Though used in very different fashions, the cauldron and chalice have much in common. Both symbolize water and the goddess, and both represent the west. A cauldron is a cast-iron pot, usually pot-bellied in style, with three legs. The chalice has been likened to the bowl of the cauldron on a stem. Though they are used in solitary practice, many consider them more suitable for group use.
From a Celtic viewpoint, the three legs of the cauldron can be seen as representatives of the typical three-fold goddess coming together as the basis of one body or soul. For this reason, it is often used as a sign of unity and the focal point of group rituals. Like the cauldron, the chalice represents the womb of the Goddess. The base is symbolic of the material world, while the stem symbolizes the connection between mankind and spirit. The bowl of the chalice is the womb of the goddess, and the opening symbolically receives spiritual energy.
As a symbol of the goddess, the cauldron represents the great womb where spirit, inspiration, and wisdom are born. One need only read the story of Ceridwen to understand its use as a symbol of reincarnation and transformation. Flowers are sometimes placed around the cauldron, to further identify it with the fertility of the Goddess or to honor her. As an emblem of hearth and home, it is still used as a cooking utensil and thus provides nourishment and abundance to mankind.
The cauldron’s original use was as a cooking pot. It may still be used to brew teas or to make a stew for after your ritual is done. The cauldron may also be used as a scrying tool. Filled partially with water, gazing into it in a darkened room may reveal the future. Though the cauldron represents Water and may be used to make potions and brews, many rituals also call for small fires or incense to be burned in the cauldron. If you plan on doing this, make sure to have a cauldron that can take the heat. You don’t want the bottom to fall out while you’re in the middle of a crucial ritual.
Though many Pagans refrain from actively using the cauldron in their rituals, they keep one for its symbolism. It doesn't need to be enormous however. The cauldron comes in a variety of sizes - from small cauldrons that can be held in the palm of one hand to huge cauldrons requiring three men to move it. During rituals, depending on the size, the cauldron may be placed on the altar or the floor. Cunningham advocates an iron cauldron, but while the Farrars agree, they consider brass or copper easier to find. If you intend to keep water only in your cauldron, consider a material other than iron. Continual exposure to the water can make it rust. Cauldrons do need some care, especially if you burn things in them or use them to hold water. You will need to heat and oil the iron ones, just like an old iron frying pan.
If you only need a container to hold water, the cauldron may be replaced by the chalice. A bowl may replace both the cauldron and chalice if neither is available. Like the cauldron, the cup or chalice is a symbol of feminine energy and is sacred to the Goddess. It represents openness and receptivity. As a holy vessel symbolic of everything represented by the cauldron, it is used for offerings, especially to the Goddess. Any time you wish to honor the Goddess with a toast, use a chalice. Some drink from the chalice in tribute, while others pour the drink on the ground as a libation. Some prefer to combine the two practices, sharing what they have with the Goddess. The chalice is also used to hold water, either plain or salted, for use in consecrating tools, amulets, or other items.
Like the cauldron, the chalice comes in many shapes and sizes, but unlike the cauldron, the chalice can be made of any material - horn, shell, gourds, wood, stone, glass, alabaster, soap stone, or clay. Of late, metal has become a very popular material for chalices, and silver has become the preferred material due to its long association with the moon and the Goddess. Pewter is also popular due to its silver-like luster when polished. While a metal cauldron is much preferred, a metal chalice may not be. If your chalice contains any brass, it may produce a toxin when exposed to wine and certain other drinks. If you notice a funny taste to your wine from your chalice, don't use it! A ceramic or clay chalice is preferable and gaining in popularity.
The Chalice is actually used more today than its close relative, the Cauldron. It is traditional in many covens to pass the chalice around all members, who then take a drink as a token of unity. During Cakes and Ale, the chalice is used as a symbol of the Goddess for the Symbolic Great Rite or the Union of the God and Goddess.
Simple Earthen Chalice
from Witch Crafts by Willow Polson ISBN 080652247XI really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Pagan crafts.
1 pound clay
2 wheel bats
pin tool
clay slip
brown semi-gloss or matte speckled glazeThis chalice is constructed from two separate thrown pieces. Make the stem of the chalice by making the standard cone, then narrowing the middle and opening up the lip. Set aside. Make the cup of the chalice as a round-bottomed small cup by making a small cone, putting your index finger inside, and pushing out a bulge in the middle, steadying with your other hand from the outside, then opening up the lip to a nice cup shape. Check the size to be sure it will match the stem nicely, and adjust if necessary.
When both pieces are at a soft leather stage, use the pin tool to make crosshatched marks on both pieces where they will meet. Brush some slip on both pieces and join then, moving back and forth as you push down gently to help the clays mesh together. Allow to dry and fire. Apply the glaze and fire again.