Witches and broomsticks

[GuavaHalf]

Does anyone know why witches are traditionally portrayed as having flying broomsticks?

[goldenboy]

it is thought by anthropologists that witches used to 'apply' their flying ointments with them, in much the same way as one would 'ride' a broomstick. the flying ointment was a hallicinogen made for belladonna that could be absorbed through a thin area of skin.

[jno]

various answers, including phallic symbolism, the application of hallucinogens to vaginal tissue via a stick, the use of staves in rituals which would be disguised as brooms to keep witchfinder generals at bay, and so on. I don't think any of these is universally accepted as correct, they're just hypotheses.

[dothawkes]

My birthday is 31st October and has been for nearly 50 years, and I don't know.  What am I qualified for? I'm depressed now.