The Misunderstood Pentagram… explained
The Pentagram is recognized all around the world and is seriously misunderstood. It is a generalized symbol associated with Satan, which is incorrect. The Pentagram is derived from the Greek words “pente” which means five and “gramme” which means line. The pentagram is a triple triangle that forms an interior pentagon.
This five-pointed star has been used in ancient China and Japan to symbolize the five elements of life: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood and they believed it to have magical properties. Early Christians used the pentagram as a representation of the Star of Bethlehem and represented harmony, peace and health. Somehow it has evolved into a symbol of Satan worship.
Exploring the history of the pentagram it dates back to 3500 BC in Mesopotamia found inscribed on pottery and various artifacts. The Hebrews used the pentagram to represent truth and the Pentateuch which is the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Pythagoreans of ancient Greece focused on the mathematical purity of the symbol and held the pentagram as their symbol of perfection. In ancient Babylonia the pentagram was used to represent the various gods and different religious beliefs of Babylonian culture.
During the medieval era, Christians began to use the pentagram as a symbol of the five wounds of Christ (crown, hands and feet) and it was used to ward off evil spirits. For several hundred years after Christ’s death the pentagram was adopted as a symbol of the Catholic Church. During the Inquisition period there was much violence and upheaval of the Christian Church and if people did not conform to the church’s laws they were executed. This is the time when the pentagram and Paganism were associated with Satan worship and believed was tools of the Devil. Goats were at times sacrificed by Devil worshipers and the pentagram was associated with the goats head when the horns were placed upright on the pentagram, however Paganism was not actually Devil worship, it was simply labeled anyone that did not conform exactly to the Catholic Church. Pagans went into hiding and secluded themselves from the religious persecution and witch burning trials that haunted their every day.
Secret groups met and expanded their ideas. They developed the science of Alchemy which was based on geometric symbolism. The pentagram and the pentacle (with a circle around) is a geometric symbol which consists of five lines connecting end to end and form the five pointed star. This was a mathematical ratio that was first documented by Greek mathematician Pythagoras and according to him the five points of the pentagram each represent the five elements that make up man. These elements are Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Psyche.
The Celtic Druids believed that the pentagram represented the sacred nature of five, Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit. They also believed it was a symbol for the underground Goddess Morrigan. Today's Neo-Pagan movement is based on remnants of the old Celtic traditions.
Gnosticism beliefs the pentagram, also referred to the Blazing Star had symbolism of the crescent moon. This belief was based on early Pagan, Jewish and early Christian views and the Blazing Star symbolized the magic and mysteries of the night sky.
The pentagram has turned in modern times into a symbol of harmony and spirituality. Some temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints are decorated with the pentagram.
Wiccans have adopted the pentagram and used it in symbolism of the four elements, Air, Water, Earth and Fire and believe balance the fifth point to balance and create the fifth element of spirit. The pentagram ring is a popular talisman worn by Wiccans and Pagans alike. Many Wiccans utilize the pentagram frequently on altars, clothing, ritual tools and other decorative symbolism. They also view it as the Star of Life and often represents the feminine energy.
The inverted pentagram was adopted by the Church of Satan as its logo, as mentioned briefly above. Usually depicted inside of the circle with a goats head inside the star and is said to represent rejection of heaven and all things spiritual. Latter Day Saints and Wiccans use both upright and inverted pentagrams in rituals and ceremonies.
No matter your beliefs, the pentagram has a long history and has and always be a strong spiritual symbol. Even though there are negative stigmas attributed to it, it will always remain a strong symbol for those seeking spiritual clarity and knowledge of the divine. The pentagram has been known to protect from negative energy and to restore peace and harmony into life.
This sacred symbol and powerful tool will continue to maintain its ancient mystical attributes forever and always.
17 comments
Mormon Temples with Pentagrams: https://www.google.com/search?q=mormon+temple+pentagram&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwin4cqf5fv2AhUXFM0KHaImBSUQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=mormon+temple+pentagram&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQ6CAgAELEDEIMBOggIABCABBCxAzoECAAQQzoLCAAQgAQQsQMQgwE6BwgAELEDEEM6BggAEAgQHlDOClikKmD7K2gAcAB4AIABlgGIAfYWkgEEMS4yM5gBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=BZ5LYufKC5eotAaizZSoAg&bih=888&biw=1689&rlz=1C1CHZL_enUS717US717
This article definitely helps explain so many common misconceptions. I was informed of this history already, but it is very informative for those who do not know about this symbol. This cleared up many thoughts that my friends have had about pentagrams.
This is undoubtedly the best thing that I’ve come across today in the internet. It was a long time that I have been thinking on this topic but I couldn’t satiate my quench for knowledge through any post that I read. However, today that I came across your article, I seem to have learnt a lot and I have also gained enough knowledge on this topic. Thanks once again.
https://www.justwebworld.com/pentacle-vs-pentagram-symbolism/
You’re completely wrong …. Dis-information is a mark of evil …. It’s a sign of witchcraft and anti -GOD …. Period
This article is well thought out and executed, good job! I cant count how many people argue with me about the meanings of various symbols, Thank you for this.
Pentagram of Venus-8 rotations of Venus as seen by earth and 13 rotations of Venus around the sun creates the beaturiful Pentagram of Venus. 13 is actually a lucky number but since it was connected to the feminine, the masculine made it a number to be feared. Bless you all. Namaste.
The Pythagoreans used it to help identify each other as a fellow Pythagorean. They chose that geometric symbol because it is the only geometric symbol that can replicate itself indefinitely. Hidden in it’s shape are three line segments whose lengths, when put to ratios, model the Golden Ratio or Divine Ratio, which has been used by various civilizations throughout time and appears in many different areas of life, like eggs, pine cones, the star of jasmine, starfish, angelfish, EKG readings, violins, ferns, pineapples, the UN building, the Cathedral at Notre Dame, the statue of David, the great Pyramids, the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and the list goes on and on. It is the basis of how we define beauty.
Hello Gordon,
A warlock is one who is evil and dedicated only to evil and dark works. Turning the pentagram upside down is a Satanic act and doesn’t have anything to do with being a warlock, in fact an inverted pentagram goes “against” magick and is against spirituality/anti-spirituality. If someone is teaching you this you may want to find a mentor that knows what they are doing. If you are truly interested in developing yourself spiritually I highly recommend becoming a sorcerer or male witch instead. I am a sorceress, I practice in solitude and perform all kinds of magick using the pentagram, both white and black. To use the pentagram turning it upside down will not help. You must learn to invoke and banish. Clockwise and counter clockwise to cast a circle. This will open portals and make your powers much greater and enable spirits to contact and work with you. I hope this helps.
I’ve had a pentagram tattoo on my left arm and an inverted on on my right for 23 yrs , while i was at the hospital for an emergency surgery last week, a nurse yelled at me, saying i’m going to hell, when i got back from the procedure both were taped over and before that i was in a sleevles t-shirt and was spit on by a woman wearing a cross around her neck, never have i been to insulted before this Qanon crap spouting about satanic liberal pedofiles. i’m getting both covered up soon.
Having been raised LDS, I can’t think of a single ceremony that makes any sort of emphasis on the pentagram. But we also don’t think of it as a sign of the devil per se.
Some references and sources would be nice here.
I’ve had a pentagram tattoo on my shoulder for 20 years and I am happy to see you gave the Morrigan her due
I do not practice wicca, paganism nor satanism. I have the “pentagram” symbol in parts of my home. I Do believe in God and Christ however I DO NOT believe in religion. I’m all about the Spirit. Therefore stereotypical Labels Can Not accurately categorize me. Not possible since I see past the agenda and study on my own I’ve learned SO much. If there is a label I am not aware. So no way is the pentegram a isolated nor dark symbol. At least mine are not.
Gordon -
“Wiccans have adopted the pentagram and used it in symbolism of the four elements, Air, Water, Earth and Fire and believe balance the fifth point to balance and create the fifth element of spirit. The pentagram ring is a popular talisman worn by Wiccans and Pagans alike.”
Whereas the inverted Pentagram has been adopted by the Church of Satan, they do not own exclusive rights to it. You should contact your local Coven to see if they have any specific objection to it, but the symbolism as it pertains to Wicca is unchanged by the orientation of the star itself. I hope this helps. You should also talk to them about the use of the title “Warlock” – many Covens attach a negative connotation to that title, as Male Witches are still Witches and the term “Warlock” carries a very different meaning in some circles as it is said to mean “Betrayer”
I’m about to become a warlock in the Wicca as a Solitary and I ordered a necklace with a inverted star is it ok to wear it or not . I don’t follow satin. I was informed it’s a imitate when point is down . Help cause I haven’t self initiated yet thank you
Thank you. I didn’t know it was associated with the goddess Morrigan.
Very informative.
This has been very helpful information.