The Witch's Cauldron: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Ritual Vessels (The Witch's Tools Series, 6)

From down and dirty practical uses to lofty aims of spiritual enlightenment, the cauldron is an all-purpose tool. So says Laura Tempest Zakroff in her book The Witch's Cauldron. Tempest's entry to "The Witch's Tools" series by Llwellyn focuses on cauldrons, and is somehow all at once accessible, inclusive, information-rich, and humorous.Detailed descriptions of practical use, as well as cauldrons from history and mythology create a strong foundation for the rest of the book. The many ways our ancestors used cauldrons (Cooking! Fire! Drums! Rituals!) give us an idea of just how important they were, and helps to uncouple the cauldron with purely feminine associations. The cauldron played an important role in many myths, too, and Tempest walks through several of them. Each myth is followed with a brief consideration of the metaphorical purpose of the cauldron in that particular story.The bulk of the book has to do with getting one's hands dirty and getting to work. How to attain a cauldron, use in ritual, spellcraft, and divination all get their own insightful, inspiring chapters. The work detailed here ranges from traditional to modern creative uses (Glittermancy!). The instructions are written cookbook-style, but with regular reminders that we, the readers, ultimately need to choose methods that are most practical to us. Some more experienced practitioners might roll their eyes at cookbook-style written spell work, but there's information to be gleaned here, even if you never intend to do any of the work Tempest is demonstrating with her examples. There's also an amazingly practical section about seeing cousins to the cauldrons we already all work with. Crockpots, bathtubs, stoves, washers, and more are all descended from the cauldron and can all be used as one in their own ways.Lastly, we reach the most metaphorical part of the book. Tempest describes a system using three internal cauldrons that are in various states as a metaphor for energy flow or self-alignment. Rather than getting a botched version of the beautiful imagery here, please read the book. It's an interesting perspective shift. She also describes the human vessel as a cauldron, and offers insight as to how that idea can (or should) change the way we think of self-care.Overall, this book is definitely worth the read. It is short but, goodness, it packs a lot of information into that space. Practical, historical, and mythological context provides a solid foundation for the remainder of the book. The sections on magick are remarkably well-written with a wide audience in mind. Practicality is a welcome theme that appears again and again throughout the entire book. Those who prefer to keep their work more cerebral will find something here as well. There is useful information here for both the beginner and the experienced witch, and is likely worth a few re-reads as years pass by.

This is a great addition to the Witch's Tool series. The author presents well researched historical data while also providing modern and practical information for the reader. The book is well organized and written clearly, but with some occasional light-hearted flair. It's great for beginners and a good quick reference tool for veterans. The author makes it point not to place one Wicca tradition over another, which is appreciated, as it lets the reader apply the books information in their own personal way. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get their footing or just expanding their practiced knowledge. A+

If you are looking to learn about besoms or brooms this is one of the very few books that handles this topic and only this topic. I recommend it highly.

When you think of witches and Witchcraft what images come to mind? I bet few of those images contained a cauldron or two!In this book Laura Tempest Zakroff takes on a magical journey deep into the depths of the great cauldron exploring the various myths and legends surrounding the cauldron as well as some insight in how to care for your cauldron ,how to shop for the perfect cauldron ( or cauldrons if you collect them as I do ..😜)And also various rituals and magic that can be performed in and with your cauldron!This book is a great read ,highly enjoyable and informative and written beautifully and with great love and respect for the Craft!

Good reading very fast delivery

I'm typically pretty skeptical when looking at Llewellyn books --- but I will say they've gotten less foofy over the past 10 years. I purchased because I was looking for something new.I'm very glad I did.Although this is Ms. Zakroff's first book, it is incredibly well-written and contains a generous amount of lore and information, and it has gained a spot in my library. I read half of it in a single sitting (although I should have been sleeping). You definitely won't be disappointed. I can't wait until her next book comes out in 2018, which is about sigils.

Excellent book, I bought this book along with my first cauldron which is perfect it has so much information and it’s not even that big it’s like a little which textbook a whole book just based on cauldrons isn’t that beautiful and the artwork inside of it is just amazing so beautiful buy buy buy buy buy!!

Are you wishing to gain knowledge quickly and easily but mote than basics? Here is your chance. Your guide is humorous, knowledgeable on the topic, easy-going, and brings it all within your grasp. It is more like a tea date with an old friend than stodgy lessons. Highly recommend.

Esta serie de libros sin duda tienen mucha información de calidad. Curiosidades y datos que nunca está de más conocer. Realmente estoy feliz con esta compra, además a un muy buen precio. Para la colección.

Dieses Buch bietet viel mehr an als man denkt. Alles rund um den Hexenkessel. Es ist viel was man von dem Buch mitnehmen kann. Geschichtliche, Pflege, die verschiedenen alten, sowie die Bedeutung, Rituale, Rezepte, meditations Übungen und vieles mehr. Nachdem ich das Buch gelesen habe, hatte ich das Gefühl, dass eine weitere Tür für mich aufgeht.

I love it! It’s perfect delivery was fast too

Love this book so much!

Witchy perfection. Love it