A great deal of negative superstition surrounds brooms and brushes. They were associated with witchcraft and thought to sweep away good luck. It was considered unlucky to step over them. There is also a great deal of positive association with the broom. In some cultures, couples still "jump the broom" at their weddings to symbolize their new life together. Martha Stewart revived the tradition of decorating the wedding broom as a type of bridal shower in her television series a few years ago. In feng shui and some European cultures, brooms are placed by doors for protection and to bring in business. The direction in which the broom is placed makes a difference in its meaning. The broom, or besom, in pagan and Wiccan tradition can sweep away negative energy and sweep in magical energy and is also used as a symbol of protection. In the movie Practical Magic, Aunt Jet says: "Broom fell, company's coming" in an ominous tone when a broom clatters to the floor.

In practical everyday life, brooms are used to sweep away dirt and cobwebs. Is there a mess in your life that needs to be swept up? If you dream of sweeping up a pile of dirt or a mess, this may symbolize a need for self cleansing or more order in your life. Sweeping may symbolize the need to "clear a path" or a need to clear your mind. Sigmund Freud associated brooms and brushes with a fear of dirty thoughts.

Pay attention to what you are sweeping up and what you are cleaning as well as the other symbols present to interpret your dream. If your culture or religion places meaning on this symbol, you may also want to consider its spiritual meaning in your dream.

May all your dreams come true!

Parthena Black is a professional social worker and ordained minister with experience in tarot and runes. For private spiritual counseling and intuitive readings via e-mail, please visit her at oymygoddess.com.

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