Broom

Botanical Name: Cytisus scoparius (common broom, Scotch broom); also Sarothamnus scoparius (synonym), and related species like Genista (dyer's greenweed, sometimes grouped as "broom"). Folk Names: Broom, Scotch broom, besom, Irish broom, plant of the witches, broom plant, genista, golden rain, brome. Parts Used: Dried flowering tops (bright yellow flowers), young green twigs/branches (most common magically), occasionally seeds or whole plant. Forms Used: Dried flowering tops for sachets, protective charms, incense, or spell packets; fresh or dried twigs/branches for making besoms (ritual brooms), wands, or protective barriers.

Note on Identity Broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a vigorous, deciduous shrub in the Fabaceae family with bright yellow pea-like flowers, green photosynthetic stems, and small leaves. It grows in heathlands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. In occult traditions, broom is a powerful purifying, protective, exorcistic, and prosperity herb—famous for its use in making magical besoms (witches' brooms) to "sweep away" negativity, and for its association with wind, flight, and astral work. The plant's explosive seed pods and fiery blooms symbolize cleansing fire and rapid banishing. It is non-toxic in moderate external use (flowers/twigs), though ingestion is not recommended (mildly toxic alkaloids).

History and Etymology

The name "broom" comes from Old English brōm ("bramble" or "shrub with twigs used for sweeping"), as its tough, flexible branches were ideal for brooms. Latin scoparius means "broom-like" or "sweeper."

Ancient Celts and Germanic tribes used broom twigs for ritual cleansing and sweeping negativity; it was sacred to the goddess in spring rites. In medieval Europe, broom was hung over doors to ward off witches and evil spirits; its yellow flowers symbolized gold/prosperity. Witches' lore claims besoms were made from broom (handle ash, brush birch, binding willow) for astral flight and purification.

In Hoodoo and conjure, broom became a staple for "sweeping" away crossed conditions, uncrossing baths, and protection. Modern witchcraft reveres it for banishing, purification, and prosperity (golden blooms).

Correspondences

Magical Uses

Broom is a Mars/Jupiter herb for purification, banishing, protection, and prosperity—its sweeping branches make it the ultimate "cleanser" of spaces and auras. Traditional and folk-magic applications include:

• Purification of spaces, tools, or aura (ritual sweeping with besom or smoke)
• Banishing negativity, evil spirits, curses, or unwanted influences
• Strong protection from witchcraft, evil eye, or psychic attack
• Attracting prosperity, money, and good fortune (golden flowers)
• Exorcism and uncrossing (sweeping away crossed conditions)
• Astral work, flight, or travel protection (besom symbolism)
• Courage and boldness in confrontations or challenges
• Warding home (twigs over doors or buried at thresholds)

Sample Spells and Rituals

All rituals are for external use only. Broom is safe externally; patch-test washes or oils. Avoid internal use (contains sparteine—potential cardiac effects in large amounts).

1. Purification Besom Ritual

• Tie dried broom twigs into a small besom (mini broom).
• Sweep space counterclockwise to banish negativity while affirming:

“Broom sweep clean, evil unseen, negativity flee, purity be.”

• Burn sweepings or bury outside for release.

2. Protection & Warding Sachet

• Fill a red or black pouch with dried broom tops, rue, salt, and black tourmaline.
• Tie shut and anoint with frankincense oil while saying:

“Broom of fire, guard entire, evil barred, safe and starred.”

• Hang near door/window or carry for strong protection.

3. Prosperity & Abundance Charm

• Place dried broom flowers with cinnamon and coins in a green pouch.
• Anoint with prosperity oil and declare:

“Golden broom, wealth in bloom, fortune come, abundance home.”

• Keep on money altar or in cash area.

4. Banishing & Uncrossing Incense

• Burn dried broom tops (with rosemary or frankincense) on charcoal.
• Waft smoke around self/space while saying:

“Broom of might, banish blight, darkness flee, light decree.”

• Safety note: Ventilate well; avoid heavy smoke inhalation.

Cautions and Toxicity

Broom (Cytisus scoparius) is generally safe for external use but not recommended for internal consumption due to sparteine and other alkaloids (cardiac effects, potential toxicity).

• External: Safe as sachets, incense, washes, or carried twigs. Thorns/spines on some stems—handle carefully. Rare allergic reactions (Fabaceae family—patch-test if pea/bean allergic).
• Internal: Avoid ingestion—can cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, or worse in large amounts.
• Not recommended during pregnancy (uterine stimulant risk) or for those with heart conditions.
• Safe around children/pets in external applications (avoid grazing large amounts—mild risk).
• Highly invasive in some regions—harvest responsibly or grow in controlled areas.
• Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any internal use.