Pentagram

A pentagram is a five-pointed star, drawn with five straight strokes. It is a geometric symbol with a long history, found in various cultures and traditions, often carrying symbolic meanings. The pentagram's points are connected to form a five-sided polygon, and it is often enclosed within a circle. Historically, its significance has ranged from representing the five senses to embodying esoteric concepts. Its symbolism differs across beliefs, often linked to spiritual, magical, and philosophical ideas, sometimes associated with protection, harmony, and the elements, while other times with more sinister beliefs.

Pentagram meaning with examples

• The ancient Greeks used the pentagram as a symbol of health and well-being. They believed it represented the golden ratio, a mathematical principle linked to beauty and perfection. Pythagoreans considered it a symbol of harmony and knowledge, and used it to identify one another. The pentagram frequently adorned their writings and places of gathering. This example of the pentagram showed a cultural use that wasn't associated with religion or any sinister belief.
• In Wicca and other Neopagan traditions, the pentagram often symbolizes the elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The upward point typically represents spirit, the element that binds all others. It's used in rituals and as a symbol of faith. The pentagram is used in the practice of casting a circle. Many followers of this practice use the symbol in jewelry and in art.
• Throughout history, the pentagram has appeared in art, architecture, and literature. From medieval church windows to renaissance paintings, the pentagram's image could be found in religious and secular forms. The pentagram sometimes contained further detail, such as smaller symbols at each point. There were several depictions and illustrations of the pentagram in relation to myths and fictional stories.
• Some occult practices have used the inverted pentagram, where one point faces downward, to symbolize different ideas, such as the triumph of matter over spirit, or dark forces. Such usages may carry darker connotations. This has given the pentagram a negative association in some cultures. It is sometimes linked to Satanism in modern culture, however, this usage is very different to the historical ones.