Broomsticks as Flying Tools: Unveiling the Mysteries, Myths, and Magick Behind the Besom

When it comes to witchcraft, few symbols are as iconic as the broomstick, or besom. For centuries, the image of witches flying on broomsticks has captivated the imagination, appearing in everything from medieval folklore to modern pop culture. But there’s far more to the humble broom than meets the eye. The besom is a deeply sacred tool in witchcraft, revered for its ability to sweep away negative energy and create sacred space. But how did a simple household item become so strongly associated with witches, flight, and even the Devil?

In this post, we’ll explore the history and mythology behind broomsticks as magical tools, how they became symbols of flight, and the deeper witchy significance of the besom in modern practice. Get comfortable, witches—we’re about to deep-dive into one of the most misunderstood symbols in witchcraft.

The Practical Magick of the Besom: Sacred Sweeping in Witchcraft

Before we explore the myth of flying witches, it’s important to understand the role of the besom in witchcraft and magick. Historically, broomsticks have been used by witches and practitioners for purposes that go beyond mere sweeping. In witchcraft, the besom is primarily used to purify and cleanse both physical and spiritual spaces. But unlike a regular broom, which is used to sweep away physical dirt and debris, the witch's besom is a symbolic tool, used to sweep away negative energy, stagnant vibes, and astral clutter.

Some traditional uses of the besom in witchcraft include:

• Spiritual cleansing: One of the primary functions of the besom is to cleanse spaces energetically. Before a ritual or spellcasting session, a witch may use the broom to “sweep” the area, removing any lingering negative energy or spiritual detritus that could interfere with the magick. Importantly, this sweeping often takes place without the broom ever touching the ground—highlighting that it’s the symbolic act, not the physical cleaning, that matters.

• Circle casting: In many traditions of witchcraft, the besom is used to mark and purify the edges of a magical circle. By sweeping the circumference of the space, the witch cleanses it and prepares it for sacred work. This aligns with the broader concept of broomsticks being protective and purifying tools in magical practice.

• Fertility rituals: Broomsticks also play a role in fertility magick. In some cultures, couples would jump over a broomstick during wedding ceremonies, a practice known as “jumping the broom.” This was thought to encourage fertility and prosperity in marriage. The besom itself, with its phallic handle and sweeping bristles, has deep symbolic ties to both male and female energies, making it a powerful tool in fertility rites.

• Protection: A besom can also be used to protect a home. Hanging a broom above a doorway or placing it near the hearth is a traditional way to ward off evil spirits, banish negative entities, and protect against curses.

The Origins of the Witch-Flying Myth: Hallucinogens and Folk Magic

So how did the besom, a tool used primarily for cleansing and protection, become synonymous with witches flying through the night sky? The answer lies in a combination of historical misunderstanding, hallucinogenic ointments, and folklore.

During the European witch hunts of the 15th to 18th centuries, stories began circulating about witches flying on broomsticks to nocturnal gatherings known as sabbats. According to these stories, witches would gather under the cover of night to perform rituals, worship the Devil, and engage in all sorts of wild debauchery. While the idea of witches flying to sabbats on broomsticks might seem far-fetched, there’s a historical explanation for this myth: hallucinogenic flying ointments.

Flying Ointments: The Real Reason Witches Were “Flying”

Historians believe that the myth of witches flying on broomsticks may have originated with the use of hallucinogenic plants and ointments in folk magic practices. These ointments, often referred to as “flying ointments,” were concoctions made from a mix of psychoactive herbs like:

• Belladonna (Atropa belladonna): Also known as deadly nightshade, this plant has a long history of use in witchcraft due to its psychoactive and toxic properties. In small doses, belladonna can cause hallucinations, vivid dreams, and a sense of euphoria—common ingredients for an otherworldly experience.

• Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger): Another powerful hallucinogen, henbane was frequently used in ancient rituals and has been associated with necromancy and divination. It was also a key ingredient in flying ointments.

• Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum): The root of the mandrake plant has been associated with magick and witchcraft for centuries. It was often used in flying ointments due to its hallucinogenic properties.

• Datura (Datura stramonium): Commonly known as jimsonweed or devil’s trumpet, Datura has intense psychoactive effects, including delirium and hallucinations. In ancient times, it was often used by witches to induce trance states.

When these potent herbs were combined and made into an ointment, they would be applied to the skin—often in areas with high absorption rates, like the armpits or genitals. Some historical accounts suggest that witches would rub the ointment on the handle of a broomstick and straddle it, allowing the skin to absorb the mixture in a way that would induce intense hallucinations. These hallucinations often included the sensation of flying, leading to the belief that witches could fly through the air on their broomsticks.

In the book "The Witches' Advocate: Basque Witchcraft and the Spanish Inquisition," historian Gustav Henningsen explains that the psychoactive compounds in these plants, particularly tropane alkaloids, could cause vivid experiences that felt as real as any physical journey. These experiences were often interpreted as literal flights to attend sabbats or meet with spirits and deities.

Similarly, Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English, in their book "Witches, Midwives, and Nurses", explain that these ointments were used in pagan rites for spiritual journeys and dream work. As the Christian church sought to demonize witchcraft, these hallucinogenic experiences were often twisted into tales of witches cavorting with the Devil and using broomsticks to fly.

Broomsticks as Symbols of Sexuality and Fertility

Beyond the hallucinogenic ointments, there’s also a strong case for the broomstick's association with fertility and sexuality. In ancient agrarian societies, broomsticks were often used in fertility rites to promote a bountiful harvest. Women would “ride” broomsticks or other tools around their fields while jumping and dancing to encourage crops to grow tall and strong.

The broomstick, with its long handle and bristles, has strong phallic and fertility symbolism. This association with sexuality may also have contributed to the development of the myth that witches were sexually promiscuous and in league with the Devil. During the European witch trials, broomsticks were sometimes depicted in lewd ways, further solidifying their association with both flight and sexuality.

The Evolution of the Flying Witch in Popular Culture

The image of witches flying on broomsticks didn’t truly become iconic until the European witch hunts. As fear of witchcraft spread, pamphlets, artwork, and trials depicted witches flying to sabbats, meeting with demons, and wreaking havoc on society. Artists like Hans Baldung Grien and Albrecht Dürer created vivid woodcuts of witches flying through the air on broomsticks, helping to cement the image in the public consciousness.

This connection only strengthened as time went on. By the time the Salem witch trials took place in the late 1600s, the idea of witches flying on broomsticks had become an ingrained part of the witchcraft mythos. In fact, one of the women accused during the Salem trials, Tituba, confessed to flying on a broomstick to attend a witches' gathering—likely under coercion, but the story stuck.

Today, witches flying on broomsticks is a trope found in everything from children's books to Halloween decorations, but it’s a far cry from the true, sacred use of the besom in modern witchcraft.

The Besom in Modern Witchcraft: Cleansing, Protection, and Ritual

In modern witchcraft, the besom remains an essential tool, even though we’re not flying off to the sabbat on it anymore (though, wouldn’t that be fun?). Its uses have evolved, but the core principles of cleansing, protection, and fertility remain.

Some common uses of the besom in modern practice include:

• Energy clearing: Before spellwork or rituals, many witches use a besom to sweep away unwanted energies. This is particularly important when preparing an altar or sacred space.

• Protection: Hanging a besom above doorways or windows is a powerful way to ward off negativity and protect the home from unwanted spiritual visitors.

• Handfastings and weddings: The practice of "jumping the broom" is still common in some Pagan and Wiccan wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the couple's new life together and their hopes for fertility.

• • Decorative altars: Besoms are often placed on or near the altar as symbols of purification and balance between masculine and feminine energies. They serve as reminders of the sacred work that witches do and the importance of cleansing both physical and spiritual spaces.

  • Ritualistic use: Many witches create their own besoms, often using specific woods, herbs, and crystals imbued with particular energies or intentions. The choice of materials can reflect the intended use of the besom, such as incorporating protective herbs like rosemary or cleansing crystals like selenite.

  • Crafting personalized besoms: For those looking to connect deeply with this powerful symbol, crafting a personal besom can be a profound ritual. Select a handle that resonates with you—often wood from sacred trees like willow, birch, or oak is favored—and bind the bristles with natural twine. Infuse the besom with your intentions as you create it, making it a truly unique tool in your practice.

  Embracing the Mystique of the Besom

  The broomstick is not just a whimsical prop; it embodies the intersection of nature, spirit, and the intricate tapestry of witchcraft. With its long history and symbolic significance, the besom serves as a reminder that while we may not physically fly through the night, our magick and intentions can elevate us spiritually and emotionally.

  As modern practitioners continue to embrace the besom, it stands as a potent symbol of our ability to clear away negativity, create sacred space, and cultivate our own unique paths in witchcraft. By engaging with the history and traditions surrounding this simple tool, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and empower ourselves to harness the ancient energies of the Earth.

   A Tool for Transformation

  In summary, broomsticks—or besoms—are powerful symbols in the practice of witchcraft. From their historical roles in purification and protection to their associations with fertility and sexuality, broomsticks embody the complexity of magical traditions. While the myth of witches flying on broomsticks may have originated from hallucinogenic experiences, the true essence of the besom lies in its ability to connect us to our craft, cleanse our spaces, and empower our spiritual journeys.

  As you continue to explore your own witchcraft practice, consider integrating the besom into your rituals and daily life. Whether it’s using it to sweep away negativity, creating your own personalized broomstick, or simply appreciating the historical significance behind this iconic symbol, the besom serves as a powerful reminder of the magick that exists within us all.

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