Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Broom
The Herbs

(Cytisus scoparius) Poison

Folk Names: Banal, Basam, Besom, Bisom, Bizzon, Breeam, Broom Tops, Brum, Genista Green Broom, Irish Broom, Irish Tops, Link, Scotch Broom, Hog Weed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Air

Powers: Purification, Protection, Wind, Spells, Divination

Magical Uses: Broom is used in purification and protection spells, and is hung in the home to keep evil out. Also, an infusion of broom sprinkled through the house exorcises poltergeists.

Although the infusion was once used as a drink to increase psychic powers, this can be dangerous because the plant is slightly poisonous; carry instead for this purpose.

To raise the winds, throw broom into the air while invoking the spirits of the Air, preferably from a mountaintop. To calm the winds, burn broom and bury the ashes.

If you do outdoor spells (which is the best place to perform magic) sweep the ground with broom prior to your workings, if it grows nearby.