The Witch's Cauldron: The Craft, Lore \u0026 Magick of Ritual Vessels (The Witch's Tools Series, 6) by Laura Tempest Zakroff

The Witch's Cauldron: The Craft, Lore \u0026 Magick of Ritual Vessels (The Witch's Tools Series, 6) Reviews

• 
  Briar Drost 🏳️‍🌈

  I’m captivated by anything LTZ writes. I feel I can trust the information she provides and I always learn many new things. Even when I don’t anticipate it!
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  Edric Unsane

  Although being informative, The Witch’s Cauldron was fairly rudimentary in terms of knowledge, and very basic in the realms of the various uses of the cauldron. Definitely a book for beginners, but not a bad place to start.
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  Raechel Henderson

  Ever come across a book where you make satisfied “mmm” noises as you read? Ever read a book that feels like a conversation between like-minded friends? How about one that makes you feel a sense of comfort? That’s how I felt when I read The Witch’s Cauldron by Laura Tempest Zakroff. When I got to the acknowledgements and saw my editor, Elysia Gallo, mentioned I was over the moon. I immediately sent her an e-mail telling her how much I enjoyed the book and how it was just the sort of book that I wanted to write.
  
  The Witch’s Cauldron is part of The Witch’s Tools Series from Llewellyn, which covers various tools used by witches throughout history, and deals with, as the title suggests, cauldrons. What immediately resonated with me was Zakroff’s pragmatic approach to the subject. Early on in the book she writes, “In dangerous times, it was safer to have a commonplace item that could double for a person’s spiritual needs while not outing them to those who might wish to cause them harm.” This is the magick I’m here for, the mundane made magickal because “special” tools could be used as evidence against the witch. This isn’t candle color or crystal magick that—while it might have a place in modern magick—didn’t have a place in historical witchcraft.
  
  That pragmatism continues as Zakroff explores non-traditional cauldrons like crock pots, encourages supporting local businesses, and even cautions the reader to be aware of local laws with regard to collecting feathers and animals/animal parts. That last bit is a particular pet peeve of mine, as so many pagan books will offer up correspondences for feathers, shells, and other fauna with no such caution. Laws about this are meant to protect animals from harm and ignoring them is not being a good steward of the earth.
  
  What really impressed me, however, was Zakroff’s recognition of non-binary practitioners and her address of cisgendered heteronormativity of the Great Rite. Having worked with non-binary clients and having a several trans friends, it was gratifying to see witchcraft being addressed in such an inclusive manner. I’ve been seeing more of this over the last year or so, but only online. To see the topic come up in a book from a pagan publisher is encouraging.
  
  I will be checking out the other books in the series, with the hope that they are as intelligently and thoughtfully written as The Witch’s Cauldron.
  
  --originally posted at
  http://idiorhythmic.com/book-review-t...
• 
  Jenny

  Have you ever wanted to know more about the witch's cauldron, that symbol so deeply associated with witchery? I highly recommend Laura Tempest Zakroff's book "The Witch's Cauldron". She did a masterful job covering so many aspects of the magical vessel, this is a great reference book as well as enjoyable to read.
  
  The book is broken down into sections, each covering a specific aspect of the cauldron. Zakroff explores the history and myths of the vessel. This portion of the book is an anthropological study of the cauldron, and probably my favorite part. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural history and inspection of the cooking pot to how it is seen today.
  
  Then Zakroff goes through the basics of cauldrons, the materials they are made from and how to pick (or make) your own. Once you've picked your favorite vessel, she discusses how to use it. This is very useful for beginners and time-tested witches alike (I think its great to get a different perspective on magical tool use). Next, Zakroff has a section of spellcrafting and work with the cauldron, with a dew lovely spells included. She also goes into using the cauldron as a divinitory tool.
  
  This is a fantastic book, an in depth exploration of the simple black pot. Zakroff writes for the novice, so it is easy to follow but this doesn't mean it is "light" reading. Anyone with an interest about this magical took will find this book useful and entertaining. I learned a lot about the cauldron, I look forward to reading more of Zakroff's work.
  
  I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
• 
  Dawn Thomas

  The Witch’s Cauldron: The Craft Lore and Magick of Ritual Vessels (The Witch’s Tools Series book 6) by Laura Tempest Zakroff
  
  9780738750392
  
  288 Pages
  Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, Llewellyn Worldwide
  Release Date: May 8, 2017
  
  Nonfiction (Adult), Religion, Spirituality, Magic, Ritual
  
  The book is divided into the following sections.
  
  1: Meet the Cauldron
  2: Gather ‘Round – The Cauldron
  3: The Practical Cauldron
  4: Getting Started
  5: In the Circle – Ritual Arts
  6: Making Magick
  7: The Seer’s Cauldron
  8: Thanking Outside the Cauldron
  9: The Spiritual Cauldron
  
  I love the three tenants the author shared about her practice. She discusses the types and uses of cauldrons and how smaller cauldrons are more practical for the modern practitioner. There are many examples of cauldrons used throughout history along with folklore. There are examples of how and when you should make your own cauldron along with how to prepare and cleanse it. I must admit, I never considered using my cauldron for scrying (water or fire). Now I am intrigued to try it. I am pleased that she included the Cauldron of Posey of Celtic lore. This is a great book for anyone interested in working with their cauldrons.
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  Teresa

  A great book about a subject not many people know about. A lot of people never think about the real stuff that goes along with witchcraft. They have always been taught witches are bad. Which is simply not true. There are so many aspects of witchcraft people do not understand. This book takes one the Cauldron. It is a very indepth book. It tells you about the cauldron, how it came to be and what it's uses are. It is a great book to have as part of a reference book. You cannot just read this book and be done with it. It is not a storybook. It actually teaches you how to decide on a cauldron of your own, how to use it, and what the rituals using a cauldron are used for. The book was a great read and will be a great reference for years to come to anyone interested.
  
  I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
• 
  Irene IrinaXara

  Whether you're new to witchcraft traditions and just learning about the tools of the trade, a curious bystander, or more advanced in the craft, this book is practical, concise, accessible and fun to read. The funny thing about this book is that it came out a few years after I attended a whole class curriculum covering the same material. Despite the overlap of information, it was great and super useful to have it collected all in one place. I was planning on grabbing it as a gift for the instructor who taught me that curriculum, but she beat me to the purchase! So many great tools here, from spells, to meditations, to cooking recipes to divination. Lots of options for what may resonate with you personally in cauldron work. An excellent read from Tempest and especially recommended to read for anybody within their first three years of the craft or so.
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  Heather Sprouse

  interesting historical context and realistic suggestions for how to deepen your connection to caluderon work. But i didnt find myself called to the activities suggested.
  I do like tbe emphasis on pots and kettles in your own home being modern forms of hearth work. I value my wok and crock pot more highly now and see them in a more spiritual light.
• 
  Kathleen

  This is a book you wanton your shelves as a references as well as to read again and again. Down to earth, well researched with tidbits that will aid to your practice. Her references leave a spring board to the practitioner that wants search for themselves.
• 
  Liz

  I really enjoyed the historical walk through the beginnings and life of the cauldron. It was definitely a great read, and I am looking forward to reading her book on Sigils when it comes out!
• 
  Letecia

  Good Magic!
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  Steffany Thomas

  Great source!
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  Sombre Grimoire

  Un bon livre très complet, bien que pas mon préférée
  
  
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  Alan D.D.

  A great book about cauldrons and their background. Serves as an incredible introduction and feeds the curiosity to learn more about it. I'm ore than eager to see what the author writes next!
  
  Soon the entire review!