The image of a witch riding a broomstick is a classic and iconic representation of witches in popular culture. This imagery is often associated with Halloween, witchcraft, and folklore. The idea of a witch soaring through the night sky on a broomstick is believed to have its origins in pagan traditions and mythical beliefs. In ancient times, practitioners of witchcraft were believed to possess the ability to fly through the air using various objects, such as broomsticks. The broomstick was chosen as a means of transportation due to its association with domesticity and the everyday activities of women. By using a broomstick, it was believed that witches were able to disguise their supernatural abilities and blend in with their surroundings.
By using a broomstick, it was believed that witches were able to disguise their supernatural abilities and blend in with their surroundings. The concept of a witch riding a broomstick gained popularity during the medieval witch trials. Accused witches were often accused of flying on broomsticks to attend sabbats, which were gatherings of witches and other supernatural beings.
Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? (NSFW)
You're never going to look at sweeping the same way again.
October 31, 2013 ShareIt started with bread.
In the Europe of the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, bread was made, in large part, with rye. And rye and rye-like plants can host fungus—ergot*—that can, when consumed in high doses, be lethal . In smaller doses, however, ergot can be a powerful hallucinogen. Records from the 14th to the 17th century mention Europeans' affliction with " dancing mania ," which found groups of people dancing through streets—often speaking nonsense and foaming at the mouth as they did so—until they collapsed from exhaustion. Those who experienced the "mania" would later describe the wild visions that accompanied it. (In the 20th century, Albert Hofmann would realize the psychedelic effects of LSD while studying ergot.)
A 17th-century wood engraving of a "witch" being prepared for "flight" (Wellcome Institute, London, via John Mann)
So people, as people are wont to do, adapted this knowledge, figuring out ways to tame ergot, essentially, for hallucinatory purposes. And they experimented with other plants, as well. Forbes's David Kroll notes that there are also hallucinogenic chemicals in Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Hyoscyamus niger (henbane), Mandragora officinarum (mandrake), and Datura stramonium (jimsonweed). Writing in the 16th century, the Spanish court physician Andrés de Laguna claimed to have taken "a pot full of a certain green ointment … composed of herbs such as hemlock, nightshade, henbane, and mandrake" from the home of a couple accused of witchcraft.
So why do the brooms fit into this? Because to achieve their hallucinations, these early drug users needed a distribution method that was a little more complicated than simple ingestion. When consumed, those old-school hallucinogens could cause assorted unpleasantnesses—including nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. What people realized, though, was that absorbing them through the skin could lead to hallucinations that arrived without the unsavory side effects. And the most receptive areas of the body for that absorption were the sweat glands of the armpits . and the mucus membranes of the genitals.
So people used their developing pharmacological knowledge to produce drug-laden balms—or, yep, "witch's brews." And t o distribute those salves with maximum effectiveness, these crafty hallucinators borrowed a technology from the home: a broom. Specifically, the handle of the broom. And then . you get the idea.
From M. J. Harner's Hallucinogens and Shamanism, via Alastair McIntosh
In rifleing the closet of the ladie, they found a pipe of oyntment, wherewith she greased a staffe, upon which she ambled and galloped through thick and thin.
And here's Jordanes de Bergamo, writing in the 15th century:
The vulgar believe, and the witches confess, that on certain days or nights they anoint a staff and ride on it to the appointed place or anoint themselves under the arms and in other hairy places.
So that explains the brooms. And what about the flying?
Part of the connection may have to do with brooms' place in pagan rituals. As a tool, the broom is seen to balance both " masculine energies (the phallic handle) and female energies (the bristles)"—which explains why it was often used, symbolically, in marriage ceremonies. But the more likely connection has to do with the fact that users of "witch's brew" were, in a very practical sense, using their ointment-laden broomsticks to get high. They were using their brooms, basically, to "fly."
My teeth were clenched, and a dizzied rage took possession of me … but I also know that I was permeated by a peculiar sense of well-being connected with the crazy sensation that my feet were growing lighter, expanding and breaking loose from my own body. Each part of my body seemed to be going off on its own, and I was seized with the fear that I was falling apart. At the same time I experienced an intoxicating sensation of flying …. I soared where my hallucinations—the clouds, the lowering sky, herds of beasts, falling leaves … billowing streamers of steam and rivers of molten metal—were swirling along.
So there you have it, rye to flying brooms. But "witches" in the cultural imagination, of course, don't necessarily need re-purposed cleaning supplies to be accused of sorcery. In 1976, Linnda Caporael presented work suggesting that the Massachusetts of the late 17th century had been the unknowing victim of an outbreak of rye ergot. Her work is the subject of continued debate, but has been substantiated by later scholars: The Massachusetts of 1692 likely did see an outbreak of the fungus that had contributed, in other contexts, to "witch's brew."
The epicenter of the outbreak? Salem.
* This section updated to remove references to ergot forming on already-baked bread; ergotism results from the grain itself being tainted.
My teeth were clenched, and a dizzied rage took possession of me … but I also know that I was permeated by a peculiar sense of well-being connected with the crazy sensation that my feet were growing lighter, expanding and breaking loose from my own body. Each part of my body seemed to be going off on its own, and I was seized with the fear that I was falling apart. At the same time I experienced an intoxicating sensation of flying …. I soared where my hallucinations—the clouds, the lowering sky, herds of beasts, falling leaves … billowing streamers of steam and rivers of molten metal—were swirling along.
These sabbats were said to take place in secluded areas, such as forests or mountaintops, where witches would engage in rituals and perform magic. Over time, the image of a witch riding a broomstick became deeply ingrained in popular culture, thanks to literature, art, and media. The depiction of witches as broomstick-riding hags with pointy hats and long, flowing robes has become a symbol of Halloween and the supernatural. While the idea of a witch riding a broomstick is predominantly associated with fictional portrayals, there are real-life traditions that involve broomsticks and flying. For example, in certain folk traditions, jumping over a broomstick is believed to bring good luck or symbolize the beginning of a new chapter in life. This tradition is often associated with weddings or other special occasions. In conclusion, the image of a witch riding a broomstick is a widely recognized and perpetuated symbol of witches and witchcraft. Although it may have originated from ancient pagan beliefs and medieval witch trials, it has now become an integral part of popular culture and is deeply associated with Halloween festivities. Whether seen as a whimsical tradition or a powerful supernatural ability, the broomstick-riding witch continues to captivate our imaginations..
Reviews for "The Witch on a Broomstick: A Closer Look at the Symbolism of Flight"
1. Emma Smith - 1/5 - I found "Witch riding a broomstick" to be incredibly disappointing. The storyline was predictable and lacked any depth. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it hard for me to feel any connection or investment in their stories. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, which further detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed by this novel.
2. John Thompson - 2/5 - "Witch riding a broomstick" had the potential to be a great read, but it fell short for me. The pacing was slow, and the plot seemed to drag on without much purpose. I found myself losing interest and struggling to finish the book. Furthermore, the writing style felt amateurish, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. While the concept of a witch riding a broomstick was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired in my opinion.
3. Sarah Jones - 3/5 - Although "Witch riding a broomstick" wasn't my cup of tea, I can see how it may appeal to others who enjoy light-hearted and whimsical stories. The writing was decent, and the author had a knack for painting vivid and imaginative scenes. However, I personally didn't connect with the characters or find the plot particularly engaging. It lacked the depth and complexity I usually look for in a book. Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that I would recommend to others unless they specifically enjoy this particular genre.
4. Michael Davis - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Witch riding a broomstick" based on the intriguing title and cover art, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. There were too many subplots that never seemed to fully develop or tie together, leaving me confused and unsatisfied. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the world the author was trying to create. Overall, I was disappointed by this novel and wouldn't recommend it to others.