Flying ointment

Flying ointment is a psychoactive ointment or salve reported in folklore and historical texts to be used by witches and other practitioners of magic to enable them to achieve flight, astral projection, or to enter a trance state. The ointment is applied to the skin, often along with rituals or spells, to induce visions, gain supernatural insights, or to embark on supernatural journeys. The concept of flying ointment is closely associated with European witchcraft practices, particularly those described in early modern witch trials.

Composition

The ingredients of flying ointment varied widely, but they often contained psychoactive substances derived from plants. Common components included:

• Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
• Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)
• Wolfsbane (Aconitum)
• Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

These plants contain tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are known to induce hallucinations, delirium, and other altered states of consciousness. The use of these substances could be extremely dangerous, as they are also highly toxic.

Historical Accounts

Historical accounts of flying ointment come from witch trial records, confessions (often obtained under torture), and writings by demonologists from the 15th to the 17th centuries. One of the earliest mentions is in the Formicarius (1435) by Johannes Nider. Later, in the 16th century, the infamous witch-hunter Heinrich Kramer would write extensively about the ointment in his work Malleus Maleficarum.

Modern Perspectives

In contemporary times, the concept of flying ointment has been revisited by some neopagan and modern witchcraft traditions. These modern interpretations often eschew the dangerous ingredients of historical recipes in favor of safer, legal, and symbolic substitutes. Modern practitioners may use the ointment as part of ritual magic to alter consciousness or enhance meditative states.

Legal and Health Concerns

The original ingredients of flying ointment are controlled substances in many jurisdictions due to their toxicity and psychoactive properties. The use of these substances can result in serious health risks, including poisoning and death. Modern practitioners are advised to exercise caution and respect legal restrictions.

In Popular Culture

Flying ointment has been featured in various works of fiction, often depicted as a magical tool for witches. Its portrayal ranges from a mystical substance enabling flight to a dangerous and forbidden concoction.

See Also

• Witchcraft
• Psychoactive drug
• European witchcraft