Five Pointed Star
This is also known as a Pentacle or a Pentagram. For neo-pagans this is symbolic of the four elements: air, water, earth,
fire + spirit. See the qualities page for details. Pythagoras held the number 5 to be the sum of the feminine element (2)
and the masculine element (3), so it is also symbolic of a union of masculine and feminine. The symbol also has meaning in
Taoism, Hinduism and Islam.
The overlapping arms (which does not appear in all versions) shows how each part is interconnected with the others. The circle
around the star represents unity, the self, and wholeness.
One mode of understanding is that the pentagram shown as above (with one point at the top) represents the Goddess, and inverted
(with two points at top) the God. Of course the inverted pentagram in Christian belief represents the Devil -- not suprising
since the versions of Pan and The God were used to represent such.
:: Pentagram ::
Through the ages, the symbol of the pentagram, or pentacle has been viewed with great suspicion. It has been seen as a symbol
of evil and as a trademark of the Christian Devil and Devil worship. As any Wiccan could tell you, we do not believe in a
"Devil" of any form, let alone use a symbol that is suppose to be its "trade mark."
On the pentacle, our sacred symbol, each point of the star represents one element, being Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The
top point of the star stands for the fifth element, that of the Spirit. It means centering, transformation, and that its limits
are beyond time and space as we understand them. This element is often called "Akasha." The circle around the star represents
the endless circle of life we know as Birth, Growth, Death, and Re-birth.
AIR: Compass point: East. Represents intellect, communication, knowledge, concentration; the ability to "know" and to understand;
to unlock secrets of the dead; to contact the angels; telepathy, memory and wisdom; the hawk, the raven and eagle; prophecy;
movement, Karma and speed.
FIRE: Compass point: South. Stands for energy, purification, courage, the will to dare, creativity; higher self; success and
refinement; the arts and transformation; the lion, the phoenix and the dragon; loyalty and force.
WATER: Compass point: West. Associated with intuition, emotions, the inner self, flowing movement, the power to dare and cleanse
all things; sympathy and love; reflection; currents and tides of life; the dolphin, the swan and the crab; dreams and dreamtime.
EARTH: Compass point: North. Mystery and growth, fertility, material abundance, the combined forces of nature and its bounty;
birth and healing; business, industry and possessions; the bear, the stag and the wolf; conservation and nature.
The pentagram is often seen as a symbol of Wicca, and Wiccans use it not only for protecting themselves, but also for representing
their beliefs. For a Wiccan, there is no symbol more powerful or meaningful than this.
The reversed pentagram is sometimes seen, but rarely used in Wicca. In some covens it is used as a sign of second degree initiation.
Not used to indicate evil, but to fulfill a function of growth. Do not assume when you see an inverted pentagram, that the
person worships with a satanic cult. Again, learn before you judge.
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