Craft Your Own Traditional Altar Besom

Craft Your Own Traditional Altar Besom
Friday 24th July 2026
7:00pm – 9:00pm
The Goddess Haven at The Conscious Breath
Unit 7, 217–227 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1AZ
£35 per person
Craft a traditional altar besom from natural materials while exploring the rich folklore, symbolism and practical magic surrounding one of witchcraft’s most iconic tools.
Join The Goddess Haven for an evening of traditional craftsmanship, folklore and practical folk magic as we create our own traditional altar besoms entirely from scratch.
Long before the broom became a symbol of witches flying across the night sky, the humble besom was an everyday household tool woven into folklore throughout Britain and Europe. Used for sweeping, blessing, protection and marking new beginnings, the besom has become one of the most recognisable symbols of witchcraft and folk tradition.
During this relaxed and welcoming workshop, you’ll learn how a traditional altar besom is constructed before creating your own using natural birch, raffia and traditional binding techniques. You’ll then personalise your besom with herbs, ribbons, crystal chips, charms and your own hidden intention, creating a meaningful ritual tool that is uniquely yours.
We’ll explore the fascinating history and folklore surrounding the besom, from stories of Alice Kyteler and traditional household customs to the symbolism of birch, ash and willow. Together we’ll separate historical fact from folklore while celebrating the rich traditions that continue to inspire modern practitioners today.
You’ll discover practical ways to incorporate an altar besom into your own practice, including creating sacred space, symbolic energy clearing, seasonal altar work and traditional household customs that have been passed down through generations. We’ll even share some of the wonderful old pieces of folklore surrounding besoms, from turning one upside down to encourage lingering guests to head home, to jumping the broom as a symbol of new beginnings.
To complete your besom, you’ll have the opportunity to decorate it with a beautiful selection of natural materials, including herbs, ribbons, crystal chips, charms and seasonal botanicals. Fresh flowers and wheat will also be available should you wish to weave them into your creation. As they naturally dry over the following weeks, they’ll become part of your besom’s story and a lasting reminder of the season in which it was crafted.
The evening concludes with The Awakening of the Besom, a gentle dedication ceremony using rosemary-infused blessed water, quiet intention and optional sound from Tibetan bowls and tuning forks for those who wish to incorporate vibration into their personal practice.
Whether you’re completely new to folk magic or have been practising for many years, this workshop offers a warm, creative and inclusive space to connect with traditional craftsmanship and create a beautiful keepsake that can become part of your personal practice for years to come.
Your Workshop Includes
* All materials to create one traditional altar besom
* Natural birch handle, raffia and binding materials
* Herbs, ribbons, crystal chips, charms and seasonal decorations
* Fresh flowers and wheat for optional decoration
* The Awakening of the Besom dedication ceremony
* Workshop notes to continue your journey at home
* Refreshments
No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
You’ll Leave With
* Your own handcrafted traditional altar besom
* An understanding of the history and folklore surrounding the besom
* Practical ideas for incorporating your besom into your own spiritual or seasonal practice
* A handcrafted ritual tool created entirely by you
Please note: This workshop explores traditional folklore, symbolism and craftsmanship. Participants of all beliefs and experience levels are warmly welcome and encouraged to engage with the practices in a way that feels meaningful and authentic to them.