The Pentagram, the five pointed star, is an icon of Magick and the Occult. It is a powerful symbol, and one held sacred by many.
The Pentagram is comprised by a proportional formula called "The Golden Mean." This rule states that an intersection which divides a line, makes the two parts proportionately the same length. To clarify, a line is divided by another line, making two parts. These two
segments will be the same proportional size to one-another as the greater part is to the whole. The Golden Mean is called "The Divine Proportion." It is this rule that provides much fascination to Occultists who revere the Pentagram.
There are two types of Pentagrams: The Upright and the Inverted. Both symbols are sacred, and both have been maligned by the ignorant. The Upright Pentagram traditionally symbolizes mankind. It is the figure of a man (or woman) standing with arms and legs spread, representing the Microcosm. Man and woman are tiny universes within themselves, and are representative of the Macrocosm (the greater Universe, in which we live).
Each point of the Pentagram stands for one of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The uppermost point represents Spirit. So, therefore, the traditional interpretation of the Upright Pentacle is "Spirit over matter."
The Pentagram is sacred to many religions and cultures. It is a positive symbol. Unfortunately, for those who are ignorant about the Occult, and who are especially biased against it, the symbol means "evil." The other type of Pentagram is the Inverted, sometimes
called "The Pentamorph." This symbol is regarded as representing evil to both the Occultist and the non- Occultist. The reason for this is that many people, seeing that the symbol is now reversed, automatically assume that "Spirit," at the top in the Upright, is now at the bottom, with the other elements reigning above it (matter over Spirit). This interpretation is purely subjective on the individual's part. The symbology of one does not necessarily apply to the other. An alternate interpretation suggests that the Inverted displays "power being poured back into the Earth."
Another aspect of the Inverted is the depiction of the "Sabbatic Goat of Mendes." Mendes is a city where ancient Egyptians worshipped the Goat, which symbolizes fertility. By having the Pentagram in the Inverted position, one can inscribe a goat's head in its outline, with the uppermost points being the horns, the lower two points being the ears, and the lowest representing the beard.
Neither of the above representations of the Pentagram appear in an "evil" context by themselves. Originally, Wiccans (and many still do) used the Inverted to symbolize the 2nd degree of the Craft (while the Upright symbolizes the Craft itself). Due to the rise of modern Satanism, via Anton La Vey, and others, who have adopted the Inverted Pentagram as their symbol, it has now taken on a more sinister aspect. What is interesting about non-Occultists is their inability to discern the difference between either symbol.
To the mundane, both represent "Satan" or evil, whether Upright or Inverted. It's as if they are "blind" to the perception of whether the symbol is Upright or not. All they see is the "evil" star, and that automatically conjures up all the other connotations along with it.
It's unfortunate that due to the rise of Satanism, Wiccans are hesitant to use the Inverted Pentagram, in fear of being identified with that religion. The Inverted Pentagram is a sacred symbol, representing fertility, and being a fertility religion, Wicca is being persuaded not to use a pertinent icon.
Another revelation that may prove surprising to some is the supposition that the Inverted Pentagram is actually the proper "banishing" Pentagram. If the Upright is used to "Invoke", wouldn't it make sense that its counterpart be used to "banish?"
Yes, the Pentagram is a sacred symbol. It represents power, protection, mankind, and a host of other definitions. If someone has a doubt to the legitimacy of the Pentacle as a symbol to revere, then look to the American flag. There are fifty of them on it! (By Jay Barrymore)
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