Pentacle

The Star of Elements

A five-pointed star representing the four classical elements crowned by spirit, encircled by unity.


The Pentacle is one of the oldest and most potent symbols in esoteric traditions. The bare five-pointed star is the pentagram; enclosing it in a circle makes it the pentacle, and in ritual use the name passes to the consecrated disc that bears the figure. The two words are used interchangeably almost everywhere, but the tradition separates them. Its five points correspond to the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, with the upward-pointing fifth point representing Spirit (Akasha) presiding over the physical realm. The continuous line of the star illustrates the interconnectedness of all elements, while the enclosing circle represents the universe encompassing all. It is a powerful protective talisman and a profound map of cosmic macrocosm mirrored in the human microcosm.

Light

Brings balance to the physical and spiritual realms, offering protection, holistic healing, and alignment with natural forces.

Shadow

An imbalance among elements, such as being overly material (Earth) or overly intellectual (Air), neglecting the unifying Spirit.

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Linked entries

  • Received fromHeinrich Cornelius AgrippaAttested

    Agrippa's Book II gives the five-pointed figure "a very great command over evil spirits" among the geometrical figures (ch. xxiii) and four chapters later sets it beside the proportions of the human body (ch. xxvii) - the pairing of star and microcosm that the 1651 English carried into the Golden Dawn and the C19 revival.