This piercing event took place several months ago at the Citadel. The first part of the program covered beginner-level piercing techniques and practice. The second part was a ritual flesh-pull with wonderful drumming. It was kind of an odd mixture; as an experienced piercee I didn’t get much from the earlier activities, but the second half seemed much more advanced.

Each participant had needles placed in their chests, with strings attached. As you moved, a partner would hold the strings so you could lean back and pull against them; or you could pull the strings yourself if you wanted to. The tension on the needles created more or less sensation, depending on what you wanted. I didn’t try to keep track of the time but I think it lasted at least an hour and maybe two.

I am still processing everything that happened but here are some observations.

When the needles were placed in me I felt like I was set free. I was tentative as the drumming started - - testing, experimenting with pulling gently, then releasing. It felt good. I changed partners and danced alternately with two other people who were highly experienced. I gained confidence and become looser. The tempo of the drums became more insistent and started to fill my consciousness.

I gradually went into a new kind of head space, pulling with and pulled by my partner. The drums filled the whole room and filled me. I felt that my body became semi-transparent so that, looking at me, others could still see me but also see through me to what was behind. I saw strangers who were attracted by the sound of the drums come into the room from the street to watch respectfully but when I looked again a few minutes later they were gone. In a semi-hallucinatory state, my feet lifted lightly from the floor. I levitated. Like a parade balloon, I swayed and drifted, connected to the earth only by the strings in my partner’s hands.

Later, the drumming slowed to bring me gently back to the ground and to a new version of reality.