Pentagram Jewelry: Representations of Good or Evil?

Pentagrams (also known as pentacles) are one of the ancient symbols that have stood the test of time. It is a symbol with many different meanings and is tied down to several traditions. Pentagram jewelry has also withstood time's test, having been found throughout history, being worn by famous and powerful people, such as King Solomon, which is why it is sometimes referred to as Solomon's seal.

All pentagrams or pentacles use a symmetrical five pointed star. The star can be free or it can be enclosed in a circle, as is most common. In some traditions, the upright star, which has one point aligned upwards is said to represent the five elements on earth, with the top point representing spirit and the other four points representing air, fire, water, and wind. The circle around the star symbolizes life, eternity, and is said to protect the pentagram's wearer against evil.

The pentacle is the symbol of a goddess who was worshiped from ancient England to ancient Egypt. The goddess had different names in different places, but is thought to be the same goddess. This means many different cultures gave different meanings to this symbol. It has been connected to the sacred fruit, the apple, which when cut through its equator reveals a star shape on both sides, with seeds in each point. It has also been connected to the zodiac and astrology, with each point in the star representing the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Mercury, but all of which are ruled by the top most point of Venus. Other beliefs tie the pentagram to the Celtic goddess of the underground, the Seven Seals of Hebrew scripture, the Masonic order, the five knightly virtues, and even the five wounds of Christ and the star of Bethlehem.

Popular culture has shed a dark shadow over pentacles, however. It is commonly linked to evil, witches, and witchcraft, often being used in movies about witches or the Salem witch trials. The link to this notion is best found in the fact that ancient Celts and their mystic druids (Merlin the magician is said to have been one) used the symbol of the pentagram, and Wiccans (both past and present day) use it as one of their sacred symbols as well. It was Christianity that gave the pentagram its bad or “evil” reputation because of its association with “pagan” religions.

So does pentagram jewelry represent good or evil? The truth is that it doesn't represent either forces. Depending on how the star is drawn, how it's worn, and the imprint on the circle, it simply represents one of the many legends and traditions of past civilizations.