Cauldrons
Nov 07, 2017
A cauldron is - in general - a pot or kettle, traditionally made out of cast iron, used for cooking and/or boiling water over an open fire. As a cooking vessel, cauldrons were popular - until the 18th Century with the beginnings of the British Industrial Revolution.
With the rise of alternative cooking units, cauldrons have become relatively extinct. That is, except in witches’ kitchens. Used for concocting brews and potions, burning items during a ritual, or simply holding ingredients for a spell, cauldrons continue to be an essential tool for any practitioner of Kitchen Magic.
A symbol the female power and rebirth, the cauldron contains many things in an altar, like herbs and incense. The element of Water and West direction are also represented by a cauldron. Because of this, cauldrons can be used for magickal purposes, such as burning incense or candles, to represent your goddess, blending herbs, and moonlight scrying.
In Lore & Legend
In traditions of Wicca that have incorporated Celtic mythology, cauldrons are associated with the goddess Cerridwen. Cerridwen’s prophetic powers made her the keeper of cauldron knowledge and an inspiration in the Underworld. Celtic lore also speaks of a cauldron being used during times of war, in which dead warriors would be placed in and returned to life. While these dead warriors would lack speech, and possibly souls, they were to be put back in battle until they died again.
Irish mythology depicts an old crone with a cauldron presiding over the Irish Land of the Dead.
Vedic myth depicts Indra, the King of Gods, stealing the cauldron (called a soma) in order to rule over all the gods. Indra stealing the soma - a representation of the Goddess - symbolizes a patriarchal god usurping power from goddesses.
Bards often sought out cauldrons as a symbol of inspiration. They would claim they drank from Cerridwen’s cauldron - a source of inspiration - to promote creativity.
Safety
Remain cautious when burning with your cauldron. Cast iron typically retains heat after use so be sure to keep all heat sensitive and flammable items away. Cauldrons that are primarily used for magickal uses are not suitable for food. If you plan to cook with a cauldron, always have a separate one just for cooking. Clay cauldrons are subject to cracking when exposed to high heat. Be sure to check your cauldron before each use!
~ Check out our wide selection of metaphysical tools, unique and tumbled crystals, stick and cone incense, divination tools, and more at thenevermorecoven.com! ~


















