The Pentacle and Pentagram

Disclaimer: For the purpose of this post I am using the modern occult language of Pentacle to mean the up-right five pointed star within the circle and the word Pentagram to mean the ringless or free floating pentacle. An up-right five pointed star without the circle. So to simplify: Pentacle = Five pointed star with circle. Pentagram = Five pointed star without the circle. That is the language as it’ll be used in this post.

Secondary disclaimer: The etymology of these words both just roughly mean a five pointed shape. Neither, in their word origin, indicate a circle. So go figure. Now on with the rant.

Partly thanks to AI answers there has been a bit of a revisionist history about the symbol of the pentagram. The other night I was curious as to what others felt was the spiritual difference in the symbol of the Pentacle vs. The Pentagram.

I am aware that the ring in the symbol has had many meanings over the years from the cycles of life and the universe, to unity and balance, or contained within oneself or the human will represented as the circle. Or control. Or that the circle represents nature itself since all things in nature are cycler.

The five pointed star, itself, represents the elements of water, fire, Earth, air and spirit- the elements of nature and of magick. Now when I googled what the spiritual significance was in the difference between these two similar symbols I was surprised when the AI overview gave me an answer suggesting that the pentacle is magical and sacred and the Pentagram is just geometry. I know this to be a falsehood. And I realize that Googling different wordings can change how the AI answers the question. But this still struck me as wrong.

Another search result gave me Elphias Levi’s interpretation which claimed that the pentagram represented domination over the elements. Ironically I had once stumbled upon a similar interpretation for the pentacle within the circle with the circle representing control or dominion. It’s no wonder the meaning of these symbols has blurred and blended.

In the lore of werewolves as depicted in pop culture (Of the last eighty-five-years or so) the pentacle and pentagram have been used interchangeably to mean a ward against a werewolf, a warning as to who is the werewolf or who is doomed to be the next victim of the werewolf, and a symbol that could prevent the werewolf transformation if worn by a werewolf. In the lore of werewolf fiction the symbols of the Pentacle and Pentagram seem to have identical functions.

But that is pop culture and should be considered with some skepticism, despite it’s origin being derived from Germanic folklore, which also said that the pentacle could ward off demons, and trap the likes of the demon Mephistopheles (Goethe’s Faust Part 1 and the legend of Faust).

The pentagram was the sigil of Pythagoras (Father of music and mathematics) and was also a symbol of his followers. It was considered a keystone to modern geometry. But the symbol is more than geometry. It’s Sacred Geometry with a capital S.

There is an interesting phenomena where if you dig hard enough you’ll find a star, and in particular, the five pointed star, as a symbol of faith and protection in nearly all world religions. I’ll just name a few.

In Christianity in the middle ages it was believed that the ring given to King Solomon by the Archangel Michael depicted a pentagram or pentacle.

In medieval Germany until about the nineteenth century the pentacle was believed to ward off demons and hung over doorways as a symbol of protection.

Many medieval churches have a pentacle in the stain glass windows.

For a while Christians adopted the Pentacle and Pentagram to represent the wounds of Christ.

A version of the pentacle was used by Ancient Druids and The Ancient Greeks.

A crescent moon and five pointed star is the symbol of Islam. In Islam the star is supposed to represent God and his connection to humanity.

The pentagram without the circle is known in Baha’i as the Haykal and is symbolic of a person with his arms out stretched. People who follow Baha’i believe in harmony and acceptance of all people regardless of race, gender, or sexual identity. They also believe in equal access to education and that all religions have some truth to them.

Most Wiccans use a pentacle as their symbol of faith and magick while some use the pentagram. A few, like the Blue Star Wiccans, use a sepetegram (a seven sided star).

Other stars in faith to note include the Star of David of the Jewish Faith. The Star of Bethlehem that turns up in Catholicism and some other Christian denominations. And the five pointed star Pentagram that often tops Christmas trees though many don’t realize that actually is a pentagram.

Many police and sheriff badges have a five pointed star as a symbol of protection. Even Texas’s so-called “Lone Star” is actually a Pentacle. Many old barns and houses in upstate New York and New England feature a five pointed star or circular window with a five pointed star as an old symbol of protection, like hanging a horseshoe (which has its origin in warding off certain entities that are repulsed by or harmed by iron).

Why am I writing all this? Well, the point is simple. The five pointed star without the circle is just as sacred and just as valid as the version with the circle even if the meaning might be slightly different for some.

The pentagram is not just geometry. Nor does it have to mean “Dominion” over the elements (again, I’ve happened upon those who think the circle represents that). Like the pentacle, the pentagram is ancient, sacred, and bundled in meaning by different people.

There’s even the rhyme “Rowan twigs and strings of red, deflect all harm, gossip, and dread.” This is in regard to rowan twigs (twigs from a mountain ash tree) forming a pentagram and secured with red string (or ribbon or thread, yarn, etc).

So yes, the use of the pentagram (without the ring) is just as valid as a spiritual symbol and symbol of protection, and the five elements of nature and magick.

The use of the ring around it to represent unity, or the cosmos, or will, or nature itself, is your choice. The loss of the ring does not diminish the innate symbolic value of the five elements configured as an even pointed, upright, star.

I made this post because I happen to like the pentagram as much as I like the ringed pentacle version. And I don’t want the symbol diminished for anyone because of a misleading AI or some nineteenth century occultist. Is it geometry? Yes. Is it sacred and symbolic of the wonders of nature, spirituality, and magick, also yes.

Donald Duck explains the sacred geometry aspect of the pentagram and why it was the sigil of Pythagoras. Yes, this is real. No, it is not AI generated. Walt Disney really made this. It also makes one think- an emblem associated with the father of mathematics and music that represented the key element in all geometric constructs was suddenly perceived as evil and demonic. It wasn't just an ancient symbol representing the five elements of nature and magick, it was also the ancient keystone to mathematical principles of geometry. The fear of the pentagram isn't just a fear of Paganism and "other" beliefs, it's a fear of math, science, and knowledge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHeWJP61oII

The difference between Pentacle and Pentagram...

Edit note: This post is NOT about the symbolism which is sacred and a major symbol among Pagan groups (including Wicca) as the five elements of nature and magick (Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Spirit.) With the circle representing unity, infinity, the cosmos, the cycles of life, and harmony.

With and without the circle the symbol is one of faith and protection against harm and against evil.

Again: This post is NOT about the symbolic meaning. It's about the literal meaning of the words. I only put this here because we are on the Internet and I have to clarify everything...

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Google will tell you that in modern language the pentacle is an amulet of a five pointed star, usually within the circle, while pentagram is used for just a five pointed star, usually without the circle.

Some people use pentagram to mean the upside down version of the five pointed star in the circle and use pentacle interchangably to mean the five pointed star with or without the circle.

What's the true difference?

Well, simply... the language.

Pentagram is Greek and it means "five pointed shape."

Pentacle is half-Greek and half Latin. You have the Greek Penta (five) and acle (small shape) so this one is usually used for the amulets, usually within the circle.

But in reality both words loosely mean five pointed shape. Neither literally describes a circle at all. "acle" just suggests size.

So whether you use the words interchangeably or reserve pentagram for sacred geometry and pentacle for the jewelry version of the star in a circle, you are both correct, at least as far as etymology is concerned.

The pentacle / Pentagram's multiple purposes in werewolf pop culture.

The pentacle / Pentagram's multiple purposes in werewolf pop culture.

In media over the last century the pentacle / Pentagram has become the multi-purpose symbol with werewolves.

In traditional folklore the pentacle could also ward off or bind demons, djinn, and even vampires (any symbol of faith, if believed in, is supposed to work against vampires.)

A five pointed star made from Rowan twigs bound with red string, red thread, red ribbon, or some other red string-like material, is supposed to also offer protection. The rhyme goes "Rowan twigs, and strings of red, deflect all harm, gossip, and dread." Rowan is another term for Mountain ash, though this protection ward may work with several other kinds of twigs as well.

This is a list of how the five pointed star applies to werewolves in modern pop culture (within the last hundred years or so.)

Note, I mention Pentacle and Pentagram to indicate that the version with and without the ring around the star have been used for these purposes.

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1. In The Wolfman (Original 1941 version) and Dark Shadows (TV series), if a werewolf saw a pentacle on another person (Especially in palm reading) it meant that person would be the next victim of the werewolf OR become a werewolf. Here it's a warning. In The Wolfman it was the pentacle with the ring around it. In Dark Shadows it was the pentagram without the circle.

2. In some werewolf lore a pentacle is somewhere on the body of the werewolf, viewable while in his human form, like a birth mark as a telltale sign of what he is but pop culture tends to replace this with a claw mark scar or bite scar instead as being bitten or clawed by a werewolf (or both) will change you into a werewolf in some media.

3. In The Wolfman (1941) and in Dark Shadows (TV series) wearing a pentacle necklace talisman made of silver will prevent a werewolf from transforming against his will OR (If warn by a regular human) it will protect a potential victim from a werewolf attack, much like a cross warding off a vampire. In The Woflman it's the Pentacle with the circle around it. In Dark Shadows it's the free-floating pentacle (No ring) around it. In An American Werewolf in London a pentacle was drawn (in red) on the interior wall of The Slaughtered Lamb tavern to keep the werewolf out. (This one was without the circle).

The below image is the stylized pentacle created specifically by Universal Studios for their Wolfman franchise with a cute little wolf pup on top of the star. This version is depicted on the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster in the Dark Universe section of the Epic Universe theme park. A variation of this is also on Lawrence "Larry" Talbot's wolf-head cane in The Wolfman.

The Rowan Pentacle

This is a Rowan pentacle. It's a ringless pentacle (also called a Haykal by the Baha'i faith) five pointed star, made from the twigs of a Rowan tree. (Rowan is also known as Mountain Ash despite having no relation to the ash tree). The twigs are bound using red string, twine, yarn, thread, ribbon or other red material.

Rowan is supposed to protect against black magick. And the pentacle (which is considered sacred geometry) represents the five basic elements of water, fire, Earth, air, and spirit- the sacred components of nature and of magick. The pentacle can be used to ward against demons, djinn, werewolves, and sometimes vampires (If you have faith in it).

"Rowan twigs and strings of red, deflect all harm, gossip, and dread!"

If you hang a Rowan pentacle in your home or over your doorway, it works as a protection ward so evil and those with ill-intent will not enter HOWEVER if you invite someone in, the warding will not work against them and you will have to re-apply all protection wards later for those wards to work against the person again.

A silver version of the Rowan pentacle worn as a pendant will protect against werewolves (and possibly werewolf transformations), demons, djinn, and black magick.

The pentacle is a symbol of Greco-Roman Paganism and of Pythagoras (The father of mathematics) who referred to it as sacred geometry.

The pentacle has also been used by druidic Pagans and Germanic Pagans (particularly in the middle ages when it was hung over doorways in Germany to ward off evil spirits and demons. In Goethe's Faust it was one of the only symbols that could ward out or harm the demon Mephistopheles.

Germans called it the Drudenfuss (Druid's Foot) and preferred the version with the ring around it.), It's also a symbol of the Wiccan spiritual faith and of Baha'i (which believes some aspect of all faiths is true.)

The pentacle, in some form or another, has turned up in just about every religion in the world.

Note: Pentacle and pentagram technically have the same meaning as one means a talisman of five (Pent-acle) and pentagram means five pointed shape.

Pentacle (in modern English) tends to mean the version in the circle while Pentagram or pentangle is the version without the circle.

Some people have taken to using the word pentacle as a blanket term since many associate the word pentagram with the inverted version of the star that was usurped by so-called Satanists. There is no Satan in the original faiths that used the symbol as they are pre-Abrahamic. The concept of Satan didn't exist yet.

BWAHAHAHA! This (see attached meme) is for the idiot who don't realize the "Satanic" version is Upside down (inverted). Thinking the right side up pentacle is evil is like thinking the upside down cross and regular cross are also both demonic.

I know not all Christians are that stupid but some are. It's like thinking The Star of David is evil (and I've actually come across some antisemites who think that).

For anyone too stupid to get it (see picture) the one on the left is the evil one. The one on the right is good / protection.

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Inverted / upside down pentagram = Supposedly demonic. (Much like the Saint Peter's cross - Upside down across, stolen by supposed Satan worshippers).

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Right side up Pentacle:

Ancient Greek = Sacred geometry. Sigil of pythagoras (Father of modern mathematics and music).

Folk Christian belief / Catholicism = The symbol on the ring given to King Solomon by the Archangel Michael to ward off and bind demons and djinn (Geanies).

Medieval Europe = Found in stain glass windows and carvings on Christian Churches to signify the five wounds of Christ.

Fifteenth to nineteenth century Germany = (Also called the drudenfuss) the Pentacle was hung over doorways to ward out demons. In Goethe's Faust it was the only thing that could keep out, trap, or harm the demon Mephistopheles, besides rose petals.

Werewolf lore = (May be with or without the circle) Wards against werewolves, and can prevent a werewolf transformation if worn by a werewolf. (The Wolfman (1941), Dark Shadows (1966 TV series), An American werewolf in London (1981)).

Protection = Also protects against vampires (The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher) if you have faith in it. And protected against The Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow 1999 movie where it was used as a protection ward for loved ones).

Wiccan = Symbol of Faith and respect for nature. Spirit, Water, Fire, Earth, and air. (May be with or without the circle). This is true for other Neo Pagan faiths as well. The circle represents order or unity within the universe. It's not necessary but it is common.

Baha'i = (without the circle) They also call it the Haykal, Belief that all religions have some truth to them. (Apparently the faith of the late Jim Henson.)

I had no idea (Or completely forgot) this video exists.

This is an old Disney short educational film about Ancient Greek mathematics and this short cartoon (made by Walt Disney) has Donald Duck learn the mathematical significance of the magical symbol of the pentacle / pentagram.

It's fascinating stuff. I forgot Walt Disney ever addressed this.

I'll give you a few sources. 1. In German legend the Drudenfuss /  Drudenfuß (Druid's foot, another term for the five pointed star in a circle) was the only symbol that could truly harm a demon.  In medieval Germany until nineteenth century people would draw the symbol over their door to protect against demons and evil spirits.  Goethe uses it in Faust part 1 as the only thing that could harm Mephistopheles (Part 2 was completed in 1831.)  The character of Faust is also based on an actual German legend, by the way, loosely based on a real man named Johann Georg Faust.     2.   In some legends the pentacle was on a ring given to king Solomon by the Archangel Michael to protect against and bind evil spirits.  - History Channel's "Banned from the Bible" and The key of Solomon Grimoire (oldest manuscript at the British Museum). 3.   In 1941 Curt Siodmak (A German immigrant) used the Drudenfuss (see number 1) was the symbol that would protect against werewolves and would warn of who the next victim might be in the Universal monster movie classic The Wolfman. If worn by the werewolf it would prevent the transformation.   This was loosely based on the real German folklore that the pentacle is a symbol of good.  Later this would again get used in TV's Dark Shadows, and An American Werewolf in London (but with the circle removed). 4.   Gerald Gardner and Geneva Dunwich wrote many books about Wicca and the history of neo-Paganism.   Many of their books discuss the pentacle and it's meaning within Wicca and Neo-Paganism as representing the five elements of water, fire, earth, air, and spirit.   5.  Folklorist and novelist, Jim Butcher, has often discussed the history of the pentacle and it's uses and has his protagonist Harry Dresden wear one in The Dresden Files book series.     6.  In some contemporary occult circles if the top point of the star must be facing straight up, the symbol is good.  If it's facing down, you are dealing with an inversion, which mocks the symbol and is considered foul and inviting of demons.  (This can be found in descriptors in most occult shoppes and even Hot Topic and Spencer's Gifts.) 7.  Other names for this symbol include: Pentacle (most common), Pentagram (though some reserve that word for the inverted "evil" version), Drudefuss (Druid's foot), Goblin Cross, Magick star, star figure, Pentangle. Protection Ward, witch's star, and Solomonic Seal.   (Sources:  Pop culture fiction, Goethe, the German legend of Faust, The Key of Solomon, The Black Raven (Grimoire by Johann Georg Faustus), Magick for Beginners (book), History's Mysteries, History Channel's "In Search of" Witches.   8.   A contemporary fictional film that acknowledged the symbol as good and protective is Sleepy Hollow starring Johnny Depp from 1999 and directed by Tim Burton.   9.   Websites with this information:     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentacle https://exemplore.com/wicca-witchcraft/Wicca-for-Beginners-What-is-a-Pentagram-or-Pentacle https://moonslightmagic.com/pentacle-meaning/ The Key of Solomon (Grimoire).   http://www.tomegatherion.co.uk/keyofsolomon.pdf The Lesser Key of Solomon (Grimoire) http://www.metaphysicspirit.com/books/The%20Lesser%20Key%20of%20Solomon%20-%20Goetia.pdf Faust Parts 1 and 2 in English.  Translated by A. S. Kline.     https://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/German/Fausthome.php Faust Parts 1 and 2 in PDF: http://www.iowagrandmaster.org/Books%20in%20pdf/Faust.pdf The Black Raven Grimoire http://www.akor.cc/Faust/FaustBlackRaven.pdf