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Make Your Own Besom/Broom
Materials:
- A branch about 4 feet long or the length you
like, and 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter from your area. Ash is
preferred, Birch as second choice but only if these grow local.
You want your broom attuned to the local energy. If neither of
these grow locally check the attributes of the woods in you area
and choose on based on this. You should use a Masculine tree for
the broomstick, Hazel, Oak, Rowan, and Sassafras are a few other
choices. Branches from fruit trees such as apple and pear also
make very pretty bosoms however fruit trees are Feminine, so the
choice is up to you. The branch needs to be relatively straight
although some twist to it can make a beautiful broom. This stick
should be a naturally fallen branch if at all possible. If you
must cut a branch ask the trees permission and explain your need.
Either way, always leave a thank you offering, fertilizer is great
for this. You can use a dowel rod if you must.
- Willow strips (the strands the leaves are attached
to) are best, hemp twine, or cotton twine to tie it with.
- Scissors
- Birch twigs, Straw, Broomcorn (Sorghum vulgare
var. technicum, Sorghum bicolor, Panicum miliaceum), Heather,
or other herbs for the bristles. You should choose a Feminine
herb for the bristles, Myrrh, Mugwort, Thyme, Willow branches
are a few other choices.
- Water and salt for soaking
If you are using a natural branch it needs to be
dry (not green). Some choose to strip the bark and sand the branch,
some choose to leave it natural. It depends on your own taste and
the wood you have chosen, some woods will shed the bark over time
and are not good candidates for leaving it on.
Soak the bristle material you have chosen to use
and the willow if it is your tying material, overnight in warm,
slightly salted water. The water softens the material to make it
pliable, and the salt soaks out the former energies.
When you are ready to make your Besom, remove the straw from the
water and allow to dry some but not enough to dry out, they need
to be supple to turn them into your Besom They should be damp and
pliable, if they get too dry, soak them some more.
Lay your branch flat and line the bristle material
alongside the limb, about 3 inches from the bottom. The bottom of
the bristles should point toward the top of the broom. Begin binding
these around the broomstick with the presoaked willow binding or
twine. Tie them very securely. Continue to add as many layers of
bristle as you want, depending on how full you want your completed
Besom
Gently bend the top of the bristles over the willow
twine. Once you have them pulled over, tie the bristles again just
below the fold. Leave the broom overnight to dry. Leave the Besom
overnight to allow the the bristles to dry. Do NOT
stand the Besom on its brush to dry it will bend it, the best way
is to hang it to dry bristle end down. Once your new Besom is dry
you may choose to trim the ends of the bristles to even it out or
leave it natural.
You can oil it with linseed oil, paint, stain, seal
with polyurethane, or decorate your Besom using magickal sigils,
your magickal name, tie on herbs, stones, feathers, etc. It's yours
and should be decorated or left natural to taste.
Dedicate your finished Besom in your circle as you
would any other ritual tool.
Caring for your Besom/Broom
If you use your broom to physically sweep, its brush
will collect dirt and dust. This will make them brittle and dry.
Soak the bristle end once a month in sudsy hot water for a few seconds,
agitate it to help clean out some of the debri, rinse with clear
cold water and shake gently to remove excess water. Hang to dry,
bristles down so it doesn't bend them.
For brooms used in ceremony or decoration only,
Soak the bristle end once every six months for 10-15 minutes in
clear hot water, rinse with clear cold water and shake gently to
remove excess water. This also replenishes the flexibility of the
bristles. Hang to dry, bristles down so it doesn't bend them.
Brooms that are stored outside (like on the front
porch) may mildew in damp climates. If yours does this scrub it
with bleach water to remove and help prevent new growth. Once it
is dry or if your putting a new broom outside, apply a thin layer
of linseed oil to the broom stick unless it's covered by paint or
bark. Also apply a thin layer of linseed oil to the outer brush
fibers. Use a clean cotton cloth with a small amount of oil and
carefully wipe in the direction of the fibers.
A witches broom is traditionally made from an ash staff (protective),
birch twigs (purifying) and a willow binding (sacred to the Goddess).
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