In Wiccan rites and customs, the besom plays an essential symbolic function. It’s a circular broom with twigs or straw fastened to one end of a long pole. Its ritualistic use was for cleaning sacred locations and sweeping off unwanted energies, therefore it is symbolic of purification and cleanliness. The classic besom was fashioned of an Ash shaft, Birch twig bristles, and Willow strands for the tying rope. Birch symbolizes femininity and cleansing, whereas Ash signifies masculinity, romantic love, and protection. As a result, the besom represents their togetherness. It is used in a Wiccan wedding ritual for the newlyweds to jump over to reinforce their vows.