Myst
December 8th, 2001, 10:54 PM
The Pentagram is commonly known as an upright 5 pointed star surrounded in a circle. There are those who believe that the Pentagram is the two dimensional version, whereas the Pentacle is the three dimensional version (ie. drawing or inscription vs talisman). There are those who believe that the Pentagram is the star alone, and the Pentacle the star encircled. The thinking for that is that the "gram" refers to the geometrical shape - like a parallelogram, whereas "cle" refers to the circle around the 5 pointed shape. The pentacle may also be used to refer to the shallow dish inscribed with the 5 pointed shape that is laid on the altar.
As far as points, the 5 are often thought to represent the 4 natural elements and the element of spirit. They may also represent the 3 forms of Goddess (maiden, mother, crone) and the 2 forms of God (Lord of Light, Lord of Dark). Some believe that not only is one point upright, but 3 are, and 3 is a sacred number referring to the 3 faces of Goddess, the 3 stages of life (birth, life, death), etc.
Reversed, the pentagram has meant many things. While it is a symbol of Satanism there is more symbology behind it. The point of the star that spirit is attributed to is turned downwards, and can represent the elevation of material and elemental things above spirituality and divinity. The inverted pentagram is often used as well to symbolize the second level of initiation into a coven, which is often characterized by an exploration into the darker energy of the universe. The two points at top are often used to represent the two horns of the God, Pan, etc.
In general the symbol is for protection and spirituality. Recently it has become the most common symbol related to Paganism and Wicca. It is drawn in the invoking form to bring energies or entities forth, and in the banishing form to remove energies or entities. It is also drawn to represent all elements or as a welcome to each element as they are welcomed to the circle.
Clearly the symbolism and usage of the pentagram or pentacle are complex. It is up to the practitioner to draw their own conclusions as to the meanings and terminology, and to understand that others may feel differently.
As far as points, the 5 are often thought to represent the 4 natural elements and the element of spirit. They may also represent the 3 forms of Goddess (maiden, mother, crone) and the 2 forms of God (Lord of Light, Lord of Dark). Some believe that not only is one point upright, but 3 are, and 3 is a sacred number referring to the 3 faces of Goddess, the 3 stages of life (birth, life, death), etc.
Reversed, the pentagram has meant many things. While it is a symbol of Satanism there is more symbology behind it. The point of the star that spirit is attributed to is turned downwards, and can represent the elevation of material and elemental things above spirituality and divinity. The inverted pentagram is often used as well to symbolize the second level of initiation into a coven, which is often characterized by an exploration into the darker energy of the universe. The two points at top are often used to represent the two horns of the God, Pan, etc.
In general the symbol is for protection and spirituality. Recently it has become the most common symbol related to Paganism and Wicca. It is drawn in the invoking form to bring energies or entities forth, and in the banishing form to remove energies or entities. It is also drawn to represent all elements or as a welcome to each element as they are welcomed to the circle.
Clearly the symbolism and usage of the pentagram or pentacle are complex. It is up to the practitioner to draw their own conclusions as to the meanings and terminology, and to understand that others may feel differently.