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The Pentagram
The pentagram is a five pointed star commonly associated with Wicca, Witchcraft, Ritual magick, and Masonry. It was not until the twentieth century that the pentagram became associated with Satanism, probably due to misinterpretation of symbols used by ceremonial magicians.
The Pentagram has a long and complex history as a religious symbol. Found scrawled in caves of ancient Babylonia, the five pointed star was copied from the star shaped pattern formed by the travels of the planet Venus in the sky. The emblem remained popular through many cultures and time periods- it was called the pentalpha by the Greeks, who believed it had magical properties.
In Wiccan/Pagan lore, the pentagram symbolizes the four elements- earth, air, water, fire, and the human spirit at the top point. The Wiccan emblematic pentagram faces point upward to symbolize the triumph of spirit over matter; the Satanic pentagram is transposed, point downwards, to symbolize earthly gratification, or the triumph of the individual over dissolution. Some Wiccan grades also utilize a reversed pentacle, although for different purposes.
The pentacle, a pentagram within a circle, is the most recognizable symbol of Wicca. The pentacle represents the integration of body and spirit, and the spiritual mastery of the four elements. The pentacle is used in a number of Wiccan rituals, and as a Grade sign in Gardnerian and other traditions. The pentacle is often worn as a symbol of recognition amongst practitioners, especially those who practice a code of secrecy.
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