Ethereal woman in forest holding jar of glowing ointment.

Witches' Brew: Unmasking the Truth Behind Flying Ointments

Beau Callahan in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Delve into the historical controversy surrounding witches' ointments: separating folklore from fact to uncover the reality behind the myth."

For centuries, the image of witches soaring through the night sky on broomsticks has captivated the popular imagination. This iconic vision is often intertwined with the use of "flying ointments," concoctions rumored to grant witches the power of levitation and transport them to secret gatherings. But how much of this is rooted in reality, and how much is mere folklore and fear-mongering?

The idea of witches' ointments has been a subject of debate among historians, scientists, and occult enthusiasts alike. Were these ointments real, and if so, what were their ingredients? Did they truly induce flight, or were their effects more psychological than physical? These are just some of the questions that continue to fuel the ongoing fascination with this intriguing aspect of witchcraft lore.

This article seeks to delve into the complex history of witches' flying ointments, separating fact from fiction and exploring the various interpretations surrounding their use. By examining historical texts, scientific analyses, and cultural beliefs, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of the truth behind these enigmatic concoctions.

The Great Ointment Debate: Science vs. Superstition

Ethereal woman in forest holding jar of glowing ointment.

In early modern Europe, as witch trials surged, two distinct camps emerged regarding the phenomenon of witches' flight. Those skeptical of actual flight proposed that witches merely hallucinated the experience, fueled by ointments containing soporific herbs like henbane and belladonna. This theory conveniently dismissed accusations of witchcraft, attributing the perceived flight to the delusions of vulnerable women.

Conversely, believers in genuine witchcraft insisted that the Devil himself facilitated bodily flight. For them, the ointment – often described with grotesque ingredients like rendered fat from murdered babies – served as a tangible symbol of the witches' depravity and pact with evil.

Skeptics: Ointment = Hallucinations, Witches are Deluded, No Real Threat
Believers: Devil grants Actual Flight, Ointment= Sign of Depravity, Real Threat Exists

Interestingly, contemporary perspectives often invert these positions. Modern historians who dismiss the existence of witch cults tend to view the ointment stories as slanderous accusations. Meanwhile, some proponents of witchcraft embrace the ointment as a scientifically plausible explanation for altered states and shamanic experiences.

More Than a Fantasy: The Lasting Power of Belief

The story of witches' flying ointments is not just about a historical debate over pharmacology or demonology. It's a reflection of how societies grapple with the intangible, the unexplained, and the power of belief. Whether viewed as a tool of slander, a source of hallucination, or a symbol of evil, the ointment continues to fascinate, reminding us that the boundaries between reality and imagination are often more blurred than we think.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1353/mrw.2016.0008, Alternate LINK

Title: Babyfat And Belladonna: Witches’ Ointment And The Contestation Of Reality

Subject: Religious studies

Journal: Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft

Publisher: Project Muse

Authors: Michael Ostling

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What were witches' flying ointments believed to do?

Witches' flying ointments were rumored to grant witches the power of levitation and transport them to secret gatherings. These concoctions are a central part of the myth of witchcraft, often associated with the image of witches soaring through the night sky on broomsticks. The ointments were a focal point in the beliefs surrounding witches' abilities and connection to the supernatural, as seen in early modern Europe's witch trials.

How did skeptics and believers differ in their views on witches' flying ointments?

Skeptics, during the era of witch trials, proposed that witches hallucinated flight, attributing their experiences to ointments containing soporific herbs like henbane and belladonna. This view dismissed the reality of witchcraft. Believers, on the other hand, insisted the Devil facilitated actual flight, seeing the ointment as a symbol of witches' pacts with evil, often described with grotesque ingredients. This divide highlights the clash between science, superstition, and the broader societal beliefs about witchcraft.

What ingredients were rumored to be in witches' flying ointments?

The ointments were often described with ingredients like rendered fat from murdered babies, and they sometimes included soporific herbs such as henbane and belladonna. These ingredients reflect the era's beliefs in the connection between witchcraft, evil, and the use of substances to alter consciousness. The presence of specific ingredients, particularly those considered taboo, added to the mystique and fear surrounding witchcraft.

How has the interpretation of witches' flying ointments changed over time?

Contemporary perspectives often invert historical views. Modern historians, who dismiss witch cults, tend to see the ointment stories as slanderous accusations. In contrast, some proponents of witchcraft embrace the ointment as a scientifically plausible explanation for altered states and shamanic experiences. This shift shows how the understanding of the ointments reflects evolving scientific, social, and cultural beliefs about witchcraft and altered states of consciousness.

Why is the story of witches' flying ointments still relevant today?

The story of witches' flying ointments is not just a historical debate; it reflects how societies grapple with the intangible, the unexplained, and the power of belief. Whether viewed as a tool of slander, a source of hallucination, or a symbol of evil, the ointment continues to fascinate, reminding us that the boundaries between reality and imagination are often more blurred than we think. The enduring interest in the ointments stems from their ability to touch upon core human experiences such as fear, mystery, and the search for meaning in the face of the unknown.