A submissives journey - The Emblem Project BDSM

EDITORS NOTE: Currently there is quite a bit of controversy raging over the internet regarding who created, owns or thought of the "BDSM emblem" as a symbol. Since I for one just "really don't know", far be it from Me to say otherwise. I think the intent of this page and having it posted here on the Asj site is not so much to explain the symbol or graphic, but rather to try to provide a better understanding of just what BDSM is, and what it's about. Whether the description of the purpose of the emblem is valid or not, I do believe the content makes for an interesting description of the lifestyle itself. After reading this page, I invite you to visit http://www.asubmissivesjourney.com/bdsm_controversy.html

The Emblem Project

The BDSM emblem has no "obvious" symbolism because it was created to be enigmatic. The vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely an attractive piece of jewelry. Thus, we can wear it freely as a friendly salute, nod and wink to other BDSM'ers we should happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the hallways of our daily lives. To the insider, however, the emblem is full of meaning.

The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM. First of all the three divisions of BDSM itself, B&D, D&s, and S&M. Secondly, the three way creed of BDSM behavior. Safe, Sane and Consensual. Thirdly the three divisions of our community. Tops, Bottoms and Switches.

It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and at its greatest a love style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context. However, "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a void within them that can only be filled by a

complimentary other. BDSM can not be done alone.

The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S and S&M.

The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the chains or irons of BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality.

The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. The all embracing circle, of course, represent the overlying unity of it all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.

Write to the Emblem Project

Notes on Display of the BDSM Emblem

The BDSM emblem has really caught on--at least as far as online display is concerned--since it was first conceived in a chat area by one group of BDSMers and designed by Yours Truly.

It's since been pointed out to me that my description of its symbolism is not
complete enough to make for clear guidelines for online display. For that
I apologize. And thus these brief notes.

Please note that I am not trying to impose my design sense on anyone.
I see no reason why folks shouldn't play with the form in various ways
to best serve the design of their web pages. I do wish to assure, however,
that when people choose to diverge from the "standard" representation it
is by conscious choice and with specific design intent, and not by error.

Keeping that in mind, here are the three aspects that are most often
overlooked in representing the emblem.

The rim and three curved "spokes" of the design are meant to be
presented in some metallic color. On the original pins and pendants
this area is raised. This color (it may look like iron, gold, silver,
copper, bronze, anything metallic) is indicative of the "chains" or
"irons" of BDSM servitude/ownership.
The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the
controlled "dark side" of BDSM sexuality.
The three "dots" are not dots but holes. The background of the
page should be visible though them. These holes, as described in
the original explanation of the symbol, denote the incompleteness
of any individual practitioner in that BDSM is at the least a play style
and at most a love style, and cannot be practiced alone. There is
always the need
for a complimentary other.
The arms curve clockwise. There is no reason for this other than
the fact that this is how I envisioned it when I was first designing it.
But it's been set, so one clockwise is correct and counterclockwise
is backwards.

No doubt other questions will pop up now that I've spelled these points
out. I'll answer those as they arise.

Best,

Quagmyr

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