
Beside being a practical tool, the cauldron is a spiritual symbol to many. Traditionally the witches' cauldron has three legs no matter what the material it's making. This is seen to be in reference to the Goddess in Her Triple Goddess aspect of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. It could also represent three main stages of life; as in birth, life and then of course death. The symbolic meaning of the cauldron is typically seen to be the Mother Goddess. The plump shape mocks the womb of the Earth; Mother Nature. Because we come from a womb when we are born and are, in most cases, placed in the earth when we die the cauldron is also a symbol of rebirth. The afterlife for ancient Celtic people, and many in Wicca today, is known as "The Cauldron of Rebirth" (Tír na nÓg, Tir na nog or the Land of the Ever-Young). The belief is that those who die pass into the Cauldron of Rebirth before being reincarnated. It's easy to understand this transmutation when we consider the observation that ingredients going into a cooking pot are generally dead plant and animal portions. After being cooked, the resulting substance gives life supporting energy for the human body.Ironic in this modern era, the association of food with the cauldron is found in a masculine rather than feminine example. The Dagda, who's name means, "The Good God", was the High King (Father of the Gods) of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the supernatural beings who inhabited Ireland prior to the coming of the Celts. The Dagda had a magic cauldron known for great abundance. The cauldron was bottomless, capable of feeding an army; no one would go hungry in its presence. As the Cauldron of Rebirth it appears in the story of 'Branwen, Daughter of Llyr' and is used by the Irish to resurrect their own dead soldiers; they arise to fight the next day but they cannot speak. Being mute perhaps prevented them from telling the secret mysteries of the Underworld. As a Halloween decoration or sacred ritual tool, the cauldron remains nearly as relevant today as it has through time.
References, in addition to the following, include general knowledge of lore from a wide variety of educational resources as well as personal experience.
* Cauldron, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cauldron&oldid=216617535 (last visited Jun. 17, 2008).
* Tír na nÓg, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=T%C3%ADr_na_n%C3%93g&oldid=218542149 (last visited Jun. 17, 2008).
Description= Preparations for matriculation day at Lotsane Senior Secondary School, Palapye, Botswana. Foood is usually prepared in the school kitchens, but for a feast, outdoor pots ("falkirks") are pressed into service. Take)
* Image #2, Ambrosia's Realm of Graphics http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/
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