|
wiccanscgoddess -> Depends on how you look at it (9/3/2004 6:55:32 AM)
|
The concept of a Sacred Slut is an interesting topic. In our society, the term "slut" is completely derogatory. It connotes an individual of no moral standard, given to licentious behavior. So, we have to ask what could possibly be sacred about such an individual? We, of the Pagan Community, know that each question and all things have opposite numbers. This being the case, one has to ask what could be sacred about an individual who looks upon another as having no moral standard. If, as Plato and Jung would have us believe, our realities are self-made, then the slut is really the beholder rather than the beholden. All that being the case, I think that the terms must be more closely defined.
In our traditional view a slut is someone who partakes of sex in a wanton manner with all and any comers (excuse the pun), or at least with more than one partner, often at the same time. If that's the case, then I would suggest that a majority of our population at one time or another qualify for slut status. There are a great many people involved in polyamorous relationships that might take umbrage at such an epithet. There are others who will, on occasion, involve themselves with open sexual relationships in a recreational manner that would also be a little alarmed at such a label. There are still others who have a problem equating sexual activities with the quality of an individual in terms of their worth as a person. They can argue that the ability to freely give pleasure to a number of people is significant of greater, rather than lesser worth as a person.
Historically, the idea of a Sacred Slut has precedent. Among most of the pre-Christian and non-Christian societies prostitution was viewed as a real, and often honored profession. Among the Romans and Greeks, one went to a temple and availed oneself of the services of a Temple Virgin, for a small fee (which supported the religious community) prior to engaging in worship. It was felt that this released the individual to concentrate more fully on prayer and the Deities. The act of sexual union and release has often been equated, among Pagan societies, as a point of achieving union with the Deities. Among many "primitive" societies, the sharing of ones wives was considered a necessary and proper form of hospitality. One common thing in all of these societies was a lack of confusion about the temporal and the spiritual. Sex was considered by many to be a sacred activity in a spiritual sense. This is certainly true in our Neo-pagan community. The performance of the Great Rite, whether symbolic or actual, is a completely sacred act. It is only in the Judeo-Moslem-Christian world, that sex is elevated to such importance as to transcend individual worth in all other combined aspects of the person, and is at the same time viewed as being something shameful. This is very confused view of sex and human worth.
It behooves us, therefore to examine just what it is that defines a "slut". One assumes that a slut is someone who has sex with a fairly large number of people, either as a matter of their own choice or at the command of another person. One also has to ask why an individual would engage in such activities. This last issue is of paramount importance. The reasons why one may become a slut fall into a few categories. First is the simply because they enjoy it. It gives them pleasure as well as giving pleasure to others. It makes them feel good. This is not of need a bad thing. Secondly, it is a form of service. This is only a negative thing if we assume the view that service is somehow defaming to the individual and is a totally a matter of involuntary activity. Thirdly, it may be a form of self-expression and self-exploration. Just as the Greek or Roman would engage in sex before worship, or view sex as a form of worship, this idea of self-expression and exploration becomes an act that, by it's very nature vis-à-vis our society, frees us to look more deeply into ourselves and the world around us. This is not a bad thing either. It would appear then, that the only negative aspects of an individual acting as a slut, providing a measure of voluntarism, is the labels that we, as a society place on them. What does this activity look like if we don't put labels on it?
There are people, most people I think, who enjoy sex. They usually have a pleasant expression on their faces and seem to be quite at ease after an orgasm. It certainly doesn't seem to be a painful or difficult thing and they don't seem to be in a state of agitation or distress. Many people find it very gratifying to bring pleasure to others, as well as themselves. When they can bring, or derive that pleasure to more than one person it would seem that the gratification would be in proportion to the number of people pleasured. Somehow this doesn't seem to me to be a bad thing. Such people, in my limited experience, didn't seem to be the worse for wear or have any complaints.
There are others who view such an activity as a form of service. In the performance of this service and number of things happen. If they are in a D/s relationship, it expresses a loyalty to their Dom. It is an act that increases ones worth, both to themselves and to others (again, this assumes that service is not a humiliating experience, but a valued activity). It becomes an enabling experience. There is a great deal of pleasure to be derived from doing a job well and knowing that one is capable. On the other hand, it is a poor master indeed who doesn't seek to educate and enrich the lives of those who would serve. It is also a poor master who does not demand obedience in the search of excellence. No one wants to serve, or be served, badly. In fact, many masters talk with pride of those who serve them, and most submissives take an equal pride in their ability to serve well. When one can say "I am the best at what I do" or "I can honestly say that I've done the absolute best I possibly can" (and know that it is true), one feels ennobled, elevated and exhilarated. Wearing a collar under these circumstances is a matter of pride. That's not bad at all.
As a form of self-exploration and self-expression, the slut has a great deal going for themselves. There are a number of terms which our society views as epithets. Being a slut is one of them. If we are to look at our selves and our society, we need to be free to make that examination in a detached way. Very often a master will address those who serve in a manner or in terms that many might find offensive. There is often a reason for this (assuming again that the Dom has the best interest of the subbie at heart). Once one gets used to and accepts the concept of being a slut, pig, whore, cunt or what ever term is applied, then one places oneself outside of the "norm" of society. At that point it is possible to view oneself in terms of how well they perform their duties and to view themselves as total individuals, since the sexual aspects of their lives are no longer at issue. The subbie is allowed to enjoy the totality of the experience as a physical, intellectual and emotional expression of their own selves and own needs. It also frees them to look at the world around them and the activities and practices of that world in very real, almost scientific terms. This kind of clinical examination leaves very few places in which truth may be hidden. The subbie then may clearly say "Yes, I am a slut and I'm very good at it. I can do it all and do it well. I like it and since I cannot be intimidated or embarrassed by it, I can see the world for what it is. I accept myself and am accepted as myself. My collar is a badge of freedom". One wonders how many people can say as much.
The issue now is one of what is sacred about such activity. Among Wiccans and many Neo-Pagans, there are, in the "Charge of the Goddess", words to the effect that all acts of pleasure are My worship. That worship is sacred. In the ritual of Cakes and Ale, a symbolic great rite is performed. This is an act of consecration in which the Goddess and God join in sexual union. That union is sacred. The mixture of semen and vaginal fluids is considered to be the "elixir of life". Aptly named and quite sacred. These few things alone clearly define the nature of sex as being sacred. A slut therefore, who becomes adept at bringing sexual pleasure in as many ways as possible, becomes a very sacred individual indeed. This is clearly something to be treasured, respected and sought. In many ways, a worthy slut, is by nature, inherently sacred and in the performance of their duty are engaging in and involving others in an act of worship
|
|
|
|
