Secrets of the Pentagram: power and meaning
Powerful, mysterious, and often misunderstood, the Pentagram has intrigued for millennia. Behind its five branches lies a sacred symbol of balance, protection, and spiritual elevation. Used in many traditions—from Antiquity to modern Wicca—it embodies the union between the elements and Spirit, wisdom, and inner strength.
In this article, we invite you to explore the deeper meaning of the Pentagram, its origins, its various interpretations, and the reasons why it remains one of the most powerful symbols in sacred geometry today.
🔍 Definition, symbolism, daily or ritual use… Take a moment to discover (or rediscover) this universal symbol of light and protection.
Pentagram: simple definition and origins of the symbol
The Pentagram is a geometric symbol in the shape of a five-pointed star, drawn by connecting five equidistant points on a circle. Its upward-facing point symbolizes spiritual elevation.
The word "pentagram" comes from the ancient Greek penta (five) and gram (line or outline). Present in many ancient traditions, it is today recognized as a sacred symbol of protection, balance, and inner harmony.
In esotericism, each point represents an element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit, at the top. The pentagram is used as a ritual tool, talisman, or spiritual marker, both in pagan practices and in certain forms of magic and modern spirituality.
Versatile and powerful, this symbol continues to inspire, protect, and connect humanity to the universe from antiquity... to the present day.
Pentagram or Pentacle? What's the difference between a pentagram and a pentacle?
The Pentagram, the 5-pointed star, is an ancient esoteric symbol. The Pentacle, on the other hand, is a pentagram inscribed within a circle.
In the collective mind, it can be associated with magic (white or black), but in fact this symbol, like all other symbols, has been used since the dawn of time.
Wikipedia tells us that traces of this symbol can be found as far back as prehistoric times, but to be honest, I haven't found any photos of places dating back to this period!
On the other hand, the Pentagram can be found on various architectural buildings, with photos to prove it.
Top left: this part of a baptistery in Split (Croatia) dates from the first centuries of the Christian era and features a pentacle or pentagram.
Top right: on the ancient ruins of the Capernaum Synagogue (2nd-5th century) in Galilee, Israel.
Bottom left: on the rose window of Amiens Cathedral (13th century) - inverted pentagram
Bottom right: pentagram on the Jaffa Gate (built 1538) in Jerusalem. - Inverted pentagram.
Meaning of the Pentagram: its symbols and interpretations through the ages
The pentagram is a five-pointed star representing harmony between the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) and Spirit. It symbolizes balance, protection, and spiritual elevation in many ancient and modern traditions.
The Pentagram as a representation of the universe
The Pentagram, with its five points representing the fundamental elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit, offers a fascinating perspective as a symbolic representation of the universe. Each branch of the star evokes a primordial force of creation, suggesting harmony between these essential elements. In this interpretation, the Pentagram becomes a kind of microcosm of the universe, capturing the balance and interplay between cosmic forces. It symbolizes the unity and interconnectedness of all things in the universe, reminding us that each element is intrinsically linked to the others in a vast network of interdependence. As such, this magical symbol invites deep contemplation of the nature of existence and man's place within the universe.
The Pentagram and Vitruvian Man: the perfect man
The Pentagram, the 5-pointed star, is the symbol of the perfect man. Schematically, it represents a man standing on his 2 feet, with arms outstretched and head held high.
Who doesn't have in mind Leonardo da Vinci's famous Vitruvian Man?
Vitruvian Man is inscribed in:
● a square, symbol of the earth, its four vertices referring to the four terrestrial elements (water, air, fire and earth) and the four cardinal points
● a circle, symbol of the sky: it's the representation of unity, of the celestial vault.
Thus, Leonardo da Vinci would seek to represent man as a (terrestrial) creature of god (celestial) and to show through the use of divine proportion that Man, god's creature, is perfect.
The extremities of the human body form a five-pointed pentacle.
In ancient times, the pentacle was considered a symbol of perfection and harmony. It transcends the golden ratio of divine origin and was extensively studied by the Pythagoreans, making it famous in geometry and as a symbol of beauty.
Indeed, Vitruvius said: "For a building to be beautiful, it must possess symmetry and perfect proportions like those found in nature ".
Leonardo da Vinci sought to show us that Nature and Man were governed by sacred geometry and were therefore in direct relationship with the divine.
In 1505, he wrote that " proportions are found not only in numbers and measures, but also in sounds, weights, time, positions and in all forms of force that can exist ".
The Pentagram for protection
For centuries, the Pentagram has been revered as a powerful symbol of protection against negative energies and malevolent forces. Used in esoteric and spiritual traditions around the world, it acts as a symbolic shield, repelling undesirable influences and creating a space of spiritual security.
Designed or worn as a talisman, the Pentagram embodies strength and clarity, reinforcing connection with divine forces and channeling their protective power. By meditating on this sacred symbol, you can invoke a sense of confidence and security, knowing that you are surrounded by an aura of spiritual protection. In this way, the Pentagram of Protection becomes much more than just a symbol; it becomes a companion on your spiritual journey, offering strength and comfort in times of doubt and danger.
Esoteric and mystical symbolism of the Pentagram
Man is a living pentagram
The pentagram has always been a symbol of the Light tradition. It can be found in the teachings of Pythagoras, the Freemasons, Eliphas Levi, Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov, Peter Deunov and others. Inspired by this magical symbol representing man, Deunov integrated it into the sacred dance of Paneuryhmia in a series of movements that place man, the microcosm, in harmony with the macrocosm that is the universe.
The pentagram is the symbol of man with 2 arms, 2 legs and a head. It is the symbol of good and evil, because the 5-pointed star can be drawn with the head pointing upwards or downwards.
The pentagram with the head pointing upwards represents the consciousness and intelligence that govern the world and the 4 elements. This star is man, standing with his head above water, who can act in his own ray, his true being, and thus balance, heal and ennoble all unbalanced, anarchic forces, who can bring order through a higher power that he captures with his thoughts.
On the other hand, the inverted pentagram is the symbol of unleashed forces, which can no longer be controlled and which fight each other. This is the principle of evil. The Apocalypse speaks of a horned beast rising from the sea to destroy. The Rose Crosses of the Middle Ages wrote 666 in the middle of the inverted pentagram. This was the seal of the beast, of stupidity, which was placed on men's foreheads, for intelligence, and on men's hands, for action.
Today, it's very difficult to keep our heads up, because we're unfortunately caught up in the downward forces of matter, instinct, unconsciousness and passivity. There's a world around us that wants us to be passive, unconscious, and to act instinctively.
This period of Coronavirus is very instructive because it brings to light these forces that are pulling us down.
The pentagram reminds us that we must fix and master what belongs to the fall. It reminds us that we need to free ourselves from it in order to live with our soul and in full accord with our innermost being. Straightening the pentagram means taking back control of your life.
Many people have problems in their lives that they can't see the source of. It's as if they had an invisible enemy striking at them, and they were struggling in the void without ever catching anything. Yet it is possible to grasp these invisible enemies. But how? By thinking, by making them appear through numbers, through geometry, through structured thoughts.
This teaching comes from ancient wisdom. In ancient times, people used to draw animals in caves or on stones, when they wanted to materialize abundance.
Today, we offer you articles and symbols of sacred geometry, so that you can use them in your daily life. Beyond standard use (see next point), you'll surround yourself with beneficial forces and have in your hands the tools of awakening to keep your head above water in this increasingly hostile outside world.
It's a real blessing.
Why is the Pentagram a symbol of perfect harmony?
The star symbol or the symbolism of the number 5
- This is the number of harmony and balance. It's also the number of divine grace.
- The number 5 is characteristic of man. According to Kabbalah, it's the number of the perfect man - free from the animal side.
- According to the Bible, it is the symbol of the God-Man through the five wounds of Christ on the cross - as such, it is also considered the number of grace. The 5 is also found in the human body: the five fingers of the hand and feet, the five senses - touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight - the five limbs - the two arms, the two legs and the head, with the torso at the center - the five bones forming the metacarpus, the metatarsus and the skull, and so on.
- Envisaged as the mediator between God and the universe, the five is considered a symbol of the universe.
- For Hildegard of Bingen, the number 5 is the symbol of Man, who is divided into five equal parts, both lengthwise and widthwise (arms outstretched), to form a perfect square.
- Symbol of divine will.
- Symbol of Mayan perfection.
- Symbol of embodied consciousness - 4, Matter, + 1, Spirit.
- Symbolizes man's strength and limits in his mastery of the Universe.
- In China, it's the number of the Center, as well as being considered a lucky male number.
- Number of life and nature, according to psychoanalyst Ernst Aeppli (1892-1954).
The Pentagram, a sacred symbol
The golden ratio, Phi, is a sacred number, a mathematical proportion equal to 1.6180339887....
From ancient times to the present day, the golden ratio has been used in architecture. It has been called the number of harmony, the number of creation, the divine number.
The golden ratio is omnipresent in all of nature and in all kingdoms. Living things have always used this law of proportion to come into being and develop, so much so that our eyes are able to immediately appreciate the presence or absence of this proportion.
If we were to sum up this golden ratio, it's much more than a simple arithmetic concept, it's at the root of beauty.
The Pentagram, for example, is built around this sacred number. If you look at this symbol, you'll see that it's made up of 5 triangles and an inverted regular pentagon. If we divide the triangle's sides by its base, we obtain the number phi, the golden number. The pentagram is made up of 5 golden triangles (5 isosceles triangles whose base angles are both 72 degrees and the third 36 degrees) joined around a pentagon.
The shapes of sacred symbols build a path that induces a circulation of energy special to the shape and volume. The energy thus created raises its frequency and reaches a certain vibratory level that opens up consciousness and understanding.
These symbols encourage the circulation of certain energies, serve as harmonizers and emit their form vibrations by resonance, as with a crystal bowl for example.
The inverted Pentagram: a satanic symbol?
What really surprised me was finding the Pentagram inverted on certain buildings. In my mind, the beneficial Pentagram is used with the point upwards, and we'll see why a little later.
What I didn't know was that the pentagram represented with the point downwards was once seen as a feminine symbol expressing the fertilization of the world of dense matter by the spirit through the matrix.
It was also associated with the satanic or diabolical world, but it could also represent a desire for manifestation and fulfillment. It would be interesting to know what intentions the builders of the time had when they chose to incorporate the inverted pentagram into their buildings!
This inverted symbol is so closely associated with dark or black magic, that I strongly advise against using it in this way.
Now, let's take a look at the esoteric aspect of the symbol and see how it refers to ourselves. Because, basically, all symbols are representations of the cosmos, the universe, and therefore of ourselves.
Pentagram: the benefits of a protective and sacred symbol
Used since ancient times as a symbol of protection and harmony, the pentagram continues to be a valuable ally in daily life. It acts as a vibrational tool that influences our subtle energy.
Here are some of its most recognized benefits:
• Energy protection: repels negative influences and base energies.
• Grounding and centering: promotes inner balance between body, mind, and emotions.
• Connection to the elements: symbolizes harmony between the four elements and Spirit.
• Spiritual awakening: supports meditative, magical, or esoteric practices.
• Aura strengthening: helps stabilize and purify your energy field.
• Symbol of intention: used in ritual or decoration, it directs your intentions toward light and peace.
Why wear Pentagram jewelry?
The Pentagram acts as a symbol of protection against negative energies, malevolent influences or undesirable spiritual forces. Wearing it can bring a sense of security and confidence, reinforcing the belief that one is surrounded by an aura of spiritual protection. The Pentagram can be seen as a talisman or lucky charm, bringing protection, luck or healing to the wearer.
Some also use it as a focal point during meditation or spiritual practices to connect with the divine or find inner harmony. Wearing it can help direct attention and channel spiritual energies during these moments of contemplation.
How to use the Pentagram
The Pentagram is used in many practices.
- Meditation and contemplation :
Some people use the Pentagram as a focal point during meditation or contemplation practices. By focusing on the symbol, we can invoke the meanings and energies associated with the pentagram to connect with the divine or find inner harmony.
- Personal protection:
The pentagram can be worn as a talisman or amulet to provide personal protection against negative energies or malevolent influences. Some wear it as jewelry, such as pendants or rings, while others draw it on their skin or keep it in their environment.
- Magical practice:
In some magical traditions, the pentagram is used as a ritual tool to channel energy or manifest specific intentions. It can be traced in the air or on the ground during magical rituals to invoke spiritual forces or to protect a sacred space.
- Decoration and symbolism:
The pentagram is often used for decorative or symbolic purposes, whether in art, literature, music or other forms of cultural expression. It can be incorporated into artworks, tattoos, clothing or accessories to express spiritual beliefs, religious affiliations or esoteric interests.
- Divination tools :
In some divination practices, the pentagram can be used as a symbol or tool to interpret cards, runes or other forms of divination. Different positions or orientations of the pentagram can have specific meanings when reading cards or symbols.
How and why draw a Pentagram?
Drawing a pentagram can serve different purposes depending on your practices and intentions.
In many esoteric and spiritual traditions, drawing a pentagram is a ritual act used to invoke spiritual energies or entities, to meditate or to connect with the divine. It can help direct attention and channel spiritual energies, promoting concentration and mental clarity. It can be part of a daily practice or a more formal ritual.
Drawing a Pentagram in the air or on the ground can purify a sacred space or create a symbolic barrier against undesirable forces.
In fact, if you're feeling confused, anxious or overwhelmed, I recommend drawing a Pentagram in the air, in all 4 directions (or even all 6). It's a powerful way of protecting yourself, calming your mind and restoring your inner balance.
Here's a 4-minute tutorial to teach you how to draw this symbol easily.
Where to buy a Pentagram?
If you're looking for a Pentagram, you've come to the right place. Mandalashop is your specialist for sacred geometry symbols, with the widest selection on the market!
Our products are designed and printed by us in France, guaranteeing superior quality and attention to detail.
Whether your motivation is personal protection, spiritual expression, meditation or any other reason, we offer a wide range of Pentagrams to suit your needs and preferences.
At Mandalashop, we believe in following your intuition rather than giving in to trends or outside influences. Trust your instincts and choose the Pentagram that resonates most with you, knowing you've found a reliable and authentic source for your symbolic needs.
A final word
The pentagram is not just a symbol. It is a gateway to inner harmony, a tool of protection, a sacred landmark in a world searching for meaning. Whether worn as jewelry, incorporated into a ritual, or simply contemplated, it acts as a reminder of the unity between matter and spirit, between the visible and the invisible.
Throughout the ages, this ancestral symbol has retained its power and magic. And even today, it can accompany you in your daily life to center yourself, protect yourself, and affirm your light.
Want to integrate the Pentagram into your space or practice?
Discover our collection of objects and jewelry bearing the image of the Pentagram, carefully designed to combine energy, aesthetics, and spirituality.
👉 See the Pentagram & Pentacle collection
🔮 FAQ about the Pentagram
Is the Pentagram an evil symbol?
No, the pentagram is not an evil symbol. Used since ancient times, it represents harmony, the unity of the elements, and protection. Only its inverted version, with the point facing downward, was later associated with certain occult or satanic movements—a recent and very rare interpretation of the symbol.
What are the benefits of the Pentagram?
The Pentagram is considered a symbol of protection and balance. It is used to:
• Create an energetic shield around oneself
• Harmonize internal and external energies
• Reconnect with natural elements
• Stimulate spiritual awareness
• Strengthen grounding and self-confidence
What is the connection between the Pentagram and the five elements?
Each branch of the pentagram corresponds to an element of nature:
🜃 Earth – 🜁 Air – 🜂 Fire – 🜄 Water – and at the top, Spirit (or Ether).
This symbol thus represents the balance between the material and spiritual worlds. It is a powerful tool for practices of reconnection, harmonization, and energy visualization.
What is the role of the Pentagram in Wicca?
In Wicca, the pentagram is a central symbol, representing the connection to nature, the elements, and the cycles of life. It is often used in rituals for protection, as a visualization tool, or even traced on the ground to delineate a sacred circle. Surrounded by a circle, it becomes a pentacle, reinforcing its magical power and sacred dimension.
How to use a pentagram in your spiritual practice?
The pentagram can be incorporated into one's practice by:
• Wearing it as jewelry (pendant, ring) for its protective symbolism
• Placing it in a sacred or meditation space
• Tracing it in a ritual to open or close a circle
• Using it as a visualization or centering tool
We've come to the end of this article. I hope you've enjoyed it.
Please feel free to comment, share and subscribe to our newsletter to be informed of future releases and find out more about symbols!
Sources
Le pouvoir des symboles, Éditions Trajectoires
Le langage des figures géométriques, Éditions Prosveta
La magie du Pentagramme, Éditions Essenia
Article first published: April 2020
Updated: March 18, 2023, April 3, 2025
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