history and symbolism of the pentagram
History and Symbolism of the Pentagram
Humans have used various symbols over the years for different purposes and beliefs. This article brings to you the various meanings of the Pentagram symbol, one of the few consistently appearing symbols at different stages in history.
Did You Know?
The path traced by the orbit of Venus around the Sun in every eight years is a pentagram. This path is traced by the planet in the thirteen times that it orbits around the Sun in these eight years.Origin of Pentagram Symbolism
This symbol has its roots during the Mesopotamian rule, somewhere around 3500 BCE. It was a representation of the extent of power of the empire around the four corners of the known world. This sign was used to represent the word 'ub', which meant a pit or a cavity. It was used by the Sumerians, circa 2700 BCE, as a representation of the four corners of the Earth, and the heaven at the top.Pythagorean Mysticism
Star Enclosed in a Circle
When the star is enclosed in a circle, it is also known as a 'pentacle'. This is symbolic of the connection between the five elements of life. As a Pagan religious symbol, it represents eternity and infinity, the cycles of life and nature, and the ability to contain and protect, as opposed to an open star, which represents an open and active approach along with the preparation to face a conflict. A pentacle is as shown below.
Meaning of an Inverted Pentagram
An inverted star, as shown below, is usually a representation of evil. According to Pagan beliefs, it is the representation of the dark side. In this, the spirit is at the bottom, which indicates the carnal nature of man gaining importance over the spirit, and the triumph of matter over spirit. The head of 'Baphomet', the goat of lust, can be inscribed in this inverted sign, where the two horns of the goat are inscribed in the two corners at the top, while its ears are inscribed in the two corners in the middle, and the beard in the bottom corner.
Meaning of the Pentagram in Various Religions Around the World.
Judaism
In Judaism, this ideogram is related to the 'Pentateuch', the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures, which together are also known as the 'Torah'. It was the official seal of the Jews between 300 BCE and 150 BCE. The symbol, also known as the Seal of Solomon, has been accredited to King Solomon.
Christianity
In Christianity, this symbol is believed to refer to the 'Star of Bethlehem'. It was used on the seal of Constantine, who in the later stages of his life had converted to Christianity. The corners of the star are believed to have represented the five wounds of Christ, and the symbol was a proof of His divinity. This, however, has changed since medieval times, and it has been considered as a symbol for evil ever since.
Free Masons
Free Masons believe it to be the primary of all the Pythagorean symbols. Other than that, it is considered a minor symbol, and largely ignored. However, some conspiracy theorists believe it to be symbolic of some relation that the Free Masons have with Satanic beliefs.
Wicca
Both, an upright and an inverted star are used in Wicca, the fifth-largest religion in the world. Some believe that the inverted symbol is the representation of Satan, while others believe it to be a representation of the Horned God.
Latter Day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has made use of the upright as well as inverted symbol in their temple architecture. This symbol has been used in reference to 'Revelation' chapter 12, which states, "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars."
Bahá'í Faith
The pentagram is a symbol of Bahá'í Faith.
In Arabic, the star of the pentagram is known as the 'temple'On National Flags
A pentangle appears on the national flags of Morocco and Ethiopia. On the flag of Morocco it was added by Mulay Yusuf in 1915, as a representation of the 'Seal of Solomon'. The green color of the symbol is symbolic of Islam, and the five points of the stars representing the five pillars of the religion - Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. The pentangle was added on the flag on Ethiopia in 1996, to signify the connections with the 'House of Solomon'.
Significance of the Pentagram in Geometry