The Practical Cauldron
Now that we’ve explored the historical uses and mythic roots of the cauldron, let’s consider the modern-day Witch. Over the course of history, Witches have had to walk the line between having special, ritual-specific tools and having tools that can easily double for both daily use and ritual needs. For the most part, owning special items for just magick is not that big a deal (unless you have to be in the proverbial broom closet), though nowadays the cauldron does tend to look out of place in most homes! To get a good idea of the options that are available to you, we’ll consider the differences between shapes and makes of cauldrons, as well as buying one versus making your own.
The Shapely Cauldron
Cauldrons have a fairly standard shape, but can vary in their design. When handling hot items, I feel it’s important to make sure your vessel is designed to do the kind of job you need it for, is stable and won’t tip over, and is easy for you to handle and maneuver.
Body—Curved vs. Straight Sides: The rounded horizontal design makes for easier stirring and quicker evaporation. A more vertically oriented design, with straight sides, can make stirring more difficult and cuts back on evaporation.
Feet vs. No Feet: Some cauldrons have a standard tripod of feet, which is superior for stability and air flow—versus a cauldron that has none. The latter is designed more to be hung and/or placed on a separate specialized tripod.
Handles: Lastly, note what sort of handles the cauldron has. Are they easy for you to grasp, or are they just holes for a separate, single large handle? Are they molded on as part of the cauldron or are they separate? Molded-on handles tend to heat up more quickly, but separate ones aren’t always attached as firmly and may give when you lift it if there’s a lot of weight inside of the cauldron.
Makes and Metals
Cauldrons can be made from a vast array of materials. The most common kind is metal, but even within that category you have quite a number of options to consider. Let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most popular metals, as well as their attributed magical properties.
Iron
The most popular kind of cauldrons are cast-iron ones, which are made of an alloy of iron and carbon that can be readily cast in a mold. They’re hard, durable, and slow to heat, but when the cauldron finally gets hot, it stays hot for quite some time.
Magical Properties
One of the most abundant elements in the universe, iron is ruled by the planet Mars and is considered to be masculine in nature. There’s a fair bit of folklore from multiple regions (especially the UK) that speaks of iron repelling the Fey, spirits, and some forms of magick. Since iron is in nearly everything (including blood), anti-Fey and anti-magick mentalities about it are probably rooted in human use of iron for weapons—which would logically be cause for much distaste. I wouldn’t overthink it, but if you’re looking to work with certain energies known to be driven away by iron, then perhaps consider another metal option for your cauldron.
Tip for Cast-Iron Cauldrons
If you’d like to speed up the heating process of your cast-iron cauldron, place it in the oven for 15–20 minutes at 200–300°F, then remove it with a potholder and get started!
Copper
Copper has been utilized for cauldron making for quite a long time. It has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, good strength, and good workability and is resistant to corrosion. One of the most important properties of copper (as well as its resulting alloys, such as brass and bronze) is its ability to fight bacteria. Considering how recently we’ve come to understand bacteria, it’s remarkable to note that copper has been involved in many kinds of water-purification processes for thousands of years.
Magical Properties
Copper is ruled by the planet Venus, so it is considered to be feminine in energy and connected to healing processes. If you have a particular talent for or interest in healing work, a copper cauldron may be the one for you.
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy that consists primarily of copper, with the addition of other ingredients (typically tin), making an alloy that is much harder than copper alone. Bronze is often used in the construction of sculptures for its strength and beauty, and in musical instruments for its sound. It’s also utilized for nautical applications because it’s resistant to corrosion.
Magical Properties
Being an alloy of copper and tin, bronze possesses characteristics of both. Tin is ruled by Jupiter, is considered masculine in nature, and is associated with divination. So if copper is feminine and tin is masculine, that makes bronze gender-neutral!
Brass
Brass is an alloy that consists of copper with zinc added, which improves its strength. Brass has an additional appeal, because with its deep yellow color it resembles gold. It also is used to manufacture musical instruments.
Magical Properties
Brass is ruled by the Sun and has long been associated with money spells since it resembles gold. It is also considered to be good for protection work and healing.
Silver
When you see a silver cauldron, it’s probably silver-plated instead of being pure silver, which would be very costly! If it’s plated, then the underneath is probably polished steel (making it an iron alloy). If it looks like silver but isn’t marked, it’s probably a variation of pewter, which has a low melting point, and if it contains lead, it is especially not safe to use for a lot of things! Silver is definitely a thing of beauty, and the phrase “silver cauldron” does make a great book title—but it’s not a good working metal for daily use, though it is fine for decorative, special, and other non-active purposes.
Magical Properties
Silver is ruled by the Moon and is associated with love, dreams, peace, protection, wealth, and psychic powers.
The Non-Metals
Occasionally you will find cauldrons made of ceramic, glass, crystal, stone, wood, resin, and other kinds of plastics. These typically are ornamental in nature, so their use is limited. Ceramic cauldrons can be heated and used for many cooking applications (though notably for oven use versus stove use), but they aren’t effective at conducting heat or as durable as metal cauldrons. Leaded glass, crystal, and ornamental glasses can be very beautiful and definitely add flash and beauty, but unless they’re specifically marked for heating (like Pyrex glass), avoid directly heating them (as cookware) or using them for charcoal disks.
Stone cauldrons can be used for mixing, containing, and other non-heat activities, but I would exercise caution in using them for heated applications, even if you’re only using a candle to generate the heat. Using the vessel for cooking or charcoal may cause it to crack and break if there are any impurities in the rock. One advantage of using a stone cauldron would be if the magical properties of the stone align with your practice/devotion. Wooden bowls are beautiful and can make great serving dishes, but for obvious reasons you don’t want to cook with them or use heat with them in any way. In the “Making Your Own Cauldron” section later in this chapter, I’ve included some ideas for paper cauldrons, though these are meant to be a one-use composting option—and obviously are not meant to hold much or withstand the heat of a flame! Lastly, especially near Halloween, you’ll see many a plastic and resin cauldron adorning store shelves. They’re wonderful for decoration and kitsch, but that’s about it. Say nope to plastic for practical use.
Choosing the Right Cauldron for You
With so many options, how do you pick the right cauldron for you? There are some important things to consider before making your selection.
First, Do You Even Need a Cauldron?
There is often a strong pull to get “all the stuff” right away when you start along a path, and there are plenty of folks happy to sell you those things. But as you’ll read in chapter 8, you may already have items in your household that suit your needs just fine. I’m a big fan of “use what you have,” but I also can’t deny the allure of magical tools. I have multiple wands, chalices, Tarot decks, blades, and, of course, cauldrons—but not because I use all of them. Rather, I collect them for their artistry, meaning, and beauty. I also have plenty of mundane items that I can repurpose for magical use at any time.
Some paths also teach that you should keep mundane and magical items separate to retain the purity of the spiritual energy. From a commonsense perspective, when it comes to mixing potions and burning items, you’re probably not going to want to use the same vessel in which you burn incense for boiling pasta. To reference the kosher guidelines of Judaism as an example, those rules were put in place to keep people healthy and alive, not strictly because it was a commandment from a deity. So it is quite nice to have certain items that you designate for very specific and special uses.
Lastly, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a Witch who doesn’t have even a tiny bit of romance for the idea of the cauldron. Even if we don’t have a lot of space or much in the way of practical applications for a cauldron, their mythology and symbolism call to us. So if it makes you happy (and probably a bit gleeful), why not?
What Kind Should You Get?
In order to determine what kind and size of cauldron you need, consider what you plan to use it for. Will you be cooking in it? Scrying? Burning? Cleansing?
If you’re going to be preparing or storing food and/or drink in your cauldron, then you’ll want to get one that is food-safe and can withstand heat and cold. Your best option is going to be a true cast-iron cauldron that is seasoned (or can be), with proper handles, base, and lid.
Likewise, if you’re planning to use your cauldron to burn candles or incense or start any sort of fire, you’ll want to make sure it’s fireproof and easy to handle and has a well-fitting lid.
If you want to use your cauldron for divination, then you will want to look for a finish that inspires you. Some people prefer a nice black cauldron, while others like the designs a glaze makes inside of a bowl or the way light refracts in a crystal or glass bowl.
If you have a specific ritual use in mind, then you’ll want to see if any particular metal works best (such as a copper cauldron versus an iron one for working with the Fey). If you’re going mainly for decoration, then the world is your oyster.
What Size Do You Need?
Tiny cauldrons are adorable and giant cauldrons are the envy of many a Witch, but how useful are they? If the tiny cauldron can’t even hold a tealight candle or charcoal disk, and you wish to do candle or smoke magick, then it’s not going to be very functional or safe. But if that tiny cauldron is for storing a special momento, crystal, or pendant, then it will be perfect. If you live in a small apartment with no access to a yard, then a giant cauldron won’t be much more than a decoration taking up a lot of space. But if you live in a good-size house and have a large family (or coven), are into cooking big meals and/or brewing, and have a secure outdoor location or large indoor hearth for the giant cauldron, then it will be perfect for you. Be realistic about your needs, uses, and space, and you’ll find a cauldron that’s just right for you.
How Much Should You Pay for It?
How much should a cauldron cost? It really varies depending on what kind and size you want to get. If it’s something that’s handmade by an artisan, then you’re looking at making an investment for a unique piece. If it’s mass-manufactured, then you’ve got the advantage of checking online to compare sizes, makes, models, and pricing, and they can vary from a few dollars to thousands. Just be sure to read the information carefully to make sure you’re getting the right cauldron for your needs.
If there’s an occult or metaphysical shop near you, I would recommend checking out what they have. It may cost a few more dollars there than purchasing it online (since they also need to cover their overhead costs that many online businesses don’t have to worry about), but you’ll save on shipping and you can handle the cauldron in person and see if you like it. Oftentimes, if there’s something specific you’re looking for, they can special order it for you. Plus you’re supporting a local small business, which is always awesome!
Cauldron Cents: Don’t settle for the first cauldron you find if it’s not a good fit for your needs or your budget.
Making Your Own Cauldron
There are several ways you can go about making your own cauldron, from crafting it from scratch to personalizing it.
Iron and Metal
Forge your own cauldron! I really wish I could include a how-to section on blacksmithing and metalwork, but unless you’re already familiar with those techniques, you’re going to need a lot more than this book to get started. However, wanting to make your own metal cauldron from scratch is a great reason to sign up for a blacksmithing or metalworking class. Check out your local community college, art center, or makerspace for classes where you can begin to learn these techniques. I know metalsmiths who have booths at Renaissance faires and regularly offer workshops, so maybe you already know an artisan you could learn from. You could also learn to make vessels out of copper, silver, and other malleable metals in a basic jewelry/light metals class.
It’s very important to understand that you will be investing a large amount of time (and most likely money) in pursuit of learning how to make your own metal cauldron from scratch. It takes practice to create a vessel that will suit your needs, so don’t expect to make a great cauldron in a single day. But if this is something that inspires you, then perhaps you’ll be on your way to learning a new art or trade.
Now, let’s say you are indeed already an accomplished blacksmith or metalworker—then this is right up your alley! With technique and experience under your belt, the next consideration is what process (casting, forging, or dapping) and what metal you would like to use to construct your cauldron. Check out the kinds of cauldrons section to consider the magical properties and pros and cons of each kind of material—but if you work with a specific kind of metal, that will most likely be your best option for starters.
Ceramic
Another option for making your own cauldron is to make it out of clay, which you may find more accessible than metalworking. It’s typically easier to find a ceramics studio at an art center, college, or shop. As with metalworking, though, it does take time to develop skill working the clay to get a result you’ll be happy with, though cost-wise it tends to be less expensive. A bag of clay is pretty affordable, and you can rent kiln space pretty cheap (or even build a backyard kiln). There are many varieties of clays out there—white, red, low-fire, high-fire, porcelain, stoneware, etc.—so if you’re new to ceramics, I recommend signing up for classes and finding out what kind of clay you like to work with first, as well as what kinds of kilns are accessible to you through the studio. I suggest starting with a hand-building class versus throwing on the wheel right away. You can learn a multitude of techniques to create a decent cauldron-shaped vessel, along with handles, lid, and more, without ever having to learn how to use a potter’s wheel. In a class, you’ll learn what mistakes to avoid, how to make sure your lid will fit your piece, and how to properly glaze your piece. Soon you’ll be making a variety of dishes, bowls, and holders to match as well! Just be sure to avoid using glazes with lead in them if you plan to eat or drink out of your creations.
If you’re uneasy about telling the instructor that you want to make a cauldron, focus on what you want to do with your vessel. Is it for holding liquid? Burning incense? Making a fire pot? Do you want to be able to microwave it or use it in a dishwasher? A knowledgeable instructor will be able to help you make good choices in structure, medium, and glazing to meet all of these needs without you needing to divulge any spiritual or magical details.
Note: Polymer clays and similar kinds of humanmade clay that you can bake in your home oven are best avoided for use as a functioning cauldron. They’re not made to withstand high heat, can release dangerous fumes and chemicals, and rarely are safe for using with food and drink. They truly are for decorative use only!
Paper and Paper Mache
Maybe you’re looking for a strictly decorative cauldron for a ritual play, or something that could be buried or burned all together? Then you might want to consider paper-molding or paper mache for your cauldron. With paper mache, all you need is water and flour (some recipes recommend water and white glue), paper (newspapers, paper towels, etc.), and a shape to use to get started on. A balloon, bowl, or two-liter bottle of soda can make a great base. If you wish to get more elaborate, check out papermaking, which is a wonderful process for crafty folk. You can include strips of fabric and fiber, add herb parts (petals, leaves, etc.) to your pulp that correlate with your spellcraft, or include seeds that will later sprout when planted. Check out www.ultimatepapermache.com for a wealth of recipes and ideas.
3-D Printing
If you’re a tech wizard and into 3-D printing (or live near a makerspace that offers classes in 3-D printing), then you could conceivably design and print your own cauldron! At this time, though, most consumer-level printers use plastic and resin—not ideal for anything involving fire. You could send your design to a company that specializes in 3-D printing in metal or ceramics, but research the cost first and determine if that is a material worth investing in.
Decorating
Instead of making your own cauldron from scratch, maybe you wish to decorate or embellish an existing one. Of course, some methods of embellishing really won’t be well suited for use with liquids or fire, but if you’ve already got a “decorative use only” cauldron, there’s no harm in blinging it up! You can paint your cauldron, encrust it with jewels, knit a cozy for it—wherever your creativity leads you.
Choosing a Time to Make Your Cauldron
The next thing you may wish to do before constructing your cauldron is to consult a calendar—one with both lunar and solar information. If you have a specific purpose in mind for your cauldron, then you may wish to create it during a time that will help imbue it with those energies. Here are some associations to consider.
Lunar Cycle
New Moon
The dark of the moon is the “seed” stage—imagine a seed waiting to grow within the dark of the earth. This period is ideal for new beginnings, inner contemplation, and scrying. The downside of the new moon is that it’s a relatively short period of time in which to get a piece made—only one to two days.
Waxing Moon
The new crescent of the moon is about moving forward and building energy and is ideal for spellcraft that focuses on increasing and encouraging growth. The waxing moon lasts from the first appearance of the new crescent until the moon is full, which gives you a decent amount of time to work on making your cauldron.
Full Moon
The full moon is the time of peak maximum energy of the lunar cycle, and is generally a good all-purpose time to infuse energy into something you have made. Traditionally, the full moon is considered to be about three days long (the length of time it appears to be at maximum fullness to the naked eye), so it’s another relatively short time in which to complete your cauldron. If you’re casting your cauldron using a lost wax method, consider carving and building during the waxing moon, then cast and hand-finish it during the actual full moon. Similarly, you could build a piece out of clay, allow it to dry, and then fire it at the full moon.
Waning Moon
The waning crescent signifies decreasing energy and is an ideal time for banishing and cleansing work. It can also symbolize preparing for restfulness and healing. You could work on a wax model of your cauldron during the waning moon and cast it during the new moon.
Solar Cycle
Within many Pagan traditions, you will find some variation of the concept of the Wheel of the Year, typically describing eight points of the year: the solstices (summer and winter), the equinoxes (fall and spring), and then the four points in between (Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain are the most common names). Where these all land and flow on the calendar wheel depends on what hemisphere you live in, and the names can and will differ from path to path. Some traditions observe only the equinoxes and solstices, and some have other important days linked to specific historic events and celebrations of deities, so choose what works best for you.
The correspondences I am providing here are meant to give you inspiration. In the end, if you choose to make something from scratch, the most important thing is that you take the time to craft it well, and be mindful of how and why you are making it—regardless of what the sun and moon are doing at the time. In addition to timing considerations for making and/or blessing your cauldron, I’ve also included activity ideas for using your vessel for each sabbat.
Sabbat Correlations
Imbolc/Candlemas (early February in the
Northern Hemisphere)
Aligned with the seed energy of the new moon, Imbolc (meaning “in the belly”) is about the promise of the new year. It’s typically associated with Brigid, who has metalworking as one of her attributes, so it’s a good time to start!
Imbolc Activities: Decorate your cauldron with items sacred to Brigid, inspired by the many things she is considered to be the patroness of. To call upon her medicinal leanings, dry-wash the cauldron with healing dried herbs to make a sachet or start a tincture. To call upon her protection of cattle/sheep/livestock, decorate the cauldron with images of these animals or products from them that you feel comfortable with (such as wool braids), or bless a cup of milk. For her poetry aspect, inscribe a short poem on the cauldron with chalk. For her sacred well aspect, you can bless water to use for anointing or prepare melted snow (if available) for special uses in the cauldron.
Spring Equinox/Ostara (mid-March in the
Northern Hemisphere)
This equinox is a time of balance and the beginning of spring. This is a good time to begin new projects and for workings dealing with increasing/growing energy.
Ostara Activities: You can decorate your cauldron with fertility symbols—reclaiming those bunny rabbits, early spring flowers, and eggs, right? You can also bless seeds in your cauldron before you start planting.
Beltane (May 1 in the Northern Hemisphere)
Beltane is a celebration of fertility, of blessing the land and animals, and a time when the veils between the worlds are considered thin. This is an ideal time for workings involving growth, creativity, inspiration, and prosperity.
Beltane Activities: You can decorate your cauldron with a crown of flowers and wrap it with red and white ribbons—if you don’t plan on doing any burning activities. If you do plan on lighting a fire, then traditionally a Beltane fire is used for blessing. You can jump over it or, more safely, light two cauldrons, space them apart in the center of your space, and walk between them. (Mind your clothing, if you have any on!)
Summer Solstice/Litha (mid-June in the
Northern Hemisphere)
This solstice is the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year/shortest night. It is ideal for light-focused work, earth-centered workings, and preparation.
Litha Activities: Decorate your cauldron with the flowers and fruits of the early harvest. My favorite suggestion to celebrate the long day is to use your cauldron as a punch bowl and make Midsummer margaritas.
Lughnasadh/Lammas (August 1 in the
Northern Hemisphere)
Lughnasadh is the time of the first harvest, a celebration of bounty, and a time for being mindful of the work to come and getting down to business.
Lughnasadh Activities: I always think of bread when I consider this sabbat, so one idea is to make and use a bread bowl as your cauldron/centerpiece, fill it with some tasty goodness, and have everyone partake of it. If you have any leftovers, the crows will be glad to have them. You could also use your cauldron as a fondue pot, and dip into it with freshly baked bread.
Fall Equinox/Mabon (mid-September in the
Northern Hemisphere)
This equinox is the start of fall and a time of equal day and night. The focus of this celebration is the main harvest and preparing for winter.
Mabon Activities: This is a great time to set up a beautiful altar reminiscent of a cornucopia, full of items from the harvest. You can make a hearty stew or cider and serve it from the cauldron.
Samhain (October 31/November 1 in the
Northern Hemisphere)
The opposite of Beltane, and also considered to be a time when the veils between this world and the next are thin, this celebration honors the dead, ancestors, and spirits. This is an ideal time to bless the cauldron if you plan on doing work with ancestors, the Mighty Dead, spirits, and divination.
Samhain Activities: You can make a special meal (something very aromatic) for departed loved ones or ancestors. With all of the Halloween décor available, you could decorate your cauldron for the spirits or make it a central part of your ancestral altar. Light a spirit candle within the cauldron to honor the dead.
Winter Solstice/Yule (mid-December in the
Northern Hemisphere)
This solstice is the start of winter and the longest night/ shortest day. This festival is about finding light in the darkness, finding fulfillment, and celebrating family.
Yule Activities: Brew wassail or a similar beverage in the cauldron. Decorate the cauldron with evergreens and holiday décor. Have everyone bring a small wrapped gift and do a surprise exchange out of the cauldron.
Purchasing Your Own Cauldron
And now … the acquisition! You have several choices in selecting your own cauldron, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. You could purchase a new one, go on a thrifting or antiquing quest, or rediscover something you already have that might work perfectly. Let’s see what may work best for you.
The Shiny New Cauldron
Maybe you’re not so inclined to create a cauldron from scratch, and that’s totally fine! Despite the fact that cauldrons are not the primary tool for cooking anymore, it’s still pretty darn easy to find them and purchase them brand-new. Just because you purchased one versus making it yourself doesn’t make it any less special once you’ve claimed it. Consider the trade-based system of most societies: if you weren’t a blacksmith or metalworker, you would exchange your own services to get what you needed—either through bartering directly or by selling your goods to generate money so you could purchase someone else’s goods.
So where should you go shopping for your cauldron? The easiest answer is online. There is a multitude of metaphysical shops online, not to mention Etsy, Amazon, eBay, etc. You can read about the various kinds, sizes, makes, and models and compare pricing all online. But alas, you can’t touch them, see how they feel in your hands, test the weight, or look over the finish. Convenience does have its price.
If not being able to feel your cauldron before you purchase it is a deal-breaker for you, then luckily there’s the good old-fashioned way to purchase one—from a store:
• Most occult, metaphysical, or New Age shops carry cauldrons. To see if there is a store near you, fire up the google machine (using any of the three descriptors I just used, as well as “Pagan,” “Witch,” or “Wiccan,” plus your city, state, etc.), or check out witchvox.com.
• Camping/outdoor supply stores and hardware stores (and the camping supply areas of department and general stores) are good places to look.
• Antique and oddity shops are also good options. While you can certainly find used cauldrons at antique shops, I’ve found that many shops also stock brand-new ones, especially in the fall, for both use and decoration.
The Thrifty Cauldron
While buying new is one option, you can also buy a used cauldron. Keep your eyes peeled at thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets, and garage sales. It’s important to consider the condition of the cauldron (just how much rust are you really willing to clean up?) and the fact that you may not know exactly what kind of material it is made of—which may impact how you use it.
I feel it is important to bring up the saying “Don’t bargain/haggle for your magical tools.” I don’t know who was the first person to start saying that, but I am fairly sure they were trying to sell something. There are many cultures throughout the world where haggling is part of the regular practice of making any sort of purchase, and with flea markets and garage sales it’s often considered part of the game. So if you see a cauldron you are very much interested in at a flea market but it’s slightly out of your price range, don’t be afraid to throw a lower price out there—you’ll probably get it!
In the spirit of adventure, also don’t be afraid to look outside of the cauldron box for similarly-shaped items that may suit your needs. You may find ceramic bowls, brass or bronze vessels, unusual dishes, and other items that may work perfectly for you!
Repurposing: Use What You Have
Maybe you’re not in a position to make your own cauldron or purchase one. Then it’s time to look in your home and see what you have that will work, ideally starting in the kitchen. If you plan on using your cauldron mainly for kitchen witchery, then there’s no reason your favorite pot or skillet can’t double as your cauldron. If you’re looking to do other workings that don’t involve edibles, maybe there’s a pot or bowl you don’t really use. Or maybe a friend or someone in your family just got new cookware or is moving and wants to lighten their load—see if there’s anything that will work, and you’ll give it new life!
Rethinking the Usual
• Boilers, saucepans, and mixing bowls all make great deep cauldrons (and usually have lids!).
• Old ceramic bowls and dishware are great for mixing, holding, and divination and can be used as ritual markers or candleholders.
• Plates are good for burning candles and incense and setting up altars and can be used as offering plates.