A Short History of the Besom
Besoms were ordinary household brooms across Europe, made from birch twigs bound to an ash or hazel handle. Because they lived by the hearth and the door, they gathered folklore about protection and luck, and from the fifteenth century they became the witch's symbol in art and trial records. For the full story, read the lore of the witch's broom.
How Do Witches Use a Besom?
What is a besom used for in witchcraft?
A besom is used to cleanse and protect space. Witches sweep the air of a room to clear stagnant energy, sweep the boundary of a ritual circle before casting, and place a besom by the door to guard the home.
- Clearing a room: sweep the air in each room, moving towards an open door or window to carry heavy energy out.
- Preparing a circle: walk the edge of your ritual space sweeping lightly before you cast.
- Guarding the threshold: stand the besom by the front door or hang it above it.
- Moon rituals: sweep around your altar at the dark moon to reset it for the new cycle.
- Blessing beginnings: sweep the doorway of a new home, or jump the broom at a handfasting.
How to Choose and Dedicate a Besom
Choose a besom that feels right in your hands. Natural twig besoms are traditional; crystal besoms add a stone's energy to the tool. Keep your ritual besom separate from the household broom.
How to dedicate a new besom
5 to 10 minutes, ideally on a new or full moon.
Cleanse it. Pass the besom through incense smoke or sprinkle it lightly with salt water.
Hold it. Grip the handle in both hands and breathe slowly until you feel settled.
Speak its purpose. Say aloud what it is for, for example, “You sweep away what does not belong and guard what I hold dear.”
Mark it. Tie on a ribbon, charm or small crystal if you like, to show it is a sacred tool.
Place it. Give it a home by your altar or front door.
A Simple Besom Cleansing Ritual
Sweep the energy of a room
10 minutes. Good after an argument, illness or a busy week.
Open a way out. Open the main door or a window.
Start in the far corner. Sweep the air just above the floor, moving anticlockwise around the room and towards the opening.
Name what is leaving. As you sweep, say what you are clearing, such as tension, grief or old arguments.
Sweep it out. Finish with a firm sweep out of the door or window.
Seal it. Sprinkle a pinch of salt across the threshold and close the door.
Crystal besoms
Amethyst besoms suit spiritual protection, fluorite suits clarity and study spaces, and tiger's eye suits courage and confidence. Browse our besoms and brooms collection.
Besom Questions Answered
Do you sweep the floor with a besom?
Usually not. A ritual besom sweeps the air just above the floor to move energy. Keep a separate broom for housework.
Which direction should you sweep?
Sweep anticlockwise and towards the door to remove energy, and clockwise to draw blessings in. Many witches sweep out first, then sweep in.
Can you use any broom as a besom?
Yes, if you dedicate it and keep it for magical use. Natural twig besoms are traditional, but intention is what makes the tool.
Bring Home a Besom
Crystal besoms and ritual brooms for cleansing and protection. Australian owned, shipping worldwide.
