Unguentum Sabatti – A Modern Witch’s Non-Toxic Flying Ointment

11 Mar Unguentum Sabatti – A Modern Witch’s Non-Toxic Flying Ointment

The term “Flying Ointment” conjures up images of Witches dancing naked around a cauldron full of bubbling baby fat, brewing up a noxious potion of henbane and belladonna, anointing their broomsticks and flying off to their midnight Sabbat with the Devil. Unguentum Sabatti translates to Sabbat Ointment.

A silent sip from the Cauldron
I disappear in the astral world
A dance with gods in Blakulla
The ecstasy of the dreaming cult
The chrism of Hekate
The sacred oil
~ Therion “Unguentum Sabatti”

 Historically, the notorious Witch’s Flying Ointment, the “Unguentum Sabatti”, is thought to be a psychedelic goo made with potent plants and animal fats to help the Witch transcend the physical plane to attain occult knowledge. The hallucinogenic or euphoric properties of these plants may have made the user feel as if they were floating or flying, hence the term “flying ointment”. This ointment would have been applied in a variety of manner, but usually to a mucous membrane or a warm area of the body, like the armpits or groin for quick absorption. Some sources, mostly from the times of The Inquisition and “Witch Finders”, still ascertain that broom handles were anointed with these ointments and inserted into…er..ahem…“private areas”, hence “riding the broom”.

Traditional “flying” herbs like Datura, Belladonna, Henbane, and Mandrake are toxic and can be fatal, but in small doses applied externally, have an entheogenic (psychoactive substance that induces a spiritual experience), or hallucinogenic, effect on the human psyche. To create a traditional Flying Ointment, one must not only fully understand the spirit of the plants used and the “safe” dosages or contraindications, and if made to be shared with others, take on the responsibility and the liability of their use. These plants are powerful and demand respect.*  

I wanted to create a “Flying Ointment” that ensured a gentler “flight” for those that find themselves sensitive to the energies of such powerful plants – a gentle nudge rather than a shove out of the nest, if you will. As with any herbal product, please do your research for any contraindications pertaining to your personal circumstances. For example, the Artemisia species (Mugwort and Wormwood) is closely related to ragweed, so it is contraindicated in allergies to such. If you are pregnant or have liver or kidney issues, you should avoid Unguentum Sabatti.  

Unguentum Sabatti is the hand that parts the veil.

It is a tool – a key to unlock the door between your mundane brain and your limitless consciousness, to help you slip through to other planes of existence without the use of hallucinogens.

Unguentum Sabatti is made with 3 herbs – the number 3 representing your mental, physical, and spiritual aspects, as well as the past, present, and future. Wormwood, Mugwort, and Vervain were chosen for their folkloric and historic properties related to intuitive endeavors, such as divination, scrying, prophecy and clairvoyance. I’ve also added 3 essential oils: Anise, Frankincense, and Lavender. Lastly, I added ashes from a Ritual Fire which consisted of 9 (3 x 3) herbs and woods: Wormwood, Mugwort, Vervain, Lavender, Anise, Frankincense, Rosewood, Willow and Cypress. All of this is combined in a base of Coconut Oil and Beeswax. I macerated the herbs for a full moon cycle, and then the ointment is made on the full moon.      

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Unguentum Sabatti is used externally only by applying a dime size amount to your temples, third eye, back of neck, wrists, and soles of feet at least 30 minutes before meditation, ritual, divination practices, or attempts to astral travel or lucid dream.  

1/2 oz Tin $7

1 oz Tin, $13  

Sold exclusively by The Madame to those 18 years of age and older who possess the secret words.  

You can find the magickal purposes of each plant used below:  

Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium) enhances psychic powers and divinatory gifts, and protects the user from unwanted energies or entities. It is associated with the Goddess Hecate and the planet Mars. Its ruling element is Fire.  

Vervain (Verbena Hastata), also known as the “Enchanter’s Plant” was utilized by the Druids for divination, shapeshifting, protection, and purification. It associated with the Goddess Cerridwen and the planet Venus. Its ruling element is Water.  

Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) enhances astral projection, lucid dreaming and other altered states of consciousness. It is associated with the Goddesses Artemis and Hecate, as well as strong ties to the Moon. Its ruling element is Earth.  

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) is used for tranquility, sleep, clairvoyance, psychic protection, and divination. It is associated with the Goddess Hecate and the planet Mercury. Its ruling element is Air.

Anise (Illicium Verum) prevents nightmares and induces sleep, and is also used for protection, divination, and clairvoyance. It is associated with the God Apollo and the planet Jupiter. Its ruling element is Air.

Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata) is reknowned for it meditative qualities. It assists in opening the Third Eye, and is used for purification and amplifying other herb energies. It is ruled by the Sun and the elements of Air and Fire.  

Willow (Salix Alba) has a long history of use in Spirit contact, divination, prophecy, and dreamwork. It is associated with the Cailleach and the Goddess Hecate and has strong ties to the Moon. Its ruling element is Water. (*Only used in ritual fire ashes)  

Rosewood (Dalbergia) is used for intuition, divination, and scrying. It is associated with the planet Venus and ruled by the element of Fire. (*Only used in ritual fire ashes)

Cypress (Cupressus) is used for divination and scrying, and has long been associated with past life recall and spirit communication. Its associated with the Goddess Hecate and the planet Saturn. Its ruling element is Earth. (*Only used in ritual fire ashes)  

*If you are looking for traditional entheogenic ointments, I recommend Sarah Anne Lawless’ works. Harold Roth, author of The Witching Herbs has some interesting research on the types of herbs mentioned above, as well as The Witches’ Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic by Thomas Hatsis. You may also find interest in Dale Pendall’s Pharmako series, or Daniel Schulke’s work.