Pentacle vs. Pentagram

While these two symbols are different, they do look the same with one minor difference.

Throughout history, many cultures and religions have adopted this as a symbol representing what they believe. The term "Pentagram" comes from the Greek word "pentagrammon" meaning "Five Lines". The pentagram certainly is five lines, intersecting each other, possibly weaving through each other.

Mesopotamians are thought to have been the first to use it, representing the word "Ub" meaning "angled"; Pythagoras saw it as a symbol of mathematical perfection; Early Christians have used it to symbolize the five wounds of Christ and the five senses. Now they seem to have abandoned this symbol and now claim it a symbol of Satan and Devil Worship (however, if you look closely at many Churches, both ancient and very modern, some STILL display the pentagram).

A Pentagram is, simply put, a star. As we, who have delved into the history and books, have come to the realization, it is not a symbol of Devil Worship, but a symbol representing the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) and the Spirit. A symbol that those who honor Nature hold dear.

The Pentacle is pretty much the same thing, with one addition. A Circle. This changes it a little. While this is still a symbol representing the four elements and the Spirit, it also symbolizes the cycle of life (birth, life, death, rebirth), the cycles of the seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall), and other symbols that the individual Pagan chooses to attribute to it.

To a beginner who is searching out the meaning behind this symbol, it can become confusing if people use the two words "Pentagram" and "Pentacle" interchangably. When describing anything having to do with a Pentagram, and one chooses to call it a "Pentacle", how is the novice to know that they are talking about the star, sans circle? They don't. This results in confusion for the beginner. What is this symbol called?

Here is a very simple way, that I have discovered, to tell the difference between a Pentagram and a Pentacle:

Look at the words Pentacle and Circle. Both "-cle" at the end. If the word contains the "-cle" at the end, it is a star encased in a circle.

I truly hope I have helped to alleviate any confusion that has surfaced regarding the interchanged terms Pentagram and Pentacle. I hope that when someone searches for the meanings behind these symbols, they can understand which is which, and can perhaps correct those who have misused these words, and make the attempt to relieve the confusion these authors are creating.