Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Witches & their brooms...


Many different theories surround why witches are associated with brooms. The most likely explanation is that brooms are a symbol of female domesticity, a tool of every woman, and most witches are women. In earlier times it was customary for a woman to leave her broom outside her door if she was going to be away from the home. In Medieval times, the belief that witches rode brooms was prevalent, even though such an act was only ever once mentioned in European witch trials. Accused witches on trial said they could fly with the aid of Flying Ointments (hallucinogenic plants mixed with a fat base and absorbed into the skin via pulse points). Jean Bodin, a 16th century demonologist, was close to the truth when he maintained that only a witch's spirit could fly, not her physical body. ^_^

3 comments:

The Artful Gypsy aka Wendy the Very Good Witch said...

If there was ever one superstitious belief that I wish were true...flying on a broom would certainly be it! I dreamed that I was flying around on a broom once. It was the best dream and it seemed so real at the time...ha! Cute art too! xo

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Yet another great piece of info! I love it!

Kim

Dark Squirrel Victoria said...

Love your Halloween blog!!!