Hello, this is a great question and to be honest, it was something I was pretty confused about when I first began studying more. I feel like maybe there’s a bit more I could add to this question/answer too, so, I hope you don’t mind that first!
See, one of the things that really confused me at first was the difference between a pentacle and a pentagram; they seemed to be used interchangeably but, they also seemed to have their own purposes. I have found that the similarity is that they can both be used for magickal workings, herp derp, right? The differences being that a pentacle is a physical object (3D), usually surrounded by a circle to bring the elements together while a pentagram is written or drawn (2D) and is used more like a magickal symbol.Moving on to your real question now…The UPRIGHT pentacle or pentagram actually has many different meanings depending on paths. One being that each point represents the four elements of the physical world; (earth, water, air, and fire) with the fifth top point representing spirit. Another interpretation is spirit over material. So, in other words, it’s “mind over matter.” Overall, it is a positive and protective symbol that is used to represent faith and encourage stronger energy during magickal workings.The INVERTED pentacle or pentagram is not exactly what Pop-Culture, the media and the history texts have made it out to be. It’s has a few meanings too, one being that represents the opposite of the above; “Matter over mind.” But, I feel more of a traditional pull towards it; I see it as “I’m taking control over spirit this time”. Let me explain, It wasn’t until the 1800′s that the inverted symbol started to get a bad reputation; as far as I can remember (you may want to look this up yourself just to be sure lol.) Anyways, it originally had a connection with earth more or less and by extension, to the Horned God, Cernunnos. It was grounding and powerful. It was during this time that it took on the ‘evil’ association from the Churches just because of the horns from the God and how the bottom points were facing upward. From there it became Satanic with a strong connection to the ‘Devil’. So, in the 1960′s when the Church of Satan was founded, some of the followers of that path took on the symbol to change the meaning and have it represent another type of horned god, only this time it was Baphomet for strength and personal empowerment! Taking back what felt rightfully theirs, in a way. Now, that all being said there are paths where the more traditional covens may use the inverted pentagram to represent a Second Degree Initiation. Seriously, though, it all kinda just ties back to the original connection of the Horned God in the end IMO! Hope this could help answer your question, take care and blessed be! x
