Brooms
What is a witch without her broom?
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Broom/besom lore
Besoms, also known as witches' brooms, are traditional tools used for sweeping and cleansing. They have a long history and have been associated with various rituals and practices, particularly in the realm of witchcraft and magick.
The word "besom" is derived from the Old English "besma," which means broom. Besoms were originally made from birch twigs, which were bound together with willow or hazel branches to form a handle. These natural materials were chosen for their durability and ability to sweep away dirt and debris.
Anthropologist Robin Skelton suggests the association between witches and brooms may have roots in a pagan fertility ritual, in which rural farmers would leap and dance astride poles, pitchforks or brooms in the light of the full moon to encourage the growth of their crops.
In Ireland, in 1324, a wealthy widow named Alice Kyteler was accused of witchcraft. One of the many accusations against her was that she had been spotted sweeping her neighbors’ doorsteps in an attempt to sweep their good fortune away from their houses and into her own.
The word "besom" is derived from the Old English "besma," which means broom. Besoms were originally made from birch twigs, which were bound together with willow or hazel branches to form a handle. These natural materials were chosen for their durability and ability to sweep away dirt and debris.
Anthropologist Robin Skelton suggests the association between witches and brooms may have roots in a pagan fertility ritual, in which rural farmers would leap and dance astride poles, pitchforks or brooms in the light of the full moon to encourage the growth of their crops.
In Ireland, in 1324, a wealthy widow named Alice Kyteler was accused of witchcraft. One of the many accusations against her was that she had been spotted sweeping her neighbors’ doorsteps in an attempt to sweep their good fortune away from their houses and into her own.
Broom making
Best Types of Wood to Use:
Birch: Birch is a traditional choice for besoms due to its durability and ability to sweep away dirt and debris. It is also believed to have protective and purifying properties.
Willow: Willow is another good choice for the handle of a besom due to its strength and flexibility. It is also believed to have healing and protective properties.
Hazel: Hazel is another strong and flexible wood that can be used for the handle of a besom. It is believed to have protective and divinatory properties.
Birch: Birch is a traditional choice for besoms due to its durability and ability to sweep away dirt and debris. It is also believed to have protective and purifying properties.
Willow: Willow is another good choice for the handle of a besom due to its strength and flexibility. It is also believed to have healing and protective properties.
Hazel: Hazel is another strong and flexible wood that can be used for the handle of a besom. It is believed to have protective and divinatory properties.
Use straw and dried flowers/plants/sticks that are fitting for the season. I've made a fall and a spring broom:
Fall
Spring
witch's broom spell
As I sweep, sweep, sweep the ground...
All negativity shall be bound...
I banish from here all that is profane...
Only good and blessings remain...
All negativity shall be bound...
I banish from here all that is profane...
Only good and blessings remain...
Broom Hanging ritual
Dos & don'ts...
• Never sweep on New Year’s Day, or you’ll sweep away all your luck for the coming year.
• If a visitor is overstaying his welcome, stand a broom up behind the door of the room in which he’s being entertained. He will soon grow uncomfortable and leave.
• To prevent the return of an undesirable overnight guest, sweep the room he or she slept in as soon as possible after their departure.
• Stand a broom beside the front door to bar the entrance of negativity.
• If one sweeps under the feet of an unmarried person, he or she will never marry.
• If a visitor is overstaying his welcome, stand a broom up behind the door of the room in which he’s being entertained. He will soon grow uncomfortable and leave.
• To prevent the return of an undesirable overnight guest, sweep the room he or she slept in as soon as possible after their departure.
• Stand a broom beside the front door to bar the entrance of negativity.
• If one sweeps under the feet of an unmarried person, he or she will never marry.