Walking into a dungeon for the first time can be daunting, whether you’re completely new to the scene or just new to that particular dungeon or club. For example, you might feel reluctant to ask what a particular piece of dungeon bondage furniture is used for. Victoria Blisse introduces us to one of the typical pieces of BDSM equipment that you’ll find in your local dungeon and explain how to use them.
This article explains how to use a St Andrew's Cross, a popular piece of dungeon bondage furniture because it tends to only take up only a small amount of space but has lots of different uses.
What does a St Andrew’s Cross look like?
The Scottish Flag has a St Andrew’s cross on it. That’s because St Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland, is said to have been crucified on a cross placed on the diagonal and has since lent his name to crosses of this nature. So unlike the classic Christian Crucifix, the St Andrew’s cross is a large ‘X’ like a kiss on the end of a text message.
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BDSM dungeon Saint Andrews's cross and impact play gear walls.
So in a BDSM dungeon what are you looking for? An X shaped piece of equipment, often made of wood, sometimes metal and occasionally with padded leather. It is likely to be up against a wall or in a corner but occasionally can be horizontal.
Some bondage crosses will have built in restraints, either for wrists or ankles or for both. In general, this piece of equipment is one of the easiest to understand and use. There may also be blocks, steps, slots or rests for standing on and lifting the sub up from the floor, making them feel a little more vulnerable.
How to use a St Andrew’s Cross
The person who will be on the receiving end of the play simply stands in front of the bondage cross. Either facing it or with their back to it. From there you can add restraints, either those provided or add rope or chains of your own or maybe a blindfold for sensory deprivation.
The top then can choose the area of the body they want to focus impact on. This item of furniture is especially good for play centred on the back and shoulders or breasts but also can be used for impact on buttocks, crotch and thighs.
The St Andrew’s Cross can be a good base for other play too. It can provide an anchor for rope or chain, could be used for wax play (be sure to cover the floor with suitable protective sheeting) so you don’t have to stick to just impact play.
The Cross is a very versatile piece of dungeon bondage furniture, and is good for all kinds of crucifixion bondage scenes using many varied implements. It’s also good for longer scenes of bondage crucifixion as the person is usually stood up, not restricted and doesn’t necessarily need to be restrained.
What Implements can you use?
You can utilise all kinds of implements during play sessions on the St Andrew’s Cross. It is especially well suited to the use of whips and floggers. This is because someone stands to play and isn’t bent over. The item also tends to have plenty of space around it.
It also allows the bottom to move around in response to the pain and gives them something to hold on to/lean on if needed. There is nothing on the bondage cross itself to impede the use of whips which can easily snag if the area isn’t clear.
Of course you can use paddles, crops, canes and other more close quarter implements too. As well as Wartenburg wheels, claws and other spikey items. If you’ve got it in your kit bag you can more than likely use it in a scene on a St Andrew’s Cross. It’s that versatile!
A word on safety when using dungeon bondage furniture
Before a bondage crucifixion scene starts make sure the cross is well secured to the wall or is standing securely, check any attached restraints and if you use them be sure that they’re not too tight. Make sure the bottom is able to move at least a little bit to prevent muscle strains and tearing.
If you are planning to use long implements such as whips or floggers be sure there is plenty of room around you. Keep an eye on other people in the dungeon space so that you don’t accidentally hit someone who doesn’t want to be.
Communication is key in any BDSM scene, be sure that you have your prearranged signals in place before a crucifixion bondage scene starts. As a bottom be aware that if you are facing the cross your top might not be able to hear you if you speak quietly. They won’t be able to lip read or take keys from your facial movements. So if you need them to stop, speak up! This is especially important if you are playing with a partner for the first time.
If any of your play produces blood be sure to clean all your implements, the Cross and any areas which might have come into contact with it. Tend the wound and if it continues to bleed be sure to cover it with a plaster. And be sure to cleanse your implements accordingly, including changing crackers on your whips.
After use, wipe down any areas that have come into contact with the body with disinfectant. This leaves the item squeaky clean for the next user. 
Victoria Blisse was an erotic author and sex-positive Reverend. She helped shape fetish.com and FET from the very beginning and we're eternally grateful for her passion and creativity. Sadly, she passed away in January 2024. We hope that whenever her articles are read, she'll be honored.
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All images (unless otherwise stated) via Shutterstock
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