Wings of Desire: Aerial bondage, from the ground on up

How many of us have felt the longing to fly? To take off from the ground, and return again? Whether we are shapeshifters or sensualists, rope enthusiasts or magi who want to use aerial rope skills as a tool for ceremonies, suspension bondage is an incredibly powerful tool.

In this 8 hour intensive, we will learn basic physiology of suspension, examine why there is a primal need for some of us to get off the ground or create the opportunity for flight for others, and then learn how to make this magic happen ourselves. Chest harnesses, hip harnesses, one column ties, drop lines, mechanical advantage and attachment techniques will be taught (and yes, feel free to think on that from a Buddhist standpoint if you want a fascinating meditation). By the end of this intensive you will learn at least two different poses of suspension, with the basic skills in hand for applying the concepts to hundreds of other ideas. If time allows, we will also look into moving the individual in the air between poses, and alternative harness forms.

Students will need a bare minimum of 4 25-30ft and 3 15ft load-worthy pieces of rope and either a suspension ring, 3-4 climbing carabineers, or some other metal load-bearing gear. By the end of this course every rope artist will have had an opportunity to get their partner, or themselves, up in the air. Though focusing on the technical aspects of how to move bodies in partial and full suspension, this class will also heavily look into the bio-mechanics of suspension, the whys of doing suspension (from magic or meditation to torment or trust) to best be able to use this camp of advanced ropework for what you really want it for.

No previous rope bondage experience is necessary. Students must know in advance how to tie their shoe laces or an equivalent, and be able to listen to and take instructions as doing this work wrong can cause injury or harm. Please contact the instructor for information on types of rope or gear needed if looking for further information. Couples encouraged to attend, but solo individuals, triads and more are welcome to attend and do self-bondage or be partnered with other solitary attendees. Interested parties with disabilities are not disqualified in any way, but are encouraged to contact the instructor in advance to discuss their specific needs.

Presenter:
Lee Harrington is an eclectic artist, spiritual and erotic educator, gender radical and award winning published author on human sexuality and spiritual experience. He has been an active part of the international kink and sex positive communities for over 14 years, and his stories make people laugh while showing you that eroticism can be as serious, sexy, or silly as you make it. Serving as a spiritual guide as well, Lee's eclectic paganism is heavily rooted in his upbringing as the daughter of an Irish Catholic and a Goddess Worshiping Lutheran, as well as his studies of Street Magic, Feri, Ceremonial Magick, Huna, and other paths. He has been part of CUUPs (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans), GoddesSMack (a pagan dyke SM circle in Portland, OR), serves as a Priest for Temple of Atonement (Atoning and Educating Burning Man and the World), and actively incorporates bondage and other forms of BDSM and fiber magic into his spiritual workings as a shaman in service to Bear. His books include "Sacred Kink: The Eightfold Paths of BDSM and Beyond," and his writings and photography have appeared in numerous other publications, such as "Dark Moon Rising: Pagan BDSM and the Ordeal Path", including under his previous name, Bridgett Harrington. Learn more at www.PassionAndSoul.com

Maximum of 14 attendees. Singles, groups and couples welcome.