Every now and then there are a flurry of discussions about the pentacle vs pentagram. And the vices and virtues of various different point numbers. So, this time around I decided that I would cull out the best information and put it here. Amazingly enough, after what felt like dozens and dozens of e-mails back and forth, these were the only bits and pieces that I felt worth saving. Oh well, I'm sure it will grow as time moves on, everything else seems to be.

I'll organize it, where there is enough to organize. Right now it's short and sweet and a little disorganization just proves you were interested..tee hee.

The eight-sided star is called a Octagram. It's not an octogon the same way a Pentagram isn't a pentagon. Each Line intersects MORE than two adjacent lines and not necessarily at each end.

The 8 pointed star is also a pattern used often in maritime. It is called the Compass Rose and represents the 8 major wind patterns.

The nine-sided star is called a Nonagram.

It has been called Inanna's star and the eight fold star
Some feel the 8 pointed star indicated the fixed stars in ancient astrology
Eight represents fast wit and strong rationale.
The star of 8 points also corresponds to the 8 seasonal rituals (wheel of the yr) stability,change, abundance and regeneration, money drawing and abundance
Ruled by Mercury on the Tree of Life

The pentagram is the actual geometric shape of the 5 pointed star. It was called the pent-alpha by Pythagoris because it was made up of 5 alphas. The pentagram is inscribed in the air with a finger or a magickal tool and used in rituals such as the LBRP. When the pentagram is inscribed or embossed on something the object then becomes a pentacle. The pentagram rarely occurs in nature in non-organic forms but is found in all kinds of organic forms. Slice an apple in half from stem to the bottom depression and a perfect pentagram is formed in the two halfs. The pentagram has been used by many different religions and beliefs thoughout history and is refered to by many different names. The pentagram was used to create many of the seals used in the Legemeton and the Goetia. The hexagram (star tetrahedron, Star of David) was also used the create many of these seals. Both the pentagram and the haxagram have many inherent magickal qualities based on the numerology created by their points.

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