Flying ointment

Flying Ointment

Flying ointment, also known as witches' flying ointment, is a hallucinogenic ointment said to be used by witches in the Early Modern period. The ointment is applied to the skin for the purpose of inducing a state of astral projection and/or shape-shifting.

Pronunciation

• /ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈɔɪntmənt/

Etymology

The term "flying ointment" originates from the belief that witches could fly to their sabbats using this ointment. The word "ointment" comes from the Old French oint, past participle of oindre (from Latin unguere), meaning "to anoint."

Ingredients

Historically, the ingredients of flying ointment were said to include various psychoactive substances, such as belladonna, mandrake, henbane, and datura. These plants contain tropane alkaloids, which can induce hallucinations and delirium.

Usage

The ointment was reportedly applied to the skin, or possibly to a broomstick, which the witch would then ride. This is believed to be the origin of the popular image of a witch flying on a broomstick.

Related Terms

• Witchcraft
• Hallucinogen
• Astral projection
• Shape-shifting
• Sabbat
• Tropane alkaloids

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Flying ointment
• Wikipedia's article - Flying ointment

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