An Exclusive Interview With legendary Mistress Sterling LaVey (aka Angel Stern)

sb: Oh wow, this is really an honor for me Mistress LaVey. i know Angel Stern's is one of the oldest and most respected Domination houses in the country and i have always admired You.

ML: Thank You bruce. That's very nice of You.

sb: So tell me, how old were You when You started Professionally?

ML: Twenty-four.

sb: Did You train under someone?

ML: No. There was one other lady who also worked at the one of four Dungeons that existed then in New York City. If you can believe it. But she didn't train Me. She just passed along factual kinds of info. She was actually a
terrific masochist! But only with her boyfriend.

sb: i think i know who You mean. How about You? Were You ever submissive?

ML: I was submissive in a bad, unconscious way. I let people walk all over me and use me, but I did not enjoy it. My psychiatrist at the age of 16 was the first one to tell me what a sadomasochist was, and alerted me to the fact that I was one. In order to stop being such a doormat, and to learn how to use my will-power, I studied up
on how to be assertive.

That took me into an extensive reading program, through every psychology book I could find on the subject
(mostly my still-favorite, Wilhelm Stekel) and all of de Sade. Finally I began sexual/psychodramatic acting-out,
within the various relationships I happened to have.

This was all during my late teens and early 20's, before I even knew there was such a thing as Professional Domination. And when I found out about THAT I was utterly ecstatic!

sb: i believe that Mistress. Your reputation precedes You! Please describe Your style of Domination?

ML: Psychological. Hypnotic Techniques, using the power of suggestion. I primarily use my voice to dominate.
This, coupled sometimes with Physical Over powerment, may be rounded off by delicate tormenting techniques.

sb: What is Your favorite type of session?

ML: Verbalization and Role Play. I also like heavy bondage, and strict punishments. I appreciate a high pain tolerance.

sb: Please tell me the most intense scene You ever did?

ML: Too many to go into. Anyhow it's relative. What was heavy for me might not have been for the client. as well, I have seen so many people for their 'first time', I guess for many of them that was the 'most intense'.

sb: What kind of slaves do You like the most and least?

ML: I like people with self-knowledge and who can trust, who know what they want and are appreciative. No matter what their scene might be.

I do not like people who try to worm their way into my life and insist on trying to become personal slaves. I don't like their snide attitude that I'm somehow 'not real' because I don't give them a life!

I view domination as a kind of hierarchy, and while some people might approach being 'equals,' others will never be. Some slaves must simply stay in their place.

I often say, "THIS IS NOT A DEMOCRACY" when I discuss such issues.

sb: Oh i totally agree with You Mistress. What is Your favorite type of clothing?

ML: Leather forever. Thank you to David Menkes for my new 19th century-style greatcoat! And thanks to David V., you scarce Twerp from London, for paying for it.

sb: What is the greatest thrill You get from Domination?

ML: Being appreciated for my verbal and psychic abilities. I also get intense pleasure from practicing the cathartic powers of this sex-magic.

sb: Do you session with novices?

ML: Yes. I like to be 'the first. '

sb: What are Your favorite types of gifts?

ML: Getting a full confession from a submissive, hearing a confession that no-one has ever heard before.

More banally, "Leather Forever", and big ol' bottles of perfume! I like to wipe down the leather with cologne
instead of plain alcohol.

sb: What is a really kinky scene that You haven't done yet that You would like to do with a slave?

ML: Having 'complete' financial control for longer than a few weeks. I.E., credit-card domination, based on their good or bad behavior.

Also, keeping someone locked up on my Western Mountain property for a week or two. No-one has taken up that challenge. It's just too bloody remote and scarifying. The Twerp from London lasted exactly 40 hours, and then wanted to call a cab to come 120 miles to fetch him.

I read up a lot on Military Domination and the things that a lot of gay men get involved in, based on Army training. I would like to simulate/realize a real incarceration with someone, so they really lose control 100% for a period of
time. Rather like a harsh 'yoga camp' of some kind.

sb: Well i am betting You will get plenty of volunteers when people read this interview.:). What is the harshest scene that You ever witnessed but did not participate in?

ML: Blood-letting stuff that went overboard. I think that is psychically dangerous.

sb: What is the one thing in the world that really gets You mad?

ML: Being called 'Sick'.

sb: Yes. Intolerant people really get me mad too. The Mistresses at Your establishment are regarded as being some of the most beautiful in the world. What criteria do You use in hiring them?

ML: They have to have self-respect and something else going on in their lives besides 'just being a Dominatrix.'
Most of them have been either artists, actresses, or in the nursing/doctoring profession. I like to train Mistresses from day one, to find someone who wants that potential realized. But those women are rare. It takes commitment, maybe 'just being a Dominatrix', for a year or two!

There is a very high risk in the Dominatrix-business of burn-out and exhaustion, just as in any psychiatric/caring profession. Hence many women do not stay in the business long-term. As well, there is a social stigma attached to the work, which can degrade and exhaust you... even if you resist it.

I attribute my own longevity in the profession to a number of factors. I am entrepreneurial; I always wanted to be a psychiatrist, and did get a degree in Forensic Psychology; as well I was in therapy for many years; I always really did care about my clients, and never dehumanized them.

AND I always took a lot of vacations, like any good doctor will, and when I manifested signs of burn-out I took even longer vacations!

I always felt the service we Mistresses provide is valuable. No matter what society may say; and finally my clients are truly well-trained, responsive, and appreciative!

sb: i totally agree Mistress! Please tell everyone how someone can contact You or any of Your associates for a session.

ML: My website, by e-Mail, or telephone (212) 627-6649

sb: Mistress Lavey, Thank You again for the interview. You are really beautiful and also one of the most intelligent people i have ever met, as well as being a legend in the N.Y. scene. Thank You VERY much for giving me this exclusive interview.

ML: You're welcome bruce.