The Cailleach and the Cauldron

The symbol of the Cauldron, found so far on 14 Pictish stones from
Glamis to Caithness, in Scotland, continued to be of importance to the
people after the unification of Pictland with the Kingdom of Dal Riata.
We do not know yet, what the symbol represented to the Picts,
but to the latter day Celts, one story of the Cauldron continues.

This is the story of the Celtic Goddess Cailleach, or Cailleach Bhur.
The three winter months from Halloween to Candlemas ("little sun") were
presided over by the Cailleach. The one eyed Cailleach, whose name
signifies old woman, is the genius of Winter and the enemy of growth.
She ushers in Winter by washing her great plaid in the whirlpool of
Corryvreckin, (Coire Bhreacain), the cauldron of the plaid. Before the
washing is over, it is said that the roar of a coming tempest can be
heard by people on the coast for a distance of 20 miles, for 3 days
until the cauldron boils. The fishermen of Scotland still respect and
fear the great and powerful Corryvreckin whirlpool or cauldron.

When the washing is over, the plaid of Scotland is virgin white. On the
Eve of Bride, 31st January, the Cailleach repairs to the Isle of Youth,
in whose woods lie the miraculous Well of Youth. There at the glimmer
of dawn, she drinks the water, and having renewed her youth, the
Cailleach emerges as Bride, the fair Goddess., known today as St.
Bride.

She continues to raise the storms of Spring right up until March 25th,
which is Latha na Cailleach, the Auld Wife's Day, our old New Year,
making a wild and clean sweep with her wand. Then, her wand touches the
grass a vivid green, starred white and yellow with the flowers of
Spring, and the virginal plaid surrounds the mountains in a gentle
loving, cloudy embrace.

Beinn na Cailleach, in Skye, is one of several mountains named after
her though it is said that Ben Nevis is her chief seat. These mountains
appear to share several characteristics, all stand out prominently on
the landscape and throughout the dark months are swathed in storm
clouds.

February the 1st is the Celtic Festival of Spring Brides, and is the
Day of the Bride in some churches. She is the patron of the three fold
art of the Gael, poetry, smith work and healing, and guardian of
marriage, hearth and confinement of birth. Cailleach and St. Bride
being one and the same spirit.

Thank you for reading this article, I hope you will come back to read
the rest of this collection of Scottish Legends.