The Pentacle: Origin And Meaning Of This Symbol

Five-pointed star inserted inside a circle, the pentacle is one of the most well-known magical symbols. Although it is often confused with the pentagram, this geometric figure possesses much greater power. We invite you to discover the origin and meaning of this very powerful symbol.

What is a pentacle?

A pentacle is a geometric figure that consists of a circle and a 5-pointed star.

It is a linear symbol that can be drawn without lifting one's pencil or brush.

It is this continuous, uninterrupted shape that gives this geometric figure its power and symbolic meanings.

What is the difference between a pentacle and a pentagram?

The terms "pentacle" and "pentagram" are often confused and used interchangeably. However, in reality, there is a significant difference between these two words: the pentagram refers to a simple 5-pointed star without magical connotations, while the pentacle always corresponds to a seal or symbol endowed with power.

What are the origins of the pentacle?

The pentacle is a common symbol in many ancient civilizations. It is believed to have been invented over 6000 years ago by the Sumerians. Archaeologists have found remains dating back to 2700 BC near the Euphrates River, on which this star is depicted.

Among the Sumerians, this symbol represented the path of the planet Venus in the sky and symbolized the goddess Ishtar, associated with Venus and love. In ancient Greece, it was also a symbol of the goddess of love, Aphrodite.

In 700 BC, this star was used by Pythagorean mysticism to represent a man (with arms and legs spread apart).

Among the Hebrews, a variant of this symbol called the Seal of Solomon can be found. It is said that King Solomon wore this symbol engraved on a ring on his little finger, and that this magical object allowed him to command demons and spirits.

During the Middle Ages, Christianity associated the pentacle with demons and witches. Since then, this 5-pointed star has become a symbol of witchcraft. Today, it is still used in modern forms of magic such as Wicca, but for positive purposes.

What is the meaning of the pentacle?

The pentacle has several symbolic meanings in occult sciences.

It is said that each branch of this star represents one of the five elements and that the circle brings its branches together to form a whole, making it a symbol of the Universe.

Sometimes, this figure is also considered a representation of a man with arms and legs spread apart, like Leonardo da Vinci's famous Vitruvian Man...

More generally, this star is a symbol of Wicca and represents the spirit and the divine when drawn with the point upwards. However, when this symbol is inverted, with the point downwards, it is associated with demons and Satanism.

How to use a pentacle?

In modern magic, the pentacle is a symbol of protection that can be traced on different surfaces or worn.

Witchcraft practitioners who wear a pentacle around their necks hide it because for them, this star is much more than an accessory or a piece of jewelry. It is a powerful talisman.

During rituals, this figure allows you to:
• invoke the elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit)
• receive and channel the energies of the universe
• gain power
• invoke or banish spirits.

To use it during a magical ritual, simply draw it on a piece of paper or on the ground. For example, you can draw it with chalk or trace it in the earth with your finger, a wand, or an athame (a ritual dagger).