his month's theme cuts right to the things which intrigue a lot of us about Adoring Discipline, and D/s: the subtly powerful headspaces of it all.

More than any other alternative lifestyle, disciplinary and D/s relationships are filled with trappings and icons that are inexorably connected to what moves us about it all.

The labels or names that we use, the tones of voice and atmosphere that is intensified by things such as implements, particular clothing, or any of the various accoutrement carried around in various black duffle bags by so many of us, are all totems of much more meaning than an outsider could imagine possible from such simple items

This issue we take a look at how powerfully a particular ritual, or little touch can plump up the heady psychology of a scene, or lifestyle.