Besom: The Witches Broom

Besoms, also known as witches’ brooms, are traditional tools used for sweeping and cleansing. A besom’s primary purpose is clearing energy for making sacred space. I often do this in conjunction with smoke-cleansing with a bit of sage or other herbs.

A secondary purpose, a besom functions as guard, sentinel or ward if you will for your home. And a third purpose, an aid in astral travel and probably how witches being seen flying on brooms came about. Psychic or “sensitive” folk probably saw the astral form of a witch holding her broom buzzing by and lost their minds.

Other uses include spirit communication, divination and the besom’s role in handfasting ceremonies. The newlyweds would jump over the besom as a symbol of their mutual commitment to each other and their new home.

If you want to know the properties of various trees and wood, see my post about making your own witch’s wand. The article lists many woods and their properties.

So, let’s do this; First a little history, making your own, my besoms and how I use them magically and lastly, buying a besom/choosing a besom for yourself. Ready? Let’s go.

We have many full size and mini besoms in our metaphysical shop, come visit!  Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.

A History of Besoms

The word “besom” is derived from the Old English “besma,” which means broom. Besoms were originally (commonly) made from birch twigs, (not always), which were bound together with willow or hazel branches to form a handle. These types of wood materials were chosen for their durability and ability to sweep away dirt and debris.

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 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.

There is a ton of magic one can do with a besom, and enough to write an entire book.

How to Make a Besom

(if you’re living in a dorm or similar living situation, there’s nothing wrong with small or mini-besoms) There is also nothing wrong with buying a besom and making it your own. But it can be very gratifying to craft one yourself for an enhanced magical experience. 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:

Here’s the materials you’ll need:

Choose your wood, read my article Witch Wand: Creation & Purpose for magical properties of various woods. You need a proper size handle for your height, which should be about 1/2 of your height.

Broom straw is often used for the bristles, but you can also use willow or birch bits and twigs or just about any wood. My personal preference is broom straw; it’s a lot easier to work with and you can purchase it online. Twigs get brittle and easily break, remember that they’re fragile over time.

You’ll want some heavy-duty twine for tying and securing. For the very first layer of tying, you can also use copper wire (manifestation and fire). If you are using broom straw, it is folded down over your first tying, and then tied again, the second tie you can use the twine. You can grab some pliers and twist that copper wire around the handle and broom straw until it’s very tight. It’s hard to get the first tie tight enough with just twine. You can do it, I’m just saying it’s difficult.

You’re also going to want some serious scissors or sharp shears.

Crafting Your Own Witch’s Broom

Gather Your Materials:
If you plan to collect the wood yourself, do so with spiritual intention, just as you would for a wand. Remember to enchant everything and consecrate your besom too.

Prepare the Straw or Twigs:
Cut the broom straw or twigs to your desired length—typically around 2–3 feet. This length works well for wrapping around the handle after weaving.

Bind the Straw or Twigs:
Using twine or string, tie the straw or twigs together tightly, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Wrap them like weaving—in and out—to make it secure and decorative.

Prepare the Handle:
Cut willow or hazel branches to slightly more than half your height. You can always trim it shorter if needed.

Attach the Handle:
Lay the handle on the woven straw or twigs about one-third of the way up. Wrap and tie it securely with wire or twine. Make sure it’s tight and sturdy.

Secure and Trim:
Now, either trim off the excess broom straw or fold it over and tie it again a couple of inches below your first tie (that’s what I do). This double tie adds extra security. If you want a cleaner look, trim the bottom of the straw or twigs as well.

Personalize Your Besom:
Now comes the fun part—decorating! Add bones, crystals, witch’s cords, or symbols carved into the handle. Lightly oil the wood with spell oils or essential oils for added energy and magic. I use lightning oil for one and manifestation oil for another. Choose oils that resonate with your intention.

Can’t Find the Materials?
If natural materials aren’t available, besom kits are easy to find online.

My Besoms

(I have removed some of the “art” from these besoms prior to taking photos. Can’t give away all my secrets now, can I?)

Some people will argue about bristles up or down or over the door. They all have purpose, but no need to argue. Esbata is on guard no matter which position I have her in.

Bristles down by the door is simply warding and guarding, while bristles up compel the unwanted to leave. Sometimes I want someone to leave, I just excuse myself and turn the besom. Above the door? Well just consider that position to be both effects.

The next image is Abigail, (the curly handle besom in this image) and she is a hoot. She not only purifies and banishes negativity but pulls in the kind of energy that induces laughter, fun and joy. I will typically pull her out and put her to use just before a festive occasion commences. I believe she is crafted from crazy filbert or corkscrew hazel wood. But she does a great job at banishing negativity and pulling in joy and laughter. This one was a gift from a fellow witch who happened to be (of all things) a comedian as well. Go figure.

Lastly, a plain cinnamon broom. This besom is a general energy clearing tool, fast, light and handy in my living room. I also have a few little mini-besoms for when I want to simply clear my desk for instance. I acquire a new cinnamon broom every year and the old one is burnt at our annual Samhain gathering.

How I Use My Besoms

So, aside from bristles up or down, how do I use mine? First, I never let the bristles touch the floor and don’t ever use them for mundane sweeping. My smaller besoms I can whip around clockwise for general banishment working clockwise around the room or even whole home while making clockwise circles with the broom. For under tables, I use a striking motion, like vigorously pokes and then continue with circles.

The last thing I do are three very strong sweeping motions right out the door. Goodbye, good-riddance … and I’m done. I’m passionate about it, like whacking a misbehaving child or goblin on the ass.

I wanted to share one of my besom songs with you. Many witches have a besom song, like a chant while they clear energy with the broom. Some go on and on and include the hounds of hell to interdimensional beings. I have some songs of my own that are quite serious and somber, however, for the vast majority of energy clearing, I have a simple song and chant I’ll share with you.

“Out the door you must go, you can’t stay this we know.

The witching way I am and do, there’s just no need or room for you.

Light, love and harmony, it’s why I cleanse and blessed be.

My witching space you must flee, for it’s a witching life for me.”

I just repeat this while I work the besom around the area. It’s a happy little number, perhaps even childish in a good way but it focuses the intent, giving it more energy. When you are using a besom to clear energy for sacred space, don’t bother with the whole house, just the room and area you intend on working with. Whether you are clearing a room or whole home, always work clockwise for banishment.

I will get to other uses for besoms like divination, spirit communication and handfasting rituals in future articles. Just getting all the foundational witchcraft out there first. I’m excited though, getting closer to spells, rituals, deities and divination.