Crafts for the Craft: Make Your Own Besom

Did you know that you can make your own besom, or broom? It's a lot easier than people realize. As part of my continuing series of craft projects for those of you who are (a) on a budget or (b) like to make your own stuff or (c) like me, a combination of A & B, I've added instructions for how to Make Your Own Besom.

The besom is traditionally used for ceremonial cleansing of an area prior to ritual, but is also found in all kinds of folklore. Did you know:

In the Southern US states, slaves brought over from Africa were forbidden from legally marrying, so to symbolize a union, they jumped over a broom. This tradition has become popular again recently.

In Wales, a newly married couple could ensure good fortune by stepping over a broom the first time they entered their new home.

Brooms got their name because the bristles were originally made of broomstraw or broomcorn.

However you decide to use yours, it's simple to make -- and something you can get your kids involved in as well. Be sure to treat it well, as you do all your magical tools!