Dark Castle - Sin 
BDSM Canada & Training

by Aramock Nanuck

      May 2010

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This fetish strikes at the extreme emotions of the subjects involved. If it is part of an S&M ritual, the power trips expressed in it are absolute, as if they are a head rush. If self-scarification denotes a set of emotional challenges within the individual, it satisfies the need for punishment or simply a form of permanent physical adornment.  This fetish is intense and psychologically driven, not a recommended form of "play."  The obsession takes time to learn, time to execute, and time for people involved to adjust. The essence is very breathtaking and creates awe in spectators, heavy excitement for the participants, and changes within all involved.

 

History

Cutting and Scarification have been around throughout the ages, at various times marking and identifying slaves as property. Even recent history has seen scarification as an alternative to branding. In some groups, it exists as a form of determining the members of a cult or social organization. Tribes all around the world continue to use piercing and cutting rituals. Buddhists in places like Thailand and Burma use a form of bamboo pricing to etch raised symbols of religious significance even today. Some forms of piercing and cutting also formed decorative additions for royalty and their vassals.

 

Risks & Sanitary Conditions

Under the wrong conditions, having ears, tongues, and lips pierced could introduce the risk of infection. The methods used long ago were crude, unsanitary and caused many deaths by uncontrolled infections.  Today, it is better, but with many, sanitation costs sometimes force them to use unhealthy methods, such as reusing needles, razors, or blades that are not adequately sterilized. Again, exposing people today to unnecessary risk of AIDS, Herpes 1,2,3, and other STDs through the unknown transfer of bodily fluids. 

 

There are legal implications, so a documented release and a consent form are a must. This form must clearly describe what and how the event will occur and the fact that all parties willingly and freely consent to its execution (sorry for the deliberate pun).

 

Why Scarification?

The human psyche is a very complicated and complex thing that drives people to do something that others find irrational. This view is in part because people did not take the time to understand the motivations. Today in schools throughout the modern world, young women are routinely scaring themselves deliberately. Scarification is often a part of the Gothic subculture, which always has loose links to the fetish lifestyle. 

 

Imagine

A 13-year-old girl in school rolls up her sleeve and, taking a razor blade, draws it across her left wrist. She watches the blood start to flow. Then she does it once more. Why does this weirdly casual public display and private self-abuse occur? Is it a dreadful secret and a public act of restitution or merely a teenager seeking notoriety?

 

Self Abuse

This form of self-abuse is a sign of psychological disturbance. Self-Cutting, in particular, is used to offset a conscious or otherwise need to damage oneself as a form of atonement. Those deeply religious or with strict upbringings are more prone to self-cutting. They may cut themselves, burn themselves, bruise themselves, even at times break their bones;  this equally falls into the same class of activities as anorexia or bulimia.  At its core is a non-verbal cry for help.

 

Alternately, carving for pain is a way of escaping. Some use it as a retreat from a confusing and complicated world, while others feel self-loathing, a sense of being marginal and alone. The act of cutting gives them something to "feel" in a world that has denied them other emotional inputs. Some individuals find it merely for the sensation and fulfillment (fun) it delivers.

 

S/M Connections

Individuals begin to discover fetishes that emerge during their development stages, resulting in the drive to engage in the activities viewed as forbidden fruit. Considering that this will continue and be borne of a fetish, one should consider it NATURAL within the lifestyle. These activities satisfy desire, sexuality, pleasure, eroticism and a sense of justice for the parties involved.

 

Note

Invariably, self-mutilating slaves make excellent masos and slaves. Psychologically, it has been demonstrated that when a dominant marks a submissive in any way, it creates a reinforcement of the bonds between them.

 

Engaging S&M Style

Extending this to a D/s and S/m relationship is relatively simple. At the core of it are communications and commitment. The scenes are the epitome of consensual acts. The parties, both the CUTTER and CUTTEE, must be willing and informed participants. The actions are profoundly moving and affect different people in different ways. The level of cooperation is heightened to the point that each knows what the other will do when. Safewords tend to be useless once started because one cannot undo once cut. Therefore, the information flowing between the parties must be precise, accurate and honest at all times.

 

How to Cut

The act of actually cutting is relatively simple: draw a line with the sharp edge across the target's bare skin. Sounds easy, right? Well, it isn't. The human body has particular areas where even the shallowest of cuts can cause massive bleeding. The depth of a cut can sometimes run the risk of a critical vein or artery. There are parts of the body that should be avoided until an expert is present. These are the neck, the top of the head, and the genitalia.

 

Discuss the depth and distance between slices, as well as the number of slices to be made. Size and placement also affect visibility, healing time, and permanence. The depth of a cut will determine the time necessary for the opening to close, heal, and scar appropriately. Once engaged in these activities, the changes to the body will likely be permanent.

 

The "receiver" should lie down with portions of the body targeted clearly and exposed.  A good practice is to clean the targeted area with an antiseptic wash thoroughly. Ensure that the instrument is sterilized for use. The exacting move of slicing into the flesh begins.  The sadist (r cutter) will run the instrument's tip up and down the skin, tracing the shape chosen to impart. A slow, repetitive process will invariably stimulate the subject. It is necessary to exert more pressure and pierce the skin, which finally creates the cut to the desired depth. Done correctly, it can be excruciatingly painful and pleasurable for both parties.

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Extreme - Simulating Blood Sacrifices 

If emulating a blood ritual, then bind the arms and legs of the "Ophir" to the table or altar.  The ceremony may simulate an offering to the gods (Aztec, Mayan, Satanist, Pagan, etc.) or merely be a construct to relish in the release of blood. Regardless of the event simulated, it is essential to ensure that sufficient blood flow is worth the effort while not endangering the "Ophir." Blood to be shared or consumed and not wasted; hence, there should be a vessel readily at hand or a clay bowl under the point of bleeding to collect the blood. The use of blood is very dependent on the simulated ritual. Never draw more than one pint (250 ml) of blood at a time, and never draw more than once from any single source in two weeks.

 

After Care

Choose and have readily available the different gauge needles, disinfectant, gauze pads, sutures for large cuttings, scalpels, knives, and Novocain/Lidocaine to treat the affected area after the session is complete. Apply an antiseptic salve or cream to the site. Note: Some anti-bacterials create scarring, so ask the pharmacist before purchasing the ointment or balm. After this, apply sterile bandages. It may be prudent to add painkillers in severe cases. The bandages need frequent changing (twice a day minimum), and the mark needs regular checking for infection. 

 

 

Administer antibiotics at the first sign of infection. Have the subject rest afterwards and drink fluids. Do not expect vigorous activity, but do expect lightheadedness and disorientation. If you follow these guidelines, you can engage in this activity safely with the desired effects.

 

Remember

• The area in which the activity takes place must be sterile/clean.

• STD's and AIDS are usually fluid-born (yes, blood), therefore avoid infection by:

  • Have the blood donor undergo a pretest if sharing blood.

  • Do not use blood ritualistically from an infected person.

  • Ensure that all instruments are sterilized thoroughly before and after use.

• Staff infections of today don't die quickly.

• Permanent changes will occur not just in the body but also in the psyche and soul.

• Know very well with whom you are engaging in these activities.