Fire-safe containers?

[demonique]

Hi! Okay, so... the typical witchy fire-safe container would be a cast iron cauldron. Unfortunately, I can't find one near here, nor can I afford to buy one at this time (especially the way shipping off the internet is these days), but I would like to be able to use fire in my rituals. (i.e. burning small bits of paper...) Any other easily found / common household objects / cheap fire-safe containers you know of?

[Darklord_Kodiak]

Dishes? Ok sounds funny. Alot of dishes are made of stainless steel. For example I use a s.steel custard serving dish for all my quarters, cone incense goes in one for air, my red tea light for fire etc.They are decrative and very fire proof. Mixing bowls are another good example. Also antique shops have really neat metal things and most arent too expensive. Best bet would be rummage sales. Hope it helps.

[Romani Vixen]

You can find lots of ceramic dishes that work well. A largeish glass mixing bowl works very well for burning papers as you're describing. Little plates work well for candles.

If you're on a budget, you can even use stuff from the thrift store!!! Just cleanse it well... both physically and then energy. A good soaking in salt water (rain water is best if you can manage it, tap works though) does very well for that. Or a full cycle of moons in sight of the moon. Smudging with sage. Really there are countless methods for cleansing. But I recomend cleansing your tools, even if they're new. But it's essential IMHO for used tools.

[Nova]

Part of what makes a cauldron safe is the feet. If you go rummaging through the kitchen and find something lovely like a skillet or a mixing bowl make sure to put it up on bricks. Also if you decide on something flat keep your candles/fire short in case they tip.

It would probably be more fun to go hunting for something at rummage sales. Let the perfect thing find you. But if you have a bit of money try a hardware store or Target for a cast iron Dutch Oven (make sure to season it). It'll be cheaper if you aren't paying shipping. http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_7/602-2932679-0351004?%5Fencoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0000BXHL5 (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_7/602-2932679-0351004?%5Fencoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0000BXHL5)

^ Well, that one has an alligator on top... but maybe you're into that!

[Ninjakitten]

I'd say stainless steel bowl with sand in the bottom of it, making sure you don't fill it up with so much sand that the sparks spill over the edge of the bowl. I had that happen recently with my little cauldron (with feet and without sand). I didn't notice that a piece of my self-igniting charcoal jumped out and burned through my altar cloth and into the wooden table underneath. Time for me to get a bigger cauldron.

[demonique]

Thanks for the advice and ideas!

[Ben Gruagach]

If you don't have access to dry sand to put in whatever container you are using (metal, ceramic, or glass) you can also use salt. That's what I usually use.

And I usually put the container on top of a heatproof pad or trivet (some people use a ceramic floor tile) to protect the furniture even more.

If you do want a cauldron, be sure to check out local sporting goods stores in their camping sections. They often have camping pots (usually called "Dutch ovens") that are really just cauldrons.

[Romani Vixen]

I dont' use sand. I use bird gravel! :D Works great!