Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

Say the word cauldron to a non-pagan, and most people get the image of a wrinkled old crone stirring eye of newt or wing of bat into the cauldron. While those of us “in the know” understand that such images are not only false, but somewhat amusing, cauldrons and witches do seem to go hand-in-hand.

The reality is, a cauldron is a very handy tool to have in your magick box, as it can be used for a variety of things. Cauldrons are of course excellent for mixing potions, but they can also be used as a fire pit, an incense burner or even a potpourri pot. Some witches may never actually use their cauldron to perform magick, but still have one none-the-less as a magickal element upon their altar. The cauldron is symbolic of the Goddess, making it an excellent choice as an altar decoration. The shape of the cauldron is representative to the womb, a symbol of birth or rebirth. This makes it a powerful tool for use in purification rituals or spells that represent a new start.

If you have never purchased a cauldron, there are some things that you should take into consideration before spending your hard earned cash. First, you must determine exactly what you will be using your cauldron for. If you will indeed be using your cauldron to brew potions by fire, or exposing it to heat in any way, you should absolutely make certain that you choose a cauldron made from cast iron. Cast iron is a strong and durable material that will keep fire contained, making safer for use both indoors and out.

Most cauldrons that you find will be made from cast iron, both large and small. However, some cauldrons sold in specialty stores will be made from other materials like ceramic or enamel. These cauldrons are still suitable for some uses, but should never be used with fire. If you will only be using your cauldron as a decorative touch or for holding non-flammable items, these cauldrons are sufficient and normally not as expensive as cast iron.

If you will be using your cauldron to brew potions, look for a cauldron that comes with a fitted lit and carrying handle. This will make it easier to move if necessary, and in some spells or rituals you may actually need to cover the pot with a tight fitting lid for the spell to work properly. It is also important to consider the size of the pot you will need before you make your purchase. While it may seem more prudent at first to buy the largest cauldron you can find or afford, it is not always the smartest idea. A large cast iron cauldron will be heavy! This may make it harder for you to move around safely, especially if it is full of liquid. Unless you know for a fact that you will be working with a large amount of materials, a medium size cauldron of about six to eight inches in diameter is usually sufficient for most spell work.

One of my favorite uses of a cauldron is scrying. It is easy to use almost any size cauldron for a scrying ritual, though a medium size pot does make it a bit easier to focus on the visions that unfold. For such a ritual, I simply fill the pot with fresh, clean water. I personally like to use clean spring water that I have let be cleansed and charged for a few hours in the sun. This is not necessary, but in my opinion is better than using tap water which may be loaded with man-made chemicals. Once the cauldron is filled, I will toss in a handful of Marigold petals, fresh if they are available though dried will work fine in the off-season as well. I will burn incense that will aid me in my ritual, such as frankincense or lemongrass to increase clarity, or cinnamon to enhance my psychic intuitions.

As I gaze into the water, I allow my mind to clear and as the Goddess to grant me a vision of the future. Make sure to not focus on one event that you wish to learn of, rather keep an open mind to be granted the ability to see what the Goddess desires you to see.

Make sure to treat your cauldron as you would any of your other tools; with respect and care. Clean the cauldron after each use, and dry it thoroughly to prevent it from rusting. As with any magick tools, if you treat your cauldron with care it will serve you well for many years to come.

Brightest Blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch in Charge”

Posted by Rose Comment 1

1 Comment

  1. Marie-Christine says

    This is a good information about cauldron specially about the materials they made of, safety first, it is always good to know wich one is the best to perform our art in safety, without worring about the fire extinguinser…:) For myself I at first was using an aluminium one with a fireproof plate under it, but I found instead a cute caldron coming from a set in copper with his own setting to hold it, so I might use this one the next time I’ll do a ritual or spell…:):smile:

    June 21st, 2010 | #

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.