Cauldrons, Cauldrons...What Can I Use??

When someone thinks "Witch"...automatically they think "cauldron". The two words seem to go together like Peanut Butter and Jam. But is it necessary to have a large, black, cast iron, potbellied pot to use as a cauldron? What's the purpose of a cauldron anyway? When we understand the purpose of the cauldron, we soon realize that it's not the container that matters.

What is a Cauldron For?
What its for depends on the system you're following. During the earlier days of Witchcraft, the common household item was the cauldron. Everyone had one. It was the central appliance in the home that was always in use, preparing meals for the day or preparing foods for the coming weeks or months. For this reason, cauldrons are fairly central to Witchcraft as they were common place items (like the broom). They became incorporated with craft use.

In non-specific Traditional Witchcraft settings (not British Traditional Wicca/Witchcraft), the cauldron is used as a means of holding items. More commonly it is used to hold things that are being burned, like paper, herbs, etc. It is also a place to hold small indoor fires. It can also be used as a means of divination, once filled with water or it can be used to make ritual meals.

In Wicca, and other Pagan religious practices, the cauldron is a representation of the Goddess' womb (being round in shape). It is a representation of one half of fertility to create life (the phallic symbol, such as the wand, tapered candles, etc, represent the other half). When not in use its place is set with the other feminine/Goddess symbols on the altar.

What Can I Use as a Cauldron?
Well, that depends. What are your plans for the cauldron? And are you a purist, or are you willing to be imaginative?

If your plans for a cauldron is to burn items, then the traditional cauldron is not necessary (though looks cool on your altar, especially if you can get your hands on the cutest small, table-top cauldron). Any burn-proof dish will suffice. Many stores, including dollar stores sell small cooking pots (all you need do is remove the handle). You can also use ash trays or glass dishes with sand on the bottom, and a trivet underneath to prevent your surface from being burned.

If your purpose is to hold water for divination, a black coffee mug will do just as well as any expensive cauldron. If it's merely a representative of the feminine divine...well then naturally anything feminine can be used (flowers, Goddess statues, etc)

If you're looking for something bigger for, say, outdoor rituals and gatherings, most department/outdoor stores carry "Dutch Ovens". While not potbellied, this "oven" IS cast iron and is used in a similar manner that the cauldron was used for (i.e. cooking meals over a fire). This is also perfectly acceptable, especially if you are hosting a large gathering and want to make use of fire magic.

You are only limited by your imagination (and the purpose for the container) when using a cauldron. If you cannot afford to buy a cauldron, look at what you want to use it for and determine if you have some sort of alternative.