I received this in a Yahoo Group email from Dom/sub Lifestyle and I thought this would be a good addition to the site:

From: Master TY
To: LotusSong@webstresse.com
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2001 1:26 PM
Subject: Re: About Collars

Collaring has been around for thousands of years. The Sumerians (one of the first civilized societies) used various ornaments on their slaves collars so others would identify with the owner. Collars have many practical uses for real slavery and many have become part of our current lifestyle fetishes. But from my early years, I have seen how the collar had a cultural use other then that of strictly ownership. As most are aware, the Old Guard had very stringent Protocols. The collar was used to mark someone unobtainable without someone else's permission. Though the majority of individuals that attend a gay leather bar are not and were not Old Guard, the collar was one symbol that all Top Dogs (tops that were not necessarily leather lifestyle but enjoyed a good boy) knew or would certainly know if they continued to persist.

When I was collared it was a wonderful. I was protected, wanted, owned. I was an extension of someone and therefore was not alone. It also caused social isolation, but it was worth it. I was not responsible, for my responsibility was not given to me. I was a pet, a trophy, a piece of material. Damn, it made me horny.

The rituals of my slavery were quite different then the rituals that I performed with my slave. My first "Daddy" (he did not consider himself a Master because he could not accept the responsibility for someone else), placed a simple chain and lock around my neck for purposes of others not to hit on me. He did not consider any value to it, however it was still stimulating to me.

My first Master, damn that was a ritual. I got fucked by the other slaves and by any that my Master felt were part of His leather family. I also spent 72 hours in a cage suspended 12 feet. I was broken completely... emotionally, mentally, and physically. Then Master placed a rigid and uncomfortable dog collar with spikes and leash around my neck and had to stay on my knees for several more days. The leash never was able to come off and whenever He wanted something, I was to abide or I was punished. During the course of the relationship I was never able to sleep in a bed, but was given a dog mat.

When I was taken out to the Eagle, He replaced the dog collar with an elegant collar with faux jewels (it was actually very beautiful) and silver lettering with Owned by Master. I never spoke when out, never made eye contact, and did whatever and whomever my Master stated. I was traded some evenings for torture with other Guardsmen, and had to be on my best behavior.

When I met my Master and life partner John, the collar became the unification of our relationship. It was the balance of dominance and submission, it was defined roles that created discipline and self realization. It was honor. When I went out, the collar stood out among the leather folks as a marker that I was willing to give up myself, my identity, and therefore my will to Him. It caused internal struggles however. To be without will, to freely give yourself is not easy. Some considered me weak, but any who have submitted themselves to another know that it takes more strength to give yourself up then to take another's will. Also when I was with Master John, I didn't need to be re-broken and re-molded. I had discovered Me. I no longer gave up my Will, but suppressed it for my Master.

As a Master, I choose to live with a slave that I can have an intimate and sharing relationship. There are still rules, there are Protocols, and most times, he must surrender his will. I do not need to break him. For when I met him, he was already broken. I didn't mold him, but give him tools to identify his own molding. I am strict, but I also love. I am a disciplinary, but also am compassionate. And as for My collar around his neck, it is his most treasured gift.

You see, a slave today chooses their Master. I actually have chosen all my previous Masters. A slave is also in control. He/She can walk away or take off the collar. The collar is the rejoicing of the hierarchy relationship. It is the unification of wills. Every time his collar comes off (medical, formal to informal collar, etc.), he bows before his Master, places his head into My chest and sighs when the key unlocks the collar.

I believe in collaring rituals. I believe in contracting and open communication prior to the collaring. I discussed what my expectations were, how the collar was more important to me then a slave's mistakes. How it is to be worn, how it is to be viewed, and most importantly, what the collar means to the Master who owns it.

As far as others who wear collars as costumes, have at it. I have learned that my value of something does not give me rights to your values. I may not speak to you because of my value in Protocol, but that too is my value in a system that should be respected whether or not it applies to others.

I have judgment towards gothic or gore. Though only 33 years of age, I know only that of which I have experienced. I don't care to judge because to do so gives rights to others to judge me. But I do have this to say. There are those who live this lifestyle and those who participate in this lifestyle. For those of us who live it, breathe it, and find it as personal as religion itself must also recognize that others only find the enjoyment of the sex, power exchange, and "coolness" of the lifestyle. Though I wish we could be consistent and agreeable to everything, I also enjoy and learn from our diversity.

Bound to Leather

Master TY