An old term for a "broom." In witchcraft, the besom's bristles can be made of straw, thin twigs, regular twigs, or other such items. The handle may be of the same twig material or may be of wood. A besom is often made with birch twigs tied to an ash stave handle.

The besom is tool used for spiritual cleansing of an area, such as a compass round, room, or an entire area inside or outside the home. One way of doing this is to begin in the middle on the ritual area and sweep outward as you walk deosil (clockwise).

This is a spiritual cleaning, not a physical cleaning, so the bristles never touch the floor but are kept a few inches above the floor.

It is appropriate to place a besom near a front door to serve as a protection against negative energy or unfriendly spirits. The besom may be placed on the wall near or above the door with its bristles always pointing upward, so as not to have good energy run out.

A besom is a traditional ritual tool used during Pagan weddings, or handfastings. The happy couple jump over the besom, and is later placed on the wall.