The Pentacle has a long and sorted history. A history where many things can be learned. This is my summery of some of the more important high notes. First the definition of a pentacle is a pentagram, in its star form, within a circle. A pentagram is simply a five sided star, or any other five sided symbol.
Throughout history the pentacle has been used to represent many things. It was used by many medieval Christians to symbolize the 5 wounds of Christ (two arms, two feet, and one side), (ironically) to ward off Witches and demons, and general protection. Alchemists used it to represent the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) preceded by divine light; or Creation. This one symbol has been used to represent the proportions of the human body, the quest for divine knowledge, illumination, the sprit world, Masonic Guilds and has been seen in almost every culture across the world from Egypt to, India, Persia, and Greece.
In my personal belief the Pentacle represents the earth element on my altar, and overall protection. It, in its upright state, is spirit over material things. Symbolic control over the elements and my surroundings. I have also seen it used in tarot decks as the earth element, coins, or disks.
I never use the pentacle in its reverse form but I will address it now. There is no evil in the reverse form of this symbol other than that which is given it by belief. In magic the reverse can be used to simply represent the Horned God, and some see it as a banishing symbol. In the 20 th century Satanists around the world have begun using this symbol and their own and for this reason it is now viewed as evil.
Some people use what are called Hidden pentacle. A hidden pentacle is simply a pentacle drawn in such a way as to disguise the symbol as something else. Sometimes when wearing a pentacle especially this is necessary to protect ones self or others of the craft.
For many of us who choose to walk an alternative path this symbol holds much meaning. This symbol will all ways be powerful if for no other reason than it catches people's attention.
