Craft Your Own Traditional Altar Besom
Evening: Friday 24th July 2026 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Afternoon: Wednesday 22nd July 2026 – 12:30 – 2:30pm
The Goddess Haven at The Conscious Breath
Unit 7, 217–227 Two Mile Hill Road
Kingswood, Bristol
BS15 1AZ
£35 per person
Discover the rich folklore of the traditional witch’s besom as you handcraft your own beautiful altar tool from natural materials.
Step into a workshop of creativity, storytelling and traditional craftsmanship as we explore one of the most iconic symbols of British folk tradition.
Long before broomsticks became associated with witches flying across the night sky, the humble besom was an everyday household tool woven into centuries of folklore. Used for blessing, protection, new beginnings and symbolic cleansing, the besom has become a timeless representation of home, intention and the changing seasons.
During this relaxed and welcoming workshop, you’ll create your own traditional altar besom completely from scratch using natural birch, raffia and traditional binding techniques. You’ll then personalise your creation with herbs, ribbons, crystal chips, charms and seasonal botanicals, making every besom as individual as the person creating it.
As we craft together, we’ll journey through the fascinating history and folklore surrounding the besom, exploring stories from Britain’s witch trials, traditional household customs and the symbolism of the natural materials used to create these beautiful tools. We’ll separate historical fact from folklore while celebrating the rich traditions that continue to inspire modern practitioners today.
You’ll also discover how altar besoms are used within modern spiritual practice, from creating sacred space and marking seasonal celebrations to symbolic cleansing and home blessings. Along the way we’ll share some of the charming pieces of folklore that have surrounded the besom for centuries, including why some believed an upside-down besom encouraged lingering guests to head home and why couples have traditionally jumped the broom to mark a new chapter in life.
Once your besom has been crafted, you’ll have the opportunity to decorate it with herbs, ribbons, crystal chips, charms, wheat and seasonal flowers. If you choose fresh flowers, you’ll be shown how to dry them naturally, allowing your besom to evolve into a beautiful keepsake that reflects both the season in which it was made and the intention woven into its creation.
The workshop concludes with The Awakening of the Besom, a gentle dedication ceremony using rosemary-infused blessed water, quiet reflection and optional sound from Tibetan bowls and tuning forks. Whether you choose to work with sound, silent intention or simple gratitude, this final moment offers an opportunity to welcome your handcrafted besom into its new purpose.
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Whether you’re drawn by folklore, traditional crafts, seasonal living or personal spirituality, you’ll be welcomed into a relaxed, inclusive and supportive environment.
Included
- All materials to create one traditional altar besom
- Natural birch handle, raffia and binding materials
- Herbs, ribbons, crystal chips, charms, wheat and seasonal decorations
- The Awakening of the Besom dedication ceremony
- Refreshments
You’ll Leave With
- A handcrafted traditional altar besom made entirely by you
- A deeper understanding of the history and folklore surrounding the besom
- Inspiration for incorporating your besom into your own seasonal or spiritual practice
- A unique handcrafted keepsake carrying your own story and intention
Please note: This workshop celebrates traditional folklore, craftsmanship and symbolism. People of all beliefs and experience levels are warmly welcome, and you’re encouraged to engage with the practices in whatever way feels meaningful to you.
