Cauldrons have been used within wicca and witchcraft for many different purposes and from ancient times to current the cauldron continues to be used within the craft today.
There are many different roles a cauldron can be used for anything from cooking, to being used as incense burners, and for burning items for rituals and spells.
A cauldron symbolizes the womb of the Goddess and can also represent rebirth and purification through fire. The cauldron is considered a sacred vessel to the Goddess and so many witch's within the craft favour using it for this purpose.
Almost all cauldrons are made from cast iron as this material is highly resilient to fire and will not burn or be damaged from the flames like other materials. Cast iron is also durable and strong and if properly kept clean and dried out after use will not rust.
Cauldrons can also be used as incense burners when granular or powder incense is burned within the cauldron. If charcoal and incense are placed within a cauldron and lit the incense will begin to burn and smoke and there is no fear of the heat or fire breaking loose out of the cauldron as the cast iron holds and absorbs the heat extremely well leaving one with a pleasant burning incense for quite some time until it burns out.
For ages within witchcraft and wicca the cauldron has been used for rituals and spell use. Not only are cauldrons excellent tools because you can use fire safely but they also allow for a myrid of different ingredients and items to be burned in a ritual at the same time. Cauldrons are also well adapted at being used for scrying once filled with water. Below is an example scrying ritual to perform with your cauldron.
Fill a cauldron or large, black iron pot half-full of fresh water. Add a handful of Buttercup or Marigold petals. Light incense of Sage (also used for protection) or burn some Thyme. Stir the cauldron/pot gently three times while chanting: Into the threads of time I cast my thoughts, To catch a glimpse of what will be! O' Gods of Asgard, bring into my mind, The lovely gift of prophecy! Look deep into the cauldron and wait for visions to unfold. You don't request insight into any particular matter using this method.
Cauldrons For the Elements
Earth Cauldron
Layer salt, wax shavings, three powdered or ground herbs, lighter fluid and ivy leaves in the cauldron while focus and chanting. Use a candle to light it. When the smoke starts to roll, extinguish the cauldron by putting the lid on.
Air Cauldron
Using tongs, put a chunk of dry ice is a small glass or ceramic bowl and place the bowl on a cloth in the bottom of the cauldron. Allow the cauldron to smoke as long as the ice lasts. The mists create excellent images for scrying.
Fire Cauldron
Cover the inside bottom with dirt or sand to dissipate heat. Light incense charcoal and add either salt-peter for flame and spark or flash powder for a different but spectacular effect. To assist in releasing or firing off peak energy, try using flash "bombs". Make a small pocket in a piece of flash paper, fill with flash powder and tie with thread. The "bomb" should be about the size of your smallest fingernail. The results are spectacularly bright, so use the powder sparingly. Don't look directly at the flash as you drop the "bomb" in the cauldron.
Water Cauldron
At least seven days before the ritual, place equal quantities of three appropriate herbs in a pint glass jar. Fill the rest of the jar with Everclear (200 proof alcohol), cap tightly, and shake gently while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Add a chant if its feels right. Let the jar rest in a dark, warm spot and shake twice daily, charging with purpose. Before the ritual, place a fireproof ceramic or glass bowl in the cauldron. Pour in the herb mixture, being careful none spills into the cauldron. Light with a candle to produce a beautiful blue flame.
The cauldron, as the fifth elemental spirit, symbolizes inspiration, rebirth, illumination and rejuvenation. Use a Fire cauldron with salt-peter to cast a Circle. Use the mists of an Air cauldron for an initiation. Burn away hate, prejudice and negative self-images, with a Water cauldron. The Earth cauldron is ideal for indoor Beltane rites.
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