For some people, the world of body modification is a point of ridicule. For others it is a way to fit into an ever changing society. For others of us yet, it is a way of life. We may be called freaks for performing such things as tattoos, body piercings, sounding, and even such procedures as ritual forms of body modification. The latter is often the most ridiculed form of body modification.
At A Glance Author Jake Contact Jake@bme.anon IAM MoDvAyNe When It just happened Artist Emrys and Jason Few people understand the implications of what energy pulls and suspensions can have on a person. All most people think is that you are a freak for hanging from hooks, but there is so much more than that to ritual modification. Various cultures throughout history have used ritual modification for different reasons. Some have used ritual body modification as rites of passage, and others yet have used ritual body modification for therapeutic reasons. Having been banned in most cultures, some still hold true in their beliefs that ritual body modification has profound effects on the body, mind, and spirit.
Having researched my own family background, I discovered that I have Native American heritage. Why is this relevant some may ask? In North America, various tribes performed body modification rituals as rites of passage. Most well known are the tribes of the Dakotah's, but they weren't the only tribes to incorporate body modification into rituals. Tribes in other areas also performed similar rituals, including tribes in Montana and Alabama. Both of these states are where parts of my family originate from. I also have Native American ancestors within these parts of my family.
It was no surprise that I felt strongly about researching these rituals further, and participating in them as well. Unlike some people, I'm not impulsive, nor do I do anything that I haven't researched in some way. My introduction to ritual modification came when I witnessed the I Was Cured Guerilla Suspension Team assisting others in 2001. I was witnessing things that I had dreamed of, but had never known anything about. I couldn't even research them because I didn't know what they were called. Once I knew what I was looking for, I started my research.
I found that the Cherokee Nation were among tribes who performed body modification rituals. It was all starting to make sense to me. My dreams were a way for my ancestors to speak to me. They were a way for me to know that I was supposed to walk a different path than most. I was meant to embrace my Native American heritage, and continue the traditions they had began. This journey began with an energy pull, but hasn't stopped there. It has led to a suicide suspension, a crucifix suspension, and now a lotus suspension.
It is the lotus suspension, and why it was important that I perform it, that I will attempt to explain at this point. On January 9, 2004, I experienced a life altering event. I had a 5000 pound metal stamping die fall on my left leg, and sever my foot almost completely. I was given a minimum chance of saving my foot, or being able to walk again. If I were unable to walk, chances were that my journey with ritual body modification would be at an end. I wouldn't be able to have any more experiences if I couldn't walk to a suspension rig. I proved to myself and everyone else that I was determined by keeping my foot, and learning to walk again.
Having regained at least a small part of my life, I needed to find a way to regain the rest of it. I needed to find a way to reclaim my body as my own. The best way to prove to myself that my injury couldn't keep me down was to perform a suspension. It is for this reason that I chose a lotus suspension. It allowed me to not only suspend, but also to include my injuries in the suspension.
I had this opportunity thanks to Emrys and Jason. They held a small SusCon at a Dojo in Michigan. I was unsure if I would be able to make it to the event, but I knew that I needed to do a lotus if I went. I found a babysitter, and indeed made it. Jason marked me for placement, and then proceeded to pierce my skin for hook insertion. Meanwhile, Emrys was preparing the lotus rig. With the hooks in place, I was ready to walk out and sit on the floor so Emrys could hook me to the rig.
As I sat there, Native American music was playing, and I was entering a certain zone. I was entering the state of mind to go up, and reclaim the life that I thought had been taken from me. I sat there waiting for the right moment to go up, and I felt as if it had come. Jason began to lift me, and I felt as if I were going to die. The hooks near my injury began screaming at me. I was up for close to a minute, and I just couldn't take it any longer. My injury was getting to me. I had done what I needed to though. I had reclaimed my life. I had proven that although I had been injured, it could no longer keep me from doing anything I wanted to do.
On the ride home, I was still in the zone. Ed and I stopped off for a bite to eat, and I was still experiencing different things. Things which normally occur while I'm suspending were occurring while we ate. I was experiencing a feeling of others sitting with me, and whispering in my ear. It was as if I were being told that I would be ok now. That I no longer had to fear life as I know it being over, but rather that a new chapter is opening. A chapter that will allow me to accomplish anything I choose in life. A chapter of happiness and fulfillment. Not everyone experiences the same spiritual awakening, but those who do, can understand what it's like.
As I sit here a day later, I am still feeling some of the effects. I feel as if I am even more aware of the world around me than I have ever been before. I still feel eyes upon me, with a sparkle that says my journey will continue. I feel as if I am ready to face any obstacle life throws at me. Among the most important feelings however are those of love and peace. An inner peace that can't easily be taken away, and a love that will allow me to be happy once more.