<p>"For curious crafters and magickal minds who want to connect with their material more deeply, this book is an ode to the broom. A wonderful guidebook to broom craft. Enter into a relationship with the world's oldest cleaning tool—the broom. This book brings you on a journey of historical and practical intrigue guided by the personal passion of two esteemed women in their trades."<br />—<strong>Hilary Graves</strong>, broom maker and crafter, owner of the small business Roots, Stones and Bones</p>
Contents
Foreword xv
Prologue xvii
Introduction 1
SECTION 1: Besom to Broom 3
Chapter 1: Broom History and Lore 5
Chapter 2: Understanding Your Broom 15
Chapter 3: The Essential Materials 21
Chapter 4: The Tools 31
Chapter 5: Basic Techniques 37
Chapter 6: Getting to Know Your Broom 47
Chapter 7: Brooms in Ritual and Magic 55
SECTION 2: Properties of Woods by Species 63
Alder 69
Apple 71
Ash 73
Beech 75
Birch 77
Black Locust 79
Black Walnut 81
Cedar, Deodar 83
Cedar, Eastern Red 85
Cherry 87
Chestnut 89
Cottonwood 91
Crepe Myrtle 93
Datura 95
Dogwood 97
Douglas Fir 99
Ebony 101
Elder 103
Elm 105
Fig 107
Gingko 109
Golden Rain Tree 111
Hackberry 113
Hawthorn 115
Hemlock 117
Hickory (Shagbark) 119
Holly 121
Hornbeam 123
Laurel 125
Magnolia 127
Maple 129
Mimosa 131
Mulberry 133
Oak 135
Olive 137
Orange 139
Osage Orange 141
Padauk (African Variety) 143
Peach 147
Pear 149
Pecan 151
Persimmon 153
Pine 155
Plum (Purple Leaf) 157
Poison Ivy 159
Poplar 163
Privet 165
Rosemary 167
Rowan 169
Spruce 171
Sumac 173
Supplejack 175
Sweetgum 177
Sycamore 179
Tulip Tree 181
Willow 183
Wisteria 185
Witch Hazel 187
Yew 189
SECTION 3: Broom Recipes 191
Cobwebber 193
Hearth Broom 197
Kitchen Broom with Knurl 203
Kitchen Broom with Hurl 209
Turkey Wing Whisk 217
Hawk Tail Whisk 223
Conclusion 229
Appendix A: Woods by Deities 231
Appendix B: Woods by Uses 237
Bibliography 241