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Internet Book of Shadows, (Various Authors), [1999], at sacred-texts.com
Elemental Cauldrons
Using a cauldron, symbol of inspiration and rebirth, has brought
new dimensions to both group and solitary work. A cauldron decorates
the center of the Circle during Lesser Sabbats. An air cauldron at a
spring rite creates a misty, magical quality for the ceremony. In
summer, the cauldron will flash and spark. A blue flame burns
mysteriously within the Water cauldron during the autumn festival.
Throughout Yule, the Earth cauldron burns steadfast and constant.
During moon rites, when magick is done, we write the purpose of our
working on flash papers and toss them into the burning cauldron while
chanting.
A working cauldron should be of cast iron, with a tight-fitting
lid, three sturdy legs, and a strong handle. Season your cauldron
before using it for the first time. Pour in generous helping of salt
and lighter fluid, slosh it up to the rim and wipe dry. For indoor
use it MUST have a fireproof base or your workings will summon up
yellow-coated salamander spirits from the fire department.
EARTH Cauldron
Layer salt, wax shavings, three powered or ground herbs, fighter
fluid and ivy leaves in the cauldron while focus and chanting. Use a
candle to light it. When the smoke starts to roll, extinguish the
cauldron by putting the lid on.
AIR Cauldron
Using tongs, put a chunk of dry ice is a small glass or ceramic
bowl and place the bowl on a cloth in the bottom of the cauldron.
Allow the cauldron to smoke as long as the ice lasts. The mists
create excellent images for scrying.
FIRE Cauldron
Cover theinside bottom with dirtor sand to dissipateheat. Light
incense charcoal and add either salt petter for flame and spark or
flash powder for a different but spectacular effect. To assist in
releasing or firing off peak energy, try using flash "bombs". Make a
small 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. The results are spectacularly bright, so use the powder
sparingly. Don't look directly at the flash as you drop the "bomb" in
the cauldron.
WATER Cauldron.
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At least seven days before the ritual, place equal quantities of
three appropriate herbs in a pint glass jar. Fill the rest of the jar
with Everclear (200 proof alcohol), cap tightly, and shake gently
while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Add a chant if its
feels right. Let the jar rest in a dark, warm spot and shake twice
daily, charging with purpose. Before the ritual, place a fireproof
ceramic or glass bowl in the cauldron. Pour in the herb mixture,
being careful none spills into the cauldron. Light with a candle to
produce a beautiful blue flame.
The cauldron, as the fifth elemental spirit, symbolizes
inspiration, rebirth, illumination and rejuvenation. Use a Fire
cauldron with salt petter to cast a Circle. Use the mists of an Air
cauldron for an initiation. Burn away hate, prejudice and negative
self-images, with a Water cauldron. The Earth cauldron is ideal for
indoor Beltane rites.
Remember to place a burning cauldron on a fireproof surface.
Practice safety when using any volatile materials and you will enjoy
your cauldron for many rites.
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