Pentacle

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛnt.ə.kl̩/

Definitions

1. A five-pointed star within a circle symbolizing earth's elements, it serves in various spiritual contexts as a protective emblem in magical practices and represents the connection between the physical and mystical realms
2. Representing a geometric union of elements, this symbol often appears in esoteric traditions and is utilized in rituals for invoking protective energies or invoking spiritual guidance
3. A symbol featuring a five-pointed star inscribed in a circle, it holds significance in various mystical traditions as a representation of elemental forces and is often employed in protective rituals

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "pentacle" is that its original sense had nothing to do with five points. In Old French, a "pentacol" was a pendant, an ornament that hung from the neck. The name came from "pent", meaning "hangs", combined with "a", meaning "from", and "col", meaning "neck". The object was simply a piece of jewellery worn on a chain. Over time, the word was reshaped by people who heard it as "penta-", the Greek-derived prefix for "five", plus a Latin-style ending, "-culum", which forms words for small objects. The Latinized form "pentaculum" shows this reinterpretation at work. Once the word was understood as meaning something with five parts, its sense narrowed to a design with five points, especially the star known as the pentagram.

Synonyms: symbol, token, emblem