Mastering Mind: Dominants With Mental Illness and Neurological Dysfunction

by Raven Kaldera (Editor)

In the world of Dominant/submissive and Master/slave relationships, new seekers often find an overriding ideal archetype of dominants, masters, and mistresses always being calm, controlled, and with all their mental and emotional faculties perfectly in line. But what happens when the dominant struggles with a mental illness or some kind of neurological disorder? Some would say that these individuals shouldn’t even be doing power exchange, and yet many are – and they are making it work. This book is an anthology of the experiences of brave dominants who strive to be honorable and effective in the face of these odds, and the people who gladly serve them. These stories are a bouquet of triumph and loyalty, and an inspiration to every practitioner of power dynamics who reads them.

Genres: BDSM, Sexuality, Nonfiction, Relationships, Disability, Mental Health

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2014

About the author

A female-to-male transgendered activist and shaman, Raven Kaldera is a pagan priest, intersex transgender activist, parent, astrologer, musician and homesteader. Kaldera is also the author of "Hermaphrodeities: The Transgender Spirituality Workbook" from XLibris Press. The founder and leader of the Pagan Kingdom of Asphodel and the Asphodel Pagan Choir, Kaldera has been a neo-pagan since the age of 14, when he was converted by a "fam-trad" teen on a date. Since then, he's been through half a dozen traditions, including Gardnerian, Dianic, granola paganism, Umbanda, Heithnir, and the Peasant Tradition. He is currently happily married to artist and eco-experimentalist Bella Kaldera, with whom he co-founded the Institute for Heritage Skills.

Reviews

[Nicole Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were several well written and thought provoking essays in this collection although, as Raven says, not nearly so many in the companion anthology to do with submissives.

Just some highlights for me were the essay from Raven himself, to do with the very important topic of vulnerable dominants and how it's almost not allowed, and often not even talked about (hence the importance of this volume). The different ways in which submissives and Masters each seem to work through their various issues was an interesting way to look at it and much food for thought that will probably linger much longer than the reading of this book.

The one essay in this collection that was written from a slave choosing to serve her Master who has mental illness was also a powerful and memorably written piece that stood out for me.

Finally, the co-written essay between a Master with DID and their slave and the way they interact in medical situations, and the unique kinds of service to be found in that particular dynamic.

There were several interviews in the anthology too, which I feel was an interesting thing that got more people writing about it when they might not have otherwise, but I didn't enjoy those ones quite so much.

[Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent diverse short essays about power dynamics and mental challenges, from trauma and PTSD to neurological dysfunction to mental health challenges. Worth reading and considering for anyone in a D/s dynamic or anyone interested in pursuing one.

Best part about it was how relatable it is, regardless of one's own mental state. There are always times in any neurologically "healthy" person's life where our mental stability is in question, be it from grief or circumstances or stress, and the coping mechanisms and habits are great from folks who have had more experience coping.