and/or loss and are willing to selflessly serve another in order to avoid dealing with their own painful past/memories. Unless these past influences/issues are resolved along the BDSM "Spiritual Path" - the results will be implosive. Often these submissive women go from man to man always looking for the elusive "Master” to remove their heavy anchors...and collars. They advertise incessantly but are deeply discouraged and complain incessantly - mostly in their profiles. journals and even hidden in their heartbreaking poetry or music. Her main identity in the lifestyle comes from being owned. Whether she knows it, ignores it or acknowledges it - submission, like slavery, is a Spiritual Path no matter where on the imaginary stepladder she finds herself. When, because of her devotion, she steps up a rank and finds herself both above or below other subbies - it's time for the owner to see with the eye of an eagle and take control. If she concentrates too much on those "below" her and continues to look down she might get dizzy and fall back - or once again turn into the girl she once was without having learned any lessons. If she focuses too much on those "above" her, instead of the goal - she may become discouraged and will never become for what her soul so longs - to be owned - fully & completely. The lesson is to be present...in the moment - not to look below or in the past (except to bring lessons from there) & not to look above or in the future - but to be in the "here & now". It would behoove many that are now in limbo to be/do just that - BEING & DOING in the here and now. The doing is in the being. Find a flotation device somewhere and learn to meditate and be hypnotized by its vacuum and its weightlessness. Subspace addiction comes quickly after that.
8)FULL TIME - LIVE IN - CONSENSUAL SLAVE (first level - finally!). Within no more that a few broad limits/requirements, the "slave" (in quotes because it's not yet the dictionary definition) regards herself as existing solely for the /top/Doms/Lord/Master/Sir's pleasure & well being. Unlike the next two levels - this slave expects to be regarded as a prized possession - not much different from the situation of the traditional legally bound 1950's "house-wife" - except that within the S/M world the slave's position is more likely to be fully consensual and without the social pressures of "Father Knows best"! Within the S/M world, a full time slave's arrangement is entered into with explicit awareness of the magnitude of power that is being given up, and hence is usually entered into much more carefully, with more awareness of the possible dangers, and with much clearer and more specific agreements than those that usually precede the traditional 1950's marriage. In other words there is at least a spoken contract and more often than not a written one: as it should be at this level. Often, right after being collared, she will beg to be registered and have her numbers tattooed (on her most painful body parts?) to show she "belongs". The Roman slaves started at this level (for instance if you became a slave to pay a debt) and sometimes found themselves in the next two, more serious and demanding, levels as well. These levels would sometimes include slave torture - all the way to murder.
The modern, real-life submissive/slave is slightly different from the other higher or lower levels in that she is "attached" and collared (sometimes even in the legal and/or religious-poly sense) to "her" Master and to her "own" material things. To some the difference between attachment & non-attachment is so huge as to be debilitating. There is a real problem with letting go - and so "slavery" is "proof" that they can let go. But it's not proof at all. They are as addicted to taking orders from their chosen Master as a drug addict is to her crack. They have little choice.
But here also - the chasm and lines of demarcation between submission and "slavery" is mostly self-defined. Basically being a sub means (a stronger) bond or feeling of attachment between the Master and "His" submissive, between the sub and "her" things (food, masturbation, etc.) - one that that surpasses service. Here, being a slave means you give up "things" for service.
In fact, the vast majority of fe-male submissives are addicted to something, someone or another - and this is often one of the reasons that many modern "slaves" are overweight - or just plain obese. Hormonal imbalances are almost a peculiar and unique aspect of the lifestyle that may at some future time prove to be a missing or extra component of the frequencies that travel through the mothers' amniotic fluid.
The hormonal predilection to the "weight" that submissives carry is most probably a remnant of the still fast-shuffling genes on top of a multitude of variables in the dynamic changes of the early amniotic fluid. It is unfortunate that the important role amniotic fluid plays in the development of the non-physical is so underplayed. Heavy metals, hormonal "flushes", deficiencies, drugs, intense emotions, traumas and other aspects of the mother may all play a part in the dys-metabolic and all-addictive tendencies one sees so often in this lifestyle. It is a real shame that the medical profession still has trouble seeing that water, especially the water that makes up the majority of the amniotic fluid, carries memory. They have no trouble recognizing "drugged" or "drunk" newborns, however.
But with exceptions, men don't usually bottle things up and that goes double for owners, masters, tops, dominants. So the bulk of weight is carried by those who surrender - and that goes for their addictions as well. They need help.
She "cares" for him in a much deeper sense but her service is more often motivated by a strong bond of shared love. Nevertheless, a slave, by sheer definition, has many, if not most choices taken away from her and is actually honed & shaped, not by a feather, but by rough rock & sand-paper (punishment) until her dominant has her mentally & psychologically exactly where he wants her.
A very real and practical difference between slaves (#8-#9, all "for instances" of course), would be that while trust and obedience in # 8 involves a non-permanent, less consequential, short-term aspect of lifestyle's lower, non-dictionary definition of the slave, both Master and slave meticulously evolve from a more serious power stratosphere and demand a much higher level of trust, obedience and a total (ex)change of values. Indeed, a relinquishing of any moral, religious or ethical code as the dominant becomes the moral arbiter and enabler for her and he alone determines her moral & ethical structure. He is her religion. But let's not forget that this too is still voluntary and indeed, like love, something that many "fall" into without much realization. The lines of demarcation between numbers 8 & 9 must already be thinning for the submissive to morph into (the middle definition of) slave. Take notice that the slave is still a person. Feelings are still important - to her and her owner..
For example - a dominant could command his slave to get a permanent tattoo, wear a permanent or locked steel collar, call her "slave" or "slut" in front of people in the inner circle (a form of permanently "coming out") - or ordering the slave to suck off a friend - (as say, a birthday gift from the dominant to a peer or colleague), or being ordered to make love to another woman at a party - or even seducing a woman the dominant likes and taking her home for a three (or more) somes, etc. etc. This is level #9 - (to be discussed next) - the point being that these acts are done inconsequential of her feelings. There are very few limits. But even the Romans had limits of what they could and could not do with their slaves - often dictated more by social mores rather than hard and fast rules or laws. But Rome had more than a few laws regarding the handling of slaves.
9)CONSENSUAL TOTAL SLAVERY WITH FEW LIMITS. This is a common fantasy "ideal" in real life. Rarely exists except on-line by inexperienced newbies, sometimes in authoritarian, patriarchal, religious cults (where minors are assaulted) and other situations where the consent is induced by social and/or economic pressures and hence is never fully consensual - farm workers, etc. A few SM purists will insist that you aren't really a slave unless you're willing to do absolutely anything and everything for your dominant - without limitations. This is what many "on-line Masters" believe to be true - even those that have barely started shaving! All I can do is lol. There is no such thing as a "no limit" slave in #9.
At #8 the slave still has the right to refuse to be away from the dominant overnight. That means a dominant cannot "rent", sell or abuse her out-right without her cooperation. Still this (2nd. level slave - #9) is truly owned and has very few rights - but the relationship is still consensual and often still very loving - but where love is most often directed from slave to dominant - and seldom the other way around. He may be her loving pimp.
But in #9 we may see an interesting twist. In fact, for a minority of slaves (those in it for the Spiritual Warrior Path as opposed to adrenalin rushes alone) in a modern BDSM lifestyle is something entirely different: she is owned NOT by her Master or Mistress, but by her OWN addiction to slavery - and her deep, undeniable, unadulterated need to serve. She has no choice and both Master and slave are well aware of it. She wears his now much more meaningful (expensive?) collar yet she might act as a toilet, do animals, breath control, bleed, etc. Almost nothing (but children) is taboo. She is not even a whore because whores get something in return. No, the people she serves are incidental - just another dominant - Master, Mistress, another submissive or even a slave sister - whomever. She is the ultimate pet, the ultimate slut, daughter, sissy, and while she may get "used to" (translate "love") the dominant - basically she does as she is told - no questions asked. She is on the BDSM Spiritual Path. And losing her collar at this level can be as devastating as a divorce - if not worse.
And at the same time - though she must still wear them - she doesn't need the reminders of a collar, cuffs or chains anymore.
Because her service is mainly motivated by deep scars of the Healing Syndrome, service and obedience gives her the ultimate bliss, float, zone - the ultimate equalizer. She has discovered that she can use slavery as a form of healing. Heaven is obedience and obedience is nothing short of heaven. All that remains are her scars - without a charge.
As time goes on she gives up all responsibilities (the ability to respond) but one: to obey instantly, without thought or even the slightest hesitation - and without any responsibility or thought to the (ultimate) consequences. In fact, she is relieved not to be concerned about being forced to see the end from the beginning. There is nothing else in the world that matters - nothing but blind obedience. She has become an open conduit to coalesce matter. Since these slaves have almost no limitations (except for murder & suicide) and depend entirely on the good will of her superiors for safety and, indeed, to exist - they often refer to themselves in the third person - or even as "it". "It" can be traded, rented, sold and/or given away in real life - sometimes on the (internet) auction block. Dominants may trade, gamble, fight or even kill for her. Or they may watch her on a street corner waiting to be picked up by the first stranger who wants her. She owns nor wants anything - not even the clothes on her back.
Ever evolving she cannot be humiliated. She is numb to pain and seldom flinches when hurt. She gives little thought to praise. Smiles for no external or apparent reason at all. She lives neither in the past nor ponders the future but is ever-present in the here & now. She is done with the anticipating rush of adrenaline but is steady in her e-motion-less. She is ultimate pro-tonic simplicity. Her mind does not rule - and it never races. She is totally, exhilarationly - FREE!
And it does not feel like abuse to her. Despite her deep scars she slowly heals herself and those with whom she associates. She is entering a new paradigm and becoming holistic - a major change in outlook and attitude. With more time, she eventually emits pure love - pure light and for no one in particular - but herself. The tables have turned and she is living not for the owner(s) she now so easily obeys and serves - but for herself only. Pure bliss - with deep subspace only a look away. My favorite level.
10) SLAVERY - dictionary definition. So #9 is still defined by the seeking slave “it-self" - whereas in the next higher (or lower level - depending on your point of reference!) - #10 - the slave no longer has the right nor the inclination to define itself. "It" is no longer contemplated - "it" is totally "taken". She lost her person-hood: love, life, healing & light are no longer "its'" goal. She may as well not be here and no one would care. She is not seeking and is ultimately alone, feeling nothing. She is already dead - just going through the zombie-like motions. The collar, devoid of pride or symbol of ownership, has lost all it's meaning except to restrain her vulnerability.
Pure Slave. No limits. No rights. Non-consensual pain without pleasure. Can be sold, rented out, given away, left alone, raped, killed, etc. This is the "dictionary definition" of pure, unadulterated (3rd & last level of) slavery. Works without compensation of any kind. Number 10 - is when not only "being in love" is gone - but when "love" is gone altogether and there is nothing left but the buying, selling and killing of slaves as cattle property - not a human being. This is the Roman-Gorean level and definitely not everyone's cup of tea. This enormous cavern is often a deep, dark, hole male subs and TG's find themselves in....and having trouble finding their way out. I have tried to put myself in their shoes and I can't. I have no point of reference.
This level has no place in a modern D/s relationship and is illegal (as it should be) in most civilized countries of the world. If you know someone like this - HELP THEM BECAUSE THEY CAN NO LONGER HELP THEMSELVES. Be a human being first.
THIS IS THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO GIVE ME:
I'll know you have read this journal when you give me the range of numbers in which you feel you belong. So start out with "hello DrMaster - I'm subbie-slave from #6-9 or 5-8 on the DM-sss" - or whichever gives you goose-bumps!
"The Mind of the Master.... is first Master of His Mind".
DrMaster (original). Now AKA - DrMaster4U & DrMaster4U2 (thanks to CM's disability to maintain me and my nic!)..
BELOW IS A PARTIAL LIST OF BDSM TOPICS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED BY DRMASTER with (future) Masters (& others willing to listen) in Princeton, NJ. Starting the spring of 2014 there will be ONE TOPIC EVERY MONTH: some will be power-point presentations: some will just be principles and others more hands-on (-:). Syllabus when possible +/or available - (means if I have time!)
BASIC TERMS & DEFINITIONS OF THE PLAYERS;Short history of slavery;Natural vs. Emerged Dominance/submission;The "AHA" moment - feeling vs knowing;Contracts - Certifications - Tattoos, etc.Ceremonies, Letting go, Divorce;Surrendering - evolution of;BDSM = Vanilla + (a lot more control/fun);Kick-seekers vs. Spiritual Pathways;Bondage: contraction vs. expansion;Pressure vs. Space (yin & yang suspension);Pain vs. Sensation;Power vs. control;Use vs. Abuse - TPE, VICSS & KAP;Nature vs. Nurture -(biology vs. environment);Want vs. Need; (Topping from the bottom);Trust vs Safe-word - who's in charge?;Self-Esteem vs. Pride;Torture, Discipline & Punishment; (Milgram)3 Slaves types vs. 7 submissives = 10 levels; (see above)Masters vs. Dominants - The label debate;LTR (collaring) vs. STR's;Collars & Their Meanings;Humiliation vs. Degradation;Tying knots vs. Not - where less is more;Skin Choices: rubber, plastic, hemp, etc.Safety during play sessions - preparation - (kit);First Aid. - dealing with bruises, cuts, etc.Broad-casting vs. Direct Approach;The 10 positions (Gorean)Dom & subspace, s-Drop & Rebound (Steel/TawnFeral Frenzies - how to respond with aftercare;Verbal Etiquette - why's and why not's;Five Different kinds of (dis)Obedience;The art & physiology of suspension (hands' on)Face slapping - do's & do-not's; (face on!)Right use of the cage - isolation/ostracizing;Fetishes - of all kinds; Play fantasies;Using the bull-whip therapeutically; (Speransky) Biochemistry of Nutrition made simple;Hypnosis & Massage Therapy; (hand's on)Color during sessions - what they do;Right use of Questionnaires -Purity tests, etc.;Poly-anything; longer living? Legal issues in different states;(visiting lawyer will do this one)Symbian & Other Fucking Machines (cunt' on!) More when I can write/type faster!
FOLLOW-UP: huffington post - women
People who are into kinky sex may be psychologically healthier
than those who are not, says a new study. Researchers found that people who were involved in BDSM
-- bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism -- scored better on certain indicators of mental health
than those who did not bring kink into the bedroom, reported LiveScience.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in May, surveyed 902 people who practice BDSM and 434 people who prefer so-called "vanilla"
(non-kinky) sex. Each person filled out questionnaires
regarding their personalities, general well-being, sensitivity to rejection and style of attachment in relationships. The participants were not aware of the purpose of the study.
Despite past assumptions that BDSM proclivities might be correlated with previous abuse, rape or mental disorders (research has shown that they're not), this survey found that kinky people actually scored better on many indicators
of mental health than those who didn't practice BDSM, reported LiveScience. According to Reuters, BDSM-friendly participants
were found to be less neurotic, more open, more aware of and sensitive to rejection, more secure in their relationships and have better overall well-being.
Andreas Wismeijer, a psychologist at Nyenrode Business University in the Netherlands and the lead author on the study, told LiveScience that people involved in the BDSM community may have scored better on these surveys
because they tend to be more aware of and communicative about their sexual desires, or because they have done some "hard psychological work" to accept and live with sexual needs that are beyond the scope of what is often considered socially acceptable to discuss in the mainstream.
This research isn't necessarily representative of the general population since participants were selected on a volunteer basis, but it does support the argument for removing BDSM from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In the current DSM, BDSM fetishes are listed as "paraphilia,"
which essentially encompasses any "unusual" sexual preferences.
Fetish communities have argued
for years that harmless sexual tastes should not be listed next to mental disorders. Perhaps this research will help bolster their case.
