The first reference to the broom symbol was recorded in Martin Le Franc's manuscript, Champion des dames, which appeared towards the end of the 15th century.
An Egyptian called Pancrace who took a broomstick and dressed it as a man. By the use of Magic formulae, the broom behaved in normal human fashion, guided by the sorcerer. Walt Disney in his film Fantasia includes this tale.
An Egyptian called Pancrace who took a broomstick and dressed it as a man. By the use of Magic formulae, the broom behaved in normal human fashion, guided by the sorcerer. Walt Disney in his film Fantasia includes this tale.
Jumping the broom in a modern Wiccan marriage ceremony relates to the same custom as performed by the gypsies.
http://witchesofthecraft.com/tag/besom-broom/
http://www.controverscial.com/The%20Besom%20(Broom).htm
Midwives of ancient Rome used special brooms to sweep the threshold of the house after childbirth to cut the ties between the world of the living and the realm of the dead, as it was believed that the child had entered from the world of the dead and the pathway should not be made easy for a quick return. As part of the Athenian festival, the souls of the dead visited the houses of the living and were received hospitality, but then driven out by a through sweeping of the house with a broom.
http://witchesofthecraft.com/tag/besom-broom/
http://www.controverscial.com/The%20Besom%20(Broom).htm
Midwives of ancient Rome used special brooms to sweep the threshold of the house after childbirth to cut the ties between the world of the living and the realm of the dead, as it was believed that the child had entered from the world of the dead and the pathway should not be made easy for a quick return. As part of the Athenian festival, the souls of the dead visited the houses of the living and were received hospitality, but then driven out by a through sweeping of the house with a broom.
Early American magickal practitioners, especially women used brooms for quiet another purpose-as a form of communication. A broom positioned in a particular way outside of the house apprised friends and neighbors of one's whereabouts. A broom leaning close to the front door with bristle up meant "I've gone visiting." With the bristles down, "I'm home." A broom lying down meant "I've busy, stop by later." If the broom sat bristles up over the window, then the lady of the house was not home, but would be back soon, and visitors were welcome to come in and wait. Messages meant for everyone were tied onto the broom with various colored ribbons. These messages indicated if someone was sick. in labor, had a baby, got married, or needed some type of assistance.
Crafters trained thirty years ago still used this type of communication among themselves.
*****
Courtesy of -
http://www.amazon.ca/Solitary-Witch-Ultimate-Shadows-Generation/dp/0738703192
The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past.
Crafters trained thirty years ago still used this type of communication among themselves.
*****
Courtesy of -
http://www.amazon.ca/Solitary-Witch-Ultimate-Shadows-Generation/dp/0738703192
The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past.
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