Broom: Herb of the Week 10/17/2009

[MercyWild]

Broom
cystisus scoparius

Folk names: Besom, Hog Weed, Scotch Broom, and Irish Tops
Family: Fabaceae
Planetary association: Mars
Elemental association: Air
Part used: flowers


Keywords: purification, protection, wind, spells, divination

Specific uses:

Burned as an incense on Samhain to help divine what the coming year will bring.

Hung on the front door and at the windows of a home to keep out evil

An infusion (a weak tea not meant to be ingested) of broom can be sprinkled with throughout your home to keep poltergeists at bay.
**Mercy's Tip: put the cooled infusion into a .99 cent travel spray bottle and spray in the home like an air freshener**

To raise winds throw broom flowers into the air while invoking Air.
To calm winds burn broom and bury the ashes.

When doing spell work outdoors sweep the ground with a bit of broom prior to your workings.

Be cautious when working with broom this herb is slightly poisonous and is not meant to be ingested.