Why Witches Ride Brooms (and Other Household Magic Hacks)

Witches and broomsticks go together like cats and chaos. But why on earth did broomsticks become the go-to vehicle of the occult? Spoiler: it wasn’t because medieval women fancied a midnight sweep. The real story is stranger, cheekier, and probably not something you’ll find in your grandma’s cookbook.

A Quick Sweep Through History

The link between witches and brooms shows up in Europe around the 15th century. By then, witches were being accused of flying to Sabbats (night gatherings) where they supposedly danced, feasted, and plotted. The broom became the “everywoman’s” steed  humble, domestic, and always close at hand.

But there’s a reason the broom, not the mop or rolling pin, got the magical upgrade. Some scholars suggest it was because of its role in fertility rituals. Women would “ride” broomsticks around fields to encourage crops to grow tall. It’s easy to see how that hopping about might have been… misinterpreted.

Magic Potions and Flying Ointments

Here’s where things get wyrd. Historical accounts describe witches brewing “flying ointments” made with hallucinogenic plants like belladonna, henbane, and datura. These herbs can cause wild visions — and also severe poisoning if ingested.

So how did witches “apply” the ointment? Let’s just say, according to inquisitors’ records, it wasn’t always rubbed on the forehead. Broomsticks (or staff-like tools) may have been a more… comfortable applicator. Thus, the image of a witch astride a broom may have had less to do with aviation and more with absorption. (Medieval chaos gremlins indeed.)

The World’s First Uber?

Combine the rumours of ointment-fuelled visions with fertility rituals and you get the ultimate viral image: witches zipping through the night sky on broomsticks. It stuck, because it was funny, shocking, and memorable — basically the medieval equivalent of a meme.

And while modern witches are more likely to carry tote bags than broomsticks, the symbol endures. The next time you see a broom propped in a corner, remember: in another century, it might have been seen as a magical vehicle.

From Brooms to Brews

Of course, not all witchy tools involve awkward flight. The cauldron (aka the medieval slow-cooker) was a staple for stews, teas, and potions. Herbs like sage and rosemary doubled as seasoning and spells. And cats? Well, they supervised everything, naturally.

So if today’s witches swapped their broomsticks for mugs, no one would be surprised. (In fact, it’s easier to fly through the morning with coffee than with belladonna paste.)

Why We Made Witchy Designs

At Wyrd Dezigns, we love reclaiming the quirky side of witchcraft. Our mugs, coasters, and candles nod to the broomstick legend but keep things tea-friendly. After all, magic is great but caffeine is essential.

👉 Explore our Witchy collection: /collections/witchy