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OATHS Oath: A solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words. Given with intent. We apply meaning and significance to our words. Often giving of them with loud verbal attestations incorporating divine language to make these words even more weighty or important. To some extent 'oaths' are verbal or formal contracts formed by intent between one or more individuals as a way of clearly stating our intent to fulfill a promise or execute a specific action. Each of us has at some point engaged in the exchange of an oath. In that moment we probably poured into that promise all of our intentions of fulfilling that promise. Intent. Intent is meaningless. The exchange of words is easy, they can be patterned to exact dimensions to seem or appear to be whole, valid and good things. But, they are just words. It is the veracity behind the words that defines the individual. We elevate 'oaths' in our society primarily because the exchange or promise that they involve is perceived to be of significant importance by all involved. In ancient times an oath or a giving of one's word was the same as or as binding as any written form. An oath requires belief coupled to sustained consistent action. It is expected that if an oath is given, that such an oath will stand in lieu of or as visible demonstration of the 'strength' of the individual taking it. Oaths become important in the D/s world for they are readily accessible visible representations of the value of an individual's 'word'. One of the most crucial D/s foundations is trust. In attempting to discern if an individual is worthy of trust it becomes important to look at how they have lived their life. If an individual does not value their own word, and are eminently capable of mouthing words merely to reach a goal then that individual is actively demonstrating traits of untrustworthiness. Often this same individual will be very capable of defining why such 'oaths' have failed. The words will sound full and reasoned. But...through the breaking of their own oaths they have demonstrated that their words are meaningless, therefore their reasons and justifications are meaningless too. D/s does not take a lessening in moral and ethical standards by the individual. It requires a strengthening. Those with tenuous ethics most often venture within this world intent merely on seeking illicit sexual titillation, free rein to express abusive conduct, and a desire for one sided sexual, mental and physical gratification. They do not wish to see themselves in this role so often they have created elaborate self-delusional justifications for the taking of these actions. They often have a need to see themselves as worthy and frequently will invest themselves in the identity of a Dominant in order to entice a submissive into offering to them devotion and attention that they are unable to receive from those who know them well and understand that they are less than worthy. However, the evidence is visible. If a violated oath exists then the individual is unworthy of trust. A submissive must trust. Their life literally is placed in a vulnerable position through the expression of this relationship. Therefore it becomes crucial for a submissive to coldly (without emotion) evaluate the veracity of any individual they meet whom they may invest or place this trust upon. It is a matter of life and death. Those blending into this lifestyle without being truthful seldom care whether they injure, damage or destroy another person as long as their needs are fulfilled or met. Old oaths take precedence over current needs. If a given oath has become functionally dead then it is incumbent upon the individuals involved in that oath to express the value of their ethical standards by withdrawing (formally) from the oath in an honorable fashion. Maintenance of the worth of your personal word is the maintenance or expression of your strength as an individual. There is a 'right' way to do things. If the binding that holds you involves the raising of children, remember that you voluntarily chose to bring those children into existence and that nothing relieves you of the responsibility to abide by your oath or promise of support to them for the duration of their childhood. Look to the completion or closure of your oaths rather than the violation of them if you wish to be worthy of trust or respectability by others. Measure those you are interested in by their actions. If their actions match their words then you have a better chance of them being truly worthy of your trust. If a submissive is willing to 'give up' their family, spouse and children for a Dominant then they are expressing a failure of personal oath no different from that of a Dominant who engages in D/s relationships as affairs while violating the integrity of their bound oath to spouse and family. A collaring is yet another form of bonded or given formal oath. The desire by both people to engage in this oath and to have that oath be meaningful in any way requires for their word to be sound. Those who enter and leave oaths casually express disrespect for the ideal, measure and worth of the lifestyle and the choices of those who base it on TRUST, HONOR, RESPECT and personal INTEGRITY! |
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