The Pentacle

The Pentacle is the most well known and most used symbol of Wiccan practice. When the pentacle is drawn or written, the image created is called a pentagram. The actual image of the pentagram is over 8,000 years old. The pentagram tells us that we have the abilty to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritiual thought.

In Wiccan rituals, the pentacle is a round disc inscribed with a pentagram and it is placed on the altar. It can be made with natural resources like stone, clay, or wood. In the past it was inscribed on readily disposable materials as it was far too dangerous to be caught with one in your possession even to the point of endangering one's life.

Many Wiccans wear a symbol of the pentacle as a talisman, amulet or a ring as a sign of their religion and also for protection. They are normally either silver or gold. Silver represents Moon energy and psychic forces. Gold, the Sun energies of power & strength.

Traditionally each of the five points are attributed to the five metaphysical elements;

EARTH: represents stability & physical endurance
FIRE: represents courage and daring
WATER: represents emotions & intuition
AIR: represents intelligence & the arts
SPIRIT: represents the All & Divine

The circle around the star represents the God & Goddess aspect, it reftracts and reflects all light, bringing to the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection.

When used in magic and ritual the pentagram is drawn in the air with either the athame or the sword. When you invoke the pentagram it is done in the direction of the Earth element and banished in the direction of the Spirit element. used on the altar it becomes a focal point to draw in and send out the intentions of a spell or working.