Where did the word subspace come from? In recent BDSM culture, this has become quite a buzzword worthy of further inquiry. Subspace was originally a scientific and mathematical term but interestingly, was later popularized by the writers of Star Trek. In the series, Star Trek subspace is a form of interstellar travel or way of transmitting information via faster than light travel technology.

Later, Courtney Brown, Ph.D., professor of political science and statistics at the University of Georgia in Atlanta redefined the term as, “separating the physical from the nonphysical realms without imposing a more rigorous view of dimensional complexity on either of those realms.” (p. 22, Remote Viewing: The Science and Theory of Nonphysical Perception)

To expand further on Brown’s definition, he then implies that while in subspace one can not only reach higher states of consciousness in different realms but that one can also reach other dimensional beings. “An aspect of each of us exists in subspace, as do other beings. People who no longer reside in our physical space “live” in subspace. It is not accurate to say that these are “dead” people, since they are very much alive.” (p. 43, Cosmic Voyage) Basically Brown is saying that subspace is the space between the physical and the non-physical world. Trippy right!?

Other words relating to Subspace

Akasha

There are many other relative words that can be described as a similar space to subspace, one being Akasha. The Akashic records are a widely known dimension in which all of the records of the past are imprinted. However, the origin of Akasha basically translates to “subtle space.” It is a place accessible by the mind, in between realms, where higher consciousness and knowledge can be obtained.

Floating World

Another word that has similar connotations is Ukiyo. The Japanese word Ukiyo translates to “Floating World” and was popularized in the Edo-period Japan (1600–1867). Ukiyo was not only a concept but also a district that inhabited the most erotic and hedonist brothels of the time.

But the origin of the word, as it insinuates, translates further to "transient world" in Buddhist tradition. It became of word known to describe a hedonistic, carefree, extravagant, naughty type of lifestyle; a space between reality and fantasy.

"Living only for the moment, savouring the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms, and the maple leaves, singing songs, drinking sake, and diverting oneself just in floating, unconcerned by the prospect of imminent poverty, buoyant and carefree, like a gourd carried along with the river current: this is what we call ukiyo." ("Tales of the Floating World", c. 1661)

Eroto-comatose lucidity

One term that is particularly fascinating is Eroto-comatose lucidity, which is a sex magic ritual originally created by Aleister Crowley in 1912. The book Modern Sex Magick: Secrets of Erotic Spirituality describes the ritual and how to reach Eroto-comatose lucidity:

“A common form of the ritual uses repeated sexual stimulation (but not to physical orgasm) to place the individual in a state between full sleep and full wakefulness as well as exhaustion, allowing the practitioner to commune with their god.

In the first part of the ritual, the aides seek repeatedly both to arouse the ritualist sexually as well as to exhaust him. In the second part of the ritual, the aides seek to come close to awakening the ritualist through sexual stimulation alone. Most practitioners agree with Crowley that every means of arousal may be used, such as physical stimulation, genital stimulation, psychological stimulation, devices (such as sex toys), or drugs (an entheogen like hashish, marijuana, or other aphrodisiacs).

The goal is not to fully awaken her or him, but rather to bring them to the brink of wakefulness. This step is repeated indefinitely until the ritualist reaches a state between sleep and wakefulness in which communing with a higher power may occur. The ritualist may also conduct spiritual work while in this state, or witness mystical events.”

How it is relevant to you

Okay, now that a little historical background has been given, let’s get into the meaning of the subspace that is relevant to you. Subspace, coined by the BDSM community, means an altered state of consciousness, mainly achieved by a submissive through physical sensory pleasure or pain, psychological scene play or both.

How does subspace occur

It is quite scientific when fully examined. When the body is overloaded with a host of different sensations, whether pleasurable or painful, the body goes into a state of fight or flight. When our body perceives this sort of overload it triggers a sympathetic nervous system response which releases numerous chemicals. These chemicals mainly consist of adrenaline, endorphins, and enkephalins (primarily released during painful scenes and acts as a natural pain reliever).

Because these chemicals can act on the brain in the same way as morphine or psychedelic drugs, it can induce a trance-like state. During this trance one may feel many different things including:

Out of body experience
Enhanced sensory perception
Decreased sensory perception
Feeling of floating
Feeling of a connection with a higher consciousness
Ability to recall past memories or past lives
Ability to connect with deceased loved ones

Any of these states can produce a huge shift in consciousness as well as feelings of great euphoria and bliss. However, as the high subsides (this can occur immediately or hours or days later) the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in which can induce exhaustion, lethargy and even temporary depression. *This reaction called Subdrop and is discussed in the next blog post.

How to achieve Subspace

This state of consciousness is very relevant to the sessions that I offer, especially when it comes to my Bondassage and Elysium sessions. To easily reach subspace the use of headphones and a blindfold, which is standard in any Bondassage session, is essential! By creating an atmosphere free of distraction, through the use of specifically selected musical beats and sensory deprivation, the mind and body are free to let go into a world rarely experienced.

As Aleister Crowley wrote, as well as other mystics and shamans throughout time, sex magic or intense sensory stimulation has been used for centuries to reach higher states of consciousness. Depending on the participant, subspace can either be simply a chemically induced body response or it could be small proof that indeed there is more beyond this 3D reality.

There are several aspects that are necessary in order to fall deep into a subspace realm. Whether through conscious thoughts/actions or a subconscious awareness one must:

Be grounded and relaxed (I take time to do basic energy work prior to starting a session in an effort to ground and relax my clients)
Feel like they are in a safe space (I have spent much time and effort creating a space that is beautifully magically. I also take the time to do clearings to create an energetically safe environment.)
Feel safe with a partner or practitioner (One of my main jobs is to ensure that all of my clients feel safe and loved during their time with me)
Be willing to let go (The need to have control is the leading cause that inhibits clients from reaching subspace, especially the first time. However after several sessions the process becomes easier.)
Keep an open mind (Those that have some sort of awareness of a higher power, those having experience with any sort of hallucinogen and those with a shaman point of view, with the belief that there is a lower world, a middle world (that in which we reside) and an upper world, may have better chances at reaching Subspace.)

That being said, I have seen anxious, logical-minded, inexperienced clients, to my great surprise, go into subspace. This is always exciting for me because they come out of a session with a shift in consciousness that can leave them questioning the world around us for the better.