Transvection (flying)
Witches flight or Hexenritt thinks the medieval and early modern notion called witches could fly on broomsticks, animals, chairs and the like through the air. Along with the idea of the Witches' Sabbath is one of the witches flight to key elements of early modern witches teaching.
Development until the 15th century
From antiquity it took over in Europe, the idea of so-called " Strigen ". They imagined that these demonic beings turned into animals like owls and flying through the air to keep children out after which they could suck the blood. In addition to this idea at the same time there was the idea of a gaggle women, which should follow the goddesses Perchta or Holda on night flights. At least since the 12th century blended these ideas. The reality of the witches flight was rejected in the 10th century in the Canon episcopi of Regino of Prüm.
Development from the 15th century
Although the theology denied the reality of witches flight, the faith and the idea of night excursions in the population was widespread. By the appearance of the witches hammer of Heinrich Kramer and the reasoning contained in the church could no longer refuse longer the witches flight.
Presentation of the process and importance of the flight
In his Hexenhammer Kramer describes that witches with prepared from ( especially unbaptized ) children ointments objects such as chairs or pieces of wood einrieben. With the help of a demon then lifting up into the air to participate in meetings of other witches and witches sabbath. But Kramer also points out that a flight is possible even without the action of the demon, without ointment and even without items.
The notions of witches and witches Sabbaths dances were firmly rooted in the minds of the European population ( with the exception of Scotland and the Orthodox areas of Eastern Europe ). Since one imagined that the witches made a pact to this kind of events with the devil, the witches flight was imperative, as these meetings for the witches would otherwise have been inaccessible.