Hi Robert. The common error in this and all similar lines of thinking is the UTTER MYTH that somehow organized BDSM came into existence in the 1970’s from the gay leatherman community. Simply put, Hard NO.

BDSM is literally THOUSANDS of years older than that. 1000’s. You can dive into that factoid here amongst other places: https://arcaneadvice.com/all-lessons-a-z/the-global-history-of-bdsm-since-3000-b-c/

How this “BDSM Started in the 1970’s!!” silliness started is beyond me, and is shrouded in ignorance. What happened in the 1970’s is that the gay leather community codified a handful of specific Leatherman etiquette which they perpetuated Within Their Community. Full stop. Think of it like someone telling you that the Goths of the 1970’s “Started The Whole Style of Wearing Black Clothes!” You would laugh if someone said something that silly. Did the Goths take that style and seriously run with it? Yes. Did they invent the practice of wearing black clothing? No.

BDSM, as a consensual practice for attaining physiological bliss, is very, very old. It is therefore a GIVEN than to maintain such a practice between consenting adults – whether in ancient Egypt, Rome, Sumeria, or within Native American tribes – NATURALLY contained these same “pillars” although the term “Pillar” may not have been concurrent. The mechanics of successful BDSM require these simple elements: Trust, Honesty, and Communication, and as such it is guaranteed these elements were present, even if not codified into a formal system. The very language itself might have been lacking. For example, did you know that 2000 years ago the word “IMAGINATION” did not exist? So for all of us here in the modern world, that we can speak these 3 or 4 words – trust, honesty, communication, respect – is merely using the language we have to describe these excellent, ANCIENT concepts.

My recommendation is that you definitely dig into the utterly fascinating ancient history of BDSM, and rather than look for specific English Words, look for the actual concepts In Action, regardless of the words describing these concepts. 🙂

Now, This conversation got me to thinking. As far as I know the original leathermen constructed the foundation for the pillars, and the 2nd generation of leatherment refined it to what we know today. I know that in Larry Townsend’s 1972 book, they are mentioned and talked about at length, but I cannot find any written mention of the pillars from before then. I know Larry Townsend was 2nd generation, but again I cannot find anything before his book.

So, I am looking for any further historical mention of the pillars and their origin.

Hi Tony. Great question. The answer is very much like what one of my sensei’s told me many moons ago, namely to learn as much as you can and pick and choose which elements feel like your Style. Obviously things like excellent safety practices and great communication will serve you will no matter what. Other than that, there are sooooo many ways to play in the greater BDSM Universe that it really becomes an eclectic mix of your own personal preferences. The Crow Academy Style of Romantic Domination & Submission is just one of many Styles, so take what you can from us and keep an open mind towards others. Eventually, any advanced Dominant will end up developing their own, personal Style of D/s that suits them the best.