Day 24 - The Cauldron
31 Days of Spooky Symbols
Bubble bubble toil and...transformation!
Cauldrons have always been symbols associated with the archetype of the crone, witch, or hag. In fact, it’s often the center of her home, providing warmth, as well as a vessel for potions. The cauldron symbolizes the container for transformation, turning various elements into something healing, useful, and nourishing.
What…healing? But witches are scary! Ah, you see. Witch was a moniker placed on people who spoke up against the norm in ages past. It was reserved for healers and midwives whose skills threatened the powers at be. And crone (once a name for a wise elder) has a terrifying connotation because our society fears aging. It’s scary to go against the status quo. And we can quake in our boots when it’s time for a change.
With a cauldron, you’re encouraged to bring together various materials so that you can break them down into something new. And if you don’t have a recipe, this can be daunting. It may take several attempts to get the potion just right. But as you grow and practice, you’ll start to see what works and what doesn’t, making adjustments as needed.
(PS. This is metaphorically what I do in my Alchemy Lab group. They even create their own laboratories.
The cauldron reminds us that there isn’t always one “recipe” for the outcome we seek. You may have to try a lot of different paths in order to get what you’re looking for. And it isn’t always a quick “brew” either. Some transformations, like potions, take time—months or maybe even years.
But the beauty lies in the journey itself, in the patience and persistence required to stir the pot and wait for the magic to happen. As you stand over your cauldron, you become an alchemist of your own destiny, blending experiences, lessons, and dreams into a unique elixir that is yours alone--your unique masterpiece.