The pentacle and the occult
The pentacle, also known as the pentagram, is a symbol with a rich history and deep significance in many different cultures and traditions, including the mystic occult and esoteric arts. In these traditions, the pentacle is often seen as a symbol of protection, balance, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. The regular pentagram has been considered a magical symbol since ancient times, it has been used in coat of arms, sigils and even flags, not to mention pentagrams on clothing, (like the awesome t-shirts you can find on this site) it has been a medical symbol, the official symbol of a country, a religious symbol and more. The 5-pointed star has been said to represent man (head plus arms and legs) said to breathe spirit into matter and transcend matter over spirit, it is clear that it is an archetypal symbol but what is it that attracts us so deeply to this symbol?
The Pentacle or five-pointed star in Mythology and History
The basic pentagram has a long history, and has been used by many different cultures and traditions throughout the world. In ancient Mesopotamia, the pentacle was associated with the goddess Inanna, and was used as a symbol of fertility and abundance. In ancient Egypt, the pentacle was associated with the god Horus, and was used as a symbol of protection and strength. In medieval Europe, the pentacle was associated with the Witch's Foot, and was used as a symbol of power and protection. It was also an astrological symbol.
The Pentacle in Esoteric Traditions
In the esoteric traditions of alchemy, Kabbalah, and Tarot, the pentacle is often seen as a symbol of balance and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. In alchemy, the pentacle is associated with the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, and is used as a symbol of the union of these elements to create the fifth element, the Quintessence. In Kabbalah, the pentacle is associated with the sefira of Malkuth, the last sefira on the Tree of Life, which represents the physical world and the manifestation of divine energy. In the Tarot, the pentacle is often associated with the suit of Pentacles, which represents material wealth, abundance, and the material world. The pentagram along with the tripple moon goddess is a common wiccan symbol. It is a design found in countless handmade items used in rituals by modern occultists around the world as it represents the physical elements plus the spirit.
The Pentacle as a Protective Symbol
In many traditions, the pentacle is seen as a protective symbol, and is often used to ward off evil and negative energies. In some traditions, the pentacle is inscribed with protective spells and incantations, and is worn or carried as a talisman to protect the wearer from harm. In others, the pentacle is used in rituals and ceremonies to create a protective barrier around the participants, and to keep out negative energies and influences.
The Pentacle in Literature and Art
The pentacle has also played a significant role in literature and art, with many writers and artists using the symbol as a representation of balance, protection, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. In the works of Shakespeare, the pentacle is often used as a symbol of the power of magic, and the ability to manipulate the forces of the universe. In the works of W.B. Yeats, the pentacle is used as a symbol of the unity of the five elements, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
The Pentacle Today
Despite its ancient origins, the pentacle continues to hold a powerful fascination for many people, and is still seen as a symbol of protection, balance, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. In the modern world, the pentacle can be found in many different forms, from tattoos and jewelry, to artwork and literature, and is still seen as a powerful and enduring symbol of the esoteric and the mystical.
Overall, the wiccan pentacle is a symbol with a rich and fascinating history, and continues to hold a deep significance in the mystic and esoteric arts. Its association with protection, balance, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds makes it a powerful and enduring symbol of the spiritual world, and its presence can be seen in many different forms in the modern world.
The inverted pentagram
- It is often used as a symbol of satanism or dark magic in popular culture.
- The symbol of the inverted pentagram has also been used to represent other concepts, such as the Horned God of Wicca.
- Some people associate the inverted pentagram with the "Goat of Mendes" image, which was an image of a goat's head inside a pentagram, popularized during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Inverted pentagrams have also been used by different cultures and civilizations across the history, such as by ancient Mesopotamians, by Celts and by medieval alchemists.
- Inverted pentagrams were used in early Christian Church to symbolize the five wounds of Jesus.
- In modern day, it is also known as a symbol of rebellion, anti-establishment, counterculture or individualism.
- The inverted pentagram is often confused with the unicursal hexagram which is similar symbol but inverted and inside a circle, this symbol is often associated with Thelema and Aleister Crowley teachings.