What is Pentagram?
 
Pentagram is the name given to the 5 -pointed star symbol in a circle. The reason it’s used as a magical symbol is because of its representation of four elements, earth, air, fire and water; and the power that unites those elements (ether/aether) Drawing it upright, refers to that complementary property of the fifth element. The shape of star in the circle (cosmic egg)is the metaphor of the wholeness of man and universe, the microcosm and the macrocosm...

In another pagan description associated with the apple, it is one of the secrets inside the apple tree –tree of wisdom- that is considered as sacred  for the goddess. Other than its importance in ceremonial practices, its most important feature is, contrary to the popular knowledge, its symbolization of The Mother Goddess with the five-pointed star. This is related to the representation of the Mother Goddess by the sun and the moon, in connection with Ishtar – which has passed to the Western language as ‘star’- and Venus. 4 elements +quinta essentia are complementary and together they point to the primal life-giving force of the goddess, the symbolism in alchemical practices is in this direction as well.  In Anatolia, goddess Kybele’s (Matar Kubileya) ideogram is a cube; her seal is a five pointed star.

In the folkloric tradition, Pentagram has a protective power against evil, such as the specific version of the evil eye in Anatolian tradition. In Hebrew tradition it represents the first five books of the Old Testament –The Torah- and is known as the “Star of Solomon” by ceremonial practitioners. Incorrectly, it’s thought to be same with the 6-pointed star- the hexagram. Pentagram has been accepted to be the holy symbol of the Goddess by Druids. In Christianity, it was continued to be used as a protective symbol, and has been used as a motif at churches until the time of Inquisition. With the Inquisition, the meaning of the symbol has undergone a great change, but it’s been used in Hermetic tradition, Renaissance and Tarot symbolism, Alchemy studies, Masonry, and by many Esoteric order. It’s an important symbol which needs to be deeply and widely studied.

The usage of pentagram reversed shows a high level of initiation, and has a positive meaning in some traditions. Pentagram can be used apart from the Monist approach ; and can represent a dualist point of view in a neo-platonistic sense.

Pentacle is a disk on which a pentagram symbol is drawn, and it’s a tool used to symbolize the earth element or god and goddess form, and macro and microcosms harmony.
Traditionally, in four elements and elemental practices, the form of the ritual and tools to be used are deeply considered. Pentacle and pentagram are might be considered as important features of the circle casting period. When considering tools used in esoteric practice, it should be kept in mind that tools cannot be evaluated independent of the particular initiatory or practical purpose of the individual or the tradition that is going to make use of them.