The Myth of the Witches' Flying Ointment with Michael Ostling

In this scholarly episode of Witch Hunt Podcast, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack welcome historian Dr. Michael Ostling to examine one of witchcraft history's most persistent legends: the hallucinogenic flying ointment.Dr. Ostling carefully separates historical evidence from modern misconceptions, revealing how contemporary interpretations often reflect our own misogynistic projections rather than the experiences of those accused of witchcraft. Through thoughtful analysis, this episode respects the memory of innocent victims while providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how witchcraft myths evolve and persist across centuries.This conversation challenges popular assumptions and offers valuable historical context on this fascinating yet frequently misunderstood aspect of witch hunt history.Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of explicit sexual content related to historical witchcraft allegations.Michael Ostling's ResearchBuy: Fairies, Demons, and Nature Spirits 'Small Gods' at the Margins of Christendom, edited by Michael OstlingBuy: Emotions in the History of Witchcraft, co-edited by Michael OstlingBuy: Between the Devil and the Host Imagining Witchcraft in Early Modern Poland, by Michael OstlingCheck out our new podcast: The Thing About Salem on youtube!End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit OrganizationSign up for our NewsletterDonate to Witch Hunt Podcast Conference Fund