When many people think of witches, the classic image comes to mind of an old crone stirring her potion in a large black cauldron over a rolling fire. The cauldron holding her magickal brew is met with awe and mystery, as it is the tool of her mystical conjuration. For those of the craft, the cauldron has come to be a symbol placed upon pagan altars, or a tool placed within the sacred circle. But what of the cauldron? What lies beyond its association with hags stirring up malevolent intent?
For many modern pagans, the cauldron is associated with the element water when used in rites and spells. While I agree that the cauldron has a dominate symbolism of water, the versatility of this sacred tool is one it's most endearing features. The very shape of the cauldron can be symbolic of the womb, feminine power, and the goddess....in whatever capacity she is known to the witch. (While I use the term witch, I recognize that some affiliate themselves with different labels and mean no disrespect to fellow workers of the magick arts, regardless of their preferred name).
When a witch is working with the cauldron in its symbolism of the womb, a vast realm of possibilities are opened up. After all, it is in the womb that life is manifested, developed and nurtured until it is ready to spring forth on its own. In the womb, a developing baby is completely connected to the mother, distinctly his/her own life yet also still part of the mother. So it is with spellwork utilizing the cauldron as the womb. The witch is symbolically inseminating the womb of the cauldron with the particular spell or need. This need/desire/wish is nurtured in the womb and connected to the goddess during the rite. In my personal opinion, this is the most powerful aspect of the cauldron, and can be particularly affective when working with a feminine deity.
When working with classic elements of witchcraft, the cauldron can be a most useful addition to the altar while symbolizing water. In the same manner of the chalice, the cauldron works through the western gate for any matters dealing with water. Matters of the heart, intuition, and emotions are at the forefront of it's domain. Corresponding herbs can be added to hot water in the cauldron and stirred while focusing on your intention. Water can be added to the black, cast iron pot and looked upon for scrying. Blessed water or holy water can be consecrated in the cauldron under the full moon or as the witches tradition calls for it. For those practicing the Great Rite common to Wicca, the cauldron can be substituted for the chalice when appropriate.
Another useful purpose of this versatile tool is to employ it for working with fire. I will add about an inch layer of salt to the bottom of the cauldron and just cover it with alcohol to get a beautiful flame going. Herbs can be thrown into the fire as an offering or as a correspondance to a spell. Petitions can also be written and cast into the fire. While I feel that the cauldron retains its feminine symbolism when working with fire or air, it doesn't always carry a symbol of water. This is simply my opinion on the matter, and partly why I consider the cauldron my favorite and most useful sacred tool.
A great way to combine the elements of fire and water is to half fill the cauldron with water charged with your intention, then place a candle in the cauldron so that the water covers part of the candle. Let the candle burn down until the flame is extinguished by the water. This can be particularly effective when dealing with matters of the heart, or when needing to symbolically put out a fire or banish something.
I would encourage any workers of the magickal arts to think "outside of the box" when it comes to the use of their tools and see what possibilities exist. The black cauldron may be one of the most basic symbols of witchraft, but it is also one of the most versatile, which only adds to its charm.
Blessed may you be!
