I decided to write this article so that people know the true meaning of these symbols, since television, cinema, etc., have distorted their meaning, and instead of informing us about the truth of these symbols they have further confused people. Disinformation makes us sometimes confuse reality with fiction and judge or fear something without understanding it at all.

In addition, modern culture often considers that these two symbols are the same! That is why I would like to educate and inform you so that once and for all the fear of these symbols is lost and you can use them in your crafts with a positive and conscious approach! Let’s see what is the difference between Pentagram and Pentacle.

Difference between these two symbols

First, I would like to explain the difference between the pentagram and the pentacle, since I also confused them at first. There are internet pages that do not fully explain anything about it, assuming that both symbols are the same when it is not.

Symbolic -reignal aspects Symblycore represents the five elements, balance, protection and connection between the kingdoms. continuous line that delimits the circle. Cultural Originals Ancient In Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt and other cultures with diverse meanings. Ancient symbolism merged with modern and neopagaganism ocultism associated with the wicca. Modernomuy use used in various spiritual practices, magic and symbolism. Common use in contemporary occultism, Wicca and magic ceremonialTable 1: Comparison between Pentagram and Pentacle

The main difference between the two is that the pentagram is a five -pointed star, while the pentacle is a five -pointed star inside a circle.

Also read:
10 powerful ancient protection symbols [Significados Históricos]

Staff

No doubt. It is the five -pointed star. We can distinguish between the standard, the inverse and the aversa (although these last two do not differ visually unless we include a reference to what each tip represents). It generally has to do with representations of the elements or with one of the theories of spiritual progress (the spirit about the elements or elements about the spirit).

Pentacle

A pentacle is, in its basic form, a pentagram surrounded by a circle. Among its most common uses are: to represent the Earth element and its use as an energy closure tool (either in a large line or, for example, in an object located on the pentacle, of the energies called in a ritual).

The pentacle can be a bit «complicated», making the circle double and including something in the space delimited between the two circles, but that already brings us closer to the concept of pentacle.

Its origin

The pentacle is one of the oldest symbols that are known and, although it is impossible to track its origins with 100% accuracy, it seems to proceed from ancient Egypt, where it was a representation of Supreme God Horus. Later, Pythagoras followers used it as a badge and password to identify. Later, alchemistic masters considered it a synthesis of a powerful symbolic form. It synthesizes the union of unequal and is considered a small -scale cosmos that combines male and female principles.

Among the Freemasons, this five -pointed figure was baptized with the name of the light star and was considered a symbol of the genius that raises souls and allows him to meet great objectives. Fundamentally, the pentacle is a pagan religious symbol. At present, the term «pagan» began to be synonymous with satanic and malignant, when it is not at all. The pagan word comes from the Latin «pagus» which means forest and «paganus», inhabitant of the forest or people.

It refers to an era in which the urban cults of the empire were established as an official religion, thus giving an elitist character to the spirituality of the empire, while the people of the country continue with the ancient rites and followed their ancient gods, since they were seen as «infidels.» Urban Christians used this term in a pejorative way, referring to the religions of the peasants, which eventually caused a new meaning, that is, «man without God», since according to the Christian criterion, his religion was the only true one.

Many interpretations have been given to the meaning of these symbols.

Let’s look at some:

• The pentacle, formed by a star generally locked in a circle, represents the creation, that is, the interaction between the microcosm and the macrocosm. The circle is continuity, eternity, infinity, while the five tips symbolize the five elements or the set of all the forces present in the cosmos: starting with the first tip in the lower left and continuing in the direction of the clock needles we find the earth, the solid state of the matter; the air, the gaseous state; the spirit, the ether that permeates everything; the water, the liquid state; And finally the fire, energy. These elements are found both inside and outside the man and must be in harmony with each other so that the human being finds his own balance; Each point is a higher stage of consciousness that must be achieved.
• Pythagoras showed that from the pentacle (which also gave the name of Estrella Pentágono or Pentalfa, «five alpha cruciate letters», that is, five principles) it was possible to calculate the golden section on which the Egyptian sacred architecture is based, which conferred a mystical meaning of divine perfection to express the harmony between body, mind and spirit. The Pythagoreans drew it in the palm of the hand as an identification symbol or in the letters, as a desire for good health.
• In reference to the famous «Vitruvio Man» by Leonardo da Vinci, the Pentacle reproduces man with open arms and legs, locked in a circle. The man (microcosm) contains in itself the universe (macrocosm).

• Also in Masonry, the pentacle or flaming star represents the awakening of man, that is, the light that illuminates the path of profane towards lighting.
• For Celtic priests and priestesses, the five points represented the gifts granted to man by higher entities, in order to overcome obstacles on earth or dominate it. They were: the stone of destiny, the invincible sword, the magic spear, the cauldron and the magic of Mannan, the god of the sea.

Which one should I use to launch my spells?

If yours is to use a circle you should use a pentacle since it will enhance the power of energy, calling all the elements and giving you total protection.

The star placed with the tip up is considered the sign of the good and a tool to evoke benevolent spirits. According to tradition, for the Satanists, the star has the tip and two others up; It would thus become the symbol of evil, of Satan, and would be used to evoke evil powers. But in reality, those who guide their life towards negativity do not need either pentacles or Satan, it would be enough to look around and they would be satisfied in the search!

There are several types of pentacles, more or less elaborate. Some are used exclusively for ceremonies, others are placed on the altar or take positions.

Witches have the habit of carrying it around the neck as protection and as a symbol; It is made mainly of silver (metal linked to the moon and therefore sacred for the goddess). Its use is multiple, either as protection, invocation or consecration. Placed on the altar, it concentrates inside the energies of the five elements, allowing to load the objects that are placed on it.

During the ceremonies, the priestess draws it in the air with incense, athame or even with the wand. This serves for the invocation of the elements, in fact in the Wicca tradition interacts with the elements, one is represented for each tip.

The position is what really matters

However, you should know a thing about the pentacle: whether you use it as a symbol hung by the neck in devotion to your faith, as if you use it as an instrument on the altar, which makes the difference is the position in which you place it.

If you place it with the tip up (spirit) it represents the spirit that controls matter. If you place it backwards, that is, with both tips up (earth / fire), it represents the subject that dominates the spirit.

The pentacle if you use it backwards is not a satanic symbol and therefore does not remember negative energies. Inverted it has different energies, adequate for different purposes, more materialistic. Personally, I never use the inverted staff and not because you think it is diabolical, but because I prefer to have control over the elements and everything in my way

In the rituals, it is drawn at the beginning of the ceremony by addressing the four cardinal points (north, east, west and south) with a wand of incens so the fingers or with the athame to «open the portals» from which the guardians of the elements will come to our circle to protect us during the celebration. Remember that when you have finished the ceremony you must repeat it to thank them and close the portals.

Remember, however, that what matters is the true meaning that you attribute to symbols in general, because it will be that belief of yours that activates the energy mechanisms that will bring you what you ask. So be careful with the use of symbols if you don’t have good intentions.