Pentacle/Pentagram

The pentacle (also known as “Star of Life”) is an amulet generally made of parchment, paper or metal. The pentacle is a five-pointed star within a circle and is the most common Pagan symbol, and it is typically used to identify oneself as a Pagan or Wiccan. The five points represent the 4 elements plus the spirit, and the circle connecting them all symbolizes completeness or the All, and the 5 points are the components of this. All are equal and in balance. A five-pointed star without a circle is sometimes called a pentagram, rather than a pentacle.

In Numerology, the five points of the “pentacle/pentagram” symbolize the Earth element and can be used as an Earth symbol on an altar.

In Wicca, when “pentacle/pentagram” is mentioned it almost always means the “upright” type – one point at the top and two at the bottom. When this is the other way around the pentacle/pentagram is said to be “inverted”. This tends to be avoided by many Wiccans.

The pentacle has always been counted as very protective. In medieval times it was used as a protection against demons, and it is worn, visualized or placed around the house by modern-day Wiccans to protect.

EARTH: (lower left-hand corner) represents stability and physical endurance.
FIRE: (lower right-hand corner) represents courage and daring.
WATER: (upper right-hand corner) represents emotions and intuition.
AIR: (upper left-hand corner) represents intelligence and the arts.
SPIRIT: (at the topmost point) represents the ONE and the Divine.

Inverted vs. Upright

Although nowadays many people associate the inverted pentacle with evil, and the upright with good, this is a relatively recent development because of the negativity surrounding the inverted pentacle.

Upright Pentacle/Pentagram

Upright pentacles and pentagrams are among the most widely used religious symbols. They have been used in many eras and by many cultures and religions of the world: by ancient Pagans, ancient Israelites, Christians, magicians, Wiccans and others.

Inverted Pentacle/Pentagram

Some religious and spiritual groups have used the inverted pentacle.

During the 20th century, Satanists inverted the upright pentacle and adopted it as their own symbol. However, the symbol is most commonly shown with the head of a goat within the pentacle/pentagram.