The broomstick is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols associated with witchcraft. It is often depicted as a transportation device for witches, allowing them to fly through the night sky to their gathering places or covens. While the association between witches and broomsticks may seem strange, it has deep historical roots. One theory suggests that the association between witches and broomsticks originated from pagan fertility rituals. In ancient times, broomsticks were commonly used to sweep the ground, symbolically cleansing and preparing the area for new growth and fertility. It is believed that witches adopted this tool as a symbol of their power to cleanse and transform both physical and spiritual spaces.
BEDEVERE: Good! So, how do we tell whether she is made of wood?
My brothers and I have referenced this scene often enough that my mom occasionally will mention part of it, though she has never seen or heard the scene by her choice. My brothers and I have referenced this scene often enough that my mom occasionally will mention part of it, though she has never seen or heard the scene by her choice.
It is believed that witches adopted this tool as a symbol of their power to cleanse and transform both physical and spiritual spaces. Another theory connects the broomstick with the use of hallucinogenic substances in witchcraft practices. Historically, witches were said to apply ointments containing psychotropic plants to the handle of their broomsticks.
A Witch and Equality: An Analysis of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”
We need to stop this lie that some lives are more valuable than others, as God values us equally.
Python (Monty) Pictures/Michael White Productions/National Film Trustee Company
If I want to laugh, there’s a good chance I’ll listen to the soundtrack of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. One of my favorite tracks/skits is “A Witch”. I suggest you listen to it or watch it, but here’s a summary.
Villagers drag a woman before Sir Bedevere, claiming she is a witch and ought to be burned. Their evidence? One of the villagers claims she turned him into a newt. Sir Bedevere explains that there are ways of telling whether someone is a witch, then leads them through this exercise of logic:
BEDEVERE: Tell me, what do you do with witches?
CROWD: Burn them up !
BEDEVERE: And what do you burn apart from witches?
VILLAGER #1: More witches!
VILLAGER #2: … Wood!
BEDEVERE: So, why do witches burn?
VILLAGER #3: B –… ’cause they’re made of wood?
BEDEVERE: Good! So, how do we tell whether she is made of wood?
VILLAGER #1: Build a bridge out of her.
BEDEVERE: Aah, but can you not also make bridges out of stone?
VILLAGER #2: Oh, yeah.
BEDEVERE: Does wood sink in water?
VILLAGER #1: No, no.
VILLAGER #2: It floats! It floats!
VILLAGER #1: Throw her into the pond!
BEDEVERE: What also floats in water?
CROWD: Bread! Apples! Very small rocks! Cider! Uhhh, gravy! Cherries! Mud! Churches – churches! Lead – lead!
BEDEVERE: Exactly! So, logically…
VILLAGER #1: If… she… weighs the same as a duck… she’s made of wood.
BEDEVERE: And therefore?
VILLAGER #1: A witch!
My brothers and I have referenced this scene often enough that my mom occasionally will mention part of it, though she has never seen or heard the scene (by her choice).
I was thinking about Monty Python and the Holy Grail in all its ridiculous glory when I realized that similar skewed logic is used all the time in the real world, as if it were true logic. The conclusion seems sure before the argument, and as often as not, it is to the detriment of others. The most common skewed argument I have heard is that one person’s life is worth more than another’s. Granted, the arguments are not worded in that way, and the arguer may not even realize the argument is based on this idea. But delve deep enough and it is the kernel of the argument.
To the villagers in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the woman accused of being a Witch had less value than the rest of the villagers. To the French soldiers seen in other sections of the story, the “stuffy English kinigets” were certainly seen as inferior. In modern times, women are seen by some to have more worth than unborn children. People who have traditional smarts may be valued more than those who don’t fit in that category. Younger, healthier people are seen by some to have more worth than older, sick, or infirm people. One group’s members are seen by some to have more value than the members of a different group. Some people see themselves as having more worth than anyone else, while others see everyone else as having more worth than them.
How do we rectify this, to stop the prejudice? We need to stop this lie that some lives are more valuable than others, as God values us equally, young and old, born and unborn, innocent and guilty. We can help stop the lie by doing our best to treat everyone with the same respect, even when it is hard. And we need to try to help the people around us do the same. Is it difficult? Of course. Is it possible? With God’s grace, yes.
VILLAGER #1: Build a bridge out of her.
When these ointments were applied to the skin, they could induce vivid hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. The broomstick, therefore, became a symbol of the witch's ability to traverse the spiritual realm and commune with otherworldly entities. The broomstick also holds sexual symbolism within witchcraft. It has been suggested that witches would anoint the broomstick handle with a mixture of herbs and oils, then insert it into their bodies to facilitate sexual pleasure and magical rituals. This sexualized aspect of broomstick symbolism further reinforced the association between witches and their transportation device. Overall, the broomstick is a powerful symbol within witchcraft, representing themes of purification, transformation, altered states of consciousness, and sexual empowerment. While its association with witchcraft may be rooted in historical misunderstandings and stereotypes, the broomstick remains an enduring symbol that continues to capture the imagination..
Reviews for "The Broomstick: A Symbol of Female Empowerment in Witchcraft"
1. John - 2/5
I found "The broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft" to be quite underwhelming. The author didn't dive deep enough into the history and significance of the broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft. The information provided felt surface-level and lacking in substance. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and at times, confusing. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of the broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft.
2. Amanda - 1/5
"The broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft" was a complete waste of time for me. It felt like a poorly researched and hastily put together piece of writing. The author failed to provide any convincing arguments or evidence to support their thesis. The book lacked proper citations and references, making it difficult for me to take any of the information seriously. I was hoping for a thorough exploration of the broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft, but instead, I got a shallow and unconvincing analysis. I would advise others to save their money and seek out more reliable sources for information on this topic.
3. Sarah - 2/5
While "The broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft" had its moments, overall, I found it to be a letdown. The author seemed to rely too heavily on cliches and stereotypes associated with witches and broomsticks. I was hoping for a fresh perspective and new insights, but instead, I got an unoriginal and shallow analysis. Additionally, the writing style was repetitive and lacked coherence, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the material. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would recommend seeking out other resources if one wishes to explore the broomstick as a symbol in witchcraft.