"The cauldron or pot symbolizes cyclical time and the lunar calendar. This is because the cauldron represents the womb of rebirth, the bowl of blood held by the Hindu Kali and other goddesses. This blood is the Wise Blood from the Cosmic Womb. It has been called soma by the Hindus, red claret by the Celts, and greal by the Welsh Bards. In Vedic myth, Indra stole the soma so that he could rule over all the gods, a reference to the stealing of importance and power from the Goddess for a patriarchal god.
The Goddess and Her cauldron is the center of all feminine power and every female group. Spiritual transformation can only come through Her cauldron,or belly-womb. Ancient tradition says that only women can tap into the great power of the cauldron, for only women are made in the image of the Goddess with Her all-renewing womb of rebirth and transformation. This tradition remains in the figure of the witch and her cauldron.
The cauldron is also the repository of inspiration and magick, as seen in Cerridwen's cauldron which was sought by the Bards. The Goddess has long been considered to be the source of inspiration and the Mistress of Magick. When a true initiation takes place, the initiate willingly descends into the cauldron, she is often filled with ecstatic emotions when she returns to her present state. She may sing, play music, dance, prophesy, see visions, or become creative in poetry and prose. In short, she is filled with Goddess spirit and inspiration, the type of power that only comes from the sacred cauldron. Such Bards as Taliesin stated that they regularly "drank" from the cauldron to promote their creativity and divine inspiration.
Magickal Meaning: development of psychic gifts; creative talents being used. Coming to terms with physical death, either through the death of someone close to you, or a very personal experience in dreams and/or meditation."
Another popular association with Samhain is the magic cauldron. In addition to symbolizing the womb of the Goddess, the cauldron is the Celtic symbol for rebirth. As the season of Samhain concerns the transition from life into death (and from there, into life again), the cauldron and Samhain just seam to go together.
If you don't work with the Faerie, a huge black cast iron cauldron is wonderful to have for your rituals and spellwork. If, like me, you work with the Faerie on a regular basis, you'll want your cauldron to be of brass, silver, or copper.
You can fill the cauldron with salt or sand and create a gigantic incense burner or fill it with New Moon Water to use it for scrying. You can pile it full of apples for a holiday decoration.
Materials Needed:
Cast-iron pot or cauldron of any size
Lid that fits snugly, for putting out the fire
hot plate or other heat-resistant material to set the cauldron on
Epsom salts
rubbing alcohol
Any cast iron pot can be made into a cauldron with a fire of Epsom salts and rubbing alcohol. This is a very safe blaze (still be careful!). Once the cauldron is secured on a heat-proof surface, pour the Epsom salts in until the bottom is covered, approximately 1 inch deep. Pour rubbing alcohol over the salts until the alcohol is about an inch higher than the salts. Hold a lighted match just above the alcohol. The liquid will light and produce a strong orange flame. The flame burns cool, unlike a wood fire, and is difficult to burn things in. When the flame gets low, cover to snuff out completely. Add more rubbing alcohol to the cauldron and relight carefully.The warmer the rubbing alcohol, the quicker it ignites. This fire recipe leaves a significant amount of sediment in the cauldron.
from "Circle Round" by Starhawk, Anne Hille and Diane Baker
Fill a cauldron half-full of water and place it on a table where you can see comfortably into it while seated. Light two purple candles and a good divinatory incense; a combination of mugwort and wormwood works well for divination. Arrange the candles so their light does not shine into the water or your eyes. Focus your attention on the bottom of the cauldron, your hands placed lightly on either side. Breathe gentle onto the water.
Say:
Cauldron, reveal to me that which I seek.
Great Mother,open my inner eye that I may truly see.
Empty your mind as much as possible; remain relaxed while looking deep into the cauldron waters. The answers may come in images in the water, pictures in your mind, and/or strong bursts of "knowing."
Purpose: For prophecies to be revealed through dreams, strong impressions or immediate visions.
Fill a cauldron or large, black iron pot half-full of fresh water. Add a handful of buttercup or marigold petals. Light incense of wormwood or burn the herb thyme. Stir the cauldron/pot gently three times while chanting:
Into the threads of time I cast my thoughts
To catch a glimpse of what will be O Gods of Asgard,
bring into my mind The lovely gift of prophecy
Look deep into the cauldron and you will receive messages as per the above.
From "L CARTER" CARTER7
We form the Circle,
The Circle most round.
We form the Chalice,
The Chalice now found.
We call the Goddess,
to meet the great need.
We call the God,
To plant His fertile seed.
We call the quarters,
which we call four.
We summon the powers,
that contain the force.
We stir the Cauldron,
from which we were born.
We call the Gods,
from whom we were torn.
We say the words,
which lead us round.
We pass the kiss,
with our lovers found.
We face our dreams,
in nights psychic flight.
We face our hopes,
in bright moon of the night.
We face our fears,
on the Dark Lords Horn.
We face our failure,
in the Mothers new planted corn.
We live our lives,
drumming and dancing on the meadow.
We confront our Death,
in the dancing moon light shadow.
Our paths run quickly,
on fleet foot and wing.
Our Circle is joyous
with our Queens and our Kings.
Let our little Circle be happy,
with Bell, Bowl or Bow.
And form now this Circle,
with gracious Love, Joy and Hope.
BLESSED BE