The pentacle is a representation of the complexly interwoven power of five as it operates in Nature, in the human psyche, and in human culture. We use it to symbolize the five basic elements (spirit, earth, water, fire, air) which form the core metaphysical components of all things. These elements are ways of classifying qualities of energy and don't refer only to their physical manifestations as literal fire, etc. The pentacle also symbolizes the sacred human body with its four limbs and head, encircled by the earth. The pentacle helps us to show and experience the interconnectedness of certain ideas or principles--the way they flow together as five elements within the personality. Understanding these principles and their relationships is an important component of the injunction to "Know Thyself" that Pagan mystics work with. Arranging principles on the five points of the pentacle helps us to get a new vantage on our conventional dualistic thinking, in which we usually work with only two polarities (as in good and evil, matter and spirit, head and heart). When used in this way, the pentacle is somewhat like the enneagram. While it is still only a conceptual tool, the pentacle is capable of more complex and more accurate representation than simplistic polarity thinking.
To understand these ideas more fully, look at the information and graphics on the following pages. To experience the power of the pentacle, do some of the accompanying exercises and meditations.
For information about the pentacle as a symbol (instead of as a meditational tool), see our symbols page.
Working the Pentacle In Meditation: Some Guidelines
The Pentacle of the Underworld
Complementarity of Iron and Pearl
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