The Meaning of the Pentagram

  It has many names: Pentalpha, The Endless Knot, The Seal of teh
Microcosm, The Star of knowledge, The Pentacle of the Virgin or of the
Templars. To medieval Churchmen, it was the Witches Foot, The Wizard's
Star, Cobin's Cross, Druids Foot or the Devil's Sign.
  The Pentagram is an anciect symbol of protection, Health and balance. It
has been found inscribed on ceramic jars that were used for grain
storage in ancient Sumer, and in many other cultures all over the World.
It has been used by the Kabalists and Celts, Egyptians, Christians and
Gypsies.
  To many who practice Magick, it represents a human being as microcosm of
the universe (the points are the head, arms and legs), and thus the
famous magickal dictum of the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Tristmegistus,
"As above, So below"
  Today it is a favorite symbol for those of the Wiccan faith, usually
cast in silver (the metal of the Moon Goddess). It is often formed with
a circle around it to represent the cycle of Life, Death and Re-birth,
the Wheel of the Year, and the magickal Circle cast to create sacred
space befor each ritual.
  When inscribed on metal, ceramic or a piece of wood it is the Pentacle,
the Ritual tool and symbol of Earth. Often it will have talismanic
sigils engraved about it, or sometimes the names of God or the
archangels.
  To those of the Craft, each point has a meaning. Starting at the right,
and moving deosil (clockwise), we have first the element of Water, in
which is also Emotion and Intuition. Next is Fire, which is the will and
energy of life. The next point is Earth, the Body, the Material world
and foundations of things. At the upper left, is Air, or mind intellect
and imagination. And at the Top we find Spirit, Goddess, the source.
Taken together they represent wholeness, all elements in balance. The
single point of Spirit is placed at the top, ruling the other elements.
  When the Single point is down, it shows one of two things. In some
branches of the Craft, it can depict the Horned God's head, and
represent the second degree of initiation into the Craft. But
unfortunately, this form is also used by some Santanic groups-just as
they might use a broken or inverted cross-to represent Spirit in
Subjection to the material world.
  To many uninformed people, rasied on cheap movie thrillers, any
Pentagram connotes negative occultism and worse. But to many who are
aware of its history, it is a sign of power and blessing to be worn with
pride and dignity.