Cauldrons

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 salt-peter 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 salt-peter
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 Beltane 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.

Cauldron Fires

In my lap the cauldron lays,
Though scalding hot
It harms me not
Burns not in the usual way.

Around me the dancing fire burns,
By flesh it is fueled,
By knowledge is ruled,
Awakened, my spirit returns.

Within the cauldron dwells a golden light
As in is tossed,
Unwanted dross,
Which with the fire does fight.

Around me then, the fires surge,
As slag is burned,
To gold is turned,
From within does wisdom emerge!

By AeisLugh SilverOak