Differences Between the Pentacle and the Pentagram

  • April 25, 2011 3:45 pm

Surf a few witchcraft articles, peruse a few Wiccan forums, and you can be left wondering what the difference is between a pentacle and a pentagram. The two terms seemed to be used interchangeably for the most part, yet seem to denote different concepts at other times. Owing to their similarity, the words pentacle and pentagram are often confused. The words pentacle and pentagram are not from the same language root and are not synonyms.

 

A pentagram is a five-pointed unicursal star drawn with five straight strokes, sometimes known as pentalpha or pentangle. Dating back to the first known civilizations, in Sumer, the pentagram is an ancient symbol indeed. Pentagrams, contrary to popular literature and Hollywood movies, are not inherently “Satanic” or “evil.” Quite the contrary. They have been used as a sign of protection, faith and divinity across many religions and belief systems. Pentagrams have been used to symbolize the 5 wounds of Christ in Christianity; have associations within Freemasonry; have represented the planet Venus; have magical correspondences (such as to the elements of earth, air, fire, water & spirit;) and were used by the medieval neo-pythagoreans. Many Neopagans, especially Wiccans, use the pentagram as a symbol of faith and protection similar to the usage of the Christian cross or the Jewish Star of David.

Eliphas Levi's Pentagram Eliphas Levi’s Pentagram

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's Pentagram from Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s Libri tres de occulta philosophia

Neopagan pentacle used in Neopagan tradition to represent earth, air, fire, water and spirit

 

A pentacle, or pantacle, is an amulet used in magical evocation, generally made of parchment, paper or metal. It does not neccessarily have 5 points, and is often a hexagram or square. The Tarot suit of coins is often called Pentacles, and show discs inscribed with Pentagrams.

Second Pentacle of Jupiter The Second Pentacle of Jupiter

The First Pentacle of the Moon The First Pentacle of the Moon

The Golden Dawn's Earth Pentacle The Golden Dawn’s Earth Pentacle

Pietro d'Abano's Heptameron's Pentacle of the Art The Pentacle of the Art, as given in Pietro d’Abano’s Heptameron

Moses' Pentacle of the Art The Pentacle of the Art as given in a 19th century publication of The Sixth Book of Moses, incorporating characters of the Alphabet of the Magi. This is an instance when a pentacle happens to be in the shape of a pentagram.

 

~Anyanka

Note: This is an rewrite of a guide I wrote for eBay in 2007.

Looking for a pentagram necklace, amulet or talisman? Check our webstore :)

 

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  1. Why a Pentacle May Not Have Five Points:Witches Cupboard Blog - May 11, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    [...] a previous article, Differences Between the Pentacle and the Pentagram, we discussed the differences between these two commonly confused words. But is the explanation [...]

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