Brooms
In common with most religions, certain objects are used in Wicca for
ritual purposes. These objects are used to invoke the Deities, banish
negativity, and direct energy through our thought and intention.
To practice Wicca, you MAY want to collect some of the objects listed
here, but it is not absolutely necessary. Again it depends on the path
you follow and the yearnings of your heart. You may purchase these
items in your local occult shop, but surprisingly enough they also can be
found in a variety of places ~ antique and junk shops, swap meets, yard sales
and flea markets. In this age of the internet, there are numerous online
shops too. It makes the tool no more right or special if you swap for
it than if you buy it new. In any case, any time and effort you expend
searching for your tools are well worth it. It has been said that we
should use magical tools until we no longer need them, but as long as you
feel comfortable, use them for as long as you like. (Sometimes tools
that you have outgrown can be *passed on* to someone else who
is practicing the Craft, that again is up to you.)
The Broom
Witches use brooms in magic and ritual, and is a tool that is sacred
to both the Goddess and God. Probably because of it's phallic shape,
it became a powerful tool against curses and practitioners of evil magic.
(Note from Athena: I do not believe there is actually "evil" and
"good" magic, it really depends on what your perspective is) Laid across a threshold, the broom halted all spells sent to the house
or to those who resided within. Placed under the pillow, it brought
pleasant dreams and guarded the dreamer at the same time.
European Witches became identified with the broom because both were
infused with magic in religious and popular thought. Witches were accused
of flying on broomsticks, and this was considered proof of their alliance
with "dark powers." Such an act, if it could be performed, would indeed
be supernatural, and therefore, of the Devil in their eyes, in contrast to
the simple healing and love spells that Witches actually performed. Of
*course* the tale was invented by Witch persecutors.
Today, the broom is still used in Wicca. A
Wicca may begin a ritual by sweeping the area (indoors or out) lightly with
the magic broom. After this, the altar is set up, the tools carried
out, and the ritual is ready to begin. This sweeping is more than a
physical cleansing. In fact, the broom's bristles needn't touch the
ground. While brushing, the Wiccan visualizes the broom sweeping up
the astral buildup that occurs where humans live. This purifies the
area to allow smoother ritual workings.
Since it is a purifier, the broom is linked with the element of Water.
Thus it is also used in all types of water spells including those of
love and psychic workings. If you wish to make your magic broom, you
might try the old magical formula of an ash staff, birch twigs and a willow
binding. The ash is protective, the birch purifying, and the willow
is sacred to the Goddess. Of course, a branch from any tree or bush
can be used in place of the broom (while cutting it, make sure to thank the
tree for it's sacrifice). A tiny broom of pine needles can be used
also.
The broom is used for magic, and as with all magical tools, should
be reserved for this purpose only. If you decide to buy a broom, try
to find a round one; the flat Shaker-type brooms just don't seem to have
the same effect.
Text taken from "Wicca A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham
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