US shipping Secure card payment Occult and esoteric books

Swept Away: The Vanishing Art of Broom Making

Hobbs, Karen
Reader rating
4.6
(1 reviews) 56 sold
In stock

Stock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the magic woven into every strand of the witch's essential tool.

Delve into the profound, often overlooked history of the broom, from its introduction to America to its enduring presence in folk culture and daily life. This comprehensive guide illuminates the journey of broomcorn, detailing cultivation, harvesting, and dyeing processes. Practitioners and enthusiasts alike will find seven distinct broom patterns, complete with clear, photographic instructions, allowing for the creation of functional and ritualistic tools. Explore a captivating gallery of artisanal creations, uncover ancient broom lore and superstitions, and master the art of broom care, all while discovering a delightful recipe for Broomstick Cake.

Key themes
Ancestral Craft & Heritage Art of Sacred Crafting Folklore, Magic, & Symbolism
Historical context

This work bridges the gap between folk craft traditions and occult practice, positioning the broom not merely as a household implement but as a significant tool within witchcraft and esoteric history.

Difficulty
● Easy
Fans will love it
The Witch's Book of Self-Care by Arin Murphy-Hiscock · Witchcraft for Tomorrow by Doreen Valiente · The Complete Guide to Natural Magic by Christopher Penczak
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Schiffer Craft 📅 2017 📖 112 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780764354458
Fun fact
"Swept Away" masterfully bridges the gap between historical inquiry and hands-on creation, offering a rare glimpse into a cherished American craft. Its detailed instructions and stunning visual gallery make it indispensable for anyone drawn to traditional folk arts or seeking to infuse their domestic tools with personal significance. While not a grimoire of high magic, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the practical and symbolic power of the broom, making it a cornerstone for practitioners of folk craft and hearth magic.

📝 Description: Swept Away: The Vanishing Art of Broom Making

Since Ben Franklin brought broomcorn to America from Egypt in 1790, the humble kitchen broom has been an integral part of our daily lives. Discover the rich and colorful history of the American broomcorn industry, learn how broomcorn is grown, harvested, and dyed, and, following easy step-by-step instructions with photographs and illustrations, make your own broom using one of the seven different broom patterns provided, including Kitchen, Hearth, Cobweb, Turkey Wing Whisk, and Angel Whisk brooms. More than 150 masterpieces by America's most talented artistic broom makers appear in the gallery section and feature a surprisingly diverse and colorful array of handles and stalks. Entertain yourself with broom lore and superstitions, discover proper care methods to get the most out of your broom, quickly learn all the broom terms you need in the glossary, and also find a recipe for Broomstick Cake!

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Hobbs offers a charming and thorough guide that demystifies the art of broom making for the modern esotericist. The photographic instructions are clear, and the historical context adds significant weight to the ritualistic aspects of the craft. However, this book does not suit readers seeking purely theoretical occult philosophy or those uninterested in physical crafting. It is also less relevant for advanced practitioners who already possess extensive knowledge of folk herbalism and traditional tool-making techniques. The casual tone may feel too light for serious academic study, but it perfectly serves hobbyists and spiritual seekers looking to infuse their daily rituals with handmade authenticity and historical continuity.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is a treasure trove for the hands-on witch who wishes to deepen their practice through tangible creation. It appeals to those fascinated by the intersection of daily domestic life and magical ritual, offering more than just instructions; it provides context, history, and lore that enriches the act of making. Readers will gain practical skills in cultivating broomcorn and assembling seven distinct patterns, ensuring they possess tools that are both functional and spiritually resonant. The inclusion of care instructions and a delightful recipe for Broomstick Cake adds a layer of whimsy and sustainability to the craft. It is ideal for practitioners seeking to reconnect with ancestral methods while creating personal artifacts that honor the enduring presence of brooms in folk culture.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★
If you're drawn to the intersection of history, craft, and folk magic, this volume is an essential addition to your collection. Aspiring artisans, historical enthusiasts, and those seeking to reconnect with traditional domestic arts will find both inspiration and practical guidance within its pages.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Hobbs offers a charming and thorough guide that demystifies the art of broom making for the modern esotericist. The photographic instructions are clear, and the historical context adds significant weight to the ritualistic aspects of the craft. However, this book does not suit readers seeking purely theoretical occult philosophy or those uninterested in physical crafting. It is also less relevant for advanced practitioners who already possess extensive knowledge of folk herbalism and traditional tool-making techniques. The casual tone may feel too light for serious academic study, but it perfectly serves hobbyists and spiritual seekers looking to infuse their daily rituals with handmade authenticity and historical continuity.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While rich in historical detail, "Swept Away" is fundamentally a practical guide. It provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions and patterns for crafting seven different broom styles, allowing you to create your own functional implements.
Beyond traditional utility, the book celebrates the broom as an artistic medium. It features a stunning gallery showcasing over 150 diverse and vibrant creations by master broom makers, highlighting the potential for personal expression in this craft.

📖 Who should read this

If you're drawn to the intersection of history, craft, and folk magic, this volume is an essential addition to your collection. Aspiring artisans, historical enthusiasts, and those seeking to reconnect with traditional domestic arts will find both inspiration and practical guidance within its pages.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Ancestral Craft & Heritage

Trace the broom's lineage from its ancient Egyptian roots, through Ben Franklin's introduction of broomcorn to America, to its evolution as a staple of domestic and esoteric practices. Discover how this humble tool became imbued with cultural significance and craftsmanship over centuries.

Art of Sacred Crafting

Unlock the practical magic of broom making through detailed instructions covering broomcorn cultivation, preparation, and dyeing. Learn to construct seven distinct broom styles, from the practical Kitchen to the symbolic Hearth broom, transforming raw materials into personalized tools for home and ritual.

Folklore, Magic, & Symbolism

Immerse yourself in the mystical traditions surrounding brooms, exploring their deep-seated lore and the superstitions that have shaped their use across cultures. The gallery of artistic creations further illustrates the broom's potent symbolic power and its elevation from utility to art.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The true magic of a broom lies not in its flight, but in the mindful shaping of natural fibers, binding intention into every bristle.”

“From kitchen hearth to coven circle, the broom has always been more than a tool; it is a repository of domestic wisdom and ancient spiritual resonance.”

📜 Historical context

In a world increasingly disconnected from its material heritage, this work stands as a vital revival of a vanishing American craft. It joins a venerable tradition of books dedicated to preserving practical folk arts, emphasizing not just the utility but also the cultural and often magical significance of everyday objects. It reminds us of the profound connection between human hands and the natural world.

📚 Glossary

Broomcorn
Hearth Broom
Turkey Wing Whisk

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. What memories or superstitions do you associate with brooms from your own upbringing or cultural background?
  2. How might crafting your own broom, imbued with personal intent, change its significance for you compared to a mass-produced item?
  3. Beyond brooms, what other 'vanishing arts' do you feel are vital to preserve, and why is their continuation important?

You might also like

See more →