by Michael

Is the Gorean concept of a Home stone so outlandish?

Throughout the Gor series, warriors defended the home stone of their city. Peasants were feared while defending their own family home stone. After the tragedy that befell the United States on September 11,2001 one of the first things that happened was the raising of an American flag on the site. The picture of that event became famous around the globe. Isn't the flag we call "Old Glory" a symbol just like the Gorean home stone. Hundreds of thousands have died in its service.

"You have much to learn of Gor," he said. "Yet there is a hierarchy of Home Stones, one might say, and two soldiers who would cut one another down with their steel blades for an acre of fertile ground would fight side by side to the death for the Home Stone of their village or of the city within whose ambit their village lies."
Tarnsman of Gor - Pages 26 and 27

In my home resides a small reddish brown stone with a white colored network of veins running through it. There is a cursive M etched into it. The stone is kept in a rosewood box in my room. This stone has been in my possession for years and is kept with me through any moves. This simple item makes my home complete. Why? Because it is mine. When I defend my "home stone" is it this stone that I defend? No. It is the way of life I have chosen, the safety of my children, and all my other property. This defending of my home stone is not defending a simple stone, but defending all that I believe. The stone simply reminds me that the way I live is mine and mine alone.

"Indeed, frequent enough were the stories where even a warrior was overcome by an angry peasant into whose hut he had intruded himself, for in the vicinity of their Home Stones men fight with all the courage, savagery and resourcefulness of the mountain larl. More than one are the peasant fields of Gor which have been freshened with the blood of foolish warriors."
Outlaw of Gor page 29

"Whereas I was of high caste and he was of low, yet in his own hut he would be, by the laws of Gor, a prince and sovereign, for then he would be in the place of his own Home Stone."
Outlaw of Gor, page 29

What makes a home Gorean? The master of the house can only decide that. For me however it is a combination of the "trappings" and the "attitudes". The law of the land prevents a woman from walking down the street naked in collar and chains. So as a representation of that kind of life, Mika is dressed in red clothes, wears a silver collar and a pendant that is a replica of the brand she wears on her left thigh.

We have footed silver saltcellars and footed tea and black wine sets. On my walls hang various types of swords and red curtains.

"Within the circle of each mans sword, therein lies an Ubar."
Page 9 - Tribesmen of Gor

"Be strong and do as you will. The swords of others will set you your limits."
Page 9 - Tribesmen of Gor

My bedroom furniture has "slave rings" on the corners. These things help remind the girl in my house and myself of the life we have chosen.

Being served drinks that have been kissed. Having my meals prepared and served first. Though simple gestures, that most would never give a second thought, they are small reminders of Mika's station and her service to me. The children have learned a certain amount of respect from 'old school' teachings that often bring compliments on their manners. I am served first at every meal, why? Because I am the Master of the home.

"To share the kettle of a friend," I said, "is to dine with a Ubar."
Page 349 - Blood Brothers of Gor

The children will tell you it is because I am the head of the household, the breadwinner. They have learned that they do not eat before the cook of the home has taken the first bite. Though before serving dinner, I usually try to hand feed Mika a bite or two from the prepared meal to keep the tradition of a slave depending on the Master to be fed, the children all know she is to be seated at the table before they begin eating. Is this teaching them servitude? I do not believe so. I believe it is teaching them etiquette, good manners, old school values and manners passed from generations long before. In fact, we had a family discussion one evening during the meal about the saltcellars. In Marauders of Gor, there are references to above and below the salt.

Salt, in its bowls on the tables, divided men into rankings. Those sitting above the salt were accorded greater prestige than those sitting below it. If one sat between the salt and the high seat, one sat "above" the salt; if one sat between the salt and the entrance to the hall, one sat "below" the salt. At the high-seat table, that at which the high seat sat, all counted as being above the salt...The line, so to speak, imaginary to be sure, but definitely felt as a social reality, divided those above from those below the salt
Marauders of Gor pages 186 - 187

No, I did not teach that to my children, however they learned of the customs on Earth of salt cellars (Above The Salt" History --In 16th Century Elizabethan England, "Above the Salt" had a distinctive meaning. The salt foot, a massive ornamental saltcellar, or "salver", was traditionally placed in the middle of the table to distinguish noble guests from less important persons who sat below it.)

The Gorean ways of life are rich in earth customs. And sharing those traditions with my children educates them in other cultures and permits us to embrace our lifestyle a little more without causing any mental distress to the children around us.

When the children are away I use that opportunity to live fully Gorean. Chains, kneeling, roast bosk, vulo eggs in the morning with fresh baked sa tarna bread, blackwine served from a long spouted silver pouring vessel. In the evening a ka-la-na is served by my girl, in silks, naked, in sirik, whatever my taste may be for that night. The serving of wine by my girl both literally and figuratively pleases me. It helps her revel in her slavery and be free in her bondage. Often she will be told to dance when the children are not around. The dance is sensual, sexual, slow, fast, heartfelt, displaying her need, definitely not one that a person might see on the nightclub floor on a Friday or Saturday night out.
The love light is lit, the furs are warmed and we complete another day in a Gorean house here on earth.

Regardless of what you hear on-line, the Gorean lifestyle is real and achievable. If you have topics concerning Gor you would like to discuss with others that live it just click on the link at the bottom of the page and join us. Also contact me at Michael@desertvista.com with any questions or comments.