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The next attempt was a year later, in March 1964. I went through even more demanding preparations this time; I knew what to expect. I pierced my chest again with the same kind of wires which had proven, in 1963, to be large enough to support 70 pounds each without damage or tearing. In 1963 I learned a lesson about how tough living skin really is. This time, I took even longer putting my weight on the piercings - perhaps an hour or more. I wasn’t really aware of time when I did these suspensions. This time I was prepared for the intense fire that would burn in my chest when I stepped free. And I was determined to hang as long as I felt I could stay conscious and regain control. But I longed for a Ka-See-Ka, someone to help me and watch over me so I could totally let go and not be responsible for anything. I did swing free. I did trip my camera again. I did let go this time and started to drift into a pleasant warm space. Just like my experience on the coal bin wall, I hung for about ten minutes and don’t really know how I got down, or who was watching over me to keep me from harm’s way. But somehow I did escape and was now determined never to try this again without a Ka-See-Ka. I wanted desperately to let go of control, let others be responsible protectors while I drifted into whatever transformative experience was for me.
 The next year, 1965, I net merchant seaman and tattoo artist Davy Jones who put the large blackwork tattoo I had always wanted on my back and hips. He had lived among tribal people in the Pacific; he had been ritually tattooed in Samoa. We developed a close friendship and spiritual connection while making my "magic mark". I developed a deep trust in his spiritual integrity. He expressed interest in fulfilling the role of protector and "Ritual Leader" in a future O-Kee-Pa suspension. But that had to wait another two years because in 1966 I mistakenly married a woman who really didn’t understand or support my unusual spiritual explorations. She preferred not to be around when I did such things. By April 1967, I was aching to accept Davy Jones’ offer to help in an "all-out" O-Kee-Pa ceremony. Nothing would stand in my way. So I gave her my car key, a credit card and $300; she drove to Palm Springs for the weekend. Again I spent several days preparing myself for the ordeal and the total "letting go" I desired to have in this attempt. I signed a letter to Davy Jones releasing him from all liability and responsibility in case something happened to me (serious injury or death). He liked that. The evening before the suspension, he arrived along with Joe L., a sympathetic friend who agreed to make him an 8mm movie as documentation. I stayed up all night fasting, in tight constrictions, sensory deprivation and laying on a bed of nails. I wanted to start a light trance and dissociation from my body before the piercing. By 6:00 AM the next morning, I was ready. In a calm and deliberate way, I pierced my own chest again. The energy from Davy and his friend watching was supportive and comforting as I rather quickly screwed the wire rods through my breasts. There was no real pain this time - my body wanted the penetration. The flesh just seemed to part on its own and let the wires pass through. Beautiful. I felt empowered by this. We made loops in the wires, and attached a rope between them. At about 10:00 AM, I told Davy I was ready for my suspension. Single file, we went out into the bright, crisp morning light in the yard and then into the dark and empty garage building prepared for the ritual. The interior atmosphere was similar to a Mandan lodge I had visited in North Dakota years before. I stood on a tall black box in the center of the room. Davy connected the rope between my piercings to another one dangling from the ceiling. Both Davy and Joe gently pulled slack from the suspension rope. I felt increasing pressure in my chest. I was slightly on tiptoe when they stopped. A wonderful feeling swept through me - waves of tingling. This was different than the last time. I relaxed into the feeling. For a long time, I stood very still in the darkness. My mind was letting go. My attention focused on feelings and sensations. As we had prearranged, I was to say "UP" whenever I was ready to continue. I said, "UP". Ropes creaked and slipped sending vibrations into my piercings. I threw my head back, felt my body being inched upward until I was on my toes again. |
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