Pentacles and Pentagrams both predate all written texts known to exist. Most of the unlearned cast negative conotations upon the Pentacle as well as the Pentagram, but the Pentagram has received a seriously bad reputation due to its common association with Satanism. The Pentagram itself, however, FAR predates Christianity and since Satanism is a heresy of Christianity alone, it also greatly predates that practice.

The distinct difference between the two when looking at them is obvious.







The Pentacle has one point up, two points down and in Magickal Practice is used to call things into the Magickal Circle.













The Pentagram has two points up, one point down and in Magickal Practice is used to keep things outside the Magickal Circle.













This is how these two symbols are defined and used in the DragonFyre Weyr, Inc. Coven. Our definition does not, however, supercede the debate surrounding these ancient Sigils of Power.

There are many definitions of uses for these symbols. Some groups state that if it is written, it is a Pentacle, and if it is worn, it is a Pentagram. Some claim the exact opposite. Some say that it matters not which way the Star is pointed, but whether it is used as a Talisman or Amulet which determines its name. There are those who state that a star within a circle is a Pentacle and one without the circle is a Pentagram, while still others insist that the Pentacle has three circles while the Pentagram has only one or none.

Some Wiccan/Pagan Traditions [Gardenarian, specifically, but there are others] denote Second Degree by use of the "inverted Pentacle," [indicating by "inverted" to mean the two points up] while some of the Enochian Traditions [yes, there are practicing Enochian Wiccans] claim that the very word "Pentagram" is indicative of the Tetragramaton; the unknowable name of the Christian God and therefore cannot possibly indicate anything "dark." And yet, the Practitioners of Goetia [or Goetic/Goetian Wicca] state as fact that the inversion of the Sacred Star denotes just that; darkness personified. Still others believe the Pentagram [or inverted Pentacle] is symbollic of the Power of the God, while the Pentacle [or one point up star] is indicative of the Sacred Feminine, the Goddess.

Many Christians insist the Pentagram [or two points up star] is a Satanic symbol, and therefore everything done by everyone who uses that symbol, is also Satanic. I would say, "Educate Yourself!" Go to the Church of Satan Website, and see their sigil for yourself! It is NOT a simple inverted Pentacle! It is the Baphomet which was used by many ancient sects LONG BEFORE the Springer/Kramer invention of what is considered "Satanic" in contemporary times, and had nothing to do with any devil. The Satanic sigil used by those claiming Satanism today, is the goat-headed deity Baphomet, within a Pentagram, but with two circles, not one [or none, for that matter].

Baphomet the Goat God became important to the Order of the Knights Templar and remained a significant image in freemasonry. It has [because of the vast popularity of these groups] acted as a foundation to many Satanic images that incorporate goat-features. The Order of the Knights Templar was formed during the crusades when many knights and squires set out for the Holy Land. For generations they dominated a large part of the Mediterranean with their headquarters in Malta. The inverted five-pointed star, or Cross of Malta is used as a cryptogram for Baphomet.

Baphomet was one of the many "Horned Gods" of that time. Current historical documents reveal that Baphomet was of Hittite origin [circa 5000 BCE]. As with the Cult of the Madonna [Byzantine/Turkish], this religion was assimilated into the Christian religion by Crusades, particularly the Order of the Knights Templar, from the Middle East while on the Crusades. At approximately the same time, the Freemasons adopted the Baphomet, as well.

I find it ironic that the practice of Madonna-worship and the use of the Baphomet were adopted at the same time, by the same group of elite religious zealots, and both practices have gone the way of supposed Satanism, over the generations. Worship of any God but Jehova, and worship of the Goddess, are both considered heritical practices by the Catholic Church today.

As you can see, the theological and anthropological debate is far from over. This is why I felt the need to give you some exposure to not only our beliefs at DFW, Inc., but those of the outside world, as well. As I've said repeatedly throughout this site..."What feels right to YOU, is right for YOU. Don't let anyone else color your perceptions unless they change how you FEEL about your beliefs and practices."

That having been said, always remember to have an open mind, while being true to yourself. That is the essence of Balance, which is what the Pentacle and Pentagram create; Yin and Yang.