The cauldron is a container with a concave bottom and preferably metal, used by witches and warlocks for the transmutation of the materials they throw into it. Its containment function is associated with the maternal womb, specifically, it is a tool associated with female deities in their mother aspect. Likewise, it has been used for centuries as a divination method, filling it with water and seeking visions within the reflections in the dim light of candles.
“Wiccan views the cauldron as a symbol of the Goddess, the manifested essence of femininity and fertility. It is also a symbol of the Water element, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration. The Celtic legends referring to the Cerridwen cauldron have had a strong impact on contemporary Wicca” – Scott Cunningham, “A guide for the solitary practitioner
At this point, it is necessary to clarify that not all branches of witchcraft use the cauldron, even if we look at the book “Wicca, practices and principles of witchcraft” by Raymond Buckland, the author does not even mention it among the main tools. But even if we want to think about the practical possibilities of a cauldron, we can focus on its usefulness for the preparation of food, drink, concoctions, and for the preparation of balms, ointments and medicines, according to what Doreen Valiente say.
Back to the topic, everything that we want to transform ends up in the cauldron. Even if you are not Wiccan, working with the cauldron is a before and after. Nothing can replace a potion or concoction prepared in your cauldron, as well as everything that we have burned within it we feel that it has been released from our lives or that it has transformed them for the better.
Now, the cauldron that we usually use is three-legged, thus symbolizing the three aspects of the female deities: Maiden, Mother and Crone (Witch).
Fortunately for us, the production of iron cauldrons throughout history makes it accessible today. Iron is a heavy metal, which the core of our planet is made of and which is responsible for producing the magnetic field. Yes, iron has magnetic properties.
Thus our iron cauldron, which symbolizes creation and the universe, connects with the center of our planet, and interacts (if we are lucky ) magnetically during all our rituals. The energy within our iron cauldron is incomparable.
The decoration of the cauldron depends on each witch or witch; runes, symbols of the goddesses we work with, etc. can be placed on it. Personally I do not recommend it because as in most cases we will be using fire in the middle, any addition can be affected and end up damaged.
In the cases where I do recommend it is in seasonal celebrations where we do not use it over the fire. At the tine, we can put all kinds of decorations and fill it with water and seasonal flowers, or a candle in its center symbolizing fire when we are in the samonio festivities (dark part of the year).
An important recommendation if we are going to use our cauldron for the preparation of food or concoctions, is to cure it. I'll show you how to do it below:
How to cure the Iron Cauldron
📍 First we are going to clean the entire surface with paper and place it over high heat for 10 minutes.
📍 Turn off the heat and wait 2 minutes until the temperature drops.
📍 Add a few drops of cooking oil and disperse over the entire surface with kitchen paper.
📍 Place again for a few minutes at maximum heat and dry with kitchen paper once the temperature drops again.
How to clean and maintain the Iron Cauldron
📍 To clean it, remove all the solids and throw in a cup of hot water and let it sit for a few minutes.
📍 Wash with hot water and detergent. NEVER USE metallic sponges.
📍 Repeat as many times as necessary until the dirt is removed.
📍 Dry it well, preferably exposing it to direct fire.
📍 Spread a few drops of oil on both sides to prevent oxidation, it is preferable to store it oiled.
