Flying ointments information
Below are some of the best practices for working with flying ointments…
Flying ointments are well suited for a ritual or intentional setting, to induce relaxed and meditative experience, possibly in a dark or dimly lit environment which in itself is also conducive to sharpening of the senses including your psychic senses. Many use it before bed (as they may cause drowsiness and relaxation).
Although each person may have a very nuanced experience with the flying ointment depending on their body chemistry on a given day (diet, hormones, stress etc), mental disposition and distractions present in the environment. Many experience flying ointment as enhancing the intuition, enabling cessation of the mental chatter, quieting of the physical body while increasing the focus and concentration and giving overall relaxation.
Those using flying ointments for spell work would notice the ointment can enable clear, vivid and stable visualizations. It is not uncommon to experience vivid dreams the following night. Anecdotal observations also mention increased drive, motivation as well as the urge for action and creativity.
Occasionally, peculiar coincidences and synchronicities happen during or shortly after the use of the flying ointment, as well as revelations and insights are occurring well past the “flying sessions”. The flying ointment notion has a strong connection with witches and witchcraft however for those working solely on the mind-body connection with the aid of a flying ointment, to be magically inclined is not a prerequisite, what is a prerequisite is intentional and mindful approach, openness and gratitude for the plant spirit interaction.
To make the most out of your intentional flying ointment experience – it is recommended to follow the tried-and-true formula of ‘Dosage - Mindset - Setting’:
1) you approach your experience intentionally and in the right mind disposition (mindset)
2) in a comfortable, conducive to your intent, environment (setting)
3) and with the dosage that works optimally for you.
Dosage: All flying ointments are applied exclusively topically (DO NOT apply it to mucous membranes such as note, mouth, eyes, genitals). Dosage for topical application can start from as low as a few smears on your pulse points and temples. The starting dose of most flying ointments is 1-2 pea sized amount of ointment to be spread out across the areas where major blood vessels are closer to the skin (temple, wrists, inner sides of arms, legs, chest, feet). The more is not always the better. You may need several occasions to experiment to find your optimal dosage. Micro-dosing consisting of just a few smears on temples and wrists is something recommended for beginners. Therefore, my best recommendation is to experiment with what works best for you personally, gradually increasing or decreasing dosage on different occasions. It is important to note that the tolerance will likely set in with frequent use, so it is advisable to take breaks between your different sessions with flying ointments to allow your body to return to the base level. Flying ointments are not recommended for daily or frequent use for prolonged periods of time. Observe your reactions and sensitivities and discontinue should an adverse reaction occur.
Mindset (Intention): Mindset is another very important consideration. Mindset is the intention you bring to your experience with the flying ointment. You may want to decide in advance if you want to direct your perception towards your purpose during the experience or let it go, go with the flow and let the journey and visions guide you wherever it takes you. Training yourself to direct perception is a learned skill and requires focus, the act of willing (desiring) itself and visualization. Developing this skill can be done with guided or self-guided meditations, intentional visualizations, concentration exercises, invocations, and such like practices commonly learned outside of plant induced gnostic states.
Setting (Your surroundings): your physical and social environment, the atmosphere, the vibe, the music playing, the smells, the weather, for some - even a broader and macro socio-economic and geo-political environment can matter. First and foremost, optimal setting requires a comfortable and safe environment. For beginners I can recommend ‘object gazing’ (gazing at flame, incense smoke, cloud formations, water surface, moon gazing, start gazing, etc.) as the technique of bringing the mind in a trancelike state, others are mantras, chanting, sound concentration to name a few. Alternatively, you can practice closed eye inward journeying. Personally, I find the auditory environment is of high importance. Approach mindfully when choosing a complimentary track list for your journey. I highly recommend compiling playlists for various moods and intentions in advance if you are keen on sound.
Integration: Last but not least is the importance of integrating your magical experience into a bigger picture. The integration part occurs post-journey, and can include capturing insights and revelations in your magical diary, lessons learned, reflections, journaling etc.
Last but not least, a few notes on the Plant Spirit connection and interaction. Herbal preparations come from a living thing that is part of the green kingdom. Green kingdom (trees, plants, fungi) has been on this earth millions of years before humanity was seeded on the planet, they are the ancients of the ancients, with an evolved form of consciousness and have been proven teachers to humanity since. In the magico-occult context oftentimes we seek that connection with the green kingdom not for the sake of the connection itself but for it to help us fulfill an intention, be it a petition for healing, protection, quest for knowledge or manifesting our will. I do however recommend forming the bond and communion with the plant as an important and integral part of your experience and personal praxis. To work with plant spirits you don’t even have to directly interact with the plant by consuming it or being in its vicinity – all you need to do is to turn to your own mind to facilitate this connection by visualizing the plant, welcoming the plant spirit into your mental vicinity, addressing it and asking if they have anything to share with you or if there is anything you can learn from them. Be open, respectful and thankful and enjoy the Experience!