Pentacles are one of the oldest symbols in the history of humanity. They have been used by many cultures as talismans of protection. Although it can often be mistaken by a pentagram, a pentacle is a completely different thing. A pentagram is a five-point star; a pentacle is a five-point star as well, but it’s inside a circle. It represents all the aspects of man: the body with the mind and the spiritual with the profane.
Each point of the pentacle represents a certain energy. The first ones represent the four elements, which coincide with the cardinal points: North-Earth; South-Fire; East-Wind; West-Water.
The central figure of the pentacle has the shape of man. That way, the top point personifies the spirit: the immortal, the unbreakable, the everlasting, and the spiritual connection with the Earth. The top-left point represents element Air, and covers our thoughts and intelligence, and the human being’s right arm. The top-right point is governed by element Water. It’s the cycle of life that starts and ends, where deep joy, sadness and anger are. It also represents the human being’s right leg.
The bottom-left point symbolizes the Earth along with all of the seeds it gives to the human beings, and at the same time, the left part of each of us. The bottom-right point represents Fire, the impetus that we all carry inside, which fights against understanding and reason, and represents our left arm.
The five intertwined triangles also have their connotations; they symbolize the strength and the five senses of the human being (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste). The human in the circle represents the fusion of our energies along with the Goddess’s (the Earth, the Moon and the Cosmos), which is transformed into the force of the Universe. It also represents the stages of life, which are the birth, initiation, love, rest, and death.
That way, pentacles have had different meanings for different religions, and it is believed that it can be used as a symbol of protection against the evil forces. For satanic beliefs, carnal desire is well above spirituality, which is why they use this symbol, but in an inverted version. However, for us, it is the channel to defeat our demons.
Thomas and Pavitt quote Rennet, bishop of Peterborough, and say that “When someone uses this symbol, it signals the five places where the Savior was hurt, and that makes demons fear it”.
Pentacles are emblems with magical, religious and sacred meanings, and that keeps a close relation with each person’s beliefs and cultures. However, since ancient times, all of its followers have used this symbol in a very special way; which means it is the union of the elements and the spirit in perfect harmony.
ALFA