TOOL SERIES - The Cauldron

 Merry Meet, friends!

The hour is early for me but I wanted to get this post written while Bob sleeps in. He hasn't done much of that since his retirement. While I love my coffee time with Bob, I've also missed my morning work hours.

I got home late yesterday afternoon from my trip to IL. I know were spending time today so diving in.

AI generated from Pixabay

This basic vessel is so much more than it's simplistic design leads you to believe. 

For centuries, the cauldron has served as the heart of the home. Made in various sizes, the vessel could be used for boiling water or making a hearty stew. They were also used to create concoctions for various ailments.

Shakespeare's quote often comes to mind when people think of the cauldron. The imagery in a few words is in itself, magical.

"Double, double, toil and trouble;

fire burn and cauldron bubble."

Cambridge Dictionary defines the cauldron for two purposes:

A large, round, usually metal container for cooking in, usually supported over a fire whose contents can be set on fire as part of a ceremony or to start a sports event. 

You'll often see cauldrons at RenFair's and medieval fetivals. Sometimes, even at Rendezvous Re-enactment encampments. 

When it comes to magical practice, cauldrons come in all sizes from about 2.75" x 3" as seen on the WitchesSage website to vintage pots that will hold multiple-gallons. 

Small to medium-sized ones are perfect for burning incense as well as moon festivals to burn pieces of paper with statements of things we want to let go. There is definitely magic in placing intentions into the cauldron, setting the piece on fire and watching the negativity go up in smoke!  

You can also use them for water scrying or vision quests by filling them with water. (I prefer using my moon water for this or that little extra something)

Properly treated ones such as those from Lodge Cast Iron or Lehman's (they offer an 8 oz. size) are great for cooking or serving celebratory foods. Keep shipping in mind when ordering on-line. They are heavy in any size. I purchased the small one for my altar at a local Bass Pro shop, so search places that offer camping cooking equipment.

Keep in mind that, like the finger 'wand', any vessel will serve your purpose with the right intention but who doesn't love the expanded belly of a true cauldron?

For more detailed information, please check out the following sites:

The  Cauldron Goddess    Auntyflo

Let me know in the comments below, do you own a cauldron? If so, what do you use it for most?

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

 

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, Friends!

Wow.. another month in the books for 2025. Did you accomplish all you'd hoped? If not, we're on the cusp of a new quarter and new beginnings. You Got This!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

TOOLS SERIES - Wands

 Merry Meet, friends!

The ribs are on the mend. I still can't bend over without feeling them wanting to overlap one another (think crossing your fingers where each of the two fingers represent a rib bone)

But I am back to work so let's get started on this series!

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay - BWSavannah

Each tool in your bag of tricks serves a specific purpose. One of my favorite tools is the WAND.

Wands are an extension of the power within. When directed appropriately, they can open or close doors to other worlds and offer protection. According to McFie's Wizard Shop, the wand is nothing more than a hand-held stick made of either metal, wood, or stone. One thing the blogger does not mention is the finger. I'll talk more about that in a minute.

Orangerium  sums the point up nicely that the wand is 'a symbol of mystical power, transformation and enchantment'. 

The tool dates back to early biblical times where they were nothing more than a STAFF for shepherds protecting their flock, or creating change. (Exodus 7:10-12) We've always thought of that simple stick as a walking stick for the shepherd, not necessarily as a weapon. A good shepherd knew the power he could wield in that simple, often times carved, piece of wood. 

AI Generated from Pixabay

Over time, we've seen wands change from those basic sticks into beautiful pieces of art.  The fact remains that these are are visual tools. Wands come in various forms as McFie's mentioned but they left out one.  If you don't want to share your practice with others, the most basic wand you have is your finger. Yes, your FINGER! The intention directed through any wand comes from the power within you. Remember being told as a child "it isn't nice to point"? Well, there was a lot of truth to that statement.. If you were pointing at something, or someone, I hope it was with good intention.  Think ET phoning home, where he points his alien finger and the tip glows with power.  You have that same power within you, no special tools required!

Several years ago I purchased an entire collection of Mind Body Spirit pages as part of their binder series. Under SPELLS & MAGIC - Casting Spells, there is one on Using Magic Wands. Here are some of the uses they suggest:

* Sleeping with a willow wand is said to make your dreams more vivid and meaningful.

* Rowan wands can help to enhance clairvoyant abilities

* Cast circles - opening and closing metaphysical doors

* Place a wand on an altar at a gathering as an offering to the ritual

* Enhance the power of your spells to focus energy

* Use a wand made from specific wood that fits the intention, such as a seasonal festival

Deborah Blake talks about various tools in her Witchcraft on a Shoestring book. She also gives instructions for making a basic wand.

For more of a visual, there are several tutorials on YouTube. Rebekka from The Witch's Cookery is one of my favorite channels. Here's her wand video from four years ago:

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry meet, friends!

I hope everyone had a blessed Mid-summer! Anything you'd like to share, please leave in the comments.

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

TOOLS SERIES - Delayed

 Merry Meet, friends!

I have to apologize for the delay. I had things laid out to post then cracked a couple of ribs. I'm better today but still have a couple of weeks to go before I can sit upright for very long. Lots o reclining or laying down for the time being.

In the mean time, please leave a comment below -

I'll be back as soon as I can!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

The month is zipping by. Soon we will be celebrating Mid-Summer. Are you attending a gathering? I'd love to hear!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry meet, friends!

Getting back into the swing of posting and paying more attention to the calendar. How are you doing?

Blessed Be!

~ Rain