Pentagram  Pentacle

PENTAGRAM

The pentagram symbol is used by witches, warlocks and practitioners all over the world. Some believe all magick and witchcraft done is contingent upon use of the pentagram symbol(five-pointed star polygon), but this is simply not true. The pentagram is used in many different kinds of spiritual practices and belief systems, even in complex spiritual practices in which many spirits, deities, entities, and other symbols are also represented and venerated. Some also believe that whoever uses this symbol is Wiccan or Satanist, which is also untrue. Although, many Wiccans and Satanists do use the symbol, use of the pentagram is open-ended, one uses this symbol in ways which it connects to them personally, ways in which their own heart, mind and spirit is elevated, regardless of their particular path or faith. The pentagram takes me back to the beginning of my craft, serves as a reminder of how far I have come in my own collective practice and how the spirit of polytheism came to me in the first place. I have used the pentagram to conjure many different spirits, of many different kinds, and for many different kinds of spells, and to draw upon the essence of the nature’s elements directly from the aether(ether/spirit) element itself. Considered the sacred symbol of witchcraft(the most important symbol in contemporary witchcraft), the pentagram is a symbol of faith, religion, magick, positive power, protection, birth, rebirth, and the process and power of The Craft itself. The words “pentagram” and “pentacle” are used synonymously, however, when the pentagram is enclosed in a circle(round, flat disk), it is usually referred to as a pentacle. Although, not all pentacles are pentagrams, a pentagram can be and is often used as a pentacle. Pentagrams are used talismanically for the specification and manifestation of various kinds of magick and spells(prosperity/wealth/abundance, fertility, love, and revenge). They are used for drawing and grounding energy, drawing power, drawing psychic forces, drawing down the energy of the moon, invocations, evocations, protection spells, banishing rituals, rituals and spellcasting period, craft meditations, spirit conjure, and for opening and closing rituals. Pentagrams are also used for the conjuration of desired and specific spirit presences, who are represented by and associated with any of the five points of the star, for controlling those spirits during conjuring, and for drawing and controlling the elements. The five points represent the five senses, the four elements of nature(earth, air, fire, and water), plus the spirit(mind) element from which the elements were born. Different people associate the five interconnected points with specific virtues tied to a group of five; the five senses, the five fingers, the five wounds of Jesus, the five joys Mary had of Jesus, the five corners where Chronos’s seed was spread thus creating our cosmos, the five points of the body stretched and spread out over the symbol, the five virtues of knighthood, etc. Some say that pentagrams must be drawn precisely and others will say they do not have to be drawn perfectly, to serve its desired intent and specific purpose. They are drawn differently for different purposes. For example, protection pentagrams and banishing pentagrams are drawn differently. Pentagrams can be drawn in the air with a talismanic knife or athame, a dagger, sword, or even an enchanted pocket knife. They can also be drawn onto paper, animal hide, clay, any disk-like object, or painted onto wood, rock, or canvas, and so on. It can be done in whatever way it gives and brings pleasure to the person and/or spirit they wish to conjure. When the symbol points up many say it represents wisdom, rising above evil, and ascension because it is pointing upwards towards Heaven itself, thus concluding that the top point of the star equates to the seat of wisdom(the spirit element). The circle on the outside of the star is considered a representation of the Universe, the circle of life, since it connects all points. When used specifically for magickal intent, it is usually a pentacle enclosed with a circle. The inverted pentagram is associated with Satanism, wickedness, evil, and that which is sinister because the ‘seat of Heaven’ is turned upside down. Due to ignorance, prejudice and lack of education, many associate the pentagram symbol with awfulness and badness. It is not the symbol that is bad. Some of the people who use it are bad, but the symbol itself is pure. Often used by people who practice nature-based religion and nature worship, the pentagram draws one’s inner self and higher self into an integrated state for transformation(the state of one’s highest destiny), a process which one is conscious and/or unconscious of. Any symbol used in occult practices has its own magick and spiritual charge. The pentagram being one of many, can be incorporated into almost any practice, used in workings with other symbols, and has many uses. Its expression is a liberation of the All-Presence, a liberation of one’s whole self, a bringing together of one’s lighter parts with their darker parts, and a surrender of control to the Divine Mother and the Divine Father. It demands of the ongoing construction of one’s highest destiny self with the continual use of it in their practice. Yes, the pentagram must be fed by the use of it! May we challenge the stereotypes and may more people experience the power and truth of the pentagram for themselves with an open mind, heart, and spirit. So Mote It Be.