The fascination of the St Andrew's Cross

“The fascination of the St Andrew's Cross“ was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

If you're not into BDSM, the words St Andrew's cross probably make you think of a railway level crossing. Or perhaps the flag of Scotland or Jamaica. And if you have a fascination with shields, you might of course think of some heraldic symbol. If you are into BDSM, however, this word will probably make you think straight away of a cross on the wall. Something you can be tied to. Something with clanking cuffs, red welts and above all lots of 'ooooh's and 'aaaaaaaaah's (if no gag has been used).

St Andrew's Cross

In the context of BDSM, a St Andrew's cross refers to a specific piece of furniture. This cross is shaped like a large "X" and is designed to position and restrain a person during BDSM play. The cross is often made of wood or metal and has attachment points for handcuffs and ankle cuffs.

Because of the shape, the sub stands with both legs and arms spread wide apart. You can imagine that this can create a feeling of vulnerability and surrender. You can fasten the sub to the cross with their back against it, but of course also the other way round, so that they face it with their belly pressed against it. It all depends on what you fancy.

In both positions the Dominant has access to the whole body. If he is standing with his back to the cross, you can do fun things with the nipples or the cock/pussy (cbt, clamps, slapping, candle wax), and the other way round you can of course whip and cane perfectly.

History

A St Andrew's cross is a cross-shaped symbol that looks like an "X". It is named after the apostle Andrew, who according to tradition was crucified on a cross of this shape. The specific origin of the St Andrew's cross within BDSM is hard to trace, but the use of cross-shaped structures for tying up and disciplining people can be traced back to old punishment techniques. In the Middle Ages, people were sometimes tied to similar crosses as a punishment.

Within the modern BDSM community, the St Andrew's cross has probably gained its popularity through a combination of historical punishment symbolism and the practical functionality it offers in BDSM play. The cross provides a dramatic visual element and an effective way to tie someone up and stretch them out. A cross on the wall does give you a bit of room to play, after all.

Safety

Modern St Andrew's crosses often come with various safety features, such as adjustable cuffs. Make sure that whenever you use a St Andrew's cross, you always use panic snaps, so that you can easily release a sub should they feel unwell.

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Photography: BDSMforyou