What is the Pentacle and Should I Wear It?

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The pentacle was once a symbol of good and was believed to ward off evil spirits. Today, this ancient symbol has many different associations attached to it, some good, some not so good.

The pentacle is basically a five-pointed star set within a circle. It’s a well-proportioned, symmetrical, and attractive symbol.

But:

You might be confused about what the pentacle represents today and whether it’s a symbol you should wear.

In this article, we outline what the pentacle is and whether you should wear it or not.

What Does the Pentacle Symbolize?

Pentacle symbol

The pentacle is an ancient symbol that has been around for thousands of years. It has been used by various religions and belief groups and over time has acquired a lot of different symbolism.

Some view the pentacle as a symbol of evil while others see it as a symbol of protection.

1. The Pentacle as a Pagan Symbol

In ancient times, the pentacle was seen as symbolizing the five elements of earth, air, fire, spirit, and water. The circle surrounding the five-pointed star symbolized these elements working in unity together. It represents balance and harmony.

2. The Pentacle as a Christian Symbol

The pentacle was a popular symbol of early Christianity, used in Christian architecture, paintings, jewelry, and artwork. It was used as an amulet to protect a person from evil.

The pentagon represented Jesus, with the five points standing for the five wounds of Jesus during his crucifixion.

3. The Pentacle in Taoism

The pentacle has associations with Taoism as well, a Chinese philosophical approach to life. Here, the five points represent the five elements of the East – wood, earth, water, fire, and metal.

4. The Pentacle as a Wiccan Symbol

The pentacle is the most well-known symbol of the neo-pagan religion called Wicca.

When Did the Pentacle Get Associated with Evil?

pentacle necklace with black beads
Pentacle necklace with black beads. See it here.

The pentacle is a great example of how someone’s made-up beliefs can affect how society views something.

In 1855, a French man by the pseudonym of Eliphas Levi wrote a book about magic that referenced the pentacle. Levi, who was a deacon in the church, had been interested in magic all his life but when the church found out, he was excommunicated.

In his book, Levi said that an inverted pentacle (with two points pointing upwards) is a symbol of evil, the first time that the pentacle was connected to evil.

Imagine how people felt when their beloved pentacle symbol was suddenly made sinister!

From this point onwards, the pentacle began to be slowly associated with evil.

This was furthered when the Church of Satan (who don’t worship Satan by the way) used the inverted pentacle as their symbol.

After the Satanic panic of the 1990s, the pentacle was closely associated with evil and made popular appearances in the media where it is commonly portrayed as a symbol of evil.

Pentagram vs. Pentacle

The pentagram and the pentacle are often used interchangeably but this isn’t correct. The pentagram is simply a five-pointed star drawn in one continuous line. There is no visible start or finish for where the star begins.

The pentagram is one of the oldest symbols used by humans and can be traced back to over 5000 years ago. The pentagram can be found in many regions around the world and is a universal sign that cannot be claimed by any one country or religion.

While pentagrams may have a bad rap now, it wasn’t always like that.

In ancient Greece, the pentagram was used to symbolize the golden ratio. To the ancient Greeks, the pentagram was a symbol of perfection. It was worshipped as such.

Pagans saw the pentagram as symbolizing the five elements – earth, air, fire, spirit, water

So, what then is a pentacle?

When the pentagram is set within a circle, it’s called a pentacle. A pentacle represents all the five elements working in harmony together.

Pentacle Jewelry

Sterling Silver Pentacle Necklace
A classic pentacle pendant. See it here.

Today, for those who are drawn to the long and rich history of the pentacle, you can find pentacle jewelry such as pentacle pendants, rings, earrings, and charm bracelets. The symbol is almost always depicted on the right side up.

Pentacle ring yellow gold
Diamond pentacle ring. See it here.

If you’re looking to buy pentacle jewelry, there are some specialist stores that sell symbolic jewelry online. However, for a broader range, you can check out Etsy or Amazon, which feature some beautiful pentacle jewelry.

Should I Wear the Pentacle?

Today, the pentacle is so closely associated with various occult religions, paganism, and evil, and not many people remember its other positive associations.

Wiccans often wear pentacle jewelry, but even this they may sometimes be uncomfortable to do if they don’t want to attract attention to their beliefs or to share them.

If you’re unsure whether to wear the pentacle or not, think about why you’re wearing the pentacle and what it symbolizes to you. If you choose to wear pentacle jewelry, you’re going to get odd stares. You’re going to be asked about it and possibly judged on your choice to wear the pentacle.

Layered Gemstone Pentacle Necklace
Layered gemstone Pentacle necklace. See it here.

Wearing a pentacle is making a statement, whether you want to or not. Even if you are wearing it simply for fashion, you’ll still be standing out.

Is this something that bothers you?

If yes, then it’s best not to wear it. But if you really don’t care what others think, then go for it.

Before We Wrap Up…

Some people are afraid of symbols like the pentacle. It’s important to note that symbols change in meaning over time. Think of the ancient Swastika, once a symbol of peace and well-being, today associated with the horrors of the German Nazi party.

At the end of the day, a symbol on its own has no power.

Whether a hamsa hand, a nazar boncugu, a cross, or a five-pointed star, it’s how we think about it and the associations that we give to it that makes it a symbol worth noticing. It’s the attention we give to a symbol that gives it meaning and power.

Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years in the jewelry niche. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education. She has always been interested in expression through fashion and accessories, and her extensive experience in the field has made her a respected voice in jewelry trends and education. As the chief editor of Jewelry Shopping Guide, she not only leads the content strategy but also shares her insights through engaging articles. Her passion for storytelling is reflected in every piece she curates, exploring the intricate relationship between jewelry and personal identity.

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