A Guide to Besoms - The History of the Witch's Broom
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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 Besoms were originally made from birch twigs, which were bound together with willow or hazel branches to form a handle.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.
Besoms have been used for centuries as tools for cleaning and purifying spaces. In ancient times, they were used to sweep away negative energy and protect homes from evil spirits. They were also used in rituals to purify and consecrate sacred spaces.
In many cultures, besoms were believed to have magical properties and were used as a tool for divination and communication with spirits. They were also often used in wedding ceremonies, where the bride and groom would jump over the besom as a symbol of their commitment to each other and their new home.
A History of Besoms
The association of besoms with witchcraft and magic can be traced back to the early modern period, when the persecution of witches was at its peak. During this time, besoms were often depicted as being used by witches to fly through the air and attend meetings with other witches, known as "sabbats." This portrayal of besoms in popular culture has persisted to this day and has contributed to the enduring association of besoms with witches and magick.
In modern times, besoms are still used for their traditional purposes, but they are also used as decorative items and as symbols of Wicca and other modern pagan traditions, including the Wheel of the Year. Many people who practice these traditions see the besom as a powerful tool for cleansing and purification, and they use it in rituals and ceremonies to connect with nature and the spiritual world.
How to Make a Besom
Making a besom is a fun and rewarding DIY project that allows you to create a unique and meaningful tool for your own rituals and practices. Here's how to make your own besom:
Materials:
Birch twigs
Willow or hazel branches
Twine or string
Scissors
Instructions:
Gather your materials. You will need a bundle of birch twigs and a couple of willow or hazel branches to make the handle. You can find these materials at a local park or forest, or you can purchase them from a craft store or online.
Cut the birch twigs to the desired length. You can make your besom as large or small as you like, but aim for a length of around 2-3 feet.
Tie the birch twigs together using twine or string. Start at the bottom of the twigs and work your way up, binding them together tightly.
Cut the willow or hazel branches to the desired length for the handle. Aim for a length of around 3-4 feet.
Tie the handle to the bottom of the birch twigs using twine or string. Make sure it is securely attached.
Trim any excess twine or string and shape the besom as desired. You can also add any decorative elements, such as ribbons or crystals, if you like.
Your besom is now ready to use! You can use it for sweeping, cleansing, and any other rituals or practices you choose. Grab Printable Instructions in the Free Member’s Library
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.
Other types of wood that can be used for the twigs of a besom include ash, oak, and other types of branches with strong, flexible wood. It is important to choose branches that are straight and without too many knots, as these will be more difficult to work with and may not hold up as well over time. Overall, the most important thing is to choose wood that is strong, durable, and suited to your personal preferences and beliefs.
If you don’t have access to twigs or other natural elements, you can find besom kits online.
Besoms are traditional tools that have a long history of use in rituals and practices related to cleaning, purification, and magick. They are made from birch twigs and a handle of willow or hazel branches, and can be easily made at home with a few basic materials. Whether you use your besom for its traditional purposes or as a decorative item, it can be a meaningful and powerful tool for your personal beliefs and practices.
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Goddesses and the Seasons
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Goddesses have been revered in many cultures throughout history, and they are often associated with various aspects of the natural world, including the seasons. Different goddesses are associated with different seasons and holidays, and they can be invoked to symbolize a variety of concepts and ideas. From Brigid associated with spring and the fire element, to Yemaya associated with summer and the water element, the symbolism of goddesses is rich and varied. In this list, we will explore the associations of various goddesses with the wheel of the year and the different seasons.
Brigid - Brigid is a Celtic goddess associated with spring and the fire element. She is often revered as a patroness of poetry, art, and healing. Read about the history of Brigid and Imbolc
Demeter - Demeter is a Greek goddess associated with autumn and the earth element. She is often revered as a patroness of agriculture and the harvest.
Freya - Freya is a Norse goddess associated with summer and the love element. She is often revered as a patroness of fertility and sexuality.
Hestia - Hestia is a Greek goddess associated with winter and the fire element. She is often revered as a patroness of hearth and home.
Ishtar - Ishtar is a Mesopotamian goddess associated with spring and the love element. She is often revered as a patroness of fertility and sexuality.
Kuan Yin - Kuan Yin is a Chinese goddess associated with summer and the water element. She is often revered as a patroness of compassion and mercy.
Persephone - Persephone is a Greek goddess associated with autumn and the underworld. She is often revered as a patroness of death and rebirth.
Rhiannon - Rhiannon is a Celtic goddess associated with winter and the earth element. She is often revered as a patroness of fertility and abundance.
Saraswati - Saraswati is a Hindu goddess associated with spring and the knowledge element. She is often revered as a patroness of education and the arts.
Yemaya - Yemaya is a Yoruban goddess associated with summer and the water element. She is often revered as a patroness of the ocean and fertility.
Each of these goddesses has its own unique associations with the seasons and the wheel of the year. Incorporating these goddesses into celebrations and rituals can be a great way to honor the changing of the seasons and connect with the divine.
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Food & The Wheel of the Year
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Food has always been an important part of human culture and traditions. Different foods have different associations and meanings in different cultures. Some foods are associated with health and wellness, while others are associated with abundance and prosperity. Some are even believed to have magical properties and are used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments. In this list, we will explore the associations and meanings of various foods in mythology and culture.
Food and the Wheel of the Year
Food plays an important role in Wheel of the Year celebrations and and different foods are associated with different seasons and holidays. For example, pumpkins are often associated with autumn and Samhain, while eggs are associated with Ostara. Each season brings with it an abundance of different fruits and vegetables, which can be used to create traditional dishes that are enjoyed during the corresponding holiday. Foods that are in season are often fresher and more flavorful, and incorporating them into meals can be a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Apple - In many myths and legends, apples are associated with knowledge and wisdom. In Greek mythology, the fruit of the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden was an apple. Apples are also associated with protection, strength, and perseverance.
Banana - Bananas are often associated with energy and nourishment. In many cultures, they are considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Carrot - Carrots are associated with good eyesight and healthy skin. In some myths and legends, carrots are believed to have magical properties that can improve vision and restore youth.
Celery - Celery is associated with weight loss and hydration. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is often used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments.
Cherries - Cherries are often associated with relaxation and sleep. In some myths and legends, they are believed to have healing properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Grapes - Grapes are associated with abundance and prosperity. In many myths and legends, they are also associated with wine and are considered a symbol of celebration and joy.
Lemon - Lemons are associated with cleansing and detoxification. In some myths and legends, they are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Orange - Oranges are associated with immunity and vitality. They are also a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in many cultures.
Peach - Peaches are associated with longevity and happiness. In Chinese mythology, peaches are the fruit of the gods and are believed to have magical properties that can grant eternal life.
Pineapple - Pineapples are associated with hospitality and welcoming. In many cultures, they are considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
Pomegranate - Pomegranates are associated with fertility and abundance. In many myths and legends, they are also a symbol of regeneration and renewal.
Pumpkin - Pumpkins are associated with autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. They are also a symbol of abundance and prosperity. In some myths and legends, pumpkins are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Strawberry - Strawberries are associated with love and romance. In some myths and legends, they are also a symbol of purity and innocence.
Tomato - Tomatoes are associated with heart health and lycopene. In some myths and legends, they are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Food plays a significant role in many cultures and traditions around the world. Different foods have different associations and meanings, and they can be used to symbolize a variety of concepts and ideas. From apples associated with knowledge and wisdom, to pumpkins associated with autumn and abundance, the symbolism of food is rich and varied. Whether for their taste, their cultural or mythical associations, or their nutritional value, foods continue to be an important part of our lives and celebrations.
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