Before we can understand the purpose of the cauldron, we first must understand what a cauldron is. A cauldron is typically a flame-proof container. Cauldrons can come in all sizes, but they are usually a cast-iron kettle, though some are metal. It usually rests on three legs with its opening smaller than its widest part.
What are the Uses of the Cauldron?
The cauldron serves many purposes. Traditionally, according to Silver Ravenwolf, it was likely used by midwives to prepare hot water for the birth of a baby. However, cooking was also associated with it in ancient times.
Today most use the cauldron to…
- burn offerings and intentions
- make, burn, and mix potions, brews, and oils.
- burn incense
- hold lighted candles
- perform divination by scrying
- remind the self and others of the symbolism of the Goddess.
The Cauldron as a Symbol
There is an ancient history of associating the cauldron with the Great Mother Goddess.
D. J. Conway referred to it as “the belly-vessel of rebirth of the Goddess.” She also indicates that many old myths tell how the dead are reborn when and if they are placed in the cauldron. We even see examples of this in shamanic cultures under journey work and initiations they engage. Conway points out that the goddesses Cerridwen, Mut, Gaea, and even Hecate are all associated with the cauldron.
Traditionally, most pagans see the cauldron as a symbol of the Goddess. It represents the physical manifestation of the essence of fertility. Save the chalice; nothing else tends to be more closely linked to the Goddess and femininity.
Additionally, the three legs are said to represent the triple Goddess manifestations of the maiden, mother, and crone.
Depending on its use, it can be linked to any of the four elements, though some choose to use it to represent spirit.
Scott Cunningham also indicates that the cauldron can symbolize reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration.
Though many do not associate the cauldron with the God, Christopher Penzack points out that the two-part handle can symbolize the God’s dual nature.
The Cauldron in Ritual
The cauldron most often becomes a focal point in rituals. This most commonly tends to be the case when it is used to hold intention papers light on fire. Sometimes these intentions are to release something, and sometimes they are for gaining something. Regardless, it is believed that whatever is put into the cauldron will undergo a transformation and be birthed into manifestation.
Another ritual use of the cauldron is to place various offerings to the Gods/Goddesses/Great spirit. These might be food and wine, but money, stones, and almost anything else you can think of can be used as an offering. In some cases, these offerings help gain favor with divinity. In other cases, they are simply a means of expressing gratitude.
Scrying with the Cauldron
Scrying is a divination technique used to gain symbolic information to understand something or help make a decision. It is the process of gazing at something and seeing symbols in it. As children, almost all of us looked at clouds and watched as those turned into various images. This is scrying when you start giving meaning to those images.
Traditionally, scrying is done with a crystal ball with various inclusions. However, anything can be used for scrying.
In the case of the cauldron, you would fill it with water, then gaze into the water. Suppose the water is too clear and you can’t see any images for some reason. In that case, you can add ink, dirt, food dyes, and other substances to the water and stir it to help the eyes more easily see symbols.
Incense, Oils, and Brews
Some pagans still use the cauldron to create incense, oils, and brews outside of ritual use. These incense, oils, and tinctures can be made for many purposes, including healing and magick.
The cauldron serves as a vessel to hold the ingredients, then those ingredients are heated and mixed together.
Although the cauldron can be used in this manner, and some still do so, it is far more common for incense and brews today to be made using a modern-day stove and cooking utensils.
Summary of the Cauldron
Does one have to have a cauldron?
No, there really is no have to have tools for practicing the old religion. Still, most practitioners will want one if only to use it for its symbolic and burning purposes. Having said that, cauldrons used to be hard to find, but due to the modern advent of the internet, locating and purchasing one tends to be more accessible than ever. So if you can afford one, it would be a solid suggestion to get one – especially if you intend to use a great deal of petition magick.
