Why do witches have brooms?

The association between witches and brooms has its roots in folklore and historical beliefs. There are a few theories about why witches are commonly depicted with brooms:

1. Ritual Symbolism: Brooms have been used in various cultures as symbols of purification, sweeping away negative energies, and warding off evil spirits. Witches may have adopted brooms as ritual tools for their magical practices, using them to cleanse and prepare their sacred spaces.
2. Herbalism and Healing: In ancient times, brooms were often made from specific plants with supposed medicinal properties. Some witches were known for their knowledge of herbs and healing, and the broom could symbolize their connection to these practices.
3. Flying Potion: One popular belief is that witches used brooms to fly. According to legend, witches would create a flying potion made from hallucinogenic herbs such as belladonna or henbane. To apply this potion, they would straddle a broomstick, which was believed to have been used as an applicator. The potion’s effects, combined with vivid imaginations and possibly some historical misinterpretations, led to the association of witches with flying on brooms.

It’s important to note that the association between witches and brooms is primarily a result of mythology, and artistic interpretations rather than actual historical practice. Witches, as depicted in popular culture, often differ from real-life practitioners of witchcraft, who have diverse beliefs and practices.