The Enigmatic Flying Ointment Recipe: A Historical Deep Dive & 6 Safe Modern Alternatives

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For centuries, the flying ointment recipe has been one of the most alluring and misunderstood aspects of the witch’s craft. Shrouded in the mists of time and obscured by the accusations of the witch trials, these potent salves have been mythologized as the key to astral travel, spirit flight, and Sabbat attendance. The very phrase conjures images of wild forest gatherings and ecstatic journeys under the moon.

But what is the historical truth behind these preparations? More importantly, how can the modern practitioner engage with this powerful tradition in a way that is both meaningful and safe? This article will serve as your comprehensive guide. We will unearth the origins of the flying ointment recipe, issue critical safety warnings regarding historical ingredients, and provide you with thoroughly researched, safe herbal alternatives for your own ritual practice. Our goal is not to replicate the dangerous brews of the past, but to understand their context and channel their magical intent through secure, contemporary means.

The concept of a salve enabling flight is not confined to European folklore. The idea of using plants to alter consciousness and facilitate spiritual journeys is a global and ancient human practice. However, the specific flying ointment recipe as we discuss it in Western esotericism has its roots firmly in the Early Modern period (c. 1500-1700).

The Testimonies of the Trials

Much of our knowledge about historical flying ointments comes from the confessions extracted during the witch trials. While these sources are undoubtedly tainted by torture, coercion, and the biases of the inquisitors, they provide a consistent picture. Witnesses and the accused often described being anointed with a fat-based salve—typically made with lard or goose grease—which induced a profound trance state. In this state, they believed they flew to gatherings, met with the Devil, and participated in feasts and dances.

A famous account comes from the confession of Thiet, a woman tried in 16th-century Germany. She claimed a man (whom she identified as the Devil) gave her an ointment; when she rubbed it on a little red rod and placed it between her legs, she was immediately transported to the Sabbat. This vivid description powerfully links the flying ointment recipe to both psychoactive effects and the symbolic image of the broomstick as a vehicle for flight.

The Pharmacology of Flight: The “Witches’ Herbs”

The power of the historical flying ointment recipe did not come from magic alone, but from powerful, and deadly, phytochemistry. The plants consistently mentioned in historical texts are a veritable pharmacopoeia of neurotoxins and deliriants. Modern analysis confirms that these plants contain tropane alkaloids—specifically atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine—which can be absorbed through the skin.

Let’s examine the key players in the traditional flying ointment recipe:

• Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade): The name itself is a warning. “Atropa” is derived from Atropos, the Greek Fate who cuts the thread of life. Its berries are seductively beautiful and profoundly toxic. The alkaloids cause delirium, hallucinations, and a sensation of flying or falling.
• Hyoscyamus Niger (Henbane): Henbane was a well-known ritual and medicinal plant in many ancient cultures. Its effects include disorientation, vivid dreams, and out-of-body experiences. It was a common ingredient in European magical salves.
• Mandragora Officinarum (Mandrake): Surrounded by more legend than almost any other plant, the mandrake root’s human-like shape made it a staple in sympathetic magic. Its chemical profile is similar to belladonna and henbane, inducing a deep, trance-like sleep and visions.
• Aconitum Napellus (Monkshood or Wolfsbane): This is one of the most deadly plants in the European flora. Even minimal skin contact can cause numbness, and ingestion is frequently fatal. Its inclusion in a flying ointment recipe would have been extremely risky, likely contributing to the sensation of numbness and “cold” associated with spirit flight.
• Datura Stramonium (Jimsonweed): Like its relatives, Datura is a powerful deliriant. The line between a visionary dose and a lethal one is perilously thin.

When blended into a fat-based salve, these alkaloids could be transdermally absorbed, bypassing the digestive system and creating a prolonged, intense altered state. The experience was likely terrifying, disorienting, and incredibly dangerous. The sensation of “flight” was almost certainly a potent hallucination born of chemical intoxication.

This is the most critical section of this post. Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to create or use a flying ointment containing the plants listed above.

The Peril is Real

The romanticism surrounding the traditional flying ointment recipe can be dangerously seductive. It is crucial to replace that romance with stark, scientific reality.

1. Lethal Dosage: The active compounds in these plants have a very narrow therapeutic index. This means the amount needed to produce a psychoactive effect is terrifyingly close to the amount that can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Measuring this by eye in a home kitchen is impossible.
2. Unpredictable Potency: The concentration of alkaloids in any given plant can vary wildly based on soil, weather, time of harvest, and plant part used (root vs. leaf vs. seed). A flying ointment recipe that was “safe” one time could be lethal the next.
3. Dangerous Delirium, Not Controlled Vision: The state induced by tropane alkaloids is not a lucid, spiritual journey. It is a true delirium characterized by extreme confusion, amnesia, agitation, and a complete loss of connection with reality. Users can suffer from terrifying hallucinations and put themselves in physical danger without any awareness.
4. Topical Absorption is Unforgiving: Unlike ingestion, where you might induce vomiting, a topically applied salve cannot be “un-applied.” Once the alkaloids pass through the skin, the experience must run its course, with medical intervention often required to prevent a tragic outcome.

This post is for educational and historical purposes only. We categorically reject the use of these poisonous plants in modern practice. The true, modern flying ointment recipe is one of intention and safety. Our craft must evolve with our knowledge. We honor the witches of the past not by recklessly endangering ourselves, but by understanding their practices and adapting their core magical intent for a safer, more enlightened era.

So, where does this leave us? Can we still connect with the essence of the flying ointment? Absolutely. The magical intent behind the historical flying ointment recipe was to alter consciousness, facilitate astral travel, connect with the spirit world, and empower ritual. We can achieve these same goals by using safe, non-toxic herbs that carry similar magical correspondences for flight, vision, and dream work.

We will transition now from a flying ointment recipe meant for the skin to ritual baths and anointing oils. These methods allow for a profound sensory and magical experience without the dire risks.

The Philosophy of Correspondence

In modern herbal magic, we work heavily with the doctrine of signatures and herbal correspondences. While Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) does not contain the dangerous alkaloids of Belladonna, it has been used for millennia to promote vivid dreams, enhance psychic vision, and aid in astral travel. By using these safer herbs, we engage with the spirit of the plant, not just its chemical constituents. This is the cornerstone of our contemporary approach.

Safe Herbal Allies for Flight and Vision

Here are some powerful, safe herbs to incorporate into your practice. They form the basis of our modern, symbolic flying ointment recipe.

• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): The quintessential safe alternative. It is renowned for dream work, astral travel, enhancing intuition, and cleansing the psychic senses. Its energy is receptive, connected to the moon and water.
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): A fiery, solar herb that raises spiritual vibrations, aids in concentration for journeying, and adds a potent kick of manifesting energy to any blend. Safety Note: Always use Ceylon cinnamon for skin applications, as the more common Cassia cinnamon can be a skin irritant.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): While known for calm, lavender is also a fantastic herb for meditation and vision quests. It helps quiet the conscious mind, allowing the spirit to soar without fear or agitation.
• Juniper (Juniperus communis): A powerful protector and purifier. Juniper berries clear negative energy, creating a safe and sacred container for any spiritual journey. Its scent is sharp, clean, and connecting to wild places.
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin): This earthy, grounding herb might seem counterintuitive, but a safe flight requires a secure tether to return home. Patchouli grounds spiritual energy and is deeply connected to manifesting the spiritual into the physical.
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): Known for producing vivid, visionary dreams and a trance-like state when used in relaxation. It’s an excellent herb for opening the third eye and enhancing spiritual sight.

Let’s put this knowledge into practice. Here are two safe, effective ways to harness the magic of the flying ointment recipe tradition.

1. The Astral Flight Ritual Bath

A ritual bath is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the energies of these herbs, allowing your entire body to absorb their intentions in a safe, relaxing medium.

You Will Need:

• A muslin bag or a square of cheesecloth and string
• 2 tablespoons dried Mugwort
• 1 tablespoon dried Lavender
• 1 broken-up Cinnamon stick (Ceylon)
• 1 tablespoon dried Juniper berries, lightly crushed
• A pinch of sea salt (for purification)

Instructions:

1. Place all the herbs and salt into the muslin bag or the center of the cheesecloth. Pull the corners together and tie it securely with string, creating a satchel.
2. As you prepare your bath, hold the satchel under the warm running water, visualizing the water being charged with silvery, moonlit energy for flight and intuition.
3. Once the tub is full, you can either let the satchel float in the water or place it on the edge of the tub. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
4. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Set a clear intention for your journey—whether it’s seeking guidance, astral travel, or simply enhancing your dreams. Visualize the herbal energies lifting your spirit from your body, allowing it to travel safely and return with ease.
5. After your bath, thank the herbs and compost them. Drink a large glass of water to ground yourself.

2. The Third Eye Anointing Oil

This oil can be used to anoint the third eye, temples, and wrists before meditation, divination, or dream work. It is our true, modern flying ointment recipe for anointing.

You Will Need:

• A small, dark glass bottle (1 oz is perfect)
• A carrier oil like Jojoba, Almond, or Olive Oil (Jojoba has a long shelf life)
• Dried Mugwort
• Dried Lavender
• A piece of Cinnamon stick (Ceylon)
• Optional: 1-2 drops of Clary Sage essential oil (Do not use if pregnant or epileptic)

Instructions:

1. Fill your glass bottle about 3/4 full with your chosen carrier oil.
2. Add a generous pinch of dried Mugwort, a smaller pinch of dried Lavender, and the piece of Cinnamon stick to the oil. If using, add the drop of Clary Sage essential oil.
3. Cap the bottle and shake it gently. As you do, hold the bottle in your hands and focus all your intention into the oil. Chant your purpose: “Herbs of vision, herbs of flight, bless this oil with psychic sight.”
4. Place the bottle in a dark, cool place (like a cupboard) for at least one full cycle of the moon (approximately 28 days). Shake it every few days to re-energize the infusion.
5. After the moon cycle, strain the herbs out of the oil using a cheesecloth or fine strainer. Your anointing oil is ready.
6. To Use: Before ritual, dab a tiny amount on your third eye, temples, and wrists. Take a moment to breathe in the scent and feel the energy of the herbs opening your inner sight.

Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Present

The journey of the flying ointment recipe is a mirror of the craft itself: evolving, adapting, and deepening in understanding. From the potent, dangerous brews of the past to the safe, intentional blends of today, the core desire remains—to transcend the ordinary, to explore the spirit world, and to touch the divine.

We honor the witches who came before us by learning from their practices, not by blindly repeating them. We show our strength as modern practitioners by prioritizing our safety and well-being, proving that the most powerful magic is that which is performed with a clear mind, a pure heart, and a responsible hand. May your journeys be visionary, your dreams be deep, and your practice be ever safe and empowered.

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