The Elemental Pentacle
	The pentacle, the most famous symbol of Witchcraft is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe. When the pentacle is drawn or written, the image created is called a pentagram. The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West. Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world. The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day to day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole.
In Craft rituals, the pentacle is a round disc inscribed with a pentagram and placed upon the alter. The disc can be made of many different things. In more dangerous times, the pentacle was crafted from disposable materials such as clay or dough. To be caught in the possession of a pentacle in those days could very well endanger your life. Nowadays, pentacles are crafted in metals such as copper, brass, silver or gold. Many witches make their own from stained glass or by etchings stones or wood. The pentacle can also be personalised by adding appropiate astrological symbols, runes and other sigils (magickal symbols) that have special meaning to the practitioner. Many witches wear a pentacle pendant or ring as a sign of their religion or as an amulet or talisman. The pentacle crafted from silver represents Moon energy and psychic forces. The same symbol in gold represnts the Sun energies of power and strength. Many pentacle come with embedded stones which can represent birth months or a particular energ that the wearer wishes to attract. During magickal operations, the pentagram can be drawn in the air by the atheme or sword. When drawn a certain way, it is used to either invoke or banish energies. The simplest spells of this kind are those involving candle magick. A candle of the appropriate colour is charged and placed on the pentacle. Traditionally, each of the five angles has been attributed to the 5 metaphysical elements of the ancients: EARTH: (lower left hand corner) represents stability and physical endurance. FIRE: (lower right hand corner) represents courage and daring. WATER: (upper right hand corner) represents emotions and intuition AIR: (upper left hand corner) represents intelligence and the arts SPIRIT: (topmost point) Represents the All and the Divine. The circle around the star reprsents the God/Goddess, it refracts and reflects all light, bringing to the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection.