TPE – Total Power Exchange Relationships
This article has been penned due to some confusion some have about the true purpose of a “love slave” in this particular role. Many I have chatted with or read posts from seem to misunderstand this particular type of relationship, so I will make an effort to clear up a few misconceptions about it with this article. I will include direct references in this post, mainly from the KJV Bible simply because it is all I have handy. There will also be quotes from reputable sources with links to check for yourselves.
HISTORY OF TPE –
TPE has existed, literally, since biblical times. Pagan kings held numerous “love slaves” in their harems. In those days the purpose of the slave was not just to pleasure the Master but also to reproduce, to provide an heir to his throne. A slave who could not reproduce was typically sold or killed. This is most researchable in the Roman Empire, but can be traced as far back as Babylon Babylon
To address an issue here quickly, there is a significant difference in biblical terms between a bondservant and a slave. A bondservant was PURCHASED to perform a set task or tasks, such as farm work. They had a set number of years they would perform to earn their freedom. Once their obligation was met they were freed and no longer bondservants. Now, one who is purchased for any other reason was at that time, labeled a slave. Women typically fell into this category. The oldest reference of a woman being “sold” is that of Leah and Rachel in the book of Genesis 29. Jacob wanted Rachel and worked out a deal with her father to work for seven years to “purchase” her. He was tricked and given Leah instead, so he worked yet another seven years to earn Rachel. Both women were considered his property to do with as he saw fit.
All throughout the Bible there are references to women being “sold” to their husbands. It was common practice for the parents to “sell” the daughter to the selected man she would wed in exchange for land, cattle, gold, etc. It is still a common practice in some remote parts of the world. Arranged marriages are also a form of this as well. The dowry is a type of reward to the husband for assuming the responsibility of the wife.
In the Old Testament, a woman’s place was quite simple. It was her DUTY to cook, keep the home, reproduce, and keep her mouth shut. If she could not reproduce then the husband had the right to take another “wife” to give him an heir. Thus the first wife then became the mentor for the next wife and so on.
*I am choosing this particular type of reference because MOST people are familiar with the Bible, not that it necessarily is the worldwide accepted authority, just that it is the oldest known reference to the matter.
There are no specific references to a woman’s sexual performance or duties, but there are insinuations. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah
In the Old Testament days, a woman was ESPOUSED to her husband. In a few cases it can be found in historical documents where the woman was actually kept in chains.
- the academic definition of espouse can be found here:
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/espoused
- also note that this definition has been changed from it’s original definition as noted here:
- http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/espouse
The common theme is to take responsibility for. This is basically the same as owning something. An owner takes responsibility for the property he purchases. A woman’s place in the Old Testament has not changed MUCH over the years. Some freedoms have been granted, but all in all their place is the same now as it was then.
A woman who was “espoused”, (sold to husband in exchange for goods) had duties she was expected to perform. She could not be released from this agreement except in the case of adultery on her part. If such happened the husband was granted a divorce and she was labeled a “harlot”. This happened quite frequently then, but only a handful are actually recorded in the historic documents that have survived to this day.
The idea of viewing the woman as a form of property is not new. The concept is as old as time itself. If you are a Big Bang believer then you must admit even the cavemen viewed woman as property. Thus can be seen in a movie called “Clan of the Cave Bear”. In those depictions the woman was also shared among the “tribe”.
Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, was viewed as Joseph’s property. References to this can be found in all four New Testament gospels. She was “espoused” to Joseph by her parents at a very young age.
MODERN DEFINITIONS and EVOLUTION of the LOVE SLAVE
So, in understanding that history viewed woman as property it can be seen how a woman was considered a “slave”. Now this brings us to the academic definition for LOVE SLAVE. One source referred to it as:
Love slave
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A love slave is a person that, usually, would do anything for affection from their "master". Love slaves can be men or women.This particular definition has numerous cross references that are quite interesting.
You can also cross reference anything I have mentioned here with this source:
This is a very intriguing book that goes much more into detail about this matter.
This still has not approached the definition of a true TPE relationship so I bring you this:
In Acts 27:23, Paul says, "...the God whose I am and whom I serve". He was a love-slave of his God. He retained no right to his own life. He had given everything to his Master.
The only proper basis for our consecration is recognizing the fact that we belong wholly to God in the first place. Giving ourselves to God out of gratitude for what He has done for us, though good in itself, is not the true basis for Christian consecration. Love for Christ can be the impelling motive in our service for the Lord. But the basis on which we should dedicate our lives to God, is the fact that He has purchased us on the cross. We are therefore now God's own property, and have no right to ourselves. When slaves served their masters in olden times, it was not primarily because they loved their masters, but because they were their master's property!
And so, when a person gives his entire life to God, he is not doing God a great favor. No! He is only returning to God what he had stolen from Him. If I were to steal a man's money and later, convicted of my sin, were to return it to him, I would certainly not be doing that man a favor. I would go to him as a repentant thief. And that is the only proper attitude in which we can approach God when we come to give our lives to Him. God has purchased us. When we recognize that, we arrive at the only proper basis for consecration.
Paul was a love-slave of the Lord. Like the Hebrew slave, who could go free in the seventh year of his service, but chose to continue in that service because he loved his master (Exod. 21:1-6), Paul served his Lord. He was not a hired servant who worked for wages, but one who served without any rights of his own. The service of a love-slave has been beautifully summed up by someone in the following poem:
"I'm but a slave!
I have no freedom of my own;
I cannot choose the smallest thing –
Nor e'en my way.
I'm a slave!
Kept to do the bidding of my Master –
He can call me night or day.
Were I a servant, I could claim wages –
Freedom sometimes, anyway.
But I was bought -
Blood was the price my Master paid for me,
And I am now His slave –
And evermore will be.
He takes me here, He takes me there,
He tells me what to do;
I just obey, that's all –
I trust Him too!"
I have no freedom of my own;
I cannot choose the smallest thing –
Nor e'en my way.
I'm a slave!
Kept to do the bidding of my Master –
He can call me night or day.
Were I a servant, I could claim wages –
Freedom sometimes, anyway.
But I was bought -
Blood was the price my Master paid for me,
And I am now His slave –
And evermore will be.
He takes me here, He takes me there,
He tells me what to do;
I just obey, that's all –
I trust Him too!"
This is what it means to be a love-slave.
God is looking for those who are so yielded to Him, that they will look to Him always to see what He wants them to do - and not busy doing what they feel they should do for God. A slave does not go around doing whatever he feels like. No. The slave asks his master, "Master, what do you want me to do?" And he does what he is told. The Bible says, "The most important thing about a servant is that he does just what his master tells him to" (1 Cor. 4:2-LB).
As someone has put it so beautifully, this is the type of man the Lord is looking for:
"I'm seeking for one who will wait and watch
For My beckoning Hand, My eye;
Who will work in My manner, the work I give,
And the work I give not, pass by.
And oh the joy that is brought to Me
When one such as this I can find,
A man who will do all My will –
Who is set to study His Master's mind."
For My beckoning Hand, My eye;
Who will work in My manner, the work I give,
And the work I give not, pass by.
And oh the joy that is brought to Me
When one such as this I can find,
A man who will do all My will –
Who is set to study His Master's mind."
"I sought for a man," the Lord once said, "but I found none"(Ezek. 22:30). He is looking for love-slaves today. But He finds so few.
I found this particular reference here:
I use religious references because I myself am deeply religious and it is easier for me to relate to the true meaning of a SLAVE in such terms. In more simple terms as Christian submits ALL to God, even free will. This is also true of the TPE relationship. The Master basically OWNS the slave and may use “it” as he/ she feels like. Just as any one of us own any type of object, so too the slave is owned by their Master. Just as we use our property in the way we desire, so too the love slave is used by their Master.
This differs from traditional BDSM relationships in the fact that a traditional BDSM relationship typically has a SAFE WORD or stop point. Thus the submissive being the one with the true control in such relationships. In a TPE relationship the slave has absolutely no control, no safe word and does not have the right to refuse their Master anything. This is precisely where the current debate occurs for most people.
Due to modern views the accepted definition of a love slave is nearly identical to that of a typical submissive, but this definition is NOT correct for true TPE relationships.
In another comparison, a TPE relationship is much like that of a suicide bomber. These people are so devout they give their life for the cause they believe in. Their training begins at a very young age and is ingrained in them so they accept nothing that contradicts it. A true TPE slave is the same, it is somehow written in their genetic make up and they will accept nothing less than true power exchange to satisfy themselves.
In many Mid Eastern countries, a soldier is trained from ages as early as 5 years old. Thus they are brought up knowing nothing else, and desiring only to please the trainer in the manner acceptable to their god. Many of us cannot even begin to fathom this depth of devotion because we lack it in our own lives. For those who have found it they are truly the luck ones.
A TPE relationship is typically viewed as harmful by most. Some experts have gone so far as to call it brainwashing, or tagged it as “Stockholm Syndrome”. It does not matter how it is referred to if the slave has made the conscience choice to participate in such a relationship. Prostitutes from the beginning of time were nothing more than a form of love slave. A “john” gave money or goods in exchange for services. Taking this into consideration, the depth of devotion a true TPE slave has for their Master is unrivaled by anything else in their life.
Today’s BDSM relationships do not typically take the relationship to this level, thus a TPE relationship falls in to the 10% of true lifestylers living in the definition of EDGE play. The majority of BDSM relationships, 90% of them, have specific lines drawn in the sand as to how far the play will go. When that line is reached it is not crossed. In a TPE relationship there are no lines drawn, ever.
This can only truly be compared to that of a terrorist honestly. Even in a religious relationship with God humans will draw a line as to how far they will go to prove their devotion to God. A terrorist however has no limit to what they will do and thus best aids in the definition of the TPE relationship. The lengths a TPE slave will serve their Master are only limited by that of their Master.
MODERN DEFINITIONS and SOURCES
BDSM relationships are also known as INFORMED CONSENT. Once again though, this narrow definition does not encompass the depths of a true TPE relationship. Most references to INFORMED CONSENT refer to medical treatment, so some of these links are those. Here are a few links that adequately define INFORMED CONNSENT:
To see what I found simply google informed consent in bdsm relationships.
Once again though these references draw a line of acceptable use. Such is not so in the case of a true TPE relationship.
TPE DEFINITION
A true TPE relationship hands power over to the Master. ALL POWER. It is non-negotiable and infractions will be punished. Modern TPE relationships typically involve consenting adults but are not limited to such. There are cases where slaves have been forced into the relationship. In this article I am only covering the conscience choice to participate in such a relationship.
Here are some links to assist in this definition:
There are literally millions of references to TPE relationships online. Google TPE relationships to see what I found. The following is quoted from:
http://www.slave.wolfshead.org.uk/tpe.htm
In a nutshell:
The term TPE (Total Power Exchange) can be seen to some as an extreme form of 24/7 D/s relationship. The concept of TPE can be quite frightening to a lot of people so they may prefer to choose the term EPE (Erotic Power Exchange). A definition of TPE from the book 'Screw The Roses Give Me The Thorns' "TPE is the empowerment of the Dominant BY the submissive to his/her control. The power exchange is consensual and should be well negotiated. The depth of power yielded by the submissive is equal to the level of responsibility assumed by the Dominant."
TPE is a subject that I have discussed at great length with my Master and fortunately W/we both have the same opinions on this. I must stress to the readers that what Y/you will read is my opinion, how I see TPE and is in no way saying that anyone is wrong! However, I do feel that there is a misconception or at least a misunderstanding about TPE and do think that a different light should be put on it!
Lets start with defining a D/s relationship. It is a relationship where the submissive has a voice, she/he sets the limits, has a safe word and subservience is for an allotted period of time....it is not 24/7!! A submissive submits to a certain point, always holds back, he/she does as they are told until something reaches their limits and then they stop being submissive. A submissive is still his/her own person. It doesn't matter what way round one explains a submissive, it always comes back to the submissive being in control. i.e. Topping from the bottom!
In my opening sentence I have put that TPE can be seen as an extreme form of 24/7 D/s relationship. This information I have gleaned from many sites and in my opinion it is in error. Total Power Exchange (TPE) does not happen with D/s, at best Y/you get Erotic Power Exchange (EPE) or as I like to phrase it Partial Power Exchange (PPE).
Lets take a look at D/s...when a Dominant and submissive get together the Dom/me should really give the sub a checklist to find out what he/she has done, will/won't do, likes/dislikes, will try or won't try. Limits are discussed, 'smile'...how many times I have heard people say they don't have limits then cutting, scat, watersports etc are mentioned and eyes open wide, eyebrows raise in horror and suddenly they realize they do have limits. Limits are not just for the submissive, the Dominant has limits too and both parties must respect the limits that each have.
In a D/s relationship play is always negotiated and it is always the submissive who is in control. A submissive will only ever give Partial Power Exchange as play is only for an allotted time...it is not 24/7! A Dom/me/sub may not necessarily live together, so may only come together for parties, clubs or as and when their 'vanilla' lives allow it. On the whole a submissive is a toy as and when they can get together - if the parties are living together married or not, then their play is usually confined to the bedroom as their 'vanilla' life is their lifestyle, this can neither be interpreted as 24/7 or Total Power Exchange (TPE).
From my own experience D/s is sexually orientated and there is nothing wrong with this at all, but there are some of U/us who find the sexual aspect to be the last thing on O/our minds and more often that not Y/you will find this within the Master/slave relationship which is very different to D/s. Let me define a Master/slave relationship...a Master/slave relationship is where the slave has no voice, has no limits (only those of his/her Owner) has no safe word, subservience is at all times, gives his/her all, this is 24/7 Total Power Exchange! If the relationship does not have the above elements then it is not M/s, it is D/s with Partial Power Exchange or Erotic Power Exchange. A slave does not submit to his/her Master/Mistress, a slave consents to surrender his/her freedom, total control of his/her life lies solely with the Master/Mistress. Majority of slaves have been submissives at some stage or other and the move into slavery can be deliberate, subtle or without even knowing they have taken that final step. A 'true' slave, in other words a 'born' slave is very rare but there are one or two around. Submissives that choose to go into slavery have to be trained depending on what type of slave the Master/Mistress requires. There are four basic types of slaves, Gorean, Musson (Islamic), Chaldean (Greco Romano), and white slave - French (sex slave). In the main the first three types are servile and sex is not an integral part of his/her slavery although it does play a small part within slavery. A white slave - French (sex slave) is exactly that, some servile duties are performed, but this type of slave is a sexual toy not only to his/her Owner but is always available to other Master/Mistress's as well.
Most slaves i have come across are in total servitude in every aspect of their lives. A slave in general is a slave by choice, he/she loves deeply and fully because it is a part of him/her. The essence of a slave is devotion, nothing less is worthy of him/her and nothing less is acceptable to his/her Owner. He/she is obedient in everything and strives to always be pleasing to his/her Owner. The slave not only hands over their mind, body, and soul but everything they own, the slave themselves become property and hands over total control of their lives to their Owners. The Master/Mistress must be in no doubt of their responsibilities when taking a slave, the one thing that has to be realized is that a slave is for life...if the Master/Mistress cannot commit for life then they must not take a slave! A Master/Mistress is responsible for the slave's well being in every aspect from the moment the slave wakes to the moment the slave goes to sleep - this is 24/7 Total Power Exchange!
In conclusion a Dom/sub relationship is a fantasy played out, either in the privacy of their homes or in public at clubs and parties. But that is all it is a fantasy - a Dom/me will not or does not want full responsibility of another human being and a submissive will not /does not want to hand over total control of their lives to a Dom/me. On the other hand a Master/Mistress will take full responsibility for their slave and the slave surrenders all to their Owners which is what a Master/Mistress becomes when they have a slave.
So...in retrospect the definition of TPE from the book "Screw The Roses Give Me The Thorns" should read 'PPE or EPE is the empowerment of the Dominant BY the submissive to his/her control. The power exchange is consensual etc etc'. In both cases Safety, Sanity and Consensuality must be adhered to, but they are slightly different from each other. In D/s Safe, Sane and Consensual is practiced at every play session, the submissive always has the power of veto...in other words a safe word to stop play if he/she feels it is going to far or limits have been reached. In M/s Safe, Sane and Consensual is practiced but in a slightly different manner. During the time they get to know each other the potential slave also fills out a check list of likes/dislikes etc and limits are made clear by both parties. Once it has been agreed that the Master/Mistress will take the slave then it is at this stage that is different from D/s. The slave gives his/her consent to surrender all once and once only in his/her life assuming that the Master/Mistress do not have an early demise. The slave also is made to understand at this point that once surrender is accepted his/her power of veto is removed completely. The other thing to remember is that a slave cannot ask for release, the Owner is the one who can release the slave if He/She wishes to but then circumstances must be dire for that to happen...it is not a normal occurrence!
To wrap this up, can you see now how a TPE relationship has a far different definition from that of traditional BDSM relationships? So, for future references, when I speak of a slave it is in terms of a TPE relationship not a standard relationship, just so you know J
ET
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