The meaning of the Wiccan pentacle
The pentacle is one of the most famous images within religious symbology and has great spiritual meaning to the Wiccan culture. Unfortunately due to its similarity to the inverted pentacle, the characteristic symbol of many satanic cults, the symbol has been perceived as an object of fear and mistrust by many people. In fact this reputation is completely undeserved, as both the pentacle and Wicca have no Satanic roots.
The art of Wicca or Witchcraft is a reconstructed form of Paganism fairly similar to the religious structure of the ancient Celts, based upon a spiritual connection with the Earth, it spirits, and its elements. The upright pentacle was originally the symbol of a Goddess known as Kore, who was worshiped over an area extending from Egypt to what is now present day England. Kore’s sacred fruit was in fact the apple, the core of which has a near pentacle-like arrangement of seeds when sliced in half. However, the Wiccans did not agree with this interpretation of the symbol. They believed the pentacle to be the symbol of the Goddess of the Underground known as Morgan, which the Wiccans later adopted as their own symbol.
To those outside the faith the pentacle is nothing more than an oddly shaped star, but to the Wiccans it is a bold statement about the universe and our place within it. The underlying message of the symbol is quite simple, that we have the ability to bring the “spirit” to Earth and we can only become a complete organism by doing this. Then five points of the pentacle are usually interpreted as the five factors needed to sustain life; fire, earth, water, air and the spirit. The circle around the outside represents the Goddess and refracts and reflects light, supposedly bringing intelligence, wisdom and protection to the wearer. The metaphysical elements and the placements on the pentacle are as follows:
Fire-
Fire is located on the lower right hand angle of the symbol and represents the element of fire. Metaphorically it also represents courage and daring.
Water-
Water is located on the upper right hand angle of the symbol, and represents the element of water. Metaphorically it also represents emotion and intuition.
Air-
Air is located on the upper left hand angle of the symbol, and represents the element of air. Metaphorically it also represents intelligence and the arts.
Earth-
Earth is located on the lower left hand angle of the symbol, and represents the element of earth. Metaphorically
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