Cauldron fires present a solution to this problem. They can be kept small but are still more powerful than a candle flame, they are easily contained and they can safely be used indoors or on your porch.

Safety Note

The methods I’m about to describe can be VERY DANGEROUS if not handled properly. Minors should not attempt building a cauldron fire without adult help and supervision. Proper care and handling are mandatory for ensuring your safety in this practice.

A cauldron fire MUST be built in a cast iron cauldron or a cauldron of another material built to withstand very high heat. Materials that are unable to withstand the heat will pose a fire hazard and materials like glass and ceramic can shatter.

Build your cauldron fire on a stable, heatproof surface. If you have a stone or brick hearth that is an ideal place to build a cauldron fire but otherwise heatproof pads or trivets must be used. Do not place the cauldron on any surface that is covered in cloth or made of wood. You should take care not to build your cauldron fire near anything flammable like curtains, blankets, etc. Avoid wearing loose clothing and keep your hair tied back if it’s longer.

You should also take care to minimize the risk of the cauldron being knocked over by removing pets and children from the room and keeping the cauldron away from the edges of counters. 

Always do this in a well ventilated area.

You Will Need:

• Epsom Salts
• Rubbing alcohol or another high proof alcohol like vodka or brandy (the higher the proof the hotter the fire will be, keep that in mind)
• A blend of herbs and resins (optional)
• Measuring Cup
• Long handled match
• Heatproof pad, stone, or surface
• Sand (for smothering the fire in an emergency)
• Fire extinguisher

Measure equal amounts of epsom salts and and alcohol into the cauldron. The amounts MUST be equal, do not guess or simply pour alcohol over the salt without measuring. The epsom salt serves to slow the burning of the alcohol and if they are out of proportion the flames can burn very high and become quite dangerous. Be sure not to overfill your cauldron, the cauldron should still be mostly empty even after all of your ingredients are in it.

If you’re using an herbal mix you can either mix it in with the salt before putting everything into the cauldron or simply sprinkle it over the salt and alcohol in the cauldron. Burning incense mixtures like this can be a lovely way to give offerings to gods and spirits or it can simply be used for magical workings.

Place the cauldron on your heatproof surface.

Light the long handled match and touch it to the mixture. It will catch fire immediately and the flames will be almost silent, unlike wood fires. The tops of the flames will reach higher than the lip of the cauldron, as long as you’ve built your fire in a safe location this is nothing to worry about.

The fire will burn until the alcohol has been burned away entirely, generally it will burn for only a few minutes.

DO NOT place more alcohol on the fire while it is burning and do not leave it unattended.

Now, on to the many uses of the cauldron fire!

Herbal Elixirs

Instead of adding the herbs directly to your fire they can be steeped in the alcohol. Be sure to use only non-toxic herbs when combining them with fire, inhaling smoke or vapors from certain herbs can be quite toxic.

The process of steeping is very simple, simply fill a small jar with loosely packed herbs, cover the herbs with your alcohol and screw the lid on tightly. Allow the mixture to sit for a week or more. When you’re ready to use it, strain the herbs out and burn the alcohol in your cauldron.

Love Elixir

Burn to attract new love or strengthen existing loves.

• Basil
• Jasmine
• Rose petals
• Lavender (for same sex love)
• Vodka

Money Drawing Elixir

Burn to attract wealth, success and luck in business matters.

• Alfalfa
• Bay Leaves
• Thyme
• Bourbon or Rum (the higher quality the better)

Good Luck Elixir

Burn for luck in all matters. 

• Chamomile
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Vodka

Cauldron Fire Spells

The cauldron fire can be used for many things in spellwork, from burning the remains of spells to making offerings to burning written spells or sigils. Below are a few suggestions and spells to get you started.

Banishing Spell

You Will Need:

• Epsom Salts
• Rubbing alcohol or another high proof alcohol like vodka or brandy (the higher the proof the hotter the fire will be, keep that in mind)
• A blend of herbs and resins (optional)
• Measuring Cup
• Long handled match
• Heatproof pad, stone, or surface
• A large bowl of sand (for smothering the fire in an emergency)
• Fire extinguisher
• Cedar
• A slip of paper
• A red pen

Prepare everything for your cauldron fire but don’t light it, Write the influence or person that you wish removed from your life on the slip of paper in red ink. Focus and visualize the way your life will be when it’s gone. Place the paper in your cauldron along with the cedar and light it. As the fire burns clear thoughts of the thing you’re banishing from your mind. When the fire has burned out take any remains away from your house to dispose of them.

Safe Travels Spell

You Will Need:

• Epsom Salts
• Rubbing alcohol or another high proof alcohol like vodka or brandy (the higher the proof the hotter the fire will be, keep that in mind)
• A blend of herbs and resins (optional)
• Measuring Cup
• Long handled match
• Heatproof pad, stone, or surface
• A large bowl of sand (for smothering the fire in an emergency)
• Fire extinguisher
• Comfrey
• Mint
• A piece of a map that shows your destination
• Twine or string

Prepare your cauldron fire but don’t light it yet. Roll or fold your herbs up inside of the map and tie it so that it stays closed. Place the little bundle in your cauldron and light your cauldron fire. As it burns say:

“Bring me safely there and back,

No disaster, mishap, or attack

Will befall my companions and me

As I have spoken let it be”

---

New to witchcraft?

Sign up for my FREE Witchcraft class!

Updated on August 20, 2023 by Avery Hart