Key Takeaways
From the earliest show of the five - pointed genius in ancient times to its former function as a Christian symbol , there are millenary of account surround thepentagram , meaningit ’s one of the oldest symbol in the existence . The pentacle ’s significance has evolved , leaving an unerasable mark on culture and spirituality .
Pop culture has also embraced the star , which has become the official symbol of horror thriller revolving around the occult arts . But the pentacle ’s journey began long before fabricated supernatural villain reign supreme in Hollywood .
What Is the Pentagram Symbol?
The five - pointed star traditionally symbolizes the unity of thefive elements : earth , air , fire , water and spirit . The topmost point mean spirit , emphasize its supremacy over the material element .
This configuration symbolizes unity , protection and the unceasing cycles/second of life-time and nature , illustrating the unity of elements and the cyclical nature of the universe .
Beyond its elemental and protective quality , the five - pointed star has been linked to Christian traditions , notably during the Middle Ages .
Where Does the Word ‘Pentagram’ Come From?
The word " pentangle " has its roots in the Greek terms " penta , " meaning " five , " and " gramma , " intend " alphabetic character " or " piece of writing . " It refers to a figure pen of five line of merchandise , encapsulating the essence of the symbolisation — a principal with five straight strokes .
History of the Pentagram
Here is a look at the symbol ’s evolution through different eras .
Connection With the Golden Ratio
The pentagram and thegolden ratioshare a kinship that can be likened to the preciseness of a absolutely balanced shell .
Often represented by the Greek letter phi ( Φ ) , the golden ratio is an irrational routine approximately adequate to 1.6180339887 ( usually bowdlerize to 1.618 ) . This mathematical constant appears throughout nature ’s design , from the spiral of shells to the patterns of peak petals .
The proportion act as a guiding principle in the pentacle anatomical structure , ensuring that the lengths of the segments formed by its intersecting lines adhere to this ratio . It ’s as if each spot and line of business within the pentagram is meticulously crafted to fit into this universal pattern of counterbalance and harmony .
This connection between the pentacle and the golden ratio is more than just a numerical curiosity ; it excogitate the underlying order in the natural worldly concern ; even in the most abstract mathematical concepts , there ’s a resonance with the strong-arm world around us .
4 Types of Pentagrams
While there is one traditional pentangle form and orientation that come to psyche for many of us when we think of the symbol , there are actually a few different type , each with its own symbolical import .
1. Upright Pentagram
make out by its single upward - veneer point , the unsloped pentacle symbolizes a legion of positive attributes across various traditions . It represents the look ’s dominance over the four cloth elements — world , air travel , fire and water system — embody security , light and a deep connection to the churchman .
Within Western spiritualism , mysticismand occultism , this configuration is often linked to theright - hand way of life , accentuate benevolent magic and living in concordance with the rude world . This orientation has historically served as a powerful ward against malevolent spirits , make a protective barrier that poise spiritual and primary forces .
In early Christianity , in particular during the Middle Ages , the same good pentagram was employed to symbolize the five wounding of Christ , denote forfeit , salvation and divine safeguarding .
2. Inverted Pentagram
With two points facing upwardly , this conformation sometimes typify the physical realm ’s dominance over the unearthly , often associated with theleft - script route , which includes more laissez-faire or self - serve well practices .
The upside-down pentagram has been cover by sealed group as a satanic symbolisation , often pick up asrepresentinga materialistic position or the subversive activity of conventional Christian symbolization .
This special connection with Satanism gained prominence in the 20th one C and does not reflect the symbolisation ’s broader historical and cultural usage .
Conversely , the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saintsincorporates the inverted pentagraminto some of its early temples , representing the Morning Star , a symbolization often associated with Jesus Christ .
This usage within LDS architectural and symbolical context foreground the invert pentagram ’s broad role as a beacon of positivity , aligning with its historical Christian signification while proffer a unparalleled perspective within the Latter - Day Saint tradition .
3. Tetragrammaton Pentagram
Éliphas Lévi , a pivotal figure in 19th - century French occultism , reinterpreted the pentagram , infusing it with deep esoteric significance . This five - pointed virtuoso , case within a circle , symbolizes the shading of earthly element with ghostlike realm , showcasing the universe ’s interconnectedness .
Lévi invest the symbol ’s perimeter with theTetragrammaton , the covenantal name of God , enhance its spiritual resonance .
Lévi incorporate Hebrew letters and alchemic symbol within this pentacle , include representations of " Adam " and " Eve , " to highlight man ’s intrinsic connexion to the existence . These elements jointly state the symmetricalness between human nature and the broader cosmic order .
4. Pentagram with Additional Symbols
Sometimes , pentagrams are fuse with other esoteric symbols , such as theeye of capital of Rhode Island , runes or planetary symbolic representation , to tailor the genius ’s energy for specific magical function or to conjure up particular aspects of the inspired or primary forces .
Each pentacle serves dissimilar symbolic purpose and is used in various linguistic context , from ceremonial magic to personal amulet to religious beliefs .
Pentacle vs. Pentagram
The key differences between the pentangle and the pentagram lie in their composition and the symbolism assign to each .
The pentangle is a five - pointed wizard enclosed within a circle , often used to comprise the constituent solid ground withinWiccan symbolization . The set surrounding the maven is not just a boundary ; it imbues the symbol with extra import of ace , timelessness and unity . It act as a protective barrier , sealing in the energies and design present by the pentagram .
In magical traditions , the pentacle is often used in ritual and spellcasting and as a tool for spiritual empowerment , service as a conduit for canalise inspired energies and intention .
On the other manus , the pentacle concern solely to the five - pointed star . While it reserve pregnant phantasmal note value , it is not confine to any one custom .
This article was update in conjunction with AI technology , then fact - see to it and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
