All About the Pentagram: Meaning, History and Variations

The five-pointed star traditionally symbolizes the unity of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. The topmost point signifies spirit, emphasizing its supremacy over the material elements.

This configuration symbolizes wholeness, protection and the perpetual cycle of life and nature, illustrating the unity of elements and the cyclical nature of the universe.

Beyond its elemental and protective qualities, the five-pointed star has been linked to Christian traditions, notably during the Middle Ages.

The word "pentagram" has its roots in the Greek terms "penta," meaning "five," and "gramma," meaning "letter" or "writing." It refers to a figure composed of five lines, encapsulating the essence of the symbol — a star with five straight strokes.

Here is a look at the symbol's evolution through different eras.

The pentagram and the golden ratio share a relationship that can be likened to the precision of a perfectly balanced scale.

Often represented by the Greek letter phi (Φ), the golden ratio is an irrational number approximately equal to 1.6180339887 (usually shortened to 1.618). This mathematical constant appears throughout nature's designs, from the spirals of shells to the patterns of flower petals.

The ratio acts as a guiding principle in the pentagram structure, ensuring that the lengths of the segments formed by its intersecting lines adhere to this proportion. It's as if each point and line within the pentagram is meticulously crafted to fit into this universal pattern of balance and harmony.

This connection between the pentagram and the golden ratio is more than just a mathematical curiosity; it reflects the underlying order in the natural world; even in the most abstract mathematical concepts, there's a resonance with the physical world around us.

While there is one traditional pentagram shape and orientation that comes to mind for many of us when we think of the symbol, there are actually a few different types, each with its own symbolic meaning.

1. Upright Pentagram

Recognized by its single upward-facing point, the upright pentagram symbolizes a host of positive attributes across various traditions. It represents the spirit's dominance over the four material elements — earth, air, fire and water — embodying protection, light and a deep connection to the divine.

Within Western spirituality, mysticism and occultism, this configuration is often linked to the right-hand path, emphasizing benevolent magic and living in harmony with the natural world. This orientation has historically served as a powerful ward against evil spirits, creating a protective barrier that balances spiritual and elemental forces.

In early Christianity, particularly during the Middle Ages, the same upright pentagram was employed to symbolize the five wounds of Christ, denoting sacrifice, salvation and divine safeguarding.

2. Inverted Pentagram

With two points facing upward, this form sometimes symbolizes the physical realm's dominance over the spiritual, often associated with the left-hand path, which includes more individualistic or self-serving practices.

The inverted pentagram has been embraced by certain groups as a satanic symbol, often seen as representing a materialistic perspective or the subversion of conventional Christian symbols.

This particular association with Satanism gained prominence in the 20th century and does not reflect the symbol's broader historical and cultural usage.

Conversely, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints incorporates the inverted pentagram into some of its early temples, representing the Morning Star, a symbol often associated with Jesus Christ.

This usage within LDS architectural and symbolic contexts highlights the inverted pentagram's broader role as a beacon of positivity, aligning with its historical Christian meanings while offering a unique perspective within the Latter-Day Saint tradition.

3. Tetragrammaton Pentagram

Éliphas Lévi, a pivotal figure in 19th-century French occultism, reinterpreted the pentagram, infusing it with deep esoteric significance. This five-pointed star, encased within a circle, symbolizes the blending of earthly elements with spiritual realms, showcasing the universe's interconnectedness.

Lévi adorned the symbol's perimeter with the Tetragrammaton, the covenantal name of God, enhancing its spiritual resonance.

Lévi incorporated Hebrew letters and alchemical symbols within this pentagram, including representations of "Adam" and "Eve," to highlight humanity's intrinsic connection to the cosmos. These elements collectively express the balance between human nature and the broader cosmic order.

4. Pentagram with Additional Symbols

Sometimes, pentagrams are combined with other esoteric symbols, such as the eye of providence, runes or planetary symbols, to tailor the star's energies for specific magical purposes or to invoke particular aspects of the divine or elemental forces.

Each pentagram serves different symbolic purposes and is used in various contexts, from ceremonial magic to personal talismans to religious beliefs.

The key differences between the pentacle and the pentagram lie in their composition and the symbolism attributed to each.

The pentacle is a five-pointed star enclosed within a circle, often used to represent the element earth within Wiccan symbolism. The circle surrounding the star is not just a boundary; it imbues the symbol with additional meanings of unity, eternity and wholeness. It acts as a protective barrier, sealing in the energies and intentions represented by the pentagram.

In magical traditions, the pentacle is often used in rituals and spellcasting and as a tool for spiritual empowerment, serving as a conduit for channeling divine energies and intentions.

On the other hand, the pentagram refers solely to the five-pointed star. While it holds significant spiritual value, it is not confined to any one tradition.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.