Through the ages, the symbol of the pentagram, or pentacle, has been
viewed with great suspicion. It has been seen as a symbol of evil and as
a trademark of the Christian Devil and Devil worship. As any Wiccan
could tell you, we do not believe in a "Devil" of any form, let alone
use a symbol that is supposed to be its "trademark".
The pentagram is often seen as a symbol of Wicca, and Wiccans use
it not only for protecting themselves, but also for representing their
beliefs. For a Wiccan, there is no symbol more powerful or meaningful
than this.
The reversed pentagram is sometimes seen, but rarely used in
Wicca. In some covens, it is used as a sign of second degree initiation.
Not used to indicate evil, but to fulfill a function of growth. Do not
assume when you see an inverted pentagram that the person worships with a
Satanic cult. Learn before you judge.
On the pentacle, our sacred symbol, each point of the star
represents one element, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The top point of
the star stands for the fifth element, that of the Spirit. It means
centering, transformation, and that its limits are beyond time and space
as we understand them. This element is often called "Akasha". The
circle around the star represents the endless circle of life we know as
Birth, Growth, Death, and Rebirth.
Air — Compass
point: East. Represents intellect, communication, knowledge,
concentration; the ability to "know" and to understand; to unlock
secrets of the dead; to contact the angels; telepathy, memory, and
wisdom; the hawk, the raven, and eagle; prophecy; movement, karma, and
speed.
Fire — Compass
point: South. Stands for energy, purification, courage, the will to
dare, creativity; higher self; success and refinement; the arts and
transformation; the lion, the phoenix, and the dragon; loyalty and
force.
Water — Compass
point: West. Associated with intuition, emotions, the inner self,
flowing movement, the power to dare and cleanse all things; sympathy and
love; relflection; currents and tides of life; the dolphin, the swan,
and the crab; dreams and dreamtime.
Earth — Compass
point: North. Mystery and growth, fertility, material abundance, the
combined forces of nature and its bounty; birth and healing; business,
industry, and possessions; the bear, the stag, and the wolf;
conservation and nature.
SOURCE: The Wiccan Garden