Working With Elemental Cauldrons

Using a cauldron, symbol of inspiration and rebirth, hasbrought new dimensions to both group and solitary work.  A cauldrondecorates the center of the Circle during Lesser Sabbats.  An air cauldronat a spring rite creates a misty, magical quality for the ceremony.  Insummer, the cauldron will flash and spark.  A blue flame burnsmysteriously within the Water cauldron during the autumn festival. ThroughoutYule, the Earth cauldron burns steadfast and constant. During moon rites, whenmagick is done, we write the purpose of our working on flash papers and tossthem into the burning cauldron while chanting.

A working cauldron should be of cast iron, with atight-fitting lid, three sturdy legs, and a strong handle.  Season yourcauldron before using it for the first time.  Pour in generous helping ofsalt and lighter fluid, slosh it up to the rim and wipe dry.  For indooruse it MUST have a fireproof base or your workings will summon up yellow-coatedsalamander spirits from the fire department.

EARTH Cauldron

Layer salt, wax shavings, three powered 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 thecauldron by putting the lid on.

AIR Cauldron

Using tongs, put a chunk of dry ice in a small glass orceramic bowl and place the bowl on a cloth in the bottom of the cauldron. Allowthe cauldron to smoke as long as the ice lasts.  The mists createexcellent images for scrying.

FIRE Cauldron

Cover the inside bottom with dirt or sand to dissipateheat.  Light incense charcoal and add either salt petter for flame andspark or flash powder for a different but spectacular effect.  To assistin releasing or firing off peak energy, try using flash “bombs”.  Make asmall 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.  Theresults are spectacularly bright, so use the powder sparingly.  Don’t lookdirectly at the flash as you drop the “bomb” in the cauldron.

WATER Cauldron.

At least seven days before the ritual, place equalquantities of three appropriate herbs in a pint glass jar.  Fill the restof the jar with Everclear (200 proof alcohol), cap tightly, and shake gentlywhile concentrating on the purpose of the ritual.  Add a chant if itsfeels right.  Let the jar rest in a
dark, warm spot and shake twice daily, charging with purpose.  Before theritual, place a fireproof ceramic or glass bowl in the cauldron.  Pour inthe herb mixture, being careful none spills into the cauldron.  Light witha candle to produce a beautiful blue flame.

The cauldron, as the fifth elemental spirit, symbolizesinspiration, rebirth, illumination and rejuvenation.  Use a Fire cauldronwith salt peter to cast a Circle.  Use the mists of an Air cauldron for aninitiation.  Burn away hate, prejudice and negative self-images, with aWater cauldron.  The Earth cauldron is ideal for indoor Beltane rites.

Remember to place a burning cauldron on a fireproofsurface. Practice safety when using any volatile materials and you will enjoyyour cauldron for many rites.