The Pentagram and Pentacle:

Pentacle

Just thought we woud share!  
Many Spiritualists, Pagans and Wiccans use the Pentagram and Pentacle in their lives.  



The five points of the star have many meanings.  Some attribute the five points to the four directions and Spirit.  Another thought is "as Above, so Below" which is attributed to the double triangles you can find in the star.  


 The differences between the two;  






A pentagram is a five pointed star, with the one point aligned upwards and drawn with 5 straight strokes. 

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A pentacle (also spelled pantacle in Thelema, following Aleister Crowley) is an amulet used in magical evocation, generally made of parchment, paper or metal (although it can be of other materials), on which the symbol of a spirit or energy being evoked is drawn.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentacle

 A pentacle is generally defined as an upright pentagram surrounded by a circle. 
 
"A circle around a pentagram contains and protects. The circle is symbolic of eternity and infinity, the cycles of life and nature. The circle touching all 5 points indicates that the spirit, earth, air, water and fire are all connected.

The circled pentagram is the passive form implying spiritual containment of the magic circle, in keeping with the traditional secrecy of witchcraft, and the personal, individual nature of the pagan religious path, of its non-proselytising character."
http://www.angelfire.com/id/robpurvis/pentagram.html

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The Pentacle is  a sacred symbol that is used for ceremonial magic, to draw material gains toward oneself.  It's also used to invite protection to a person or place.  

It can be used in conjunction with other sacred symbols such as runes and Sigils.

The Sigillum Aemeth is a Highly complex pentacle and it is to be done of pure wax about 27 inches in circumference.

The pentacle should be upright at all times while on your altar

There are many uses for the pentagram and pentacle, both for ceremonial and daily magic.  You can use empower jewelry, candles, even yourself if you choose to have it tattooed on your body!  

This is by no means the be all and end all on the five pointed star, but just a little prompt for you to look up and gather your own information!  

The Pentacle of the Ark as given in The Sixth Book of Moses (a 19th century version).

"The Pentagram As A Christian Symbol:
Up until medieval times, the five points of the pentagram represented the five wounds of Christ on the Cross. It was a symbol of Christ the Savior. This is in stark contrast to today where the pentagram is criticized by modern Fundamentalist Christians, as being a symbol of evil.

The church eventually chose the cross as a more significant symbol for Christianity, and the use of the pentagram as a Christian symbol gradually ceased."
http://www.angelfire.com/id/robpurvis/pentagram.html