Paradigms of Power: Styles of Master/slave Relationships

by Raven Kaldera

Consenting Master/slave relationships come in all varieties, inspired by many different historical periods and modern subcultures. One of the wonderful things about this lifestyle is that we can create our own unique paradigm with its own rules, protocols, and vision. From Victorian to medieval, from Leather to Gorean, This collection of essays by many practitioners of M/s showcases the beauty and diversity of this demographic, and will hopefully be an inspiration to future couples and families who are only now finding their way onto this road.

Genres: BDSM, Sexuality, Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 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

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Varied collection of essays that give great insight into the many forms in which M/s relationships can flourish. Unique styles I've never heard about before or knew little about like the Goreans with their practices and community inspired by the Fantasy Gor book series. Or people that use their power dynamics as a way to practically live out their spirituality. Or whole 'families' (as in households, not literal bloodbound families of course) that still uphold the oldschool Leather traditions. The book has queer as well as more heteronormative examples (white picket fence, man as the Head of Household, woman as the homemaker etc.). What I love is that none of the essay writers state that this is The One True Way. No, it's just their own preferred way. That's why I'm also not going to write any response in this little review to the content /relationship practices, it's just not very relevant what I or anyone think(s) of the relationship styles. They are having consent-based relationships and it's cool that they choose to so vulnerably share this with the reader(s). Whatever floats your boat. It's a lovely read, for people who are in the lifestyle themselves but surely also for those who are just curious birds and wish to take a peek into these more alternative ways of loving and living.

[Lua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This certainly was an eclectic collection of essays! Unfortunately, some of the authors here were unspecific enough that I found it difficult to imagine what their dynamic would actually look like in practice, which was slightly disappointing. However, I overall really enjoyed seeing all of these different approaches and found that I learned a lot! There are so many things here I couldn't have imagined myself if I tried.

[Tequila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for people who are wanting a peek into the many kinds of M/s relationships that are out there. Essays vary from 1950s lifestyle to Gor, Greek/Roman based relationships and several others. Raven Kaldera has put together a great collection of essays.