Witch flying ointment is a topic that has been prevalent in folklore and mythology for centuries. It refers to a substance believed to be used by witches to enable them to fly or have out-of-body experiences. In historical accounts, it is said that witches would make a potent concoction using various ingredients such as hallucinogenic herbs, animal fats, and poisonous plants. These elements were believed to have mystical properties that could induce a trance-like state and create a sensation of flying. One of the prominent ingredients used in the flying ointment was belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade. This plant contains alkaloids, including atropine and scopolamine, which can have hallucinogenic and delirium-inducing effects.
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble. Fillet of a fenny snake, In the caldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg and howlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.”
This exhibit explores these themes and others which connect witchcraft lore to disease, medicine and the role of women in healthcare during this period. General fear and suspicion of both female sexuality and folk healing resulted in fantastic tales of sexual deviancy, such as communing with beasts; and reports of altogether ordinary concepts, such as female masturbation and desire, framed in the outrage of the religious men conducting the witch hunts.
This plant contains alkaloids, including atropine and scopolamine, which can have hallucinogenic and delirium-inducing effects. Other ingredients commonly used included mandrake, henbane, and datura. To prepare the ointment, witches would often grind or infuse these herbs into a base of animal fat, such as goose or swine fat.
Flying Ointment
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on February 04, 2019As you read more and more about historical witchcraft, and in particular the European witch hunts, you'll see references to something called flying ointment. Let's take a look at what this is, and its history and use throughout the centuries.
The resulting mixture would then be applied topically to various areas of the body, particularly areas with thin skin, such as the wrists or armpits. The ointment would be absorbed through the skin, allowing it to enter the bloodstream and produce its effects. Once the ointment had taken effect, it is said that witches would experience a variety of sensations. These sensations could include a feeling of weightlessness, an altered sense of time, and vivid hallucinations of flying through the night sky or participating in nocturnal gatherings known as sabbats. It is important to note that the use of flying ointment and belief in witchcraft was heavily demonized during the witch trials of the 15th to 18th centuries. Many innocent people were accused of practicing witchcraft and using flying ointment, resulting in widespread persecution and execution. Today, the topic of flying ointment remains primarily within the realms of myth and historical speculation. While there is evidence to suggest that some substances used in flying ointments can indeed induce altered states of consciousness, the concept of witches flying is largely regarded as folklore and superstition..
Reviews for "Witches' Flying Ointment: An Ancient Remedy for Lucid Dreaming"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witches Flying Ointment". The plot felt disjointed and meandering, with no clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. Additionally, the writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow along. Overall, I found the book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Witches Flying Ointment" was a complete letdown for me. The story had so much potential, but it just fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The book was also riddled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures, which made it even harder to get through. I found myself constantly losing interest and struggled to finish it. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Emily - 3 stars - While I didn't hate "Witches Flying Ointment", I can't say I enjoyed it either. The writing was decent, but the story lacked originality and failed to captivate my interest. I found myself waiting for something significant to happen, but it never quite delivered. The characters were shallowly developed, and their actions often didn't make sense. It was an okay read, but definitely not memorable or worth revisiting.
4. Alex - 2 stars - "Witches Flying Ointment" missed the mark for me. The concept sounded intriguing, but the execution fell short. The pacing was sluggish, and there were too many unnecessary subplots that distracted from the main story. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity for a truly great book.