The ritual act of repeatedly striking a person, or oneself, with a whip or flail of some sort. In ancient Mystery Cults flogging was an act of purification. It was believed to drive out evil spirits and sharpen the senses. In this sense flogging was an act of regeneration. From an occult perspective, flogging can be used to induce a state of trance. The rhythm of the lash creates a hypnotic effect, and this then combines with the release of endorphins into the brain. Some Wiccan/Witchcraft traditions incorporate ritual flogging into their initiation rituals or magickal practices—however, most do not.