What do WWII battles, ballistic missiles, and the deadly brown tree snake have in common?
The Iranian prophet Mani is the founder of Manichaeism. It is said that he was able to levitate.
Mariam Baouardy was a Discalced Carmelite nun who lived from 1846 to 1878. There are reports of her levitating during prayer at a monastery in Pau, France.
When Padre Pio was asked how it was like to walk on air, he jokingly replied: "I can assure you, my child, it’s just like walking on the floor."
The Indian yogi and spiritual leader has devotees in both Hindu and Islamic traditions.
There are a few accounts of this Russian Orthodox saint being seen levitating. Alexander I of Russia reportedly witnessed it himself.
This Peruvian lay brother of the Dominican Order was believed to have a number of special powers, including levitation. Saint Martín de Porres died in 1639 and was canonized in 1962.
Girolamo Savonarola was a 15th-century Italian Dominican friar. He is said to have been spotted levitating in his cell, when he was arrested and sentenced to death.
There are many miracles attributed to Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, including the capacity to levitate while asleep.
Alphonsus Liguori, also known as Alfonso Maria de Liguori, was an Italian bishop. He is said to have lifted from the ground in front of the whole congregation while preaching at Foggia.
According to Saint Mary of Egypt's hagiography, she once walked across the Jordan River.
The Spanish Carmelite nun was said to levitate for extended periods of time during what she called a "spiritual visitation."
This miracle is mentioned in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. Jesus walked on the water towards the boat where his apostles were.
Jesus Christ's miracles include levitating. More specifically, walking on water, miraculously defying the laws of gravity.
This biblical priest was also known as a sorcerer and magician. He claimed to be a god and levitated to prove exactly that.
The Italian Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan Order is famous for his levitation powers.
The famous Buddhist guru is said to have had numerous powers, including levitation.
Saint Francis reportedly rose to heights of 1.3 to 1.8 m (4.3 ft to 5.11 ft).
The Acts of Peter, from the 2nd century, say that "when Simon entered into Rome, he amazed the multitudes by flying." Peter then asked God to make him fall, and Simon Magnus did, breaking his leg.
This Italian saint from the 18th century was also believed to have the capacity to defy the laws of gravity.
Famous illusionist Harry Houdini said he was "one of the most conspicuous and lauded of his type and generation" and "the forerunner of the mediums whose forte is fleecing by presuming on the credulity of the public."
This Victorian-era Scottish physical medium was known for levitating. Many believed it to be a hoax, but Home has never been exposed as a fraudster.
The Welsh spiritualist medium claimed to levitate, and indeed apparently did so during his séances. Except the trick was exposed as fraudulent.
Sources: (Miracles of the Saints) (Early Christian Writings) (Listverse)
The spiritual teacher of ancient India who founded Buddhism not only reached enlightenment, but he was also reportedly able to levitate.
Reportedly, Saint Joseph of Cupertino could levitate for quite some time. He is the patron saint of aviation and astronauts.
There are a few tales of the Buddha levitating across bodies of water. On one occasion he did so across the Rohini River, and on another occasion he is said to have done so across the Ganges.
In 1630, he is said to have started hovering over the crowd during a procession.
The capacity of levitation by Franciscan Friar Joseph of Cupertino is one of the most famous in history.
Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, the capuchin monk turned saint is best known for receiving the stigmata around 1911. Padre Pio, however, was also said to be able to levitate.
Gemma Galgani was an Italian mystic who was said to have experienced stigmata, as well as being able to levitate. She died in 1903 and was canonized in 1940.
Saint Paul of the Cross was an Italian Catholic mystic, and founder of the Passionists. There are numerous accounts of him levitating in front of congregations and other priests.
Raising from the ground and hovering in the air is not a natural human ability. Yet although levitating is not part of the human experience, some people are thought to have done so, some of whom had witnesses attest to it. Religion, and Roman Catholicism in particular, is full of saints, mystics, and gurus who are said to have had the capacity to levitate. But there are other individuals who were said to be able to do it as well.
In this gallery, we look back at the people who were believed to be able to levitate. Click on!
People who were thought to be able to levitate
From saints to spiritualists
LIFESTYLE Powers
Raising from the ground and hovering in the air is not a natural human ability. Yet although levitating is not part of the human experience, some people are thought to have done so, some of whom had witnesses attest to it. Religion, and Roman Catholicism in particular, is full of saints, mystics, and gurus who are said to have had the capacity to levitate. But there are other individuals who were said to be able to do it as well.
In this gallery, we look back at the people who were believed to be able to levitate. Click on!