Making Your Own Besom (Witch's Broom)

Introduction: Crafting Your Magical Broom

A besom, or witch's broom, is one of the most iconic tools in witchcraft. Used for energetic cleansing, protection, and ritual work, a handmade besom becomes a powerful magical ally. Making your own besom connects you to ancient traditions, allows you to choose materials with specific magical properties, and creates a tool infused with your personal energy from the very beginning.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to make your own besom from natural materials. You'll learn about traditional besom lore, how to gather and prepare materials, step-by-step construction methods for different styles, consecration rituals, and how to use your finished besom in magical practice. Whether you're creating a full-sized ritual besom or a small handfasting broom, this tutorial provides everything you need.

What is a Besom?

Understanding the Witch's Broom

A besom is:

• Traditional witch's broom made from natural materials
• Used for energetic cleansing, not physical sweeping
• Symbolic tool in rituals and ceremonies
• Protection and purification tool
• Associated with hearth and home magic

Traditional uses:

• Sweeping away negative energy from spaces
• Cleansing ritual circles before casting
• Protection of home (hung over doorways)
• Handfasting ceremonies (jumping the broom)
• Fertility and blessing rituals
• Astral travel and hedge riding (symbolic)

Besom vs. regular broom:

• Made from natural, not synthetic materials
• Consecrated for magical use
• Never touches the ground when sweeping energy
• Treated as sacred tool

Traditional Besom Lore

Historical Significance

• Ancient symbol of domestic magic
• Associated with hearth witches and kitchen magic
• Used in European folk magic traditions
• Symbol of the witch in popular culture
• Represents balance of masculine (handle) and feminine (bristles)

Magical Correspondences

Element: Air and Water (cleansing and flow)

Direction: West (cleansing, emotions)

Moon phase: Waning (banishing) or Full (power)

Deities: Hecate, Brigid, hearth goddesses

Materials for Besom Making

Handle (Staff)

Wood choices and properties:

• Birch: Purification, new beginnings, protection
• Ash: Protection, healing, world tree connection
• Willow: Moon magic, intuition, flexibility
• Oak: Strength, protection, endurance
• Hazel: Wisdom, divination, protection
• Apple: Love, healing, abundance

Specifications:

• Length: 3-5 feet for full-sized besom
• Diameter: 1-2 inches, comfortable to hold
• Straight branch or dowel
• Smooth, no sharp knots

Bristles

Traditional materials:

• Broom corn: Traditional, durable, authentic
• Birch twigs: Purification, classic
• Willow branches: Flexible, magical
• Straw: Traditional, rustic
• Heather: Protection, Scottish tradition

Alternative materials:

• Dried grasses
• Pine needles (bundled)
• Lavender stems (small besoms)
• Rosemary branches
• Mixed herbs and twigs

Amount needed:

• Large handful for small besom
• 2-3 bundles for full-sized besom
• Enough to create 2-3 inch diameter bundle

Binding Materials

• Natural twine: Hemp, jute, cotton
• Leather cord: Durable, traditional
• Ribbon: Decorative, color magic
• Wire: Strong, hidden binding
• Willow withes: Traditional, flexible

Optional Decorations

• Dried herbs (lavender, rosemary, sage)
• Crystals or stones
• Feathers
• Bells
• Charms or pentacles
• Colored ribbons

Gathering Your Materials

Ethical Foraging

When gathering from nature:

• Ask permission from the tree/plant
• Leave an offering (water, biodegradable item)
• Take only what you need
• Don't damage living plants unnecessarily
• Gather from your own property or with permission
• Thank the plant spirit

Best Time to Gather

Moon phase:

• Waxing moon for growth and building energy
• Full moon for maximum power

Season:

• Late fall or winter for dormant wood
• After leaves have fallen
• When sap is down (stronger wood)

Preparing Materials

Handle:

• Remove bark if desired (or leave natural)
• Sand smooth
• Let dry if freshly cut (2-4 weeks)
• Optional: stain or oil

Bristles:

• Trim to even length
• Remove leaves
• Let dry completely if fresh
• Sort by size

Method 1: Traditional Tied Besom

Materials

• Wooden handle (3-5 feet)
• Bristle material (broom corn or twigs)
• Strong twine or cord
• Scissors or knife
• Optional: wire for extra security

Instructions

1. Prepare handle - Sand smooth, remove bark if desired
2. Soak bristles - If using broom corn, soak in water 30 minutes (makes flexible)
3. Divide bristles - Into 2-3 equal bundles
4. Position first bundle - Against handle, about 6 inches from bottom
5. Wrap tightly with twine - Several times around, very tight
6. Add second bundle - Opposite side of handle
7. Wrap again - Secure tightly
8. Add third bundle - Fill in gaps, create full circle
9. Final wrapping - Wrap entire bundle tightly, 2-3 inches of wrapping
10. Tie off securely - Multiple knots
11. Trim bristles - Even bottom edge
12. Optional: add wire - Wrap wire over twine for extra security

Tips

• Wrap as tightly as possible - bristles will loosen as they dry
• Wet materials are easier to work with
• Have helper hold while you wrap
• Use strong twine that won't break

Method 2: Small Decorative Besom

Materials

• Small stick or dowel (12-18 inches)
• Dried herbs or small twigs
• Ribbon or decorative cord
• Hot glue (optional)
• Decorations (crystals, charms)

Instructions

1. Gather small bundle - Herbs or twigs
2. Position around stick - 2-3 inches from bottom
3. Wrap with ribbon - Decorative binding
4. Tie bow or knot
5. Optional: hot glue - Secure bristles
6. Add decorations - Crystals, bells, charms
7. Trim bristles - Even edge

Uses

• Altar decoration
• Handfasting ceremony
• Gift for witch friends
• Hanging protection charm

Method 3: Lavender Besom

Materials

• Wooden handle or stick (any size)
• Dried lavender stems (large bundle)
• Purple or white ribbon
• Optional: other dried flowers

Instructions

1. Dry lavender - Completely dried, stems intact
2. Bundle lavender - Around handle
3. Wrap with ribbon - Decorative and secure
4. Tie bow
5. Trim if needed

Uses

• Bedroom blessing
• Sleep and peace magic
• Purification
• Beautiful and fragrant

Decorating Your Besom

Color Magic with Ribbons

• White: Purification, all-purpose
• Black: Protection, banishing
• Red: Protection, passion, strength
• Green: Prosperity, growth, healing
• Blue: Peace, healing, protection
• Purple: Spirituality, psychic work
• Gold/Silver: Sun/Moon energy

Adding Crystals

• Wire-wrap small crystals to handle
• Glue to binding area
• Hang from ribbon
• Choose crystals matching besom's purpose

Herb Bundles

• Tie small bundles of protective herbs
• Rosemary, sage, lavender
• Attach to binding area
• Adds magical properties and scent

Symbols and Charms

• Pentacles
• Bells (cleansing sound)
• Feathers (air element)
• Personal sigils
• Runes for protection

Consecrating Your Besom

Cleansing First

• Pass through smoke (sage, incense)
• Sprinkle with salt water
• Leave under full moon overnight
• Sound cleansing (bell, singing bowl)

Consecration Ritual

1. Create sacred space - Cast circle or set intention
2. Hold besom - Both hands
3. State purpose - "I consecrate this besom for cleansing and protection"
4. Bless with elements - Pass through smoke (air/fire), sprinkle with water, touch to salt (earth)
5. Charge with energy - Visualize white light filling besom
6. Speak blessing - Use traditional or personal words
7. Seal consecration - "So mote it be"

Consecration Blessing

"Besom, besom, blessed be,
Sweep away negativity.
Cleanse this space, protect this home,
By bristle, handle, and sacred stone.
Consecrated by earth, air, fire, and sea,
As I will, so mote it be."

Using Your Besom

Energetic Space Cleansing

1. Start at entrance - Doorway or east
2. Sweep in sweeping motion - Don't touch floor
3. Move clockwise - Around room
4. Sweep toward door - Push energy out
5. Visualize - Negative energy being swept away
6. Finish at door - Sweep energy outside
7. Cleanse besom after - Shake outside or pass through smoke

Circle Casting

• Sweep area before casting circle
• Cleanse space of previous energy
• Create clean slate for ritual
• Sweep clockwise around circle perimeter

Protection Magic

Doorway protection:

• Hang besom over door (bristles up)
• Protects home from negative energy
• Traditional placement

Threshold sweeping:

• Sweep across threshold
• Prevents negative energy from entering
• Do regularly (weekly or monthly)

Handfasting Ceremony

• Couple jumps over besom
• Symbolizes entering new life together
• Fertility and blessing
• Traditional wedding custom

Caring for Your Besom

Storage

• Hang bristles up (traditional)
• Or lay flat
• Keep in dry place
• Away from direct sunlight
• Treat with respect

Maintenance

• Shake out after use
• Trim bristles if they become uneven
• Tighten binding if it loosens
• Re-decorate as desired
• Cleanse energetically after heavy use

Recharging

• Full moon charging (monthly)
• Smoke cleansing (as needed)
• Re-consecrate annually
• Refresh decorations

Different Besom Sizes and Purposes

Full-Sized Ritual Besom (4-5 feet)

• Space cleansing
• Circle casting
• Handfasting ceremonies
• Main magical tool

Altar Besom (12-18 inches)

• Altar decoration
• Symbolic representation
• Small space cleansing
• Travel besom

Decorative Mini Besom (6-8 inches)

• Ornament
• Gift
• Car protection charm
• Hanging decoration

Common Questions

Can I use my besom for physical sweeping?

Traditionally no - besoms are for energetic cleansing only. Using for physical dirt diminishes magical purpose. Keep separate broom for cleaning.

Which way should bristles face when hanging?

Bristles up is traditional. This keeps energy from draining out and maintains besom's power.

How often should I cleanse my besom?

After each use for heavy cleansing work. Monthly for regular maintenance. Immediately if it feels energetically heavy.

Can I make a besom from artificial materials?

Natural materials are traditional and hold energy better. If using artificial, charge extra thoroughly and treat with same respect.

What if my besom falls apart?

Tighten binding, or dismantle and remake. Thank materials and return to earth if beyond repair. Make new besom.

Conclusion: Your Magical Broom

Making your own besom connects you to ancient witch traditions and creates a powerful tool for cleansing and protection. Whether you craft an elaborate full-sized ritual besom or a simple decorative version, your handmade broom carries your energy and intention in every bristle. As you sweep away negative energy and protect your sacred space, your besom becomes a trusted magical ally.

Take time to gather materials mindfully, craft with intention, and consecrate with reverence. Your besom will serve you well for years to come.

May your besom sweep clean, your home be protected, and your magic be strong!

Explore more magical tools with Making a Wand and DIY Altar Setup.