Difficulty level: Easy
Time to tie: 1 - 2 minutes
Rope used: One 15 foot rope
Time to tie: 1 - 2 minutes
Rope used: One 15 foot rope
Leash
Eve's notes about the Leash
There is a strong psychological component to Shibari that is often overlooked at the beginning, especially when all you have done is practice single and double column ties. It is easy to forget that tying and being tied can be an emotionally charged experience and that there is a much greater depth to the practice of Shibari than just your tying technique. The Leash brings the psychological and emotional aspects of the practice to the forefront. There is something deeply powerful about tying this tie around your partner's neck (or letting them tie it on yours). During a Shibari session, no matter what knots and ties you use, there is a power exchange between the person that's being tied and the person that is tying. There are few ties that display this power exchange as beautifully as The Leash.
As a general rule in Shibari, we do not tie anything around our partner's neck (for obvious reasons)... That said, there are certain ties that can be safely used around the neck when tied correctly. Such is the case of "The Leash". Because it is not a slip knot, no matter how hard you pull on the ropes, the tie will not tighten around the single column, making it safe to use around the neck.
You can practice tying this tie around yourself, or around any single column. But truth be told, the psychological weight of doing this with a partner that you trust is unparalleled. Remember that safety is key and that safety is the direct result of open communication, honesty, and trust.
This is a great introductory tie to begin discussing trust and boundaries with your partner before moving on to ties that result in total immobilization. How does your partner feel about letting you tie the leash around their neck? Ask them about their expectations. Once you do the tie, ask them how they feel at that moment. Do they like it? Are they feeling any kind of stress or anxiety? Be curious and make sure you ask them questions about both their physical and psychological wellbeing. This is where Shibari gets fun!
Have fun tying!
Eve