When I walked into the grocery store today I was overtaken by the spicy aroma of cinnamon. When I identified the source I was surprised to find such obviously witchy items. Lined up against the flower stand were a dozen or so cinnamon brooms or besoms as they are commonly referred in the Craft. They were also selling bundles cinnamon scented pine cones, again, more magical items at the grocery store. I was so tempted to buy one. The brooms were quite large, about 30” long, and only $6. I held it in my hand and starred at it for a long time remembering that my mother kept a smaller version hanging in our kitchen for good luck. I had forgotten about it until just that moment. Having been raised in a Catholic home it always surprises me when I recall something from my youth that had such obvious Pagan origins.
Witch's Broom or Besom | Photo by Chris J
The witch’s besom is used in cleansing and protection. In circle magick, magicians use it to sweep the floor as a cleansing ritual before spell casting. Traditional brooms are made from a variety of woods; most commonly hazel, ash, willow, birch, hawthorn or rowan. Often they have a hazel wood handle with birch twigs held in place by flexible willow stems called, withy.
Cinnamon brooms, in particular, are popular in the fall (hence my seeing them at the grocery store). They are typically hung over the main door to the home to ward off negativity and to attract prosperity and money. They may also be hung over the fireplace mantle or in the kitchen (bristles up for good luck).
I starred at the cinnamon broom in my hand for so long that the girl working the flower stand finally came over and asked me if I needed help. Deciding that it would be difficult to convince my husband that I’m decorating for autumn (doesn’t keep with our contemporary aesthetic) instead of bringing home magical items, I put returned the broom to its spot against the flower stand. I would like to buy one though. I’ll give it a little more time though. If it’s meant to be the opportunity will present itself.
