Witches' Flying Ointment Witches' flying ointment, also known as witches' salve, is a legendary substance used by witches and practitioners of magic to aid in their ability to fly. It is believed to have been used as far back as the Middle Ages and was an integral part of various witchcraft practices. The ointment was said to contain a potent mixture of hallucinogenic herbs and plants, which were believed to induce a trance-like state and alter the perception of reality. Some of the commonly used ingredients included mandrake, belladonna, henbane, and hemlock. These ingredients were known for their psychoactive properties and were believed to enhance the witch's ability to astral project or fly on a broomstick. To create the flying ointment, witches would typically extract the potent properties of the herbs by steeping them in oils or fat for an extended period.
Contemporary accounts during the Early Modern period were noted in treatises and pamphlets which could have been read by Witchfinders peddling their trade throughout the country, spreading the ideas and leading questions they would focus on during interrogation of suspected witches. Pretty much all confessions were extracted under torture, which obviously completely negates their veracity, and also calls into disrepute the similarities between the accused’s statements.
He was expelled from Innsbruck in 1484 after attempting to prosecute witches there and seemingly being obsessed by the sexual habits of the accused, and it has been suggested that he wrote the book out of self-justification and revenge. References to ointments that make you fly, literally getting high, go as far back as Homer s Iliad from around 800 BCE, when the Greek goddess Hera used an ambrosia ointment to fly to Olympus.
To create the flying ointment, witches would typically extract the potent properties of the herbs by steeping them in oils or fat for an extended period. The resulting ointment would then be applied to various parts of the body, particularly areas known for their absorption abilities, such as the armpits, forehead, and inner thighs. It was believed that the ointment would be absorbed into the bloodstream and produce the desired effects.
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 effects of the flying ointment were said to be intense and vivid, often leading to hallucinations, sensations of flying or floating, and a feeling of connection with the spirit world. Witches would typically use the ointment during rituals and ceremonies, where they would enter a trance-like state and commune with the supernatural realms. Despite its historical associations with witchcraft, it is important to note that the use of flying ointment was not limited to witches alone. Various cultures and traditions around the world have used similar substances for spiritual and shamanic purposes. In fact, many modern Pagans and practitioners of alternative spirituality still experiment with these ointments for their psychoactive properties. However, it is crucial to highlight that the use of flying ointments can be dangerous. The plants and herbs used in these mixtures contain toxic and potentially lethal compounds. Accurate dosage and preparation are crucial to ensure safety, and it is strongly recommended to consult with knowledgeable experts or herbalists before attempting to create or use flying ointments. In conclusion, witches' flying ointment is a fascinating aspect of historical witchcraft and magical practices. Its association with altered states of consciousness, astral projection, and flight have made it a captivating subject of study and intrigue. While the use of flying ointments may continue in some spiritual traditions, caution and respect for the potent herbs involved should always be exercised..
Reviews for "Flying Ointent in Folklore and Fairy Tales: A Magical Journey"
1. Jane - 1/5 - I was so disappointed by "Witches Flying Ointment". The plot was predictable and lacked depth, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The writing style was also monotonous and failed to capture my attention. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious read that failed to deliver on its promising premise.
2. David - 2/5 - "Witches Flying Ointment" fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took forever for anything significant to happen. The author also seemed to rely on clichés and tropes, which made the story feel unoriginal and stale. I was hoping for a thrilling and immersive experience, but unfortunately, I found myself struggling to stay engaged.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I couldn't connect with the characters in "Witches Flying Ointment". They lacked depth and felt one-dimensional, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the relationships and interactions between the characters. The overall execution of the story left much to be desired, and I would not recommend this book.
4. Michael - 1/5 - "Witches Flying Ointment" was a complete waste of time. The plot was convoluted and confusing, and it was hard to follow what was happening. The writing style was also disjointed and difficult to read, making it a chore to get through the book. I had high hopes for this novel, but unfortunately, it did not deliver. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable reading experience.