Besom Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Witch's broom, Broom
A broom of twigs used to sweep a space clean of stale energy before ritual.
- Intentions
- Cleansing, Protection, New Beginnings
- Element
- Air
- On the altar
- Leaning near the altar or by the door
- Made of
- Birch twigs, broom or straw on an ash or hazel handle
How to use it
- Sweep before ritual
Sweep your ritual space with the besom just above the floor, moving counterclockwise and toward the door. You are clearing energy, not dust, so the bristles need not touch the ground.
- Guard the door
Hang a small besom over your front door or stand one beside it, bristles up, as a traditional charm to keep unwanted energy out of the home.
- Jump the broom
In handfasting ceremonies a couple jumps over a besom together to mark a new start in a shared life. It is a joyful custom at Beltane too.
History and folklore
Brooms made from bundles of twigs are as old as farming, and in folklore they became the witch's vehicle in tales of flights to night gatherings. Spring cleaning before Imbolc and Ostara echoes the besom's old job of sweeping out the old season. In Wicca it is a purification tool, often kept only for ritual and given pride of place near the hearth or the front door.
A broom of twigs used to sweep a space clean of stale energy before ritual.
- Intentions: Cleansing, Protection, New Beginnings
- Element: Air
- On the altar: Leaning near the altar or by the door
- Made of: Birch twigs, broom or straw on an ash or hazel handle
How to use it
- Sweep before ritual. Sweep your ritual space with the besom just above the floor, moving counterclockwise and toward the door. You are clearing energy, not dust, so the bristles need not touch the ground.
- Guard the door. Hang a small besom over your front door or stand one beside it, bristles up, as a traditional charm to keep unwanted energy out of the home.
- Jump the broom. In handfasting ceremonies a couple jumps over a besom together to mark a new start in a shared life. It is a joyful custom at Beltane too.
Works well with: Birch, Lavender, Rosemary, Imbolc, Air
Folklore
Brooms made from bundles of twigs are as old as farming, and in folklore they became the witch's vehicle in tales of flights to night gatherings. Spring cleaning before Imbolc and Ostara echoes the besom's old job of sweeping out the old season. In Wicca it is a purification tool, often kept only for ritual and given pride of place near the hearth or the front door.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.