How to Make a Witch’s Broomstick & Floral Besom

How to Make a Witch’s Broomstick & Floral Besom

Today we're going to be talking about the besom or witch's broom! In Wicca, a besom is a tool that is used to cleanse and purify space. It is traditionally used to clean the working space of a ritual before casting a circle.

Hello, my witchy bumblebees,

Today we’re going to be talking about the besom or witch’s broom! In Wicca, a besom is a tool that is used to cleanse and purify space. It is traditionally used to clean the working space of a ritual before casting a circle. I’m going to share the brief history behind the besom and how you can DIY your own. You do not need to have a besom to be a witch, no tools are required. Everything should be an addition or something that brings joy to your practice. With that said, let’s jump in!

In the mid-1600s, it was written that witches would apply flying ointments (aka hallucinogenic ointments) to their broom handle. When they would nakedly straddle them, the ointment would absorb through their skin, and they’d ride off to celebrate the sabbat. This old myth has persevered even today.

‘Bless the witch and bless the broom, Bless the spirit that lies inside, Sweeping clear each household room, So peace and harmony there reside’
– Deborah Blake

As I mentioned before, besom’s are commonly used to clean the working space before casting a circle, but they can be used in other ways. Jumping over the besom is another Wiccan tradition for weddings. This is a tradition very common in many different cultural practices but the one I’m referencing is from Britain. Couples would “jump the broom” to signify that the marriage wasn’t legally binding. In handfasting, once you’ve “jumped the broom,” the couple would agree to be together for a year and a day. After that time, they would decide to continue being together and possibly wed legally. Handfasting ceremonies can be legal ceremonies as long as the person performing them is a civil celebrant.

Ways to use a besom in your magic

  • Most witches will store them with the top of the broom pointing up or over a doorway. This is an old folk practice of keeping out bad intentions and evil from a house and keeping in the good. The bottom of the broom should never touch the ground.
  • As shown in one of my favorite movies, “Practical Magic,” when the broom fell over it, it meant that you would soon have company. This is a great way to use your besom.

Your DIY Besom

The only essential things you’ll need are a broom, twine, and hot glue. Everything else you use to decorate your besom is 100% up to you. In my Youtube video, I keep it simple with some fake flowers but you can paint it, wood burn the handle, use charms, etc. Decorate it in whatever way that resonates with you.

Do you have a besom? How did you decorate it? Let me know in the comments below!

Until Next week...

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