Tidbits of the Besom, or Witch's Broom

The besom, or broom, is perhaps one of the most longstanding iconic symbols of witchcraft in world history. It's possible connections to witchcraft and magic extend from prehistory all the way through the modern revival of witchcraft in all it's forms. There is so much history and speculation behind it's magical meaning that I figured I would share some of them along with some tips for using this potent magical tool.

• Jumping the Broom: Though it's origins are ultimately lost in history and speculation, the besom has played a role in marriage and handfasting rites throughout the world, by many diverse cultures. Some believe these practices originated in West Africa sometime in prehistory, others believe they are derivative of Romany (Gypsy) rites, and others claim Wales as a possible origination of the connection between marriage and the besom. Some of the earliest mentions of brooms come from Ghana in West Africa, were the broom was seen as a spiritual symbol, and was waved over the heads of newlyweds and their parents. In other cultures, the broom could be placed before the threshold of the home and the act of jumping over it might signal taking possession of the domestic role as a pair. In folklore from Wales, a man might actually leave a broom sitting near the door way outside as a signal to women that   the "position was open" so to speak. There is also some belief that jumping the broom was considered sympathetic magic, with the broom signifying future obstacles the couple would overcome together. In some marriages, jumping the broom signified a connection not legally recognized by the church, but rather a personal commitment agreed upon by the pair, in a sense a type of common law marriage rite.
• Phallic Symbolism: Like some other tools of the craft such as the athame or wand, the broom is viewed by many as a possible phallic symbol, a tool of directing energy which is oriented towards the masculine. However it is interesting to note that the besom itself is composed of both the pole and the bristles, which in many cases were traditional made from feminine deemed materials such as willow and birch twigs. In some ways it makes sense that the besom is such an iconic symbol of witchcraft, incorporating both masculine and feminine symbolism into a unified whole. This connection to union of the sexes is only strengthened by it's practical uses in the domestic sphere. 
• Cleansing and Sweeping: It's domestic use as a cleaning tool has also translated into the magical realm in practice and folklore. In some cultures, there are actual Broom deities which are believed to sweep negative energy from an area or bring good luck. In Chinese folklore, a deity called Sao Ching Niang, or "lady with the broom who lives in the broom star," can be called upon to help villagers when bad weather threatens crops. The people hang brooms on doors and fences as a means of calling upon her help to sweep away the storms. In Mexico, the Witch Goddess Tlazoiteotl is depicted riding a broom, and in some magic rites she is offered to so that she may sweep away the transgressions of the people.  In may ways she is symbolic of the shadow self, and is associated with the dark moon. In German folklore, the broom was used to sweep negativity from the home after misfortune or death befell the family. Some African tribes even believed that the magic of the besom was so strong, men who were present in the home while women were sweeping and were accidentally struck by the broom would be rendered impotent!
• Brooms and Flight: The idea of witch's using brooms to fly is also a longstanding one, with texts during the Burning times even enumerating on the use of brooms and "flying ointments." There is no way of knowing is this was simple propaganda or based in real relevant practice, but for the most part it has been highly disregarded. However, in more recent times scholars have speculated in he possibility of some latent truth to these tales. Some have even claimed that "flying ointments" were actually potent mixtures of psychoactive drugs which were applied to the besom and then ahem "administered" bodily. Textual evidence from the Medieval age actually describes witches applying these ointments to the broom pole and then placing them either under the armpits or in other areas of the body containing mucous membranes. Yes I mean the vajayjay. Though such evidence is only speculation, there are several historical recipes left which contain powerful psychoactive herbs such as belladonna, wolfsbane and henbane, and even poppy flowers (i.e. opium/morphine origin plant). This has led many to believe that the "flying" was symbolic of what we might refer to as a drug trip. These were purported to occur during the various Sabbats. 

In terms of modern practices, the besom is still a relevant tool of the craft. We can implement the besom as a means of sweeping and cleansing energy from our own homes. We can create them as a means of investing our own energy in a magical tool. There are a variety of resources across the web which can be used as a jump off for the creation of new practices implementing this common household tool. I think it is worth pursuing simply as a means of connecting with the archetype of the witch throughout history, and preserving the traditions which for many modern practitioners signifies the ultimate survival of the witch, even through persecution. 

In frith,

Cena