Cauldrons
are the major feature of many Celtic stories. They figure as objects
of quest, like the Cauldron of Annwn, which grants its food only
to worthy warriors, or the Cauldron of Rebirth, into which dead
men can be put and revived, or the Cauldron of Knowledge, which
confers all wisdom.
Many cauldrons are
said to emerge from lakes in legend, and archaeology bears out
the fact that many votive cauldrons have been found deposited
in lakes as part of ritual or funerary customs.
Three
Cauldrons of Inspiration are said to reside within the body, according
to an Irish poetic text; the position of which are reflected by
each person’s vitality, emotional responsiveness and intellectual
capacity.
Using
a cauldron, symbol of inspiration and rebirth, has brought new
dimensions to both group and solitary work. A cauldron decorates
the center of the Circle during Lesser Sabbats. An air cauldron
at a spring rite creates a misty, magical quality for the ceremony.
In summer, the cauldron will flash and spark. A blue flame burns
mysteriously within the Water cauldron during the autumn festival.
Throughout Yule, the Earth cauldron burns steadfast and constant.
During moon rites, when magick is done, we write the purpose of
our working on flash papers and toss them into the burning cauldron
while chanting.
A working cauldron should be of cast iron, with a tight-fitting
lid, three sturdy legs, and a strong handle. Season your cauldron
before using it for the first time. Pour in generous helping of
salt and lighter fluid, slosh it up to the rim and wipe dry. For
indoor use it MUST have a fireproof base or your workings will
summon up yellow-coated salamander spirits from the fire department.
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 saltpeter 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
saltpeter 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
Holiday rites.
Remember
to place a burning cauldron on a fireproof surface. Practice safety
when using any volatile materials and you will enjoy your cauldron
for many rites.
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