Pentagrams can be pointed either up or down as many of you probably know already. To many outside of the occult community both of these can seem frightening and ''bad'' because of the stigma around the occult and some of the practices of those of us into it. The one that is pointed down is often considered to be a symbol of followers of the devil (as is the point up pentagram, but point down is more common at least in my area).
That said, the pentagram is considered to be protective within the occult community. It is also seen as a representation of the mixing of the 5 elements (Spirit, Earth, Air, Water, Fire). With the circle around it (now a pentacle) this adds to the symbolism of the pentagram as the circle is a symbol of eternity and protection. ;)
A pentagram point up is symbolic of the spiritual over the the physical, whereas with point down, it is symbolic of the physical over the spiritual. Either or can be used by the individual in their practice, and I myself switch between using either or depending on the result I want to cause.
Just thought this might be useful to know. If I was incorrect at any point please correct me. :)
Ah, the Pentagram... What a perfect shape it is...
Nice post or should i say topic for discussion, in some way this is all true AndrianaW but will you agree with me that this symbol deserves more attention for explaining its complexity, beauty, use and perfection...? Therefore i will take the freedom to write a ''few'' words about it...
The word itself comes from the two Greek words Pente-five and gramma-letter...
The Pentagram has been used trough history in many cultures and in many contexts... The use of the Pentagram dates back to around 3500BC in Ancient Mesopotamia were it represented the imperial power.
In Ancient Greece, it was called the Pentalpha because of the five A's which is geometrically composed.
Medieval Christians believed that the Pentagram symbolizes the five wounds of Jesus, it was believed to protect against demons and witches >.>
The pentagram with one point upwards symbolized summer and with two points upwards - winter.
The masonic significance of the Pentagram is for sure controversial, it often appears on masonic regals and decorative illustration but its never mentioned in rituals or lectures...hmm... Maybe the deepest symbolism of the pent in masonry is ''the five points of fellowship''
1.To walk with our brothers and help them on their path through life
2. To remember our brothers in our prayers
3. To deal with our brothers always ''heart-to-heart''
4. To listen to our brothers attentively and with civility
5. To speak kindly to our brothers, giving them good and wholesome advice when we see them err.
And yes the pentagram can be inverted and as it is some can see horned animal (two up-horns, left and right - ears and one down-beard) often a goat. The inverted one with goat's head is used in the Satanism as representation of Baphomet and IT is as a metter of fact a sigil of Baphomet...
Celtics, magicians, druids, wiccas and others used and some still use it for their rituals...
Anyway its 3:20 AM here and now as i write this and there is lot to discuss about this incredible symbol but to sum up this symbol mainly represents the health and nature and the inverted one its opposite as it is the same for the cross and the swastika... i doubt i'll open such a thread but i will gladly add my opinion in already opened one :)
Re: Pentagram By: AdrianaW
Post # 3 Feb 19, 2011
Thank you for adding to that. I didn't realize there was so much history to it. For me it is just a symbol I can use to cause an effect, for others it means much more. But learning about its other meanings is wonderful. ^_^ Thanks again.
Re: Pentagram By: darkermaster
Post # 4 Feb 20, 2011
To add more to its uses in Satanism, there is more to be explained of the five points, the top two points of the inverted pentagram symbolise the Duelistic nature of man, always two sides to a argument. But the space in between the two points symbolises the third side, the satanic side a brand new perspective on given situations.
The bottom point symbolises the sword in the stone, undefiled wisdom striking a blow to all tarnished wisdom.
The two side points symbolise the two supporting arms of the trapezoid, the satanic non conforming shape. also before the symbol of baphomet was created the inverted pentagram was found on all trapezoids
