Being branded is a subject that is not often discussed here so I thought I would share my experience of it with you.

Branding comes in many forms within different sectors of society. Anyone who gets a tattoo is branding themselves in a sense with a decoration of self expression. It is a symbol that means something to the individual. Tribal tattoos can symbolise the group of people someone is, or chooses to be part of. Types of fashion can symbolise a persons integration with like minded people. There are many types of branding, both obvious and subtle

So how does this involve itself in a Findom setting?

As a rule it doesn't. It is something that is occasionally found within a BDSM Dom/Domina/Slave dynamic. It is, in this day and age, still quite rare as a permanent feature such as a tattoo or piercing.

Branding a submissive is a decision that a Dom/me takes a lot of time to consider.

What is the purpose?

What does it entail?

What does it symbolise in that specific dynamic?

What is it about that submissive that makes branding them an option?

Being branded is a step that can never be taken lightly by a submissive. They also need to ask questions.

Why do I want to be branded?

What does it mean to me?

What impact does it have on me on a day to day basis?

What happens if the dynamic ends?

Each dynamic will have its own specific answers to those questions.

As a Findom I would never instruct a Sub to get a permanent feature. However, wearing something that symbolises ownership is a step I have chosen to incorporate should the Sub agree. (Yes, they do have a right to say no to this and anything else within a dynamic but that is a subject for another time)

I only allow branding for a well established TPE or a very loyal sub over a long period of time. In the case of my current one, it was a conversation over several days where we questioned ourselves as well as each other about Why/How/What. I chose a cuff for him as wearing an actual collar would be too difficult for him day to day. He admitted initially that he thought it would not have that much of an impact on him and that it might just feel like a novelty. That changed the moment he wore it in public and at work for the first time. In his words he felt "Owned Complete Proud Grateful Safe" The longer he wears it the closer he feels to me. The real test happened a few days later when he crossed a boundary and was ordered to remove it. The emotions that he experienced in that moment and throughout the day were extremely raw and forced him to realise the responsibilities and devotion required to be allowed to wear it. As a result he is fully aware of what it means to him and it has solidified the dynamic even more.

I don't expect that this will ever be something that is the norm within Findom as TPE and long term dynamics are not common but introducing this to you from my perspective might give some of you a new idea to try and I hope at the least, it will invoke a discussion.

The honour of being branded