Money and Gor... Are They Related?

As I mentioned my last post – writing about ‘stay at home slaves’ sparked another topic.

So, here we are.

Money.

It appears to be a bit of a taboo subject at the moment what with so many people being made redundant, hours being cut back and generally the lack of employment all over the world.

But the question I’m interested in is.. Do you need money to be Gorean?

As I said in my last post – I was very lucky that my Master had the money to ‘keep’ me at home all the time. I had no need to work. But this isn’t the norm, and certainly isn’t possible for most people. Society and the rising cost of living almost forces all people to work, where fifty, a hundred, two hundred years ago it was unheard of and frowned on for women to be in the ‘mainstream’ workplaces.

So do you NEED money to be Gorean? My answer would be ‘no.’ But I don’t believe you can be a ‘master’ if you’re sponging off someone else (friends, family, state) - but even a shelf-stacker can be Gorean – I know, I’ve met some! Just like I don’t believe ‘slaves’ should get into the Gorean lifestyle because they are looking for a meal ticket.

So why are some Goreans so focused on ‘competing’ for that title of ‘Richest Idiot’? I don’t think it is a ‘Gorean’ problem so much as it is a ‘humanity’ problem. The world is all about wealth and beauty. I mean, looking at the Gorean point of view, there should be no emphasis on money at all – most of the people we, as readers, meet in the books are either skint or close to it. Only a select few are what we as modern day people would class as ‘rich’ (the Ubars, the high/best merchants and high/best slavers, etc.)

Now, I have to admit.. Money has never been a great issue in my life, bar maybe a few months in my late teens. I have been very lucky in life with money, my parents are fairly well off, my own bank accounts have rarely been ‘empty,’ but I always worked for my earnings. Thankfully, it was never handed to me on a silver platter by ‘mummy and daddy.’ That, I believe, has taught me the meaning and value of money – and I don’t believe I take money for granted.

However, I don’t judge people on whether they have money or not. So many do. I don’t care if someone is struggling to get by week to week, having to buy the ‘budget’ brands, never go on holiday and has only two or three sets of clothes (I know people that, unfortunately, are in a situation like this), and I don’t care if someone earns more than me, spends nine months of the year jetting off on holiday and eating caviar. If they do the work either to get it, or earn it in some way - fair play to them.

The people I have a problem with are those that claim to have money (or not! There are a lot of ‘poor me’ people out there who want, expect or beg for handouts when they are actually doing fairly well for themselves) when in reality their situation is very different. Anyone else remember the big uproar about the ‘beggars’ in London who were walking around the corner and getting into a brand new Jag? I’m reminded of the sayings “He who shouts the loudest...” and/or “The lady doth protest too much, methinks..” when I see people announcing their poverty or wealth.

So, I don’t believe you need money to be Gorean, but having money can change how you live, and in that sense it can both improve a life and ruin it. Remember, money can’t buy honour, money can’t buy class, money can’t buy self-control or self-awareness, and money can’t buy love. So all the things I believe are needed to be Gorean and in a happy relationship in general... have no use for money.

Slaves that Stay At Home?! Never!

Lots of people consider the idea of a “24/7 stay-at-home slave” to be unachievable in the modern world. It’s ridiculed as ‘outdated,’ and ‘impossible.’ Personally, I find this amusing, as for nearly three years I did just that. Perhaps I was imagining it, or perhaps I was just doing the ‘impossible!’

The problem is that it can work but it is hard work. It’s not something that suits everyone, and the most common complaint I hear about it (or rather, the most common excuse for not doing it) is “but my slave in intelligent... she’ll get bored!”

This is the biggest load of bollocks out there. Intelligence isn’t linked to working outside the home. Intelligence is about knowledge, common sense, and initiative. Boredom only occurs when the slave either isn’t intelligent enough to keep herself motivated and active around the house, or the ‘master’ isn’t intelligent enough to keep her busy around the house.  

24/7 slaves do a variety of things (although the main one everyone thinks of is ‘cleaning’.. all a ‘stay at home’ slave does is clean – again... BOLLOCKS!), cleaning is a part of it, obviously. But so is managing the house in general. I’ll go into detail about my own situation in a moment.. but I have to say that I feel sorry for anyone, slave or master, that can only imagine ‘cleaning.’

So let me tell you a little about what I did... I’ll start with the cliché – cleaning.  I heard recently that it takes some slaves a maximum of four hours to clean the entire place. Seriously? I pity such people.. to have such a small home that it only takes four hours to clean...? I did a room a day, going through all the rooms and then starting back at the beginning again. Each clean (of a single room, I’d like to point out) took 3-5hours. That is, of course, from top to bottom – not just a ‘quick tidy up.’ The washing of clothes was done twice a week, and the bedding was changed just as often.

What amuses me is that people claim they ‘would get bored’ of doing this – now, I admit I like cleaning, I’m a bit anal when it comes to such things... but bored? Or had ‘done it all’? Really? I’d love the people that say such things to visit the Gorean home in Birmingham... Say you’re ‘bored’ in their house  they’d have you cleaning the floor tiles with a toothbrush all afternoon (and yes, they could tell if you missed one!)

Then there was the finances – my Master owned (and still owns) his own business, and I kept the finances for that in order. I sent out orders, invoices, kept files up to date, sorted tax returns, and generally made sure he didn’t have to deal with the mundane paperwork. Of course, I understand this isn’t a possibly for those that serve a minimum wage earner – but there is normally something that can be done with money even more so when they are struggling (budgets, shopping around for the best deals, etc.).

I also had my studies, my reading (which I still adore, and try to find time for at least two or three times a week), my cooking and baking - we never had ‘bought’ cakes or meals – it was all made from fresh ingredients.. because I had time to do it! I enjoyed being able to make the meal my Master desired, whether that be something as simple as a roast meal, or something less traditional like sushi or Thai green curry (my favourite!).

Of course, the reading was a part of my ‘relaxing’ time... I’d also often get time to do some craft work, some time to write (obviously) and generally time to relax. I had my limits, but as long as I worked within those limits, my ‘spare time’ was my own unless he needed me.

I was his slave, yes. But I was also so much more. I was his secretary, his accountant, his cook, his maid and his confidante. I was the person that he could moan to when the day hadn’t gone right. I was the person he could laugh and joke with when things were going well.

So I really do feel sorry for unimaginative slaves and masters who moan about how ‘terrible’ it is to be a 24/7 slave, or how they couldn’t possibly do it because they are ‘too intelligent.’ In my opinion, it is the most intelligent people that can organise themselves and a household, making sure that everything is done before the Master comes home. There is nothing intelligent or imaginative in being told what to do at your job, or going through the same routine time and time again.

So slaves can be 24/7, but it’s not for everyone. It isn’t a bad thing to be a 24/7 slave, just like it isn’t a bad thing to be a working slave. Everyone has to do what they must in order to live in this expensive day and age. I admit I was very lucky to have someone able to support both myself and him on a single income – I know not everyone is that lucky... and there is no problem with that – the problem only comes when one is lying about their earning capacity, or putting others down because they cannot achieve what those other people can do.

I think this has sparked my thoughts for another topic... so perhaps this is “to be continued...!”

A slave..but not a slave?

Amused by the discussions that have been flying around, both online and offline, both public and private.. I thought I'd finally put a new post up here - and what could be a better subject, that something that is close to my own situation?

The idea that slaves are slaves regardless of whether they have an owner is absolute bollocks. It is nonsense. Regardless of whether you look at history itself or the Gorean books. In fact, the only place that I know of that this kind of idiocy is tolerated is internet chatrooms, and second life Goreans. 

So in an attempt to educate those that have got their wires crossed, or are just plain ignorant.. Here we go. 

People will say "a dog is a still a dog, even if it has no owner." And I would agree with that. However, what people fail to realise is that a 'slave' is not a species. The species is 'homo sapien' (human), and that doesn't change whether in a relationship or not. However, the 'slave' idea DOES change whether you are in a relationship or not.

Does anyone know of any Roman, Greek or even African slaves who were "not owned"? No. Because they didn't exist. If a slave had no owner (and being "owned by the state" - thus not having a 'single owner' - still counts as being owned, as is stated in some of the Gorean novels), then it ceases to be a slave. It is then its own person., and thus, by definition, not a slave but FREE.

People seem to have lost the reality of what a 'slave' actually is. It isn't a princess-y "this is what I feel like, so I must be one.." attitude.

Perhaps the Oxford English Dictionary says it best - 

Slave(noun)

- (especially in the past) a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.

- a person who is excessively dependent upon or controlled by something.

Free(adjective)

- able to act or be done as one wishes; not under the control of another

- (historical) not a slave.

It goes on, and you're free to read up on it as you wish. But the idea remains the same. A slave is a person who is the property or another, and who is controlled by someone (or something). 'Free' is classified as 'not under the control of another'. I wonder if everyone who fights for the 'unowned slave' status is willing to take on the dictionary as well...

Sure, anyone (including 'free' people) can have 'slave tendencies' - that doesn't make them a slave. It might make them a 'possible slave', or a 'slave in waiting', but for all intents and purposes they are still free until such time as they have an owner or controller. They might WANT to be a slave, they might have been TRAINED as a slave... but until such time as they are collared to someone - they are NOT a slave. 

So for all these people that claim I (and many others who have been slaves and have been freed through one reason or another) am NOT a free woman - think again. 

From a Gorean perspective, Master Asmodeusgm (fetlife) put it most succinctly, so with his permission I have included his words:

Girl IN a collar = slave

Girl NOT IN a collar = free woman

Girl IN the collar of a GOREAN male = kajira

Girl IN the collar of a NON-GOREAN man = slave

It really is as simple as that. 

If a person is collared, they are treated as a slave, because that is what they are. If a person is not collared (regardless of whether they have been collared in the past, or wish they were collared now), they are treated as a free person, because that is what they are. 

Argue if you wish, but before you do, please consider this...I can support my argument with both historical and present day facts, and Gorean references.. Can you?

A Quick Update

Hi all,
Quick update really - the positions page now has professional photos of the positions, they are far clearer, and now watermarked by the photographer - so there should be no more complaints on that front.

Let me know what you think!

I wish you well,

kamira.

Master and Mistress: Given or Earned?

 This topic came up in a private conversation with two mainstream BDSM friends. They say that in BDSM, at least in general terms, the title of ‘Sir’, ‘Master’, ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Mistress’ (amongst others) are earned through getting a name for yourself in the community, being around a while, and gaining the respect and trust of submissives/slaves who then ‘vouch’ (for want of a better word) for the dominant amongst their friends.

I tried to explain that the Gorean lifestyle is rather different, as anyone (theoretically) can come into the lifestyle and from the get-go can expect to be called ‘Master’ or ‘Mistress’, it is only when they prove to or show other dominants that they do not hold the majority of Gorean traits (that is, traits like honesty, integrity, and honour) that the title is removed (at the command of the master) and the ‘respect’ begins to waver.

I could have been trying to explain nuclear physics to an three-year old (no offense to my friends!) but it just went way over their heads as it’s not what they’re used to, because what the lifestyle they’ve chosen preaches is the complete opposite.

So, it got me thinking... Goreans don’t ‘earn’ their titles, they just ‘have’ them. Why?   

Well, the easy answer is “because the books say so”, but unfortunately the simple ‘get-out clause’ has never been enough to satisfy my curiosity. I’m not about to follow every word written in a Gor book purely because it’s there – it has to make sense... otherwise I would be climbing Everest looking for Priest-Kings and hanging whole cows on the roof for the passing tarns.

So *why* do the books say so? The logical conclusion I found was because the Gorean culture is based on a hierarchy system, everything has its place and knows its place in relation to everything else. To show, and illustrate clearly, the difference between free and slave there are a lot of factors – the brand on the slave, the robes of the free woman, the wearing of earrings, sandals, and the like. And so the titles of ‘Master’ and ‘Mistress’ are just another way to illustrate the difference between free and slave.

By this definition, of course every free person should be called ‘Master’ or ‘Mistress’, because it is not a title of accomplishment or something that is ‘earned’. It is merely a verbal indication of the relationship between two individuals. It serves to ensure a slave is always remembers who and what she is within the dynamic - not only her own relationship, but the dynamic between herself and anyone who identifies with the Gorean lifestyle.

But does this really compute with our Earth upbringings? It works fine in a fantasy book, sure.. but does it work in our lives? I know when I’m using the term ‘Master’ or ‘Mistress’ I’m always far more aware of my collar and my position than if I was using ‘legal’ names, and in a world which doesn’t recognise my slavery, it is always nice to have that added reminder and reassurance.

Of course it isn’t compatible in the sense that I cannot go around calling everyone ‘Master’ or ‘Mistress’, it isn’t socially acceptable or normal to do so and I would get some strange looks in the supermarket! However, within the Gorean communities (that is, around those who are Gorean) it is completely compatible in my view. I call my master ‘Master’ in the supermarket, in a restaurant, even around his work friends – and no-one has batted an eyelid at it. As I often say, people are too caught up in their own world to care what I, or anyone else for that matter, do.

I suppose in some ways the Gorean term ‘Master’ is like ‘kajira’. I spent nearly two years with my Master before I became comfortable using that title – and even then it was after a long discussion with my Master about its meaning and it’s usage. But theoretically (‘by-the-books’) someone could come into the lifestyle now, having not known a thing about it – and use the same title as people who have been around for years and years and are knowledgeable about the lifestyle.

Is this fair? I’m reminded of the saying ‘Gor isn’t fair’, and ‘life isn’t fair’. But I’m also reminded that Gor isn’t BDSM – and trying to put BDSM or even vanilla values on the Gorean ethos is like trying to get the square peg into the round hole... It might work eventually.. but it isn’t going to be precise, or exact.

I wish you well,

kamira.

Historical References?

Greetings,

After making a couple of posts about the historical references used in the Gorean series, I thought it would be something to post here.

The problem I have is that so many people are so quick to judge the Gorean lifestyle as ‘pure fantasy’, even some of my friends who have great interest in history and classical studies dismiss Gor as ‘bad science-fiction’... Well, I want to quash some of those ideas, and replace them with some truths.

I will try to write this post in ‘basic’ terms, that is, that not a lot of background knowledge is needed other than what I supply here. This is because everyone has a different level of historical knowledge, and I don’t want this to go over anyone’s head. If you do miss something, or have any questions – as always, feel free to contact me via CM or Fetlife.

The issue is there is so much to write about, where to start? Where to end?!

~

Okay, let me do the logical thing and start at the beginning. The basics. John Norman wrote a series of books called the Gorean saga, this was set mainly on a world known as ‘Gor’ or ‘Counter-Earth’.

“As he spoke, my father often referred to the planet Gor as the Counter-Earth, taking the name from the writings of the Pythagoreans who had first speculated on the existence of such a body.” – Tarnsman, Pg. 16

“Oddly enough, one of the expressions in the tongue of Gor for our sun was Lar-Torvis, which means The Central Fire, another Pythagorean expression, except that it had not been, as I understand it, originally used by the Pythagoreans to refer to the sun but to another body.” – Tarnsman, Pg. 16

The Historical Facts: Pythagoras of Samos was (as expected) born in Samos in 569BC, and is best known as a mathematician. His ‘followers’ were dubbed ‘Pythagoreans,’ and it was considered a very secretive group of people. One of the few things known about the Pythagoreans is their idea of a ‘counter-Earth’. Being mathematicians, Pythagoreans decided everything could be factored down into the numbers one, two, three and four; added together, they make ten. The idea that ‘ten’ was the ‘perfect’ number is the basis for most of the Pythagorean theories.

They believed there had to be ten ‘bodies’ in the sky – but they could only find and see nine. This gave birth to the theory of a ‘counter-Earth’. The answer? An equal but opposite of our Earth, a ‘balance’ to counteract the Earths movement in the grand scheme of things (much like one must put two identical weights on a scale to make them balance, the Earth must have its own ‘counter weight’).

This is supported by the mention in Tarnsman of Gor of the ‘Sun Shield’ (the reason we cannot see the counter Earth), another part of the Pythagorean theory.  The Sun Shield was also dubbed the ‘Central Fire’.

So, the term ‘Gor’ and ‘Gorean’ come from the terms ‘PythaGORas’ and ‘PythaGOREANs’. And the ideal of a ‘counter-Earth’ stems from the theories of these mysterious Greek mathematicians and philosophers.

 

~

The story starts; Tarl Cabot(of Bristol) finds a letter, and boards a spacecraft which whisks him away to a ‘new’ world where he meets his father, Matthew Cabot

**The Historical Facts:** John Cabot was an Italian, born in 1451 that moved to England to start his career as an ‘explorer’. This meant he flew under the English Flag and with the permission of the English Monarchy.

In 1497, John Cabot, who is often mistaken for Christopher Columbus, was the captain of the first ship (after the Vikings) to ‘discover the new world’: America (North America), purely by accident as he was actually trying to find a western route to Asia, like many of his fellow explorers.

This voyage led him from his home port of Bristol, England, with just a single ship and only a handful of crew. The relatively light and agile ship was called ‘The Matthew’.

Although the location of the landing of The Matthew in America is widely debated, it is stated by the Canadian and British governments that the location was “Cape Bonavista”, Newfoundland.

John Cabot’s son, Sebastian Cabot, made a similar voyage in 1508. But it is unclear as to whether he was following his father’s voyage, or looking for another location (perhaps the North-West passage).

I don’t know of any historical references for the name ‘Tarl’, so if anyone knows any, I’d be interested to hear about it.

 

~

The ‘Gods’ of Gor are the Priest-Kings. In the books they are giant bug-like creatures which lead many to believe they have no historical influence. However...

**The Historical Facts:** The term ‘Priest-King’ appears to have come from about 3500 B.C. and from the Sumerian city-states.The Sumerian cities were run by priests, as the general view was that the land was actually ‘owned’ by the Gods and Goddesses and the priests spoke for those Gods and Goddesses and how they wanted the land divided or used by the people. It was considered ‘only right’ that the people who could speak to the Gods should be able to rule. They were called the ‘Ensi’ (which, given my limited reading, I presume to mean ‘Priest’ of some sort).

These ‘Ensi’ were assisted by a council of free men (normally the elders of the city), much like the Ubar of a city has his assistants in the Gorean novels.

During times of war, the Ensi were replaced by a military leader. Many military leaders were known as ‘Lugal’, and after periods of war, some military leaders didn’t return power to the priests and became kings. They were then referred to as ‘Ensi-Lugal’, kings, military leaders and religious leaders.

The Priest-Kings on Gor were also kings, military leaders and religious leaders. They were the kings of Gor. They were often prayed to before and after wars or skirmishes which leads me to believe they were considered to have some kind of influence over military movement and campaigns, and they were considered the ‘Gods’ of Gor, the religious head of Gor almost universally (minus the few number of people who were Sun worshippers, as mentioned in Tarnsman of Gor)

 

~

Of course, this is just the first part of the first book only three small points (!), the amount of references and obscure links to our own history in the entire series can only truly be found by being John Norman, or reading the books repeatedly.

I won’t be going into such detail with every book, as I don’t know enough about history to do it justice and I’ve been told it would be more of a ‘shortcut’ for those who are wanting a ‘quick way’ into the Gorean lifestyle.

So my best advice is to read the books, and see what connections you, yourself, make. And when you do, I’d be interested (curious) to hear about the links you’ve made.

                I wish you well,

kamira.