A besom, or witches broom, is an essential magical tool. They are used to cleanse and purify a space either on or around your altar or any area of your home. A besom is seen as a symbol of fertility and sexuality and can also be used to "sweep" away bad spirits or negative energies. In the old world people would jump over the besom on their wedding day as a way to ensure fertility in their new union. Traditionally a besom is made from sacred woods such as oak, ash, birch and willow for the binding.
Although its quite easy to buy a broom, crafting your own is also easy and adds your personal magical energy to it. Feel free to use any type of wood you like as not all of us have access to the traditional woods. You may also use herbs such as mugwort or thyme for the bristles.
Supplies:
- 4 foot piece of wood for the handle
- Thin branches or herbs for the bristles
- Willow or hemp twine for the binding
- Scissors and a bucket of warm water
Depending on the type of wood you are using for the bristles they might need to be soaked over night in warm water to make them more pliable. Take your handle and lay it somewhere flat. Lay your bristles along side of it about four inches from the bottom of the handle facing up towards the top of the broom. You will be flipping them over soon. Tie the bristles to the handle with your cord and make sure to tie them tight so they don't pop out later.
Now take your bristles and flip them over so they are facing down towards the bottom of the broom and tie them at the base of the handle with your cord. While you're doing this visualize what energy you want to empower your besom with. Feel free to recite a chant or cleanse it with sage or incense as well. You will need to let your broom dry out some before using it. You may decorate your besom with ribbons, charms or anything you wish. Now your besom is ready for use! Keep it on your altar or standing up by the front door or you may even wish to hang it over a doorway for protection.
I hope you enjoy crafting your very own witches besom!
Picture courtesy of Witch Way
A traditional besom was made of ash, birch or oak. These woods have symbolic meaning for them. I have searched and no one supplies these essential woods to make a besom. I live in the desert and I could make one out of yucca, but it would not feel right to me. If someone took the time to actually put these items in a kit they would probably sell faster then most of the made ones online that are not made this way and in making it yourself they would be imbued with your personal energy and strength. A.C.
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