A pentacle is a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle, often used as a symbol in various cultural and religious contexts. Its meaning has evolved throughout history and across different cultures, but it is commonly associated with magic, paganism, and occultism. In Wiccan and neopagan traditions, the pentacle is often used as a tool for ritual and spellwork, representing the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. It is also believed to be a protective symbol, warding off negative energies and entities. In some Christian traditions, the pentacle is associated with the five wounds of Christ and used as a symbol of redemption and salvation. The pentacle has also been used in popular culture, particularly in fantasy and horror genres. It is often depicted as a symbol of dark magic and witchcraft, and is associated with supernatural powers and rituals. However, this portrayal is often inaccurate and perpetuates negative stereotypes about pagan and occult practices. Despite its controversial history and associations, the pentacle remains a powerful symbol for many people, representing their beliefs, values, and spirituality. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the power of the natural world.
symbol, magic, paganism, occultism, Wicca, neopaganism, protection, Christian, fantasy, horror
The word Pentacle is a noun of Latin origin, coming from the root word pentaculum. It is a symbol used in the practices of magic and witchcraft, which is usually represented by a five-pointed star within a circle. Synonyms for Pentacle include amulet, talisman, or charm, while antonyms include hexagram and symbol of disrepute. Cognates related to Pentacle are pentagram, pentacle, pentad, pentagon, and the prefix penta, all of which refer to the number five. Variants of the word Pentacle include pentaculum, pentologia, questing stone, and runestones.
Morphology, Semantics, Etymology, Comparative, Classification.
The word ‘pentacle’ has origins in the Ancient Greek πεντακόσκι (pentakoski), which literally translates as ‘five-pointed’. The term was likely derived from a combination of two Greek morphemes: πεντε (pente), which independently translates as ‘five’ and κόσκι (koski), which translates as a ‘point’ or ‘corner’. The word pentacle is known to have been used in English since at least the 14th century, where it has been used in a variety of contexts, including historically to refer to a five-pointed star, as well as a talisman or charm associated with the occult and satanic beliefs. The later meaning is also derived from the Ancient Greek term, but likely widely disseminated and accepted by the public during times of renewed interest in such beliefs during the 18th and 19th centuries, when the term was more widely used. The word has since taken on various symbolic and traditional meanings, with the shape being represented in various forms for a variety of intentions, depending on the cultural context and the beliefs of the people who use it.
Etymology, Morphology, Symbolism, Occultism, Tradition
CITATION : "Henry Fontaine. 'Pentacle.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=218211 (Accessed on July 04, 2025)"
Pentacle is a magical symbol made up of a five pointed star surrounded by a circle. Its underlying meaning has been interpreted in numerous ways over the centuries with references to the four elements and to certain pagan religious beliefs. The star within the circle has been used to signify personal power in many ancient cultures, and modern interpretations of it may refer to the power of the stars or the Universe to shape our destiny. Equivalent words in other languages may include estrella in Spanish, étoile in French, Eisenstern in German, stella in Latin, and rihlah in Arabic.
For SEO purposes, these terms may be listed as estrella, étoile, Eisenstern, stella, rihlah.
Pentacle is an image composition technique used in anime, comics, and manga for drawing character attire around the neck. It involves drawing a five-pointed star, also known as a pentagram, around the neck of the character. The design of the pentacle is usually abstract, with the points forming a circular shape. The center of the pentacle is often filled with an image or pattern, while the five points may contain symbols, characters, or other meaningful elements. It can be used to denote magical powers, spiritual connections, or simply as a decorative touch to a character’s clothing.
Pentacle, Pentagram, Necklace, Image Composition, Anime, Comics, Manga, Character Attire, Magical Powers, Spiritual Connections, Decorative Touch
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