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Orginially identified with the Witch because of her mysterious habit of brewing potions and herbal remedies, the cauldron is an ancient cooking vessel, steeped in magical tradition and mystrey. It is the container in which magical transformations occur; the holy spring if you like. It is normally a black, cast-iron pot and is used by Witches variously for brewing potions, burning incense or holding charcoal or herbs.
 
Symbolically, the cauldron combines the influences of the four ancient elements and represents the womb of the Goddess. Many other symbols honour the Goddess including the cup or chalice, five-petalled flowers, the mirror, necklace, sea shell, pearl, silver and emerald.
 
Like the cup, the cauldron is also a symbol of rebirth, renewal and inexhaustible plenty, and its ritual use relates to these concepts. It is, however, more adaptable than the cup or chalice, as it can contain fore, water, incense or flowers as the occasion demands.
 
Leaping over the cauldron, like leaping over the broomstick or bonfire, is a fertility rite. While Wiccans see the cauldron as a symbol of the manifested essence of femininity and fertility, it is also symbolic of the element of water, and of reincarnation, immortality and inspiration.
 
It is often a focal point of rituals, and during spring rites can be filled with fresh water and flowers. During winter a fire can be burned within it to represent the rreturning heat and light of the sun (the God) from the cauldron (the Goddess).
 
Ideally the cauldron should be made of iron and have three legs. The opening at the top should be smaller than the pot's widest part. Cauldron's can be hard to find, but you can always ask the God and GOddess to send one your way! Don't forget to try antique or junk shops, and take into consideration an old household cooking pot, which is a prefectly reasonable substitute. A similarly shaped brass or copper pot is also a suitable alternative if aniron one proves too hard to find.
 
Cauldrons come in all sizes, though are rarely big enough for Hansel and Gretel! Some Witches have a collection ranging in size from quite tiny to quite large. If you are thinking of brewing, note that it can take a while for things to boil in a large cauldron, and that it's not always convenient (or legal) to get a big fire burning in your back yard, especially during Australian summer. However, most witches use large pots on stoves these days.
 
In ritual, you can place your cauldron next to your altar. If you have a broomstick, place it on the opposite side of the altar. The cauldron can also become an instrument of gazing -- fill it with water and stare into the intriguing depths.