Sahmain 1999 Newsletter Symbolic Meanings of the Pentagram Edited by Adrianne Harris (* note 1)

Our most basic representation of a pentagram comes when we cut open an apple - there’s one inside. But there are many interpretations and uses of the pentagram, and this column will look at just a few of the meanings associated with it. Please go out and research it further for yourself.

General Correspondences
The five points of the pentagram can be looked at in terms of the number ‘5’ and the meanings that have been associated with it over time:

• Five fingers and toes appear on the human limbs
• We have five senses (as defined by science)
• There are five stages of initiation in a human life (birth, puberty, adulthood, parenthood, death)
• ‘5’ is associated with Mars.
• There were five wounds of Christ on the cross
• There are five pillars in the Muslim faith and five times to pray each day
• There are five virtues of the medieval knight (generosity, courtesy, chastity, chivalry and piety)
• The Wiccan kiss is fivefold (feet, knees, womb, breasts, lips)
• ‘5’ is a prime number
• The simplest star can be drawn with a single line to become a star of five points.

In the picture above, the five points of the pentagram correspond with the head and limbs of a human, with the genitals being in the centre.

Mathematical Associations
Pythagoras (c 570 - 500 BCE) has been associated with the pentagram, and he has been thought to have possibly founded one of the earliest mystery schools. The mathematics contained within and around the pentagram have been studied extensively over time by people and societies including, Pythagoras, the Theosophists, Golden Dawn, Levi, Gardener and others.

Interpretations
The Pentagram is also associated with protection from evil. "Wherever the pentagram is displayed, one message is clear: evil has no power there" (* note 2). In the Paganism 101 column last season, we examined how the pentagram would represent the elements. The single point of the pentagram pointing upwards is sometimes considered to be representing the ruling power of the mind. For some, an inverted pentagram represents the carnal nature of man and of women, with the physical ruling the mind. For others still, the inverted pentagram is a representation of having attained a Second Degree initiation. The Pentagram is then ‘righted’ by the time the initiate reaches Third Degree initiation. The Pentagram is also used as a seal for bindings and protections.

Circled Pentagrams
A circle is a symbol of protection, eternity, infinity and the cycles of nature around and within us. By placing a circle around the pentagram we see it transformed into a symbol that contains and protects. The circled pentagram is a representation of the magickal circle, and is a symbol used for magickal and meditational workings.

Wiccan/Witchcraft Correspondences (* note 3)
Modern Wicca uses the pentagram in various ways. The top three points can be viewed to express the three phases of the Goddess (Maiden, Mother and Crone), and the two lower points represent the light and dark God. We have also seen how the pentagram represents the elements. It can also be used to represent other concepts used in Wicca and Witchcraft, for example the cardinal directions. The Pentagram is used when invoking the quarters by some traditions. The pentagram is used as a seal at each direction and either drawn in the air with a finger, sword, or athame. The pentagram used in this ritual is either the invoking or banishing pentagram depending on the circle being cast or released. All points of the pentagram are connected, even thought they are assigned their own attributes, which is an important reminder of the symbolism of the pentagram. It is a whole system, complete within itself.

Pentacles
Pentacles are usually a shallow disk, or plate inscribed with the symbol of the pentagram. These disks are made out of clay, plaster, metal, wax or any other appropriate substance. We see pentacles represented in a suit of the Tarot. Some modern uses of the pentacle include: use as a protective device when hung over doors or windows, it can be inscribed as a protective seals (e.g., on doors, writings, spells etc), it can be used as a ritual plate, as a source of power (e.g., magickal items can be left on it).

Notes
1. Excerpts taken from 'Symbolic Meanings', by Lionel Pepper.
2. Mike Nichols, 'The Pentagram'.
3. Excerpts from Mike Nichols, 'The Pentagram'.