The pentagram/pentacle was probably discovered as a result of astronomical research in the Euphrates/Tigris region about 6,000 years ago. They have also been found on broken clay fragments in Palestine dating back to 4,000 B.C. Common among the Sumerians around 2,700 B.C. Those who have conducted research of symbols believe the pentagram/pentacle was used by the Sumerians as a cosmic symbol which represents the four corners of the earth and the vault of the heavens. After Sumerian times there is no evidence as to what the pentagram/pentacle's meaning was until it appears in Pythagorean mysticism. It was said to have symbolized the human being. The five points represent the head, arms and legs of the body. It is believed that the Pythagoreans used it when signing letters written to each other around 400 B.C.
It is written that Pythagoras became acquainted with the pentagram during his stays in Egypt and Babylon maybe around 554-533 BCE. Pythagoreans used it for recognition. To them, the pentagram was known as "Hugieia" which translates to health, soundness or wholeness and is also known as the Goddess of Health. More generally, it is said to translate to "divine blessing". It was also used an inscription on amulets.
With certainty, it is known that it was the official seal of the city of Jerusalem during the period 300-150 B.C. In medieval Jewish mysticism it is called The Seal of Solomon or Solomon's Shield. However, it is said that the reference to The Seal of Solomon is incorrect though usage was parallel with the hexagram. Amongst Hebrews the symbol stood for truth and ascribed to the five books of the Pentateuch. It was called the Pentalpha in Ancient Greece and was geometrically composed of five "A's".
It is sometimes referred to as the Eastern Star, identical with the morning star and the planet Venus as the war goddess Ischtar or Astarte. Up until the middle ages, Christians wore the pentagram to symbolize their religion. To Christians of that time, each point stood for the five wounds of Christ. Note that the star is popular with the military and can be seen on uniforms as well as the sides of tanks and fighter planes in the United States, Russia, China and other countries and also appeared on some of the crusaders knight's coats of armor during the middle ages. It then became associated with magick and the evil. In Nordic countries it was drawn on doors and walls as protection against trolls and evil. When turned so that two ends point upward, it represented the devil. However, in some traditions, the pentagram/pentacle worn with the two points upward means that they are second year initiates. For the Japanese, in their Art of Warfare it stands for fortresses.
Today, we Witches or Wiccans wear the pentagram as a symbol of our religious belief, like Christians wear a cross or Jews wear the Star of David. Each point of the star has a specific meaning:
Pentacle Correspondences
RIGHT LEG Element
- Earth Heaviest Element Aspect - Body Effect - Slow acting, long lasting
LEFT LEG Element
- Water Heavy Element Aspect - Emotion Effect - Slow acting, long lasting
LEFT ARM Element -
Air Light Element Aspect - Intellect Effect - Fast acting, modest staying power
RIGHT ARM Element -
Fire Lightest Element Aspect - Will Effect - Very fast acting, little staying power
POINT Element -
Spirit Ephemeral Element Aspect - Spirit Effect - Interaction with Gods and the Goddesses
The circle around the pentagram represents the God and Goddess. It is said to bring the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection.
Of all the tools used in Witchcraft/Wicca, it is the most misunderstood. It has been used in ceremonial magick and ritual for thousands of years. It's energy is generally considered feminine and is used to consecrate objects such as amulets and charms. It is a representation of the Goddess and traditional symbol of protection. The pentagram has become the official symbol of Witchcraft/Wicca.
The pentacle/pentagram is the tool of the north and is associated with earth. The pentacle is an altar tool made of a shallow dish inscribed with a pentagram. When used as the sacred moon talisman, it is a disk of plain silver, wood or wax. It serves as the initial point of contact in drawing down the Goddess power from the moon. It is a source of psycho-electric energy during the waxing and full moon periods. The circle around the Pentacle represents power. It can also represent solar and lunar discs which are the male and female principles.
The pentacle, in magick, is a mandala or focal point for the work it encompasses and is the centerpiece of the altar on which objects are consecrated. Water and salt bowls are placed upon it for blessings. In some traditions it is called the Moon Pentacle. The symbols are basically the same and are carved into a silver disk. Doing so puts one in direct contact with the Goddess in order to bless and consecrate. When used as an Earth Pentacle, it is made of another metal such as copper.
