on worship - original article published by Master Stern and slave yielding

preserved from  www.thegoldentether.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=122342

When properly trained, it is not at all unusual for your slave to have a reverence for you so strong that it resembles "worship." Worship is not an unknown term in the BDSM world: "boot worship" and "foot worship" are two examples of its use. A slave's "worship" of her Master is not akin to either of these, however. slave "worship" is not an act, but an inner feeling.

It is only natural that, after a time of being so closely and carefully monitored and taught, the slave will begin to view you as a larger-than-life figure. You have provided her with everything she needs to live her life to her own specifications as well as yours. You are the authority who rewards and punishes. You are the patient and practical teacher. You rule with love, and thus endear her to you even further.

Moreover, the ritualistic lifestyle and the structure within it sometimes resemble those found in the religious community. Religious ritual and worship is comforting to its participants. Likewise, worshipping you is comforting to your slave.

The important thing to remember is that if you have trained her correctly, the slave has not been "broken," but "freed" from the bonds of culture and society. It is this sense of freedom that creates the deep respect manifested as worship.

In this way, true slavery encompasses the spirit as well as the mind and body of the slave. Make no mistake; your slave does not think of you as "perfect," or as a "god" in the true sense of the word. She understands your capacity for error and recognizes you as human.

Her worship of you springs from gratitude, and should be accepted in that spirit. It is her way of indicating to you that she feels herself to be a subject and recognizes the authority and strength of your hold over her. Mere obedience does not necessarily allow her to express the passion she feels as your worshipful slave.

Unlike worship in the sense of fetishism, a slave's worship is ongoing. it is not centered on an area of your body (although it can be at times) but is part of the slave's whole fabric of life.

This kind of worship is not something you can train your slave to feel. It is a natural result of a Master's skill and compassion. Any attempt to force it will likely backfire. The "training" in this area involves self-discipline.

When you feel the slave has developed a sense of worship toward you, do not use the opportunity to rest on your laurels and assume your job is done. Like anything else, her reverence for you will disappear if she senses arrogance or self-satisfaction on your part.

Caution yourself lest it go to your head. Just because your slave "worships" you does not mean you can do no wrong.

slave worship, when not taken to extremes, is a joy and an honor. (Yes, you CAN be honored by your slave). Return the slave's gratitude by continually reminding yourself that you must do what you can to deserve the honor.