Masturbation is a variation of witchcraft. This controversial claim suggests that engaging in self-pleasure is akin to practicing witchcraft, a belief system often associated with sorcery and the occult. While this assertion may seem far-fetched to many, proponents of this theory argue that both activities involve the manipulation of energy and the use of an individual's personal power. Witchcraft, historically viewed as a taboo practice, usually involves rituals, spells, and the harnessing of supernatural forces. It revolves around the belief that one can influence events and affect change through these rituals and spells. Similarly, masturbation is often considered a personal act that involves the manipulation of one's sexual energy and the release of tension.
The female arousal experience is one I’d love for men to experience—oh yes, guys, you are missing out. Apparently, though, we all have similar orgasms—apart from ours being longer. (A lot longer, but it’s not a competition, so I won’t go on about it. But if it were, we’d win. Just saying).
Although it could be argued and I do argue it, all the time that people still seem to have enormous difficulty with women enjoying sex as much as men. Disclaimer The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional.
Similarly, masturbation is often considered a personal act that involves the manipulation of one's sexual energy and the release of tension. Advocates of the masturbation-witchcraft connection often point to the presence of sexual energy in both practices. They argue that both activities allow individuals to tap into their own personal power and connect with a deeper source of energy within themselves.
This week I heard, for the first time, the origin of the iconic witch-on-a-broomstick image.
I have often wondered what the whole broom thing was about. I’d idly muse that it might be a phallic thing. Then I’d dismiss that, assuming that my brain was going off trying to find sex at the bottom of everything (#typicaltherapist #rollseyes).
But hurrah for the radio! I caught a snippet of an interview on Irish radio where a guy was talking about witches, broomsticks, and female masturbation. I missed most of it, but my interest was piqued, naturally, so I decided I’d try the Google machine. It didn’t take much to find a few pieces written on this topic.
Those witches—what amazing women, and what fun they had! When they weren’t being shunned, mistreated, and murdered for being, well, women.
Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Rolling—or riding, or whatever…
From our modern viewpoint, female drug use and sexual pleasure are not quite so shocking as in the Middle Ages. Although it could be argued (and I do argue it, all the time) that people still seem to have enormous difficulty with women enjoying sex as much as men. Dare I say even more?
The female arousal experience is one I’d love for men to experience—oh yes, guys, you are missing out. Apparently, though, we all have similar orgasms—apart from ours being longer. (A lot longer, but it’s not a competition, so I won’t go on about it. But if it were, we’d win. Just saying).
In enlightened and civilised circles, female enjoyment of sexuality is now seen as liberating. But witches were “invented” at a time when a woman choosing to do what she wished with her own body or mind was so unthinkable as to be synonymous with the devil himself. This might have echoes of a more recent discussion we had here in Ireland.
Sometimes—okay, often—I shudder at how little has changed.
In the “olden days,” as we well know, women were tortured and killed because they dared to explore such personal liberties. And as we also well know, that still happens—although not here, thankfully. Not in the literal sense at least.
The Science Bit (NSFW)
“Double, double toil and trouble
Fire burn and cauldron bubble” ~ Macbeth
You might be wondering, what has this has got to do with broomsticks?
Well, after listening to this radio show, I found an article entitled “ Belladonna, broomsticks and brain chemistry “ by John Mann, Professor of Organic Chemistry at Reading University. It turns out that the myth of witches riding broomsticks has originated from hallucinogenic plant pharmacology. The skeptic in me rejoiced!
And, as you’ll see below, there is a lot written on this very topic. Shakespeare, who I briefly mentioned there, knew this, and spoke of it in Romeo and Juliet as well as Macbeth, which is of course quoted rather iconically, as noted by Helen Thompson , among others.
But the indigenous knowledge predates Shakespeare.
Hallucinogenic compounds called tropane alkaloids are produced by several plants:
>> Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade)
>> Hyoscyamus niger (henbane)
>> Mandragora officinarum (mandrake)
>> Datura stramonium (jimsonweed)
You’ll have heard of some of these and their effects. Mann’s work describes how during the Middle Ages, parts of these plants were used to make, erm…ointments…for witchcraft, sorcery, and other nefarious activities.
As Mann states, “T hey (the witches) were in a state of euphoria and disorientation, thinking (according to Porta, a friend of Galileo, writing in 1562) they were being ‘carried off to banquets, music, dancing, and coupling with young men which they desire the most.’ And then there were the ceremonies associated with the Devil.”
Somewhere in their evolution, these crafty ladies discovered that these ointments could be absorbed through the armpits or via the mucous membranes of the anus or vagina, also bypassing intestinal discomfort, which might, y’know, ruin the mood. But also, and perhaps more “modern” sounding, the vapours from these heady mixtures were sometimes inhaled—reputedly, Mann says, used in such diverse locations as the Temple of Delphi and medieval bathhouses.
And just how did they apply this ointment?
According to Mann, the earliest clue comes from the case of Lady Alice Kyteler (1324):
“In rifleing the closet of the ladie, they found a pipe of oyntment, wherewith she greased a staffe, upon which she ambled and galloped through thick and thin.”
And from the 15th century records of Jordanes de Bergamo:
“But the vulgar believe, and the witches confess, that on certain days or nights they anoint a staff and ride on it to the appointed place or anoint themselves under the arms and in other hairy places.”
Other hairy places. Isn’t that brilliant?!
And the flying? Taking off? More getting off, I suppose (sorry), in a world where there was little to enjoy about being a woman, and little or no drugs and sex ed. They got creative, and they got high!
So, there you have it. All my favourite boxes ticked—a drop of drug education, a sprinkling of sex education, and a generous garnish of female liberation all in one post. No wonder witches are smilers.
Now, hmm…does that floor need sweeping?
In witchcraft, this energy is believed to come from mystical sources, while in masturbation, it is derived from one's own sexual desires and fantasies. However, it is crucial to note that the comparison between masturbation and witchcraft is largely speculative and subjective. The assertion that masturbation is a variation of witchcraft is based on personal interpretations and beliefs, rather than concrete evidence or widely accepted theories. Many would disagree with this claim, arguing that masturbation is a natural human behavior rooted in sexual pleasure and self-expression. They would view it as a personal choice and a means of exploring one's sexuality, rather than a practice rooted in the supernatural or witchcraft. In conclusion, the idea that masturbation is a variation of witchcraft suggests a connection between the manipulation of personal energy and the practice of self-pleasure. However, this claim remains highly subjective and lacks empirical evidence to support it. Ultimately, whether one chooses to view masturbation as a form of witchcraft or simply a natural human behavior is a matter of personal belief and perspective..
Reviews for "Tapping into the Erotic Power: How Masturbation Connects to Witchcraft"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Masturbation is a variation of witchcraft" to be an extremely misleading and misguided book. The title itself is enough to raise eyebrows, and sadly, the content did not fare any better. The author fails to provide any concrete evidence or logical arguments to support their claim. Instead, they rely on outdated religious beliefs, cherry-picked verses, and superstitions.
The book lacks a nuanced understanding of human sexuality, reducing it to a sinful act rather than a natural and healthy expression of pleasure. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a thoughtful and informed discussion on the subject matter.
2. Michael - 1 star
"Masturbation is a variation of witchcraft" is nothing more than an ill-informed and fear-mongering piece of literature. The author attempts to link a completely normal and natural human behavior to witchcraft, without any substantial evidence or logical reasoning. Their arguments are based solely on personal beliefs and narrow interpretations of religious texts.
Furthermore, the book is written in a judgmental and shaming tone, which only perpetuates harmful and outdated views surrounding sexuality. It is clear that the author lacks the necessary understanding and empathy for the complex nature of human sexuality. I would advise readers to steer clear of this book and seek out more educated and inclusive sources on the topic.