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Comment on Can witches fly? A historian unpacks the medieval invention − and skepticism − of the witch on a broomstick

Bell@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

The theory I heard was the ointment referenced was made from plants that are members of the nightshade family. These were applied vaginally, perhaps using the broom handle. And then apparently the high includes the sensation of flying. It seemed like an odd explanation but I’m surprised it was not mentioned in the article.

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Peppycito@sh.itjust.works ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
I also heard this one. My professor in art school said the broom thing may have come from a misunderstanding of a distaff which could look like a broom with the fibres wrapped around the end. Distaffs would have been common and smooth and polished and were likely used for other amusements.

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- Bell@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
  Oh interesting, yes they look much more…uhhh… comfortable.
  
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  - Peppycito@sh.itjust.works ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
    Check out the one on the left. They often look quite donger-ish.
    
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recreationalplacebos@midwest.social ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
Fourth paragraph from the end:

Scholars have speculated that the ointments often mentioned in accounts of such flight might have functioned as hallucinogens, producing sensations of flying. The most thorough study of these accounts, however, finds that such references rarely appear in voluntary testimony. They come instead from authorities recording, and often reshaping, what accused witches said.

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