The Witches besom broom is iconic and steeped in myth and lore.
It’s also a super practical magical tool to have in your Witch Kit, and fairly easy to make yourself.
They’re typically made from the thin twigs of a birch tree, and wrapped around an ash or hazel handle.
Birch is frequently substituted by heather, but any twigs, grasses, or herbs can be used.
* Try and opt for fallen branches, or RESPECTFULLY cut your twigs from a tree, first asking for the trees permission, and then leaving a bio-degradable offering of thanks.
** Optional
Decide what you want your broom to be used for, as this will determine the size of your broom.
You may want to create a small broom to be used to clear your spaces such as an altar, or to be used in the SACRED Practice.
Or you may want a larger broom to be used in ritual and ceremonies.
Use sacred smoke or your cleansing item of choice to cleanse your space and the materials that you’ll be using.
Gather your twigs together and cut them to the rough length that you want.
Cut from the ‘top’ of the twigs – the end that would’ve been closest to the tree, as this will keep the lovely natural ‘thinning’ and tapering off of the twigs towards the bottom of your broom.
If you’re using a broom handle, lay your twigs out flat and next to each other.
OPTIONAL: Add in any sticks of herbs that align with your intention for your broom.
Lay the handle on top of the twigs, at the end where you have trimmed them. This gives a crisp and ‘clean’ top of your broom bristles.
Next, gather the twigs up and around the handle, holding firmly.
If you’re not using a handle, simply gather your twigs together, ready to bind together.
If you’re using grasses, you may want to soak them to soften them up slightly to make them easier to work with.
If you’re using a broom handle, lay your grass out flat and next to each other.
OPTIONAL: Add in any sticks of herbs that align with your intentions.
Lay the handle on top of the grasses, with the grasses pointing towards the top of the broom handle (this will feel like they are pointing the wrong way)
Next, gather the grasses up and around the handle, and tie together about 2-3 inches down the handle, with a really tight knot.
Tie your twigs together with your twine, in a firm overhand knot.
Wrap your twine around your twigs, and handle if using one, several times, knotting and fastening as needed.
You can add in some knot magic, and with every knot/tightening of your twine, you focus on ‘knotting’ in your intention.
Flip the grass so that the bristles now point towards the bottom of the handle, the way that they should be, and this gives a lovely rounded edge to the top of the bristles on your broom.
Wrap your twine around your twigs, and handle if using one, several times, knotting and fastening as needed.
You can add in some knot magic, and with every knot/tightening of your twine, you focus on ‘knotting’ in your intention.
Now that your twigs or grasses are attached to your broom, you can decide on the shape of your broom.
You can leave it exactly how it is for a beautiful rustic feel.
Or you can shape your broom as feels good to you, using your secateurs to trim your twigs and grasses.
Optional: You can now decorate your broom in a way that aligns with, and gives additional power to, your intentions.
This could include adding:
You can add in some additional knot magic with your decorative ribbons and/or string.
It’s now time to focus your energy on your broom.
Connect with your broom.
Hold your broom in your hands, and you might want to hold it next to your heart.
Spend some time just being with your broom.
Then when you feel ready, ask your broom the following questions:
Don’t rush this part, as you are really pouring your energy into, and honouring your sacred tool.
There’s no ‘right’ way to do this, do what feels aligned for you.