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TRICKS & TREATS: Tools Of The Witch EDITOR'S NOTE: We've decided to do something a little different this issue. When a High Priestess and an Apprentice offered to write the same column, we thought it would be a delightful way to illustrate the perspectives and information regarding the Cauldron, from two very different levels of Witches. Thus, I am honored to offer you the insights of High Priestess Madeleine McPherson and Witch-In-Training, Water Spirit. THE APPRENTICE SPEAKS... Ever wonder why the image of a witch is usually imagined or illustrated with a “bubbling pot” nearby? The cauldron is an ancient, traditional tool from the Old Religion – it is the symbol of The Goddess. Almost always made of cast iron, in order to withstand tremendous heat; the cauldron is the witch’s tool that fosters transformation. In Medieval times the cauldron had several uses spanning from birth to death. It was relied on to heat water in preparation of the birth of a baby, to make remedies or medicines to heal the sick and it was used to prepare water with herbs for cleansing the dead. While times have changed, the modern day witch continues to revere and utilize the cauldron. It is used to create oils, brew potions and elixirs, and for divination purposes. As a divination tool, a witch can scry with still water or by dripping hot wax into the water. Another divination method is cauldron gazing. This is where herbs such as frankincense, orris root and myrrh are added to the water and brought to a simmering boil and the gently wafting steam is “read”. Cauldron gazing is an effective way for a witch to see the succession of past or future lives. Understanding this, it is then easy to see why the imagery of the witch and the ‘bubbling pot” go hand in hand. And rightfully so, just like a surgeon and her scalpel or an artist and her canvas; that “bubbling pot”, the cauldron, is a sacred tool of the witch. Blessed Be,
IN THE WORDS OF A HIGH PRIESTESS... Boil, boil, toil and trouble See it now... A large black pot suspended over a fire, spewing green slime out over the edges. Three witches standing over the concoction, muttering words and sharing one eye. These three are the Fates. The eye they share is the vision to the future. Witches today follow the lead of the Fates and utilize their cauldrons for divination and gazing. But the cauldron is so much more... The cauldron is the vessel of the Goddess, sometimes called “The belly of life”. The cauldron has long been associated with the feminine. Women were the keepers of the home and all food was cooked either on a grill or in the cauldron. In ancient times, when a village or community would move, the cauldron was the last to be packed and the first thing to be unpacked. In Wicca, the cauldron honors and functions as keeper of the elements. As a tool of the Western element of water, it is the holder of the waters of life. The cauldron also serves as a container for the Southern element of fire. Its very substance, iron ore, represents the Northern element of the earth plane. And as a keeper of the Eastern element of Air, the cauldron often holds incense or smoldering herbs whose fragrant scents billow forth. In modern times the cauldron transformed into many things: the pot that held the good soups of the winter, the candy of Halloween. There are cauldron-shaped cider holders, punch bowls, and more. When we think of good soup we also think of women in times past, hovering over the pot, the cauldron, preparing mixtures that fed, healed or worked magick. We all love the cauldron. But where does this affinity come from? I don’t know about the rest of you, but my mother never hovered over anything but the price tags at Bergdorf’s. Soup comes from cans, and pillow cases held my candy on Samhain. So why is it that the cauldron conjures imagery and a sense of comfort in so many of us? The answer is this: the Goddess Cauldron is remembered by more than modern thinking. It is in our soul. This vessel of the Goddess has been seen and used throughout the ages and is thus in the annals of our collective memory. And now, gather your cauldron, flower petals, water and a candle. We will bless your cauldron. Say these words: I bless this sacred tool, cauldron of the Mother’s love Grant into all the elements of air, fire, water, and earth For you reside deep within the belly of the Goddess Blow strong, fair air with intellect and care I light this candle strong and true to illuminate all with wisdom Water of life you connect us all I wash away that which is of fault Foundation of stability, may this cauldron blessed be As Above so below - So Mote it Be |
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