Fire burn, and caldron bubble...

[H_Prynne]

So I'm looking to buy a cauldron (or caldron) for my slowly developing altar. Being new to this rodeo I was wondering if some of the more sagely and learned folks here could bestow upon me some key features I should look for in a cauldron, suggest a preferred size, or point me in the direction of some good online retailers for a quality cauldron.

Also, and this might sound silly...much like a cast iron skillet is there anything I should do with my new cauldron to "season" it either magically...or otherwise?

Thanks for your time and help.

~Hester

[tilarium]

Well, for on-line supplies I would go to the wiccianway.com. That's where I got my supplies when I was starting out, and I just put in an order with them over the weekend to get some new stuff (still haven't found a place around where I'm living now). They have really great customer service, that's the topper for me.

With that said, I don't use a cauldron. I've considered getting one, but it's not on the top of my list.

[JBRaven]

Size wise, I would say enough to fit a fist in. This way it can keep all your burning need safely inside. Make sure it has a lid.

I found mine at a flea market so where to get on I do not know.

When I got mine I burned herbs inside of it that have special meaning to me and my gods, then let it "season" in the ask for 3 days. But it is really up to you.

[hawthorn]

why does a cauldron need a lid, mine doesn't have one...

[JBRaven]

No it doesn't need one per se. But I find the lid helps with safety and letting things "stew" for a moment.

[AutumnMaidens]

A lid is useful to choke a flame quickly. It's also good to keep the herbs inside from losing their scent to quickly.

Traditionally a cauldron should stand on three legs, have a fat belly and a thinner neck with a lid. Of course this is by no means set in stone.
I have two cauldrons, a small one for on my alter and a larger one I can cook with or store candles and incense in.
I got mine from my mother and they're copper and cast-iron but I know wiccans who preffer stone or other metals, it doesn't really matter since metal and stone are both representitives of the mother.

Hope it helps
Bless

[SpiritTalker]

I found a 1-quart (6" across) cauldron in camping goods for $14. It's 3-legged, straight sides so I can bake bread in it (can't do that in a pot belly) & also cook in it. It fits on my altar & isn't too heavy to tote & carry outdoors.

It came pre-seasoned but I still put a light coat of cooking oil on it & baked it at high/450' for 30 minutes then turned off the oven & let it cool to room temp before removing the pot. This way the glaze isn't tackey. Wash only with hot water & no soap. Occasionally re-treat as needed.