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Besides being used in Astrology and Wiccan practices, do these two Star-shapes have any other para-normal signifiance?

Protection....

I think they are more a symbol that different religions apply different meanings to.

I believe they are used for protective purposes.

Far from the paranormal, as they do not deal with ghosts or spirits. Two shapes? Only one that I see...The pentacle is just the star, the pentagram is the star with a circle surrounding it.

I believe I said, 'two Star-shapes'!!

i use it for protection and also as a show of my pride to be a Wiccan
I use it as a protection from the Goddess...

It all depends on what religion you follow. I personally see them as types of protection.

i agree w/ xdead13x.

In my experiences it is either used for protection or a source of power

Here is a link to more background on the pentagram.

Some say the pentagram is mystical because 5 is mystical. It's a prime number, the sum of 2 and 3, as well as of 1 and 4. JC had five wounds, if you don't count the ones inflicted by the crown of thorns; and he distributed five loaves of bread to five thousand people. Most importantly, we have five fingers, toes and senses.

The pentacle in Qabalism is the symbol of the five Archangels (including Lucifer), each guardians of the five elements. Inverted is the universe as it is, upright is the universe as it was meant to be (prior to the fall of Lucifer).

i think platinumwitch said it all with the link

as for five wounds of jesus .... he would have to lived to be wounded , he never did so how could it be linked to him?

lavisbre has an interesting question.

I use my pentacle as a source of protection. Also it can be used for many things in the Wiccan religion.

Wonderful information on that link PlatinumWitch, thanks I'm going to explore more information there.

I use it as a symbol of the 5 elements but given it's history in so many different beliefs and areas it may be the ease of recognition or construction that give it such popularity. Imitation of the symbol seen elsewhere carried and used to mean something different.

The Pentagram means different things to different people. Some may argue as to what it represent...... The Pentagram right side up could in some case's represent God ruling over the world of matter. The 5 points could represent the 5 places that Christ was wounded. that is why some people say that Devils are afraid of it! It also represents the Microcosmic man with his arms stretched out.

It is used as protection

I use it for protection and it can also represent the five elements in protection magic and shields.

As stated above, it is used for protection, and I myself use it to show my pride in being Wiccan.

with the pentacle pointed up it represents man ascension to the Gods. Looking to the Gods for the answers.
When the pentacle is pointed downward it represents mans ascension into himself for the answers.

other than being symbols of protection ,no not really if you wear one you may feel safer but remeber the power of suggestion,sweets.

well yes a lot of diffrent religons use them by other names though

I wear mine all the time , I use it as proction ..

They portray a system of balance.

The earliest known use of the pentagram dates back to around the Uruk period around 3500BC at Ur of the Chaldees in Ancient Mesopotamia where it was found on potsherds together with other signs of the period associated with the earliest known developments of written language. In later periods of Mesopotamian art, the pentagram was used in royal inscriptions and was symbolic of imperial power extending out to "the four corners of the world".


Later, the pentagram came to be symbolic of the relationship of the head to the four limbs and hence of the pure concentrated essence of anything (or the spirit) to the four traditional elements of matter - earth, water, air and fire - spirit is The Quintessence.

I wear a necklace constantly as protection, I also finds it helps me focus and concentrate when i am stressed out or need to think.

I wear mine for protection. I also use it for cleansing my house.

They have offerd me protection in many differant ways. they can also help to preserve your sanity about the world and what it is about.

I am Asatru so I wear the Thor's Hammer

the pent represents the connection between the different elements and the self... and wicca was not the first religion to use a pent as with everything else about it they took it from elsewhere

It really depends on your belief system, and whether or not it is inverted.

Unless you count the use of portraying pentagrams in Satanism, I don't think so.

Depends on the religion really. It usually symbolizes the balance and harmony between elements essential to mother earth. That has been adapted to protection in some religions, others it has been associated with an element, body part, and functionality to human existence. Of course it was then distorted (like so many other symbols) and inverted, which had association to the inverted crucifix. As Satanists started to come around it's been thrown in with Heavy Metal and goats heads. During that, mid 60's it became ok to express Pagan faith again (or so most sources say) and it became associated with Pagan Pride. Like so many symbols I do not believe this one can be defined easily. It's everywhere, from art to church to state. I myself had my first pentacle tattooed on me, not a sign of my faith, but as a memorial to my grandmother who was a Pagan for many years, and what she reminds me. No matter where your faith lies, our spirit, the air we breathe, the soil we walk on, the water we drink and the fire we warm ourselves with is what makes us human.

All that I am aware of is it also being used as a symbol of life and protection.

protective purposes

protection

this artical might just help on your Q.

"Pentacles and Pentagrams"

by Carl Teichrib

Please visit his website at www.forcingchange.org
HHome



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"Symbols are oracular forms–mysterious patterns creating vortices in the substances of the invisible world. They are centers of a mighty force, figures pregnant with an awful power, which, when properly fashioned, loose fiery whirlwinds upon the earth."

– Manly P. Hall, Lectures on Ancient Philosophy, p. 356. (Manly P. Hall was one of the most influential occultists of the last century. He was recognized as a leading figure in the quest for mystical knowledge, and is considered one of the greatest Freemasons of the last one hundred years.)

"The crucial question, of course, is what kind of meaning is being conferred by the use of certain symbols–what stands to be gained, what lost, and by whom."

— Baigent, Leigh, and Lincoln, The Messianic Legacy, p. 136.


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Pentacles and pentagrams are considered to be two of the most powerful symbols within the world of occultism and witchcraft. They can be seen throughout our modern society, being used as ear-rings, necklaces, on posters, banners, and certain magazine and CD album covers. You can see them in New Age bookstores and in the occult sections of major book retailers such as Barnes and Noble. I’ve personally seen these symbols on t-shirts, organizational letterheads, brochures, billboard advertisements, tombstones, and within movies and television shows. Pentacles and pentagrams can be found all over.

The physical differences between the pentacle and pentagram are minimal. Pentacles are up-right five-pointed stars within a circle, pentagrams often have the point facing down. Within the occult, they supposedly have opposite spiritual properties. From a Christian viewpoint, however, both symbols represent forces that oppose Biblical truth.

Pentacles:

From an occult perspective, pentacles are representative of "white" magic and "good." It also represents man’s intellect and reason. Often times pentacles are used as talisman–inanimate objects laced with psychic powers. Pentacles also represent the "feminine element Earth." Following this "Earth" line of thinking, one particular advocate of witchcraft equated the up-right star with the "ability of bringing Spirit to Earth," stating that it is "what makes us whole."

According to the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an occult society founded by high-ranking Freemasons and active Rosicrucians, the up-right star represents "man with his arms and legs extended adoring his Creator, and especially the dominion of the Spirit over the four elements, and consequently of reason over matter." The Golden Dawn used this symbol as a tool to invoke and evoke "spirits"–-in actuality, to summon demons.

Pentagram:

According to The Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary, the pentagram is the "most powerful symbol of all ceremonial rites…" [this encyclopedia correctly views pentacles as a form of pentagram]. The Encyclopedia ascribed to this symbol the powers of active and passive spiritual "shielding," the "five wounds of Christ," and the notification of "etheric world intelligences."

Eliphas Levi, one of the most influential magicians of the 1800’s, wrote in his massive volume on transcendental magic,

"The Pentagram signifies the domination of the mind over the elements, and the demons of air, the spirits of fire, the phantoms of water and ghosts of earth are enchained by this sign. Equipped therewith, and suitably disposed, you may behold the infinite through the medium of that faculty which is like the soul’s eye, and you will be ministered unto by legions of angels and hosts of fiends."

Dangerous, dangerous stuff. Even the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, in discussing the "Ritual of the Pentagram" (the up-right version) warns against making the mistake of employing the upside-down star, "See that thou doest it not" (italics in original). No wonder Helena Blavatsky, mother of the New Age, wrote in her book, Studies in Occultism, "there are secrets that kill in the arcana of Occultism…" (italics in original). It may seem strange that prominent occultists and occult societies would sound caution when using certain symbols. But understand, these men and women have seen and experienced powerful supernatural forces. And they are in bondage to them.

Going deeper yet, the upside-down star/pentagram has long been recognized as the symbol of Satan. Anton LaVey, author of the Satanic Bible and The Satanic Rituals, lavishly used this symbol in his ceremonies and rituals–most often depicted as the "goat’s head."

The fact that LaVey chose the goat-headed pentagram as the mascot symbol for the Church of Satan is no surprise. As previously mentioned, occult symbols have been used for centuries. In fact, LaVey gives credit to these more ancient occult schools for the role they played in helping him develop his Satanic ritual work,

"Satanic Ritual is a blend of Gnostic, Cabbalistic, Hermetic, and Masonic elements, incorporating nomenclature and vibratory words of power from virtually every mythos." (The Satanic Rituals, p. 21)

The Order of the Eastern Star, a mixed-member branch organization of Freemasonry (both females and males are allowed to join), uses the upside down pentagram as their principle symbol. In fact, during their rituals, the floor of the OES lodge has a giant pentagram laid upon it–most often in the form of a large area-like throw-rug. All of the Order’s major initiations and ritual work are done inside this pentagram or while trace-walking around it. Before they take their "obligations of secrecy," first-time Eastern Star initiates have their eyes "veiled" and are led around the points of the pentagram. Whether naively or intentionally, members of the OES are playing with spiritual fire, and Christians who are involved with the organization need to get out.

The last two pentagrams are the symbols of the Order of the Eastern Star. Their lodge floor is laid out in exactly this manner. Notice the altar in the middle with the Bible placed upon it. (Note also that the letters F.A.T.A.L. are found within the inner pentagon. This letter arrangement is meant to represent "Fair Among Thousands Altogether Lovely." I find it interesting that it obviously spells "FATAL.")



We need to keep in mind that our battle is not against flesh and blood, although flesh and blood are used by the forces of evil. But our ultimate battle is against the spiritual principalities of Lucifer’s dark army. Will we take up our spiritual shield and sword? Are we willing to use God’s Holy Word as the divider of truth and error?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.–Ephesians 6:10-11.


"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11.



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Carl Teichrib is a Canadian based researcher on the occult and globalization. During the years 2000 and 2001, he was Director of Research for Hope For The World, the ministry of Gary Kah, and continues to work closely with this organization. Carl’s material has been published in a variety of newspapers, magazines, and newsletters.

Please visit his website at www.forcingchange.org


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See also Symbols and their meaning

Great article, theunknown.

thank you very much NM i am glad you liked it i know i did when i read it too ...

The five points of the pentagram was the four elements and the element of spirit at the top point.

technicly they are only symbols, nothign more, but for most they hold some sort of mystery,some power byt itself, unless a person having already the power within, all it is,is an object without anything.
It is simply a tool use by the person to enhance what th eperosn already possesses.

I wear mine at all times and also a charm bag with my stones,I feel it gives me protection and power(the power part meaning everyone stays away from me which I pretty much like considering I get asked if I worship Satan)

As above so below!
It`s the symbol of the macro and micro cosmos!

Wow thanks for the link PlatinumWitch. When I was little my Aunt used to tell me that the Pentagram was the sign of the devil. I think she told me that to scare me, I think she is nuts now.

I would say it is for protection, and depending upon your religion, it could have other beliefs.

From the link that PW gave us which is quite an interesting read, it states "The pentagram has long been believed to be a potent protection against evil, a symbol of conflict that shields the wearer and the home"

Not to burst anyone's bubble here. But pentagrams has no meaning whatsoever. It is merely a symbol to show your affiliation. Besides why would anything that is supposed to be associated with evil be blessed or good? A five pointed star is a five pointed star. Be it, inverted or right side up. You are your own protection. Trust me, I know. I am an experienced practitioner of the Dark Arts.

Sacred Geometry deals with our perception and definition of space. It is more than just a pretty pattern,it is the Universal framework whereby the spiritual manifests into the material. The spaces constructed using the principles of sacred geometry ,act as a bridge between the worlds, and sacred geometric forms naturally produce detectable energy fields. It makes no difference at all if it is a chalk circle drawn on your living-room carpet as the Wiccan does, or whether it is the architecture of a gothic cathedral.... the principles are exactly the same.So you decide whether or not there is more to the pentagram star within it,as it symbolises life and regeneration.

i have no idea

i have 5 of pentacles and 2inverted pentagrams and the are my protection and we given to me when i was 7 right before my grandmother died and it was a gift from her to me ...and i have had them ever since but i also use mine in spell work as well ....

nocnamora, inverted pentacles are used in some covens to show second year students or level 2 initiate.
Aside from protection, it can be used to manifest, to bind, also can be used to clear energy and other uses.....

very good point i am glad you put that in .thanks.

What type of Coven, Ws?

The Alexandian Tradition, which then branched off to Garnarian and any others whos coven Trads follow

i've heard of protction and warding something away. But it depends on how far you wanted to go back.

not that I know of

five points with lines interwoven
representing five elements
earth, fire, air, water, aksha(spirit)
enclosed inside a circle for spiritual protection

Wolfspirits-

That's their ... religion?

http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_pent.htm

symbol apparently originated as the symbol of a Goddess who was worshiped over an area which extends from present-day England to Egypt and beyond. Her name was Kore (a.k.a. Car, Cara, Carnac, Ceres, Core, Kar, Karnak, Kaur, Kauri, Ker, Kerma, Kher, Kore, Q're, etc.). As Carmenta she was said to have invented the Roman alphabet. From her alternative Roman name Ceres have evolved many English words: cardiac, carnal, cereal, core, corn, and kernel. The port of Caraalis, (now Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia), was named after her.

Kore's sacred fruit is the apple. When an apple is cut through its equator, both halves will reveal a near-perfect pentagram shape at the core, with each point on the star containing a seed. Many Wiccans, other Neopagans and Roma (Gypsies) continue to cut apples in this way. The Roma refer to the core as the Star of Knowledge.

Interesting article, plz.

o.O Now that is definately something that would be interesting to learn more about.

There are grids such as this for the pentagram also.

As I said hun,Sacred geometry is very important in all things magick.

Not just in Wiccan,but in many of the magick religions and such.

Have a link to any info on it?

Haha youre asking me for links? Why yes,I do think I have some here someplace..hang on...

I've seen many of your posts. =P You always provide great information.

http://www.luisprada.com/Protected/the_planetary_grids.htm

http://www.timstouse.com/EarthChanges/earthgrids.htm

http://www.newciv.org/nl/newslog.php/_v397/__show_article/_a000397-000156.htm

http://www.awakening-healing.com/Grids.htm

For starters the very basics.

Hey thanks NM..hope it all helps. :)

Thanks Oceanne. =]

You're welcome..now when you get through that,tell me,I will sedn you some reallly good stuff. ;)

Oh, rest assured I shall. =]

In the meantime here is some more basic stuff..including an example of what was posted about the apple and such.



And even martian stuff..

Please remember,that altghough I might post something,it doesnt really mean I am trying to sell it..it is just info for you to look at and make your own conclusions.

Opps...

http://66.221.141.235/Grids_2.htm

That apple thing is something I've actually heard of somewhere... That is suprising.

not that I know of.

I did a search on this topic and what I found was really interesting.

A pentagram (sometimes known as a pentalpha or pentangle or, more formally, as a star pentagon) is the shape of a five-pointed star drawn with five straight strokes. The word pentagram comes from the Greek word πεντάγραμμον (pentagrammon), a noun form of πεντάγραμμος (pentagrammos) or πεντέγραμμος (pentegrammos), a word meaning roughly "five-lined" or "five lines".

Pentagrams were used symbolically in ancient Greece and Babylonia. The pentagram has magical associations, and many people who practice Neopagan faiths wear jewelry incorporating the symbol. Christians once more commonly used the pentagram to represent the five wounds of Jesus,[1][2] and it also has associations within Freemasonry.

The pentagram has long been associated with the planet Venus, and the worship of the goddess Venus, or her equivalent. It is also associated with the Roman word lucifer, which was a term used for Venus as the Morning Star, associated with the bringer of light and knowledge. It is most likely to have originated from the observations of prehistoric astronomers.[3] When viewed from Earth, successive inferior conjunctions of Venus plot a nearly perfect pentagram shape around the zodiac every eight years.[4]

The word "pentacle" is sometimes used synonymously with "pentagram", although their technical usages are different, and their etymologies may be unrelated.[5]

more of this topic can be found at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagram

Here a repeat link from above Pentagrams Meaning and History

Upright pentagram's points represent earth, fire, water, air, with spirit being the top point. An upside down pentagram represents the opposite - evil. The 5 points also represent the 5 points where Jesus was injured on the cross.

I have seen them all over in life. In churches and in public places and private
facilities. I believe they have a significant meaning for each place they are displayed. Alot of people take them out of context and consider them evil.

Ignorant people will see a pentagram and immediately assume it's a symbol of evil... only if it is turned upside down would it even be considered such. That is what so many people do, see something and just assume, without taking the time to ask and find out

I really don't much if anything about these 2 star symbols.

I know each point represents an element and the top point represents the heart or spirit. I have found references in the past to the shape and points refering to the human body as well.. Refer: Da Vinci.

Those graphics you posted Oceanne are very helpful.I didnt think about the sacred geometry side of it.Thanks.

Oceanne those are great... I failed to mention that before

Nicely done, Oceanne...

and from my teachings and from looking it up online, I agree with Lumiya - I found those same for the 5 points: spirit at the top, earth, water, air, fire... and of good or god.. and turned upside down, turning away from good or god - depending how you feel about that one diety.

Pentagrams, which is the star surrounded by a circle, either inverted or not, is a sign or protection mainly.
Pentacles, which is the star without the circle, is a sign of the five elements or a sign of anything 5.

Just as an fyi - I don't read other responses, so that they don't cloud my judgment or change my original answer to the post. I do apologize if I repeat anything. So, moving on...

Pentacles are used in circle casting. The star with the point up stands for the spirit being above the earth, fire, air, and water. The circle around the star connects them all together. It's used as a sign of protection.

I'm not sure if this is just a stereotype or if it's truth, but a lot of devil worshipers use the interverted star as their symbol. Hope the first part of my answer helped out a bit. :)

(although after I post, I go through and read previous answers)

just wanted to clear that up *smile* there was a lot of great information here! thank you to everyone for sharing

A pentagram (5 pointed star) represents the 5 elements which are earth, air, fire, water and spirit. A pentacle (5 pointed star enclosed within a circle) represents the 5 elements joined in a never ending union, each needing the other to survive and be a whole.

I have happen to have two pentacles, one on a necklace which I use for protection. The other is tattooed at the top of my right arm where I have a lot of problems with my shoulder - this one is used to aid healing, pain releif and to draw positive energy and banish the negative energy.

as far as i know they represent the five elements in many other beliefs

i like so many here will say it represents the 5 elements and is mostly used for protection . i wear mine in a ring always . the link and the outher info put up are a great read thanks for shareing everyone. it was very interesting.

All have pretty much been stated.
-protection
-the 5 elements
-wicca use

But it also depends on how it is drawn.
A pentagram may be open, without a surrounding circle.This is the active form symbolising an outgoing of oneself, prepared for conflict, aware, active. (One wearing an open pentagram must be physically aware of the danger of sharp points sticking in their skin from time to time). As a pagan religious symbol, the open pentagram represents an open, active approach.

A circle around a pentagram contains and protects. The circle symbolises eternity and infinity, the cycles of life and nature. The circle touching all 5 points indicates that the spirit, earth, air, water and fire are alll connected.

The circled pentagram is the passive form implying spiritual containment of the magic circle, in keeping with the traditional secrecy of witchcraft, and the personal, individual nature of the pagan religious path, of its non-proselytising character

The pentagram may be inverted with one point down. The implication is of spirit subservient to matter, of man subservient to his carnal desires. The inverted pentagram has come to be seen by many pagans as representing the dark side and it is abhored as an evil symbol. Fundamental christians, indeed, see any form of pentagram as such. However, these are recent developments and the inverted pentagram is the symbol of Gardnerian second degree initiation, representing the need of the witch to learn to face the darkness within so that it may not later rise up to take control. The centre of a pentagram implies a sixth formative element - love/will which controls from within, ruling matter and spirit by Will and the controlled magickal direction of sexual energies. This is another lesson of initiation.

Up until medieval times, the five points of the pentagram represented the five wounds of Christ on the Cross. It was a symbol of Christ the Saviour. This is in stark contrast to today where the pentagram is criticized by modern Fundamentalist Christians, as being a symbol of evil.

The church eventually chose the cross as a more significant symbol for Christianity, and the use of the pentagram as a Christian symbol gradually ceased.


see most religions had it one time or another. its not only seen or has been seen as evil or as a cult use.

thank you very well said

Bumps for RenaJade...

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