Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Pagan Info"

Throughout history, the besom is traditionally linked to Witchcraft, and "flying Witches". It is still widely used today in magick ritual, to "sweep" the psychic dirt away, cleanse the circle, or ritual area. There are many explanations for the idea that witches can fly on broomsticks. One popular belief being that witches often used the mandrake root for pain relief, especially to ease menstrual cramps. Mandrake contains scopalamine, which is (along with atropine) also found in thorn apple/belladonna. Both were commonly used in 'witches potions' to induce out of body experiences. The root would be concocted into a paste which seeped through the skin when applied to relieve the pain. It was often rubbed in the armpit area, or vaginally, applied with the handle of the broom. Being highly hallucinogenic, this may have given the feeling or "flight" or "riding the broomstick". It is also said that in the times of the Witch hunts, that the Church wanted to spread fear surrounding Witches, and during those times, what better way that to accuse them of having the ability to fly. Whatever the reason, the broomstick, or "besom" is still a widely used tool in Pagan rites, and often used in blessings of fertility. Some folklore of the Besom... An old English Saying: "Buy a broom in May, and you will sweep your friends away." In Welsh Tradition among the Gypsies, there was an old custom of the broomstick wedding. The couple solemnized their rites before witnesses by jumping over a broom placed in a doorway, without dislodging it. To dissolve the marriage, they had to reverse the process, jumping backwards out of the house, over the broom, before the same witnesses. An old Yorkshire belief: Should a young girl inadvertently step over a broom handle she will become a mother before she becomes a wife. In Sicily, on Midsummer's Eve, a broom is placed outside the home to ward off any wickedness that might come knocking. Never sweep after the sunset, for fear chasing away happiness or hurting a wandering soul. Brooms laid across the doorways are believed to keep evil out. Never use a broom when there is a dead person in the house. Never bring old brooms into new houses as a broom becomes attached to houses so leave the old one behind. Never walk on a broom. Never use a broom to sweep outside the house, unless the inside of the house is cleaned first. If you sweep under someone's feet tell them that you will dance at their wedding. Otherwise they will have bad luck. A new broom should sweep dirt out of a house only after it has swept something in.