A Witch’s Brew: How to Use a Cauldron

Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
- “The Witches’ Song” - the Scottish Play by William Shakespeare
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There’s no doubt that heavy, fire-proof vessels have been essential daily tools for much of humanity’s evolved history. A large black pot was often centered in a home’s hearth or a village fire pit, used to cook food and heat water.

Yet along the way, cauldrons became associated with witchcraft, sometimes negatively. They crossed the centuries in misguided folklore, along with pointy hats, warty noses, and wayward children cooked for dinner. 

The truth is much simpler and less sinister. From ancient eras, the cauldron has represented the Goddess and her womb. It is recognized as a vessel of life and transformation, and can also represent the elements of water and fire in rituals. As a practitioner, how can you make use of a cauldron in your own workings?

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Choosing a Cauldron

Today, cauldrons are available in a wide variety - many of them are very small, affordable, and accessible. Cast iron is still most common; some have a flat bottom, and others are elevated on three legs. Some come with lids, some without; many have a rounded handle for safe carrying. Consider these tips when you’re deciding on a cauldron of your own.

Symbolism/decor: to represent the Goddess or divine feminine on an altar or in a sacred space. Choose a size that fits your space and budget - attractive tiny cauldrons are easy to find in metaphysical stores. If it is only for looking at (not for use with heat), non-metals may be more affordable.

Consumables: anything you might drink or eat (teas, potions, food) in magical work or during ritual requires a food-safe cauldron. Cast iron intended for cooking (such as the Lodge brand) is generally safe to use over a direct flame, on a stove, or in an oven. Glass may be more useful for making teas or moon water.

Ritual and fire: by now, it’s clear that cast iron is best known for its fire safety! Practitioners with a larger budget may still wish to use a cauldron of greater size, but even smaller, more affordable pieces can work well for fire and candle magic.

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Using Your Cauldron

Along with all its symbolic and practical uses, a cauldron provides additional safety when you’re working with fire of any kind. 

Safety guidelines

• First and foremost, never leave ANY flame unattended, and make sure children and pets are a safe distance away.
• Have something close at hand to put out small fires quickly. A bowl of sand works well for most flames; if oils are included, a large bowl of salt will work best.
• Know where to find a fire extinguisher (in your home or any other building).
• If you’re wearing long sleeves or flowy clothes (such as a dress or ritual robe), secure them to keep yourself safe.

Ways to use

• A cauldron on legs can be a heat-proof way to contain a candle. Place sand and/or aluminum in the bottom to help your candle stay upright and further protect the area.
• Use charcoal tabs (available at Indigo Moons and similar stores) to burn incense, herbs, or fragrant wood chips. Hold a tab with tongs on one edge, then light the other edge with a lighter, match, or candle flame before placing it in your cauldron.
• Write intentions on scraps of plain paper and burn them in your cauldron to release the energy.

Inspired to pick up a cauldron of your own? Come see the selection at Indigo Moons! We’ll help you choose the right one for your needs, and we also have charcoal, candles, incense, and herbs for you to light your own sacred flame.

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​Susan (aka the Dragonfly Charmer) is an Indigo Moons staff member and an intuitive reader with over 25 years of experience. She also teaches Tarot classes at the shop. Susan is proud to announce the launch of her Patreon, Dragonfly Academy, as of February 1. Visit her Linktree for all the other places you can find her.