What is a Pentacle?

The terms pentagram and pentacle are often used to describe the same thing but the fact is that the two are very different. The pentagram is what is most often thought of when one uses either of these two words. It is the five-pointed star that rests within a circle. The star is drawn with one single line and all lines in the star are of equal length. All five points of the star also touch the circle. The pentacle is a disc onto which the pentagram is carved or etched. The two are the most famous symbols of witchcraft and are a symbol of the Spirit that is being used when engaging in a magical act or ritual.

Those who practice witchcraft, whether they are witches or magicians, sometimes make their own pentacles and these can be as simple or elaborate as the person making them sees fit. Many witches and magicians also choose to adorn them with very personal symbols that are very meaningful to them. When creating them, magicians and witches sometimes have a specific purpose in mind for the pentacle and what they will be used for. They will take this into account when creating the pentacle and will incorporate items specific to that person onto the pentacle. Some also create them for a specific meaning. A witch may create a pentacle from silver to represent the female energies that the moon possesses while a male magician may wear one in gold to signify the Sun and its associated masculine meanings. Many others will simply wear a pentacle to show that they have an expressed interest in the occult.

Not all pentagrams need to be etched or carved onto a pentacle however. Oftentimes during a ceremony or ritual, witches and magicians will simply draw one in the air to entice some wanted energies while deterring unwanted energies from joining the ritual. The five points of the pentagram are all very symbolic and represent four elements that those practicing in witchcraft consider to be sacred. The five points are: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Each of these points is represented by a specific point of the star and the topmost point is to represent the Spirit, which is the most superior and is everything.

The circle around the star is also very symbolic and it also represents the Spirit. Just as the Spirit encompasses all that is, the circle encompasses all the different sacred elements. It is important to note that there are two different types of pentagrams. The first is the right side up pentagram, which has the Spirit point above all else. This type of pentagram will protect that which uses it and suggests that they are very spiritual. The upside-down pentagram represents Satan over God and is thought to be evil.