Lindemann, Danielle J. (2012). Dominatrix: Gender, Eroticism and Control in the Dungeon. University of Chicago Press. p.42. ISBN 9780226482569. Understanding what the Dom/sub dynamic is, how it functions, and how to negotiate around it in your own relationship(s) is key to creating the kinky sex life of your dreams. It is the base layer. It is the fundamental configuration of role play. The ram is a male sheep. The Ram symbol in the Zodiac symbolizes leadership and authority, male vigor, ardor, and intense force. Amun, a fertility god from ancient Greece, was associated with the ram. He was shown with a ram’s head. Ram Lingam Often, BDSM contracts are set out in writing to record the formal consent of the parties to the power exchange, stating their common vision of the relationship dynamic. [3] The purpose of this kind of agreement is primarily to encourage discussion and negotiation in advance and then to document that understanding for the benefit of all parties. Such documents have not been recognized as being legally binding, nor are they intended to be. These agreements are binding in the sense that the parties have the expectation that the negotiated rules will be followed. Often other friends and community members may witness the signing of such a document in a ceremony, and so parties violating their agreement can result in loss of face, respect or status with their friends in the community.

Limits: What someone will not participate in (hard limits), or is hesitant to do so (soft limits). [47] [48]It is important to note that the BDSM symbol is not meant to be a universal representation of BDSM or its various practices. Rather, it is a symbol that has gained recognition within the community and has become a visual shorthand for those who practice or support BDSM.

BDSM is commonly mistaken as being "all about pain". [26] Freud was confounded by the complexity and counterintuitiveness of practitioners' doing thing Dom-space: The euphoric state of mind a dom may enter during a scene. [28] May include an intensified perception of the scene. [29] Munch: A group of people that practice BDSM meeting at a "vanilla" place in street-appropriate attire. Sometimes this is a club. One might see an announcement like, "This weekend's munch is at Denny's". [11] [64] [65]Pringels, Djanlissa (29 March 2018). "I Tried 'Needle Play' to Help Me Get Over My Fear of Needles". Vice. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021 . Retrieved 24 October 2021. Aggrawal, Anil (2008). Forensic and Medico-legal Aspects of Sexual Crimes and Unusual Sexual Practices. CRC Press. p.149. ISBN 9781420043099. BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves to be practising BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture often is said to depend on self-identification and shared experience.