Pentacle
<p><b>T</b>he <a href="pythagoreanism.html">Pythagorean</a> mystics worshipped the pentacle or pentagram, a pentacle which is written or drawn, because it was based on the symbol of the Goddess <a href="../../../mythical-folk/articles/kore.html">Kore</a>, frequently thought represented by the apple core. The mystics called this symbol <i>Pentalpha</i>, the birth-letter interlaced five times. The symbol meant "life" or "health." The five-point star has also been known as the star of <a href="../../../mythical-folk/articles/isis.html">Isis</a>, or of Isis' underground twin <a href="../../../mythical-folk/articles/nephthys.html">Nephthys</a>. To the Egyptians the star represented the underground womb. </p>
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The pentacle itself is usually made of stone or wood, having a five-pointed star inscribed on it. In most Pagan and Witchcraft traditions it symbolizes the <a href="../e/elements.html">element</a> Earth. The pentacle is frequently used as a magickal plate upon which objects are placed to be magically charged, or presented as ritual objects and offerings.
The pentagram, the five-pointed star image with its lines often interlaced, is typically enclosed within a circle; and thus, in most traditions, is a symbol of protection. The star is upright, having the single point on top, the ascended position. The top point represents true spirit; or the <a href="../g/goddess_1_intro_and_history.html">Goddess</a>, the other four points symbolize the elements of creation: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The star, as a whole, symbolizes the spirit bringing the elements into natural harmony, the opposite of chaos; a concept taught by Empedocles, ca. 475 BC.
The symbol of Man the Microcosm of the <a href="../h/hermetica.html">Hermetic</a> magicians was based on the pentacle. The pentacle represents the macrocosm with the male figure representing the cosmos within it. His feet, hands and head touch each of the points with his genitals located exactly in the center. "This image is related to Fimicus Maternus's remark that man is a microcosm ruled by `the five stars.'"
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<h2>European occultism</h2>
<p><a href="/wiki/Heinrich_Cornelius_Agrippa">Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa</a> and others perpetuated the popularity of the pentagram as a magic symbol, keeping the Pythagorean attributions of elements to the five points. By the mid-19th century a further distinction had developed amongst occultists regarding the pentagram's orientation. With a single point upwards it depicted spirit presiding over the four elements of matter, and was essentially "good". However, the influential writer <a href="/wiki/Eliphas_Levi">Eliphas Levi</a> called it evil whenever the symbol appeared the other way up.</p>
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<dd>"A reversed pentagram, with two points projecting upwards, is a symbol of evil and attracts sinister forces because it overturns the proper order of things and demonstrates the triumph of matter over spirit. It is the goat of lust attacking the heavens with its horns, a sign execrated by initiates."<sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-15">[16]</a></sup></dd>
<dd>"The flaming star, which, when turned upside down, is the hierolgyphic [sic] sign of the goat of Black Magic, whose head may be drawn in the star, the two horns at the top, the ears to the right and left, the beard at the bottom. It is the sign of antagonism and fatality. It is the goat of lust attacking the heavens with its horns."<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-16">[17]</a></sup></dd>
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<p>"Let us keep the figure of the Five-pointed Star always upright, with the topmost triangle pointing to heaven, for it is the seat of wisdom, and if the figure is reversed, perversion and evil will be the result."<sup id="cite_ref-17" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-17">[18]</a></sup></p>
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagram</p>
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The circle surrounding the star also represents the safe place in which the Pagan/Witch or magician can work. The circle symbolizes a binding; in this instance, binding evil away from the wearer.
Most pentacles used in modern witchcraft and magic are made of silver, the metal of the moon and psychic powers. Some, however, are made of gold, the metal of power and energy. Pentacles are use to consecrate the magic circle, to ground energy and serve food; pentacles used for this latter function are usually round disks made of clay or wax. <i>A.G.H.</i></p>