Three-art design that is generally interpreted as representation of:
Bondage & Discipline
Dominance & Submission
Sadism & Masochism
Other commonly cited symbolic elements include:
Curving/Interlocking Shape - the interconnected nature of BDSM relationships and dynamics
Black - the seriousness and intensity of BDSM
Negative/positive spaces - The balance between opposing forces such as dominance/submission
Holes/open spaces - sometimes interpreted as the importance of consent and limits
The tree of life is in the Garden of Eden and is barred when humans are expelled from the garden. It also appears in Revelation, where it grows in the restored creation.
It represents:
Life - the gift and continuation of
Connection - roots, trunk, branches, and leaves as an interconnected whole
Growth and transformation - becoming rather than remaining fixed
Healing and restoration - particularly powerful in Revelation
Reconciliation - the biblical story begins with humanity separated from the Tree and ends with humanity reunited with it
Abundance and flourishing - the Tree is associated with Nourishment
Christian faith can be a source of growth, life, and connection rather than something that has to be opposed to embodied sexuality, kink, or BDSM. It is the bridge between integrating Christian spirituality and Leather/BDSM rather than treating them as mutually exclusive.
It is one of the oldest symbols associated with Christianity.
ΙΧΘΥΣ is the Greek word for fish. Early Christians understood the letters as an acronym for:
Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ
Iēsous Christos, Theou Huios, Sōtēr
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”
Jesus and his followers - several of Jesus' disciples were fishermen, and Jesus calls them to become “fishers of people.”
Baptism - water and fish naturally connect the symbol with Christian baptism.
Abundance and nourishment - Jesus' feeding of the multitudes with fish and bread gives the fish associations with God's provision.
Community - fish became a discreet way for Christians to recognize one another, particularly in periods when Christianity was persecuted.
Death and resurrection - because of its association with baptism and emerging from water, the fish can also evoke dying and rising into new life.
