The Besom of Heather

The Besom of Heather is not long handled like a broom that sweeps a floor. Old Woman Solstice’s besom is only as long as her arm as befits her work at the hearth. It hangs from a peg at the mantle and never touches the ground. Old Solstice made it herself out of heather sprigs for new beginnings and the joy of self-discovery; hazel bonds for wisdom and inspiration; and an oak branch from Dragon Oak for protection, truth, and prosperity. She carved a Twisting Evergreen at the end of the handle not only to enhance it’s natural beauty, but also to extend her magical work across all time to eternity. 

With sweeps of her besom Old Woman Solstice scatters snowstorms and chaste icy winds throughout the land. She spreads winter wildness and the hibernating sleep of long dark nights and short days of feeble sunlight. Her ways encourage traditions of kinship and gift giving among the people. 

Old Solstice keeps the winter world safe by sweeping spells up her chimney were she keeps her fire bright and hallowed. Unmarred by ill will or doom, such are her spells and incantations:

This hearth I sweep with Besom of Heather;

Snowstorm and wind must spread and scatter.

With ritual fire this earth be hallowed,

Wild kith and kin bond all that follow.

When set ye I by Solstice hearth

Let dance begin ‘neath sky of stars;

And sleep then comes by Moon set stream

To learn the ways of darkened dream.

(there are no images for Old Woman Solstice's Besom of Heather...it's unique...use your imagination...)