A pentagram is a five pointed star. Traditionally, the five points of the star represent the four elements (Earth,
Water,
Fire, and Air) and Spirit. An upright pentagram represents the triumph of spirit over matter, while an inverted pentagram represents the descent of spirit into matter. Pentagrams are often used in magick, usually to invoke or banish elemental energies when casting a circle. Not to be confused with a pentacle, which is simply a pentagram with a circle around it.
Historical associations of the pentagram include the five senses, the five fingers, the five wounds of Christ, and astrological representation of the five planets: Jupiter, Mercury,
Mars and Saturn, and Venus. Modern day associations include: the upright pentagram (or pentacle) as a symbol of adherents to Wicca/Paganism/Witchcraft (much as a
Christian would wear a cross as a symbol of their faith). An inverted pentagram with a
goat's
head, called the Sigil Baphomet, is the official symbol for the Church of
Satan.
Earthsong called upon the elemental energies, describing an invoking pentagram at each quarter of the
circle.
Unfortunately, the pentagram and pentacle have been mass marketed along with "punk-
rock" in stores such as Hot Topic and Spencers as a form of teenage rebellion (remember the movie "The Craft"?
Ugh!).