Black magic is a term that invokes images of secrecy, mystery, and powerful forces beyond our comprehension. While many dismiss it as mere fantasy or superstition, others believe in its existence and the potential dangers it poses. In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, known for its glitz and glamour, the presence of black magic is not exempt. The practice of black magic involves tapping into unseen energies to manipulate outcomes and influence people's lives. This can range from casting spells and curses on individuals to performing dark rituals to achieve personal gain. In a city like Las Vegas, where dreams are made and lost every day, the lure of black magic can be enticing for those seeking an advantage or desperate for success.
In a city like Las Vegas, where dreams are made and lost every day, the lure of black magic can be enticing for those seeking an advantage or desperate for success. Black magic practitioners in Las Vegas may exploit vulnerable individuals who are in search of quick solutions or desperate for change. It is often these vulnerable individuals who become victims of scams or manipulations by those claiming to possess supernatural powers.
The Witches' Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic (Paperback)
• Shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation
• Examines the practices of medieval witches like Matteuccia di Francisco, who used hallucinogenic drugs in her love potions and herbal preparations
In the medieval period preparations with hallucinogenic herbs were part of the practice of veneficium, or poison magic. This collection of magical arts used poisons, herbs, and rituals to bewitch, heal, prophesy, infect, and murder. In the form of psyche-magical ointments, poison magic could trigger powerful hallucinations and surrealistic dreams that enabled direct experience of the Divine. Smeared on the skin, these entheogenic ointments were said to enable witches to commune with various local goddesses, bastardized by the Church as trips to the Sabbat--clandestine meetings with Satan to learn magic and participate in demonic orgies.
Examining trial records and the pharmacopoeia of witches, alchemists, folk healers, and heretics of the 15th century, Thomas Hatsis details how a range of ideas from folk drugs to ecclesiastical fears over medicine women merged to form the classical “witch” stereotype and what history has called the “witches’ ointment.” He shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections from all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation. He explores the connections between witches’ ointments and spells for shape shifting, spirit travel, and bewitching magic. He examines the practices of some Renaissance magicians, who inhaled powerful drugs to communicate with spirits, and of Italian folk-witches, such as Matteuccia di Francisco, who used hallucinogenic drugs in her love potions and herbal preparations, and Finicella, who used drug ointments to imagine herself transformed into a cat.
Exploring the untold history of the witches’ ointment and medieval hallucinogen use, Hatsis reveals how the Church transformed folk drug practices, specifically entheogenic ones, into satanic experiences.
About the Author
Thomas Hatsis is a historian of psychedelia, witchcraft, magic, pagan religions, alternative Christianities, and the cultural intersection of those areas, who holds a master’s degree in history from Queens College. The author of The Witches’ Ointment and Psychedelic Mystery Traditions, he runs psychedelichistorian.com, a site dedicated to promoting the latest and best information pertaining to the Psychedelic Renaissance. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
Praise For…
“ The Witches’ Ointment is, remarkably, the first full-length treatment of a topic that is central to our understanding of European witchcraft. Did the witches use psychoactive substances or not? This has long been debated but often on the basis of prejudice or inadequate information. We are fortunate that Hatsis has written an authoritative account, drawing deeply on primary sources and pursuing original lines of thought. Entertaining and highly readable, this book seems destined to be the definitive work on the subject. No doubt it will inspire others to see the witch cult in a new light. Highly recommended to all those who are interested in witchcraft, the history of drugs, and the more unusual byways of culture. A fascinating book.”
— Richard Rudgley, author of The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances
“Hatsis’s treatment of this woefully neglected area in the body of drug history scholarship is sublimely applied and will no doubt become an important fixture in the canon of pharmacography. Superb!”
— Robert Dickins, publisher and editor of Psychedelic Press UK
“Tales of witches and toads, broomsticks and belladonna--documented herein are the exotic herbal potions and demonic flights of fancy that terrified and confounded the religious authorities of the Middle Ages. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, Hatsis clears the supernatural mists of yore and roots out the various psychoactive agents lying at the heart of European witchcraft. A remarkably informative and wholly compelling read!”
— Simon G. Powell, author of Magic Mushroom Explorer and The Psilocybin Solution
“In this remarkable book, Thomas Hatsis reveals the hidden truth behind history’s most legendary ointments--the medieval bewitching potions--that supposedly lubricated broomsticks and fueled extracorporeal mystical journeys and hallucinogenic night flights, setting the stage for strange entity encounters and unholy copulations, animal transformations, and miraculous healings as well as diabolical poisonings, dangerous delusional deceptions, and harmful “black magic.” In this impeccably researched and compulsively readable volume, Hatsis recovers the lost history of these magical medicinal brews and psychoactive formulas that have been hidden for centuries and hinted at in the mythic portrayal of witchcraft and sorcery. Hatsis’s scholarly research shines an illuminating spotlight on what is actually known about these visionary (and sometimes deadly) herbal mixes, and he expertly blends his meticulous studies with keen intuition in this uniquely envisioned volume, overflowing with rare historical treasures and fascinating speculations as well as the secret psychedelic ingredients for re-creating the legendary ointments. This book will appeal to anyone interested in herbal folk remedies, entheogenic medicine, the relationship between alchemy and science, and how heretical notions of healing influenced Western religious systems and modern medicine. A few words of caution: history compels you to use this book wisely or you may get burned at the stake!”
— David Jay Brown, author of The New Science of Psychedelics and Frontiers of Psychedelic Consciousnes
“This wonderful book brews up a heady potion of folk herbs and psychedelics to intoxicate the conspiracy theorists and passionate disbelievers alike. With his objectivity and beautiful writing, Hatsis shines a light on the destructive Christocentric misogyny of the medieval world, whose holistic pagan medicine was certainly no more diabolical than our own modern Pharma Industry.”
— Ben Sessa, MBBS, MRCPsych, author of The Psychedelic Renaissance
“A Historian of witchcraft, magic, Western religion, contemporary psychedelia, entheogens and medieval pharmacopeia, Thomas Hatis is well qualified to describe dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation. He also examines the various forms of sorcery such as poison magic and ecstatic trance, and explores the connections between the ointments and spells for shape shifting, spirit travel and bewitching magic. ”
— New Dawn, Robert Black, December 2015
This book is fascinating and reads like a well-written novel. But it is not a novel; it is a meticulously researched history, based on primary sources that were not easy to find. It is the beautiful fruit of a long, arduous scientific investigation that is presented in a light, easily readable style.
— Giovanna Serenelli, Journal of Folklore Research
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Religion / Wicca
- History / Europe / Medieval
- Kobo eBook (August 16th, 2015): $13.99
“Tales of witches and toads, broomsticks and belladonna--documented herein are the exotic herbal potions and demonic flights of fancy that terrified and confounded the religious authorities of the Middle Ages. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, Hatsis clears the supernatural mists of yore and roots out the various psychoactive agents lying at the heart of European witchcraft. A remarkably informative and wholly compelling read!”
— Simon G. Powell, author of Magic Mushroom Explorer and The Psilocybin Solution
These individuals may lose money, trust, and sometimes even their mental well-being in the pursuit of an unattainable promise. Moreover, the nature of Las Vegas itself, a city fueled by greed and excess, can attract individuals with sinister intentions. In a place where fortunes can crumble in an instant, some resort to black magic in an attempt to regain what they have lost or to bring harm to those they envy. This can lead to a cycle of negativity and harm that affects not only the individuals involved but the overall energy of the city itself. While it is impossible to determine the true extent of black magic in Las Vegas, the belief in its existence is prevalent. Many people claim to have encountered spirits, experienced paranormal activities, or have heard stories of black magic gone wrong. Whether these incidents are a product of imagination, mere entertainment, or true encounters with the supernatural, they add to the perception that black magic is present in Las Vegas. As with any belief or practice, it is important to approach the topic of black magic with caution and skepticism. While there may be genuine individuals practicing black magic with harmful intentions, the majority of those claiming to possess these powers may be charlatans or fraudsters preying on the vulnerable. It is crucial to maintain critical thinking and seek reputable sources when dealing with such matters. In conclusion, while black magic may be considered a taboo topic, its presence in a city like Las Vegas is not entirely implausible. The allure of dark powers can be enticing for individuals in search of instant success or looking to exploit others. However, it is important to approach such claims with caution, and skepticism. We should not let the mystique of black magic overshadow rational thinking and responsible decision-making..
Reviews for "From Shadows to Spotlight: The Rise of Black Magic Dancers in Vegas"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - "I was really excited to watch 'Black Magic Dancers in Vegas' because I love dance movies, but I was extremely disappointed. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters had no depth or development. The dance sequences were lackluster and unimpressive, and I found myself bored throughout most of the film. Overall, it was a forgettable experience, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a good dance movie."
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3. Emily - 2 stars - "As a fan of dance movies, I had high hopes for 'Black Magic Dancers in Vegas', but unfortunately, it fell short in many aspects. The plot was nonsensical and poorly executed, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters' journeys. The dance routines lacked creativity and energy, and it seemed like the dancers were just going through the motions. Overall, it left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more from a genre that usually thrills and inspires me."
4. Brian - 1 star - "I don't even know where to begin with 'Black Magic Dancers in Vegas'. The writing was atrocious, with clichéd dialogue and a predictable storyline. The performances were subpar, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Even the dance sequences, which should have been the highlight, were unimpressive and unmemorable. I regret wasting my time on this film and would strongly advise others to avoid it."