Meet the Maker:

Betania of Bristle & Stick Brooms

Hi there! My name is Betania. My identity has always felt very Amphibious, like I don’t fit into any of the assigned boxes. I am a mixed (Mestizx) or Ancestrally diverse person. My people come from the Ancestral homelands of the Mexica in Mexico, the Iberian peninsula, Sardinia & Wales (plus a few other little connections that I don’t know much about). I am a teacher and student of place based skills and craft, a Broom Maker, a forever student of Plants and folk medicine, and I was raised by Trees. For as long as I can remember I have turned to the Trees, Animals and other beings in the Forest for council. As a young person running from the various institutions I found myself in, the best places I found to hide  were "wild spaces". In these so called "wild" areas I found a sense of family with the the Non-human world around me, here is where I felt held and safe. I believe strongly in the healing powers of “Nature”, believing that strengthening our connection with our More-Than-Human relatives can improve our interpersonal relationships and emotional well being.

Sweeping as Medicine:

Traditions of the Broom

Since I was a child I have had an intimate relationship with cleaning as a form of medicine. As a young person cleaning was the action that most supported me to feel safe in the chaotic situations I found myself. I developed a particularly special relationship with sweeping, because holding a broom was when I felt the most powerful & free. I found delight in how a nice sweep left me more light, empowered, and grounded.

Through my journey into Broom Craft, sweeping & Healing traditions, I re-connected with the folk medicine that is carried through my Mexican lineage. I learned that Sweeping, letting go, and moving energy is deeply woven into our spiritual healing practices. I understand now that all along it was my Ancestors that put the Broom in my hand, their quiet whispers leading me towards healing all along.

 Healing & Embodiment
thru handmade craft

Over the years I have found that working with my hands, with natural elements, brings me some of the deepest healing. When I sit down to make or create something, I become more embodied, and the stresses of trying to just, simply be, in this modern industrialized world begin to fall away. In these moments I can feel the way my Ancestors would sit, pray, sing, and laugh together while doing this work. I can see the magic & beauty that can be woven into our everyday tools and materials and how that deeply enlivens our spirits.

A painting by my dear friend Ramona Garcia

Lessons in resilience & softness from Flowers