Black magic ointment is a controversial and mysterious substance that has long been associated with dark arts and supernatural practices. It is believed to possess potent magical powers and is often used in witchcraft, voodoo, and other occult rituals. The exact composition and recipe of black magic ointment differ among practitioners and traditions, but it is commonly thought to contain a blend of various natural and mystical ingredients. These ingredients can include herbs, roots, resins, animal parts, and even bodily fluids. Each component is carefully selected for its magical properties and the desired effect it is meant to produce. Black magic ointment is believed to grant the user certain supernatural abilities and can be used for both beneficial and malevolent purposes.
Black magic ointment is believed to grant the user certain supernatural abilities and can be used for both beneficial and malevolent purposes. It is said to enhance psychic powers, provide protection against evil forces, and enhance one's ability to cast spells and perform rituals. However, it can also be used to inflict harm on others, manipulate their thoughts or actions, or even cause illness or death.
The Witches' Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic (Paperback)
• Shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation
• Examines the practices of medieval witches like Matteuccia di Francisco, who used hallucinogenic drugs in her love potions and herbal preparations
In the medieval period preparations with hallucinogenic herbs were part of the practice of veneficium, or poison magic. This collection of magical arts used poisons, herbs, and rituals to bewitch, heal, prophesy, infect, and murder. In the form of psyche-magical ointments, poison magic could trigger powerful hallucinations and surrealistic dreams that enabled direct experience of the Divine. Smeared on the skin, these entheogenic ointments were said to enable witches to commune with various local goddesses, bastardized by the Church as trips to the Sabbat--clandestine meetings with Satan to learn magic and participate in demonic orgies.
Examining trial records and the pharmacopoeia of witches, alchemists, folk healers, and heretics of the 15th century, Thomas Hatsis details how a range of ideas from folk drugs to ecclesiastical fears over medicine women merged to form the classical “witch” stereotype and what history has called the “witches’ ointment.” He shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections from all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation. He explores the connections between witches’ ointments and spells for shape shifting, spirit travel, and bewitching magic. He examines the practices of some Renaissance magicians, who inhaled powerful drugs to communicate with spirits, and of Italian folk-witches, such as Matteuccia di Francisco, who used hallucinogenic drugs in her love potions and herbal preparations, and Finicella, who used drug ointments to imagine herself transformed into a cat.
Exploring the untold history of the witches’ ointment and medieval hallucinogen use, Hatsis reveals how the Church transformed folk drug practices, specifically entheogenic ones, into satanic experiences.
About the Author
Thomas Hatsis is a historian of psychedelia, witchcraft, magic, pagan religions, alternative Christianities, and the cultural intersection of those areas, who holds a master’s degree in history from Queens College. The author of The Witches’ Ointment and Psychedelic Mystery Traditions, he runs psychedelichistorian.com, a site dedicated to promoting the latest and best information pertaining to the Psychedelic Renaissance. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
Praise For…
“ The Witches’ Ointment is, remarkably, the first full-length treatment of a topic that is central to our understanding of European witchcraft. Did the witches use psychoactive substances or not? This has long been debated but often on the basis of prejudice or inadequate information. We are fortunate that Hatsis has written an authoritative account, drawing deeply on primary sources and pursuing original lines of thought. Entertaining and highly readable, this book seems destined to be the definitive work on the subject. No doubt it will inspire others to see the witch cult in a new light. Highly recommended to all those who are interested in witchcraft, the history of drugs, and the more unusual byways of culture. A fascinating book.”
— Richard Rudgley, author of The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances
“Hatsis’s treatment of this woefully neglected area in the body of drug history scholarship is sublimely applied and will no doubt become an important fixture in the canon of pharmacography. Superb!”
— Robert Dickins, publisher and editor of Psychedelic Press UK
“Tales of witches and toads, broomsticks and belladonna--documented herein are the exotic herbal potions and demonic flights of fancy that terrified and confounded the religious authorities of the Middle Ages. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, Hatsis clears the supernatural mists of yore and roots out the various psychoactive agents lying at the heart of European witchcraft. A remarkably informative and wholly compelling read!”
— Simon G. Powell, author of Magic Mushroom Explorer and The Psilocybin Solution
“In this remarkable book, Thomas Hatsis reveals the hidden truth behind history’s most legendary ointments--the medieval bewitching potions--that supposedly lubricated broomsticks and fueled extracorporeal mystical journeys and hallucinogenic night flights, setting the stage for strange entity encounters and unholy copulations, animal transformations, and miraculous healings as well as diabolical poisonings, dangerous delusional deceptions, and harmful “black magic.” In this impeccably researched and compulsively readable volume, Hatsis recovers the lost history of these magical medicinal brews and psychoactive formulas that have been hidden for centuries and hinted at in the mythic portrayal of witchcraft and sorcery. Hatsis’s scholarly research shines an illuminating spotlight on what is actually known about these visionary (and sometimes deadly) herbal mixes, and he expertly blends his meticulous studies with keen intuition in this uniquely envisioned volume, overflowing with rare historical treasures and fascinating speculations as well as the secret psychedelic ingredients for re-creating the legendary ointments. This book will appeal to anyone interested in herbal folk remedies, entheogenic medicine, the relationship between alchemy and science, and how heretical notions of healing influenced Western religious systems and modern medicine. A few words of caution: history compels you to use this book wisely or you may get burned at the stake!”
— David Jay Brown, author of The New Science of Psychedelics and Frontiers of Psychedelic Consciousnes
“This wonderful book brews up a heady potion of folk herbs and psychedelics to intoxicate the conspiracy theorists and passionate disbelievers alike. With his objectivity and beautiful writing, Hatsis shines a light on the destructive Christocentric misogyny of the medieval world, whose holistic pagan medicine was certainly no more diabolical than our own modern Pharma Industry.”
— Ben Sessa, MBBS, MRCPsych, author of The Psychedelic Renaissance
“A Historian of witchcraft, magic, Western religion, contemporary psychedelia, entheogens and medieval pharmacopeia, Thomas Hatis is well qualified to describe dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation. He also examines the various forms of sorcery such as poison magic and ecstatic trance, and explores the connections between the ointments and spells for shape shifting, spirit travel and bewitching magic. ”
— New Dawn, Robert Black, December 2015
This book is fascinating and reads like a well-written novel. But it is not a novel; it is a meticulously researched history, based on primary sources that were not easy to find. It is the beautiful fruit of a long, arduous scientific investigation that is presented in a light, easily readable style.
— Giovanna Serenelli, Journal of Folklore Research
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Religion / Wicca
- History / Europe / Medieval
- Kobo eBook (August 16th, 2015): $13.99
“Tales of witches and toads, broomsticks and belladonna--documented herein are the exotic herbal potions and demonic flights of fancy that terrified and confounded the religious authorities of the Middle Ages. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, Hatsis clears the supernatural mists of yore and roots out the various psychoactive agents lying at the heart of European witchcraft. A remarkably informative and wholly compelling read!”
— Simon G. Powell, author of Magic Mushroom Explorer and The Psilocybin Solution
The application of black magic ointment is typically done by rubbing a small amount onto the skin or anointing specific body parts, such as the forehead or hands. It is often used in conjunction with other magical practices, such as incantations or rituals, to amplify its effects. Due to the nature of black magic ointment and its association with dark arts, it is often regarded with fear and suspicion. Many cultures and religions condemn its use and consider it to be morally wrong or even sinful. In some cases, the possession or use of black magic ointment can be illegal and subject to prosecution. It is important to note that black magic ointment should not be confused with herbal remedies or natural healing balms. While some traditional remedies may also use natural ingredients, they are intended for medicinal purposes and do not have the same supernatural or mystical properties as black magic ointment. Overall, black magic ointment remains a controversial and enigmatic topic that continues to fascinate and intrigue people for centuries. It represents the fine line between magic and darkness and serves as a reminder of the mysterious and sometimes dangerous world of the occult..
Reviews for "Exploring the symbolism behind black magic ointment in religious rituals"
1. Jennifer - 1 star
I was very disappointed with the Black Magic Ointment. I had high expectations given all the positive reviews, but it simply did not work for me. I have been dealing with a stubborn rash for months, and after applying this ointment for a few weeks, there was absolutely no improvement. It's quite expensive for a small jar, and I feel like I wasted my money. I would not recommend this product to anyone looking for a miracle solution for their skin issues.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I bought the Black Magic Ointment after hearing so many great things about it, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. I have been suffering from chronic muscle pain, and I was hopeful that this ointment would provide some relief. However, after using it for a few days, I did not notice any significant difference. The smell was overpowering and lingered on my skin for hours. Additionally, the consistency was quite greasy, which made it uncomfortable to apply. Overall, I was underwhelmed with this product and would not purchase it again.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Black Magic Ointment, but it left me feeling unsatisfied. I have been struggling with persistent acne for years, and I was eager to try this ointment after reading about its magical properties. However, after using it diligently for several weeks, I did not see any improvement in my skin. The ointment felt heavy and sticky, and it would not absorb well, leaving a greasy residue. It's a shame because I was really hoping for a product that would finally help me combat my acne troubles. I will be looking for other options instead.
4. Michael - 1 star
I cannot understand why there are so many positive reviews for the Black Magic Ointment. I have been dealing with chronic back pain, and I hoped this ointment would provide some relief. However, after applying it several times a day for a week, I did not experience any noticeable difference in my pain levels. The strong menthol scent was overpowering and gave me headaches. Additionally, the ointment was difficult to spread and left a greasy residue on my skin. I regret purchasing this product and would caution others from wasting their money on it.