Witch's Broom: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Broomsticks

The Witch's Tools #1

by Deborah Blake

Take a magickal flight into the history, tradition, and modern uses of broomsticks. Whether sweeping the floors or helping with spells, rituals, and crafts, the broom is a more versatile tool than you ever imagined.

Join Deborah Blake on a journey through the ages, exploring why broomsticks and witches have always been an inseparable pair. Enjoy broom lore, insights from well-known witchy authors, and instructions for buying or making your own for special occasions. From besoms to broomcorn, The Witch's Broom is the perfect guide for adding a new facet to your magickal practice. Have a nice flight!

"[A] clear, lucid, and ethical guide to the art of the broom."-Judika Illes, author of The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paganism, Wicca, Witches, Magic

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Deborah is the author of over a dozen non-fiction books on modern witchcraft and a tarot and oracle decks from Llewellyn. Her fiction includes the Baba Yaga series, The Broken Rider series, and the Veiled Magic series, and her cozy mysteries The Catskill Pet Rescue series (mostly from Berkley) as well as a few stand-alone novels.

Deborah lives in a 130 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with multiple cats. She believes in magic, laughter, chocolate, and wine. The order may change depending on the day.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch’s Broom by Deborah Blake
The Craft, Lore & Magick of Broomsticks. Non fiction self help.
History, traditional uses and how to decorate your own broom are all included in the text from the witchcraft perspective.
Rituals details included.
I enjoyed the practical design and incorporating a broom into the craft, home decorating and creating individual brooms to the person.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Rebecca Mitchell. Her narration was clear, concise and easy to listen to.

[Yaaresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't have much to say about this one other than "it's OK."

From the description, I thought it would have a lot more about folklore, superstitions, and the history of brooms as symbols. I know there are a lot of old superstitions in the American south surrounding brooms, and I've met some people from various parts of the African continent who had some interesting folklore about them as well. What little there was on that was tossed in as bullet points, a kind of filler between articles. It was no more than you could find by doing a google search for "broom+folklore."

The book contains articles by various authors, some more skillfully written than others. I am too cynical about the whole commercialized neo-pagan thing to comment in detail on the content, but it did seem like most of the articles were very basic and vague. They read like the sort of thing one might find in a local club newsletter. Most of it boiled down to " X can mean this or that...but just do what feels right to you." One article dissolved into a long ramble listing all the author's favorite witches in pop culture, including cartoons, the tone of which didn't do much to convince me to take any of the material seriously. Your mileage may vary.

As for the e-book version, the randomly changing font style and sizes was a little weird, and the formatting looked amateur. Given how long Llewellyn Publications has been in business, one would think they'd have this formatting thing polished by now.

[Bon]

DNF around the quarter mark. TW for prolific mentions of HP, racial slur used for Romani (probably more issues but as far as I made it lol). Guess I can't love every book by this author.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all the history provided for an object we use all the time and normally don't think twice about. I most enjoyed listening to the rituals. The book was informative and written in an easy way to understand. The audio was well done.

[Acquafortis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the title of the book. Magic, witches and broom... they are just simply indivisible entities in our collective unconsciousness.
Deborah Blake skilfully starts the book with our concept of a witch and her companion broom (and obviously there is always the cat), what goes around that image and what has fostered it through the ages.
The book continues with the basics of what a broom is, its history, how it is made, its various shapes and sizes through the eras, different cultures and the detailed, well explained DIY section to create your own broom for ritual purposes.
Have you ever thought how a broom came into being...well Deborah Blake has some interesting examples.
From then onwards the book takes a more witchy path and becomes a proper ritual book of how to consecrate a broom/brooms for various special occasions or persons with annexed detailed procedure of how actually one can do that even in a small flat and with very easy to find basic things. Blake is very flexible....so do not fret.
I am not a witch and do not practice the Craft although I am aware of both the magic and the energies at play in such traditions. Reading this book helped me have a peak inside the Wiccan rituals, putting together information that I gathered through my curiosity forays in such themes.
It is a practical cool book to demonstrate how we can use everyday tools to became more aware of the world around us and actively partake into its harmonious creation.
A great book to any Wiccan curious or budding apprentices of the Craft.

[Michelle's Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a lot of great information on the history of the broom. In addition, it was a great read.

[M Aghazarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5? This book is written as an introduction, not a journalistic account of the broom (I would love to read that book). In an online article, the author admits that she was worried she wouldn't have enough content to write an entire book, and I'm sorry to say that it shows. The vast majority of the book are various rituals. The book contains some inaccuracies (unconfirmed myth that Ben Franklin brought broomcorn to the U.S.) and a fair amount of speculation. I don't necessarily regret reading it, but I would caution a reader to know what they are getting into before committing the time to read.

[Indigo Crow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not impressed.

Maybe this wasn't a good starting point with this author. Although it does appear that the book is comprised largely of essays by various authors and not just Blake. In any case, what I expected was a book about folklore, beliefs, and superstitions involving brooms. What this mostly seems to be is a collection of how-to instructions on how to decorate brooms for various seasons or occasions.

I did think the drawings of the brooms were nicely done, but ultimately that wasn't necessary to include.

I have heard good things about this author, so I sincerely hope I just picked a rare bad one by her for the first to read. I may try another, but after this let down, I'm hesitant.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history of broomsticks. It also gives modern uses. There were interesting facts. I enjoyed learning about the different scents that you can add to your life.

I listened to the audio. I liked the narrator.

[Rob Slaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly and as usual I received this book for free in exchange for a review. Despite that perpetual kindness from NetGalley my scrupulously honest thoughts follow below.

So, I signed up for this book expecting a history book about brooms and their place in lore and superstition. While this book does have elements of that, it should be noted that it's primarily dedicated to the practice of witchcraft and contains spells and recipes that are intended to actually have an effect on the outside world. Despite the fact that I am not a Pagan and do not practice witchcraft, I will review this book from the viewpoint of an open-minded believer that there's a grain of truth to even the most perplexing superstition and ritual.

To the positive, this book is wonderfully complete. It traces out every detail that you could possibly want to know about the magick related to brooms. What are they used for? What should you NOT use them for? How to make your own or select one? It runs the gamut and has several pages of detailed rituals to boot. If I happened to be a practitioner of these arts then this book would be one to have on the shelf.

To the negative, putting myself in the place of someone trying to use this as a reference, I don't understand what place the first 20% of the book has. As a non-practitioner, this was the most fascinating bit for me. It described the history and public perception of the broom as a symbol of Witchcraft but if I was trying to put any of this to use I'd feel that I was getting the figurative shaft from the author.

In summary, if you are a witch looking to hone her craft, read the last 80% of the book. If you are not a witch, read the first 20% of the book. This is an amusing bit of writing but it seems to try to be two things when one would do. Those who are interested in history are unlikely to want to cast spells. Those who cast spells... may be interested in history but likely already know it. So approach this one with a grain of salt and then sweep that salt right out the front door but only if your broom is properly anointed with cinnamon oil and has a stout Alder handle.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much filler! I had wondered how the author would create an entire book (286 pages) on brooms. Large type, empty space and a great deal of repetition help to streeeeetch what should have been a booklet into a book. It's not a "bad" book, and so I gave it my 3 star "ok" rating. But it could have been so very much better.

[Maggie Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really hoping for more of the “craft” and “lore” that the book’s own description promised. The first few pages contain the only really interesting material about the different materials used for brooms. But the rest is clearly told from a Wiccan perspective (not at all acknowledged, annoyingly). And a good third of the pages are filled with long, very woo-woo rituals.

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

This book was a basic book about witches [neo-pagans] and their brooms. I would say this book is good for reference of newer lore, but some of the historical facts I am not sure of the accuracy.

[Chris Fielding · Rating 2 out of 5]

My disappointment largely stems from simply wanting more information. the book is very easy to read, witht he occasional interesting aside, but it lacks any depth of knowledge. For someone who doesn't know much about the lore and craft of brooms, it might be an interesting read.

[Beaumont · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first third of the book because it was about the history and uses of brooms. The last two thirds were basically lists and very detailed ways to make brooms and do rituals. That’s ok, but reading a lot of lists is...not really my thing.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

netgalley



A broom is a serious thing, both historically, and magically.
Before you read this book, visualize the importance of that statement.

“A Witch's work is mind work and utilizes powerful metaphors, allegories, and images that unlock the powers of the mind.” ― Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch

Please note, my wording may be whimsical at times, and totally and unintentionally 'wrong'. I don't know much about Wicca as a religion and don't mean any disrespect. Because of its historical background, and the way it is continuously misrepresented in today's world, I eagerly await commentary! So slash my review to pieces, if not only to educate me, but also the readers of this review.

I went into this book thinking two things.

1. Witches! how freaking cool. And maybe from a historical standpoint!! SCORE!!!

2…. and this was more so an insight that built up over time while I read the book. I wondered if all this negativity around brooms was just another way to marginalize women. If you think about it, particularly at its earliest use and function, women generally did all the household cleaning, so what better way of affording them more constriction and restriction than to put a negative connotation on the word broom, and then to subscribe some rather faulty logic to support it?

I researched quite a bit, in my inquisitive youth, about Wicca. I thought it would be an interesting way of looking at religion from a perspective outside the current climate of hate that overwhelms Christianity. Given this brief, and scant knowledge of Wicca, I knew some things, as in the origin of the 'witches fly' myth (but not the why), and the use of brooms as cleaning, both physically and spiritually. I knew that it can be used to cleanse a sacred space and for protection.

As a side-note brooms aren't always used for magic, but the author has thoughts on how to make the common act of cleaning a bit more spiritual. There are ways of using a broom for common, physical use as well as magic ones. For instance, the author speaks to actually cleaning your living space. Don't own a broom (YET!) no problem. She isn't deterred by modern cleaning items, such as a vacuums, and opens her mind and body in a way resembling how she would use a broom as a magical/spiritual item.

It explored the various ways brooms have been brought into history, particularly in the form of deities and other 'magical people'/or religious figures centuries old. The real lovely part here is that we get a core understanding of these figureheads.

The myth of flying….

There is really no physical way to fly on a broom (Surprise), however, there was 'flying ointment', a mixture of all things oily, and, among other things, the wickedly delicious hemlock. I jest, it was in fact deadly. The interesting part here is that it 'gave the feeling of flying'; the use most resembles the way acid manifests itself. This issue, one that perked my attention from the start, is explored further on in the book.

As we exit to the more mystical, less tactile experiences and notions about the broom, we head into its function as a magical tool. Along with the cleaning I mentioned early, the broom is often used for spells, including protection. One example is to use salt, sprinkled with a high level of concealment, behind 'dark/negative people' as they exit your humble abode. Fetch your broom and sweep those negative vibes away. This is one of the many examples that someone who doesn't subscribe totally to Wiccan can use a broom in a magic like way. I could see this as both a reject and adjustment of your relationship to self and others, meaning letting things go, as well as a way of pushing other peoples' issues out that door.

There are, as one would expect with an item so steeped in negative feelings and fables, many stories and lore. For instance, step over a broom and become a mother before a wife. Given my observation that husbands are more a hardship than a benefit, I laughed at the ways this would be such a terribly thing. Seriously though, these little historical tidbits aren't all that negative, and while they were a way of criticizing and viewing witches in times past, they are sorta laughable from a contemporary orientation. You can see, historically, how this judged and placed blame on women for unintentional pregnancies.

Creating your own broom, as one should expect, is very empowering. If you lack the physical materials for making a broom, make due with whatever you have on hand. If you need to buy most of the items, that is acceptable, but I am sure you can spruce it up with something from around your home or neighborhood. Various substances are cited, their magical purpose, and the basic physical properties of each, such as strength and longevity. This section concerns itself primarily with wood.

You should properly anoint your creation (pretty much sealing the deal and creating a mental and magical space for its use), even if purchased. Various common substances are explored, and not only types of wood. This section will help you gain knowledge of 'prepping' your broom.

Later on we find out about the best frame of mind, and the ways your intentions are both physical and mental, and provide a space when starting and finalizing your new creation; a clumsy way of saying your can mentally infuse your intentions for the broom by thought.

This book goes step-by-step through the process of making a broom. This section is keenly and carefully written, and is probably rather essential for crafting home-made brooms, but also in embellishing ones that you may buy from a store.

Care, from not loaning your broom, to the physical upkeep is broached too. Storing your broom is also important, and has implications for its use, either the primary objective, or simply while it is not being used for spells. For instance, the book will help in discovering the best location for a specific spell, such as the entry way into your living space.

Your broom is now complete, or maybe you have an existing one. So what's next? The author goes into the critical area of spells, spanning love to all things related to protection. On of my favorites is connecting to birds by placing your broom outside in a special place. As the author notes, use your broom as a way of supporting birds' ecosystem, either through food (the placement of an item like peanut butter on top of the broom) or in providing nesting materials. This is, of course, a spiritual experience. I could really imagine this being a very cool and enjoyable experience, and a good alternative to throwing out wooden brooms.

Look, I could ramble on and on, and that is basically the magic of this book. A newbie to the history of the broom, my knowledge was quite basic, so this was a perfect way of getting more information; and boy did I get a lot. I could see this aiding anyone, especially a newbie to Wicca, as much as I could see someone experienced in the religion getting a clearer understanding of the use and history of this really interesting item.

This was a seriously interesting read, and one that I found highly beneficial. I took a star because the format of the book provided to me, an ebook, doesn't work well with this book. this is a book best explored in paper form, and I highly recommend considering going to your local INDEPENDENT store and finding a copy. It is also worth noting that, given its massive girth in terms of information, I skimmed here sorta like a reference book. I have given it a more intense review, and each time I gather up more yummy information. I could imagine anyone, regardless of his/her reason for buying it, going back to read it.

I can't recommend this book more!!! Serious awesomeness here!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good information, but after a while a lot of it began to feel repetitive. I ended up skimming a lot of the middle of the book because there's only so many times you can read about adding things to a broom to make it special, or to decorate it as a gift, or for ceremonies, or... I appreciate the information, but it became very repetitive after the second or third time it was mentioned.

Some very specific nitpicks - I appreciate that the author used the term Romany, but they then followed it up with an ethnic slur in parenthesis. They talk about using a broom in a garden for birds, and say you can put honey or juice out for hummingbirds, which can actually be deadly to the humming birds. Honey can cause a fungal infection in the throats of hummingbirds, killing them. Sugar water is recommended by almost all wildlife rescue groups. (Literally, white sugar in water.) And finally, a personal pet peeve. I can't stand it when adults use the term "easy peasy". Just say "it's easy!" No need to be rhymey and overly cutesy.

[Raven Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of great information in this book. Writing on the topic of a singular tool is a challenge and this didnt feel as if the author was stretching to hit a word count goal.

My only issue is that every single spell requires you to have a new broom. I would’ve liked to have an explanation of using an individual broom for multiple purposes. I can’t imagine anyone wanting 20+ brooms to keep up with (elemental, sabbat, protection, nightmare, wedding). I also wished the Handfasting parts were a bit more. It’s basically decorate a broom, jump over it with a line or two of verbiage, and that’s it. We’re including a broom in our ceremony and this wasn’t much help. Anyone could write a two line poem to say as you jump over it.

Overall, it’s a good reference book as you begin to use tools and gives some ideas for various ways to use a broom.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very much hoping this would could be reference material for a new witch.

"The Craft, Lore & Magick of Broomsticks" is missing in this book. However, the craft (small c) of broomsticks is abundant. If you want to gift someone a broomstick...this book can give you an idea of how to decorate one.

The information in this book is not specific to witches or pagans or wicca. This book is very light on substance, which makes for a light read. And it's very skimable due to the amount of craft projects. The author does speak in circles a bit, and repeat information. This book is written in very informal text.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a well written and useful book. I am so glad I bought a physical copy because I know I will be referencing this a lot in the future, especially since I want to make my own magical brooms. This book was filled with the history of brooms, broom making, material choices and meanings, rituals, and spells. I especially loved the section for young witches because this is a great way to include children in rituals and practices (no I don’t have children but I can see the potential).

Overall, a wonderful and helpful book. I am so glad I picked it up and wish I had read it sooner.

[Ana Ćupurdija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to rate, because it is a manual and not a casual book.
But I am going to rate it exactly for the purpose it was written, and in that area, I think it is a very good manual.

I am new to the Craft and was interested in finding out more about it. I think Deborah Blake is a great author for this.

This was very clearly written, with a lot of tips, explanations, and crafting (a bonus for me as a crafter)! I also found zero judgment in this book, which I loved about it.

I enjoyed it very much and found myself wanting to learn even more.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It covered the history of the broom’s significance throughout the history of witchcraft and magic as well as superstitions and older beliefs (sweeping up after a guest leaves and sweeping it out the door will prevent them from coming back ☺️ 🧹). It then had many pages devoted to making your own broom and associated spells. It was a fun, easy read.

[Jina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this look at the broom/besom. The bulk of the book is some fun crafting ideas for different specialty brooms. The chapter on rituals is also fairly thick, however the reason for that is there is A LOT of repreated information - hence the 3 stars. Ultimately, if you're looking for some fun gifts ideas & a few new ways to use your broom - I would recommend this book.

[Teri Stich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. The information was interesting and well written. The history and lore of brooms, fascinating. The tidbits were entertaining. I read the kindle version and decided to buy the paperback to be able to refer back to more easily. Yes, it was that good.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the cover art and, overall, there were some interesting things I learned about the history of brooms. Unfortunately, I wanted more history and less ritual with this book. Illustrations are cute, however, I don't think it's useful enough for me to keep it.

[Beth Withrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the folklore in the beginning of the book. The rest was hard to read through for me. It’s not that it wasn’t good, but is more like reading a recipe book cover to cover. It’s more of something you would go back to for a specific “recipe” aka ritual. I did enjoy many parts of it though.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Deborah Blake's books this is awesome. I will be buying a witch broom of my own and giving this book as a gift. It is delightful to read and has a lot of practical magic.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This educational and entertaining book helped me better understand the historical and current use of brooms by pagans and wiccans.

[Giselle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF'd 42%

[Jessie Radford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. It gives very detailed history of the creation, culture and myths surrounded around brooms and witch's brooms. It also provides many ideas on how to use them.