A true witch broom, also known as a besom, is a traditional tool used in witchcraft and folklore for various spiritual and magical purposes. It is typically depicted as a bundle of stiff, long bristles attached to a sturdy handle, often made from wood. The origins of the true witch broom can be traced back to ancient times when humans first started using brooms made from natural materials to sweep away dirt and negative energy. Over the centuries, these brooms took on a symbolic role in various cultural and spiritual practices, including witchcraft. In witchcraft, the true witch broom is believed to possess powerful protective and cleansing energy. It is often used to purify a space before conducting rituals or spells, as well as to create a sacred circle for meditation or divination.
BIOGRAPHY
I begin my paintings with questions like those of "Tunnel Talk" times. What is the color of amber, iron-ore, pollen? How can wind and water be suggested? The paintings gradually grow in layers. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet's elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage. It is these strange alliances between the common and uncommon, natural and synthetic that I find compelling to paint. The compressions, connections, and contradictions of the layers shape the personality of the painting.
This knotted, painted combination forces a continual shift of attention among the many levels. I compare this to a single moment in landscape and the competing levels of activity. When I stand on Devonian limestone on the levee of the Mississippi, the barges and riverboats pass, herons fly, behind, a train noisily rumbles and streetlights flicker on, the smell of diesel fuel drifts in while rain clouds build. It's the density of experience that continues to raise questions and excite me as a painter.
On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet s elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage.
It is often used to purify a space before conducting rituals or spells, as well as to create a sacred circle for meditation or divination. The act of sweeping with the broom is believed to physically and energetically clear away any negativity or stagnant energy, creating a fresh and conducive environment for magical work. Additionally, the true witch broom is associated with the concept of flying in folklore and popular culture.
Witches Broom
STATEMENT
I grew up in a house of optical phenomena. My father was a physicist with a specialty in optics (although neighbors claimed he worked at the Optical Department at Sears). Lasers, lenses, prisms, and holographs were plentiful; as were lessons on the natural world. In our house, a solar eclipse became a graduate level seminar. On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad: Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay? (Incidentally, we refer to these questions now as "Tunnel Talk" questions).
BIOGRAPHY
I begin my paintings with questions like those of "Tunnel Talk" times. What is the color of amber, iron-ore, pollen? How can wind and water be suggested? The paintings gradually grow in layers. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet's elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage. It is these strange alliances between the common and uncommon, natural and synthetic that I find compelling to paint. The compressions, connections, and contradictions of the layers shape the personality of the painting.
This knotted, painted combination forces a continual shift of attention among the many levels. I compare this to a single moment in landscape and the competing levels of activity. When I stand on Devonian limestone on the levee of the Mississippi, the barges and riverboats pass, herons fly, behind, a train noisily rumbles and streetlights flicker on, the smell of diesel fuel drifts in while rain clouds build. It's the density of experience that continues to raise questions and excite me as a painter.
Education
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, IN., M.F.A. - Painting, 1988
TYLER SCHOOL OF ART, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA., B.F.A, Painting,1984
Professional Experience
ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY, Davenport, Iowa, Professor, 1989-present UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, El Paso, Texas, Visiting Professor, 1988-1989
STATEMENT
I grew up in a house of optical phenomena. My father was a physicist with a specialty in optics (although neighbors claimed he worked at the Optical Department at Sears). Lasers, lenses, prisms, and holographs were plentiful; as were lessons on the natural world. In our house, a solar eclipse became a graduate level seminar. On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad: Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay? (Incidentally, we refer to these questions now as "Tunnel Talk" questions).
While the idea of witches riding brooms through the air is largely a myth, it is believed to originate from ancient pagan practices where participants would use brooms as symbols of fertility and the natural world. The act of "flying" on a broomstick was metaphorical, representing the ability to travel between the physical and spiritual realms. In modern witchcraft, the true witch broom continues to hold significance and is often used as a decorative item or a tool for ritual work. Many practitioners create their own besoms, using specific materials and techniques to infuse the broom with their personal energy and intentions. Overall, the true witch broom is a potent symbol in witchcraft, representing cleansing, protection, and connection to the spiritual realm. It serves as a reminder of the ancient traditions and beliefs that continue to shape modern magical practices..
Reviews for "True Witch Brooms: Between Tradition and Modern Witchcraft"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "True Witch Broom" product. First of all, the bristles were really flimsy and didn't pick up any dirt or debris. I had to constantly go over the same spot multiple times just to get anything off my floors. Secondly, the handle was poorly made and started to come loose after just a few uses. It felt cheap and unreliable. Overall, I would not recommend this broom to anyone in need of a reliable and effective cleaning tool.
2. Mark - 1 star - I purchased the "True Witch Broom" with high hopes, but unfortunately, it fell way short of my expectations. The broom bristles were too short and sparse, making it difficult to sweep up anything without having to bend down and manually pick up the debris. Additionally, the handle was uncomfortable to hold and felt flimsy. Save your money and invest in a better quality broom that actually gets the job done.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was really let down by the "True Witch Broom" I recently bought. The bristles were not as sturdy as I had hoped, and they started to bend out of shape after just a couple of uses. This made it difficult to sweep anything up effectively. The handle also felt cheap and wobbly, making it uncomfortable to use for an extended amount of time. I would not recommend this broom to anyone looking for a durable and efficient cleaning tool.
4. Alex - 1 star - I regret purchasing the "True Witch Broom" as it was completely ineffective in picking up dust and dirt. The bristles were too soft and didn't have enough density to actually sweep anything into the dustpan. It was a waste of my money and I would not recommend this broom to anyone in need of a reliable cleaning tool. Invest in a better quality broom that actually gets the job done properly.
5. Sarah - 2 stars - The "True Witch Broom" was a disappointment for me. The bristles were not as stiff as I would have liked, and they didn't effectively gather the debris. I had to repeatedly go over the same area to actually pick up the dirt, which was frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, the handle felt poorly constructed and uncomfortable to use. I would not recommend this broom to anyone who wants a reliable and efficient cleaning tool.