Expert: Master Shadow - 10/8/2008

Question
i am new to all this but am sure i am a slave! i have a wonderful Master who is training me and He says i should consider myself collared. We both consider me to be His property and that makes me happy. We are going to sign a contract we drafted together. i need to know if there's a difference between being collared and being owned with a contract? The contract is for a few months and then we can adjust it and renew it. If we sign the contract do i need to be collared? i've read about ceremonies but i don't understand how that works. Please explain the differences if any.

Thank you.

Answer
To be quite honest, there isn't a whole lot of difference between being owned with contract and being collared. Both basically mean the same thing, just a slightly different way of looking at things.

A contract is usually signed before the actual collaring, although many are collared without one. A contract, in my opinion, is a good thing as it spells out what is expected, tolerated, and forbidden in a bdsm relationship. It puts things into writing, making sure that both parties understand what is to happen in the relationship.

Some slaves and subs claim to be no limit (A misnomer), but obviously, everyone has limits. Dis memberment and death are two really big ones LOL. Using a short term contract in the beginning is a good choice. It gives a chance to see how the two of Y/you get along, and whether or not everything has been worked out to everyone's satisfaction. If not, rewriting the contract usually solves the problem, although keeping the contract dynamic will allow for change with the agreement of both parties. Another advantage of a contract is it puts things in writing, so that  no one can say they didn't understand, or didn't know, so to speak.

As far as Collaring Ceremonies go, they are like a Wedding Ceremony. There is usually music, people invited, pictures, and a celebration afterwards. A nice Ceremony for this is called The Ceremony of The Roses. It is the Ceremony I used when collaring my primary. It can be found on the Internet, and  was originally located on CastleRealm.com. I believe that Lord Colm's jade mentioned it there, but the site is no longer active.

I hope this has been of some help, and wish the two of Y/you the best in Y/your Journey.


                                           SINcerely in Leather,
                                           Master Shadow.