“Always make sure the window is open!” (Best... spellcasting... advice... ever!)
There really was a Faust who lived in fifteenth century Germany. He is credited with having written at least two Grimoires which have survived today- one of which is available in English, The Black Raven AKA The Trifold Coercion of Hell. This Grimoire contains the first recorded mention of the demon Mephistopheles but (debatably) more amusing than that is the flying cloak spell.
Doctor Strange’s sentient cloak of levitation in the Doctor Strange movie might have had its influence from the red cloak used (sort-of like a flying carpet) in Goethe’s Faust part 1.
But that part of the story has its roots in the legend, which traces itself back to the real Grimoire.
Behold the actual spell in all its glory!
Doctor Johann Faustis
Coat (Cloak) Ride
“At first, lay a large red coat (Note: A more accurate translation is cloak) on the ground. In the middle of it you trace the following seal (below left).
In the hand you hold the seal shown above.
Then go onto the coat, walking backwards. You need to be sure to stand in the middle of the symbol, and do not step your feet outside this symbol, otherwise the trip will not be a happy one. When you are standing firmly, you begin with the summoning below and you tell where you want to ride. If you want to leave a room, *be sure that the windows are open.* If they are not, the spirit will not get out and pass through the walls. *The consequence may be great disaster!* Be sure that you hold the seal always tightly in your hand.”
That’s right. One of the most infamous sorcerers of German legend and literature put a note in his very real Grimoire to remember to keep the window open when casting a flying cloak spell...
The infamous Faust, ladies and gentlemen! The living embodiment of this Halloween decoration!
Source: Grimoire English translation:
