Goddesses and Their Use of the Cauldron

Written 10/06/07
Revised 01/29/08
by Holly Noelle


"Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble..." This image of the scene from Shakespeare's Macbeth is one that comes to many when the word 'cauldron' is mentioned. The eerie and evil of witches plotting and poisoning with the brew they create in the huge black pot. Yet when one looks at the myths of the Goddesses a different image is seen. Sometimes it was used for 'evil' purposes, but the symbolism gives an overall look at the benefits to the world.

The cauldron combines the influences of the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. (1) The cauldron can be an actual pot or it can be symbolized by a cave, the womb, the earth or other things. The cauldron not only receives but also gives out. It has three different functions: rebirth and transformation, inspiration and initiation and the source of beginnings, and as a divinatory tool. (2)

Many Goddesses have used the aspects of the cauldron to accomplish their desires for humans, nature, or other gods. Three goddesses who have done this are Ix Chel, Cerridwen and Hekate. Ix Chel is a Mayan Goddess of the Moon, Cerridwen is a Celtic Goddess, and Hekate is a Greek Goddess of the Moon. Each used the cauldron's aspects in a variety of ways, some similar to each other and some different.

Ix Chel pured waters from the sky flooding and remaking the earth. It is said that waves were so great that they covered the land, and yet other myths "tell of a giant earthen vessel whose contents She pured down from the skies--so that the earth could be cleansed so that life could start anew. (3) This is an example of death and rebirth which is an aspect of the cauldron. The pouring out of the water to wash away the old that no longer functions to make room for a new way.

These waters are waters of creativity and affect people as well as the land. Ix Chel is the Patroness of Weavers and clothing makers, as well as other forms of crafts. One aspect of creativity shown by the myth is of Ix Chel is the freedom it can lead to.

Ix Chel married the Sun who became very jealous and later, after she had left him once and returned because he had pleaded with her, was abusive to her. She left him and would wander at night and become invisible when the Sun would appear. "In this way, she is free to come and go as she chooses, allowing no one to own her, and demonstrating her supreme independence of body and spirit. "(4) What an example she has set here for women. The waters flowing from her are also very inspirational.

Cerridwen may not be as inspirational, but her myth still can give a lesson for all. "The name Cerridwen has been translated both as Cauldron of Wisdom and Fortress of Wisdom, caer meaning fortress, cerru meaning cauldron." (5) This is fitting as Cerridwen's intended use of the cauldron was to bring wisdom to her son, who was considered ugly, in order to give him what he needed to survive. But the boy who tended the cauldron ingested the potion instead. The knowledge and wisdom received from the potion helped him to escape Cerridwen, for a time. The cauldron is also considered the Cauldron of Change as it allowed Gwion, the boy who tended the cauldron, to change form.

Changes are not always physical, they can also be mental, emotional, spiritual, or changes in health not visibly seen. Changes can be for good or for wrong reasons. The use of the cauldron in this aspect can help one to know what changes need to be made to improve their life and/or the life of others.

The potion is representative of information. Information imparted to a person to whom it was not intended can cause problems, for themselves as well as for others involved. So when gathering information, be sure to keep it safe and well tended until it has been safely presented where is was intended to be sent. If sending information by a mediator be sure they are completely trustworthy.

Hekate is a mediator between the Underworld and here. "Hekate was a key figure in reuniting Persephone with Demeter, her mother."(6) The cauldron is represented by the Underworld here. Hekate is the link between the worlds for Persephone. For us Hekate guides between our conscious and unconscious, helping us to discover our inner self and make changes in our daily lives based on what we discover during our quest within. She stands at the crossroads between and can see in all directions giving her the advantage to lead us in the right direction.

Hekate's cauldron was also used to release souls of the dead with the use of " slips of yew".(7) The link between worlds is that death is seen not as an end but as a stage in a never ending cycle. The composting materials from the dead give food for new life. Hekate is most likely to appear at the point in one's life when they are at their lowest. She will give guidance, but it is up to the individual to chose to follow or not. If one chooses not to Hekate will allow things to continue to get worse until one is ready to follow her guidance.

Hekate is not the only Goddess who does not force us to follow her guidance. All goddesses do this. It is up to us to decide which direction we want to go. One can learn a great deal about life and what Deity will help us with. Each person's needs differ and thus the different goddesses are there to meet each one's needs. Their myths are filled with all ideas from working with nature to the reason's of women's cycles. There is a goddess for everyone, it may just take time and research to find the right one for you.

Each Goddess represented here used a different aspect of the cauldron. Yet each one can bring about transformation of different types. Ix Chel uses it for rebirth by washing away the old and preparing the way for the new. Cerridwen's use was to give wisdom and knowledge that one needed to succeed. With knowledge, that is properly received and properly used, one can succeed in life in more than monetary ways. Hekate's use of the 'cauldron ' is the bridge between the individuals conscious and unconscious which is linked to the collective. Then She transforms the space between the two so we can become more complete. That is the object of transformation: to become complete!!

End Notes:

(1) "The Witches Cauldron" Hekate's Cauldron http://www.Hekatescauldron.org/The-Witche's-Cauldron.htm accessed 09/07/07

(2) ibid

(3) Stone, Merlin, Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood:A Treasury of Goddess and Heroine Lore From Around the World, Beacon Press, Boston, Massachusetts, 1990, 93.

(4) "Ix Chel, Goddess of Creativity" http://www.Ivcm.com/tao accessed 10/04/07

(5) Stone, 58.

(6) "Hecate: The Dark Goddess" site information missing

(7) ibid

Image location;
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:zoL2lPS3bcigaM:http://www.afana.org/images/macbeth3.jpg

The Gordian Knot: How is it Relavent to Today

Written 11/11/07
Revised 01/29/07
by Holly Noelle





" 'What does it matter how I loose it.' He drew his sword and, in a single spinning flourish, sliced the Gordian Knot open to reveal the ends inside." (1) Alexander the Great was to attempt to loose the Gordian Knot just as many others had done for a hundred years before. (2) There are times in our lives that we have situations that seem to have no solution.

Part of the problem is that we tend to have 'tunnel vision'. Many had tried to untie the knot which seemed the logical solution. Isn't that what you do with a knot, is untie it? Yet no matter how hard people tried, they could not get it untied. As the years went by the knot probably became even tighter, making it even more difficult to move sections.

If we ignore the situation the worse it gets. To keep repeating the same tactics is not going to resolve the issue, either. We need to broaden our scope (step outside "the box"). Then we will be able to see more options for a solution.

Alexander tried for quite awhile, just as others had done, to untie the knot. Then in frustration he asked if it mattered how he took the knot apart. Then he took his sword and cut the knot in half, with one blow. He stepped out of what had always been done. As a result of thinking and using other strategies, Alexander became a great ruler and conquered all of Asia.

If we continue to use techniques and strategies in our lives that do not work, our lives will not be as fulfilling as they could be. On the other hand; if we open ourselves to other ideas, try different approaches to problem solving; we very well could see some amazing results. There is always more than one solution to a problem. Think about the phrase "There are several ways to skin a cat," not that I am saying to go out and skin a cat, mind you. But I hope you understand the meaning.

There may be situations in your life that seem impossible to solve, as the Gordian Knot was then. But there are solutions out there, and some will not seem to be logical at all. We must learn to take the societal blinders off, and think for ourselves. Sometimes we tend to make things more difficult than they really are. I am guilty of that quite frequently. So remember, if it isn't working, try something different!!


End Notes

(1) http://www.gordiansolutions.com/Alexander.htm accessed 11/11/07

(2) http://www.goridan.co.uk/public-gordianlegend/gordleg-legend.html accessed 11/11/07

MAY BE USED AS LONG AS GIVEN CREDIT TO THE AUTHOR

Brigid and the Cauldron of Transformation

Written 9/12/07
revised 01/29/08
By Holly Noelle

"Up rose a column of fire of the new goddess's head that burned to the very sky."(1) What a way to enter the world. Brigid showed her power through fire from the very beginning. "She is the Goddess of Smithcraft and Her alchemical fire melts the metal and turns it to beauty, as She is melting us, so the beauty of our soul can shine." (2) Brigid makes use of the cauldron as have other Goddesses before her. There is a great deal of symbolism that is represented by the cauldron, from its design to the things it has been used for.

The description given at the Witches Cauldron website explains the representation of the cauldron thus:

"An indispensable tool for the Witch is the cauldron, which combines the influences of the four elements. When it is filled with water for divinatory rites, it symbolizes the element of water. That it stands on a tripod emphasizes the triple aspect of the Goddess of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Objects from Earth (wood, herbs, flowers, resins, etc.,) then when lighted produce fire are place in the cauldron. The subsequent smoke that swirls up into the air is symbolic of the element of air. Thus, all four elements and the triple aspect of the Goddess combined into one tool making it a very magical tool for the Witch. Its shape represents the womb of the Goddess." (3)

One tool but all the elements can be represented by using that tool. It is amazing that one item can have so much power and uses to it. The cauldron looks just like another ordinary pot to so many. I will never look at the cauldron the same. Definitely knowledge can create transformation. Thus use of the knowledge in the right way can create even greater transformation. With the Brigid's help, transformation is inevitable.

The cauldron with very versatile use and meaning is definitely a perfect fit for a goddess who is an all around Goddess. Brigid represents all of the elements with the fire under the cauldron at the center of it all. Here the focus is on one aspect of the Goddess Brigid and how it can affect our lives. "Brigid is the patroness of blacksmith's, the King of Crafts which all other crafts depend." (4) The fire was used to shape metal into tools for many in the community. Thus if there was no smithy, the community was likely to fail. The fire here is the heart of the community and it took a skilled person to control that fire. Too much coal and air and the fire would burn out of control and destroy everything in its path. Not enough coal or air and it would go out.

The spirit in our lives is like the fire. If not controlled properly it can go unchecked, or if it is constantly pushed back it can die out and leave a walking shell. It can also build up to a point that there is no longer room for it and erupt at a very inappropriate time. All can be a danger to self and/or others. Brigid puts us in Her "cauldron" and "heats" us until we are workable, just as a smithy does with the metal. If the temperature is too cold the product breaks and won't form correctly; but if it is too hot, it may form but won't be strong enough to endure normal use.

Another issue that the smithy faces is the purity of the metal. If there are any impurities in it, the end product will be compromised and may not hold up when used. The purer the soul is, the more effective we can be. Fire is also a means of purification. The trials in our lives are represented by the smithy's fire.

My life has been full of constant change and turmoil. I cannot remember when I last felt any peace and true comfort in the changes that were taking place in my life. For once in my life, I am at peace and fairly content with what is going on. Brigid's fires have melted me and made me workable and now those same fires are inspiring me in ways that I never dreamed possible. I know that the success of the rest of my life depends on the success of transformation going on in my life right now. I may not always be happy with what is going on at the time, but I know deep inside it is necessary for me to grow to be the person I truly need to be.


END NOTES

(1) Gwydion, "Brigid_The Goddess of Imbolc and Celtic Europe" Real Magick http://realmagick.com/article/07/1807.html accessed 08/15/07

(2) "Brigit the Maiden" Lady of Avalon http://ladyofavalonwholesale.org/obod/festivals/imbolc/index.html accessed 08/15/07

(3) The Witches Cauldron http://hecatescauldron.org/The-Witches-Cauldron.htm accessed 09/05/07

(4) Susa Morgan Black, FSA, Scot Druid, OBOD, "BRIGIT" http://druidry.org/festivals/imbolc/index.html accessed 08/15/07

MAY BE USED AS LONG AS GIVEN CREDIT TO AUTHOR

Mirror, mirror exercise

Did my Mirror, mirror exercise from Spiral Dance last night and made a break through the first time. It was hard to describe what it was I felt until after talking to Sandy tonight at class. I realized that I actually was looking at my dark side in the mirror. There was a misty feeling between me and the mirror just before I changed my focus from the center of my nose to my eyes and back again. I did that several times. It was like I was looking at myself but yet not looking at myself.
It feels good to make a breakthrough in something finally after all this time. It is an encouragement and an incentive to work harder on the other exercises.