Collection: Pentacles & Pentagrams

What Is the Difference Between a Pentacle and a Pentagram?

A pentagram is a five-pointed star drawn in one unbroken line, and a pentacle is a pentagram inside a circle. The word pentacle is older and broader: in ceremonial magic it meant any talisman disc inscribed with a symbol, and the Key of Solomon is full of them. In modern Wicca, the pentacle is both the star-in-circle you wear and the flat altar disc that stands for earth. Our article on pentagram vs. pentacle goes deeper into both.

What Does the Pentacle Symbolize?

The pentacle symbolizes the five elements held together: earth, air, fire, and water in the lower four points and spirit at the top, with the circle binding them into one whole. It is a sign of protection, of balance, and of belonging to the craft. The five-pointed star itself is far older than Wicca; the ancient Greeks used it, medieval Christians read it as the five wounds of Christ, and ceremonial magicians drew it in their rituals.

The inverted pentagram, with one point down, is used by some Satanist groups, and in some Wiccan traditions it also marks a second degree initiation. This collection includes one inverted pewter pendant; everything else is upright.

What You Will Find in This Collection

Pentacle jewelry. This is the biggest group: sterling silver pentacle rings in sizes 4 to 10, sterling poison rings with a hidden compartment, silver plated brass rings, and an adjustable amethyst ring. The pendants come in sterling, pewter, and bronze, some set with amethyst, moonstone, or black obsidian, and the earrings pair the star with lapis, fluorite, hematite, moonstone, opalite, and tiger's eye.

Altar tools. Pentagram altar tiles run from 2.75 to 5.75 inches in cast metal, brass, and cut-out styles. You will also find small altar tables, pentagram altar cloths, chalices, altar bells, a wand, and pentacle altar brooms.

Cauldrons and fire tools. Cast iron pentagram cauldrons range from 2.75 to 8 inches, some with lids, and are joined by charcoal tongs, a smudge pot, a backflow incense burner, and an ash catcher. Keep charcoal on a heat-safe surface, and let a cauldron cool completely before you touch it.

Candles and holders. Pentacle candle holders fit chime, taper, and tealight candles, and there is a pentacle candle snuffer and two pentacle jar candles, one frankincense and one protection blend.

Journals and blank books. Leather Book of Shadows journals with embossed pentacles, triple moons, and brooms, several with latches or cord ties, are made for recording spells and correspondences.

Kitchen and herb tools. A pentagram mortar and pestle, a wooden pentacle mortar and pestle set, and a pentagram herb grinder are sized for grinding herbs and resins.

Home and everyday pieces. Pentagram wind chimes, wall hangings, a dragon plaque, posters, a pennant, a hanging cabinet, tote bags, iron-on patches, and bumper stickers carry the symbol off the altar and into the rest of your life. Crystal gazing balls on pentacle stands, a tourmaline pentagram sphere and palm stone, gemstone cubes, and a black obsidian pendulum complete the set.

How Do You Use a Pentacle on an Altar?

A pentacle on an altar usually sits at the center or on the north side, the direction of earth. Witches set tools, charms, and crystals on it to consecrate or charge them, and many place a candle or offering on it during ritual. Our altar tile guide explains placement and cleansing in more detail, and the full altar tools collection has everything else for the space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pentacle and a pentagram?
A pentagram is a five-pointed star drawn with one continuous line, and a pentacle is a pentagram enclosed in a circle. The word pentacle also names a flat disc or tile inscribed with a symbol, used on a Wiccan altar to represent earth.

What do the five points of the pentagram stand for?
In modern witchcraft, four points of the pentagram stand for earth, air, fire, and water, and the top point stands for spirit. The circle around a pentacle is read as unity, protection, or the connection between all five.

Is the pentagram a satanic symbol?
No, the upright pentagram is not a satanic symbol. It has been used by ancient Greeks, early Christians, and ceremonial magicians, and today it is the main symbol of Wicca. The inverted pentagram is used by some Satanist groups, and in some Wiccan traditions it also marks a second degree initiation.

What is a pentacle altar tile used for?
A pentacle altar tile represents the element of earth on the altar. Witches use it as a base for consecrating tools, charging crystals and charms, or setting down a candle or offering during ritual.

Can anyone wear a pentacle?
Yes, anyone can wear a pentacle. It is an open symbol of Wicca and witchcraft, and people wear it for protection, as a sign of their path, or simply because they love what it stands for.

How do I choose a pentacle ring size?
Pentacle rings in this collection come in marked US sizes, from size 4 to size 10, plus one adjustable amethyst ring. If you are between sizes, the adjustable ring or the next size up is usually the more comfortable choice.