Working With The Pentagram
© by Marianne and John Bjelke
Kudos to Wald Amberstone for his wonderful overview on the history of the pentagram in the Jan/Feb 97 issue of Arcanum. Despite its growing popularity as an expression of personal identity, the deeper symbolism of the pentagram remains a mystery -- even to many who display the emblem with pride. We are living in an age of explosive growth and renewed interest in the Craft. It is perhaps surprising that there is little available in one single source illustrating techniques for using the pentagram as a tool, both inside and outside of ritual. While the ritual fundamentals of invoking and banishing pentagrams can be found in any number of good source books and grimoires, the serious student must spend a great amount of time and effort to uncover the deeper meanings. It is the effort of working for our goals that we value most, but few will embark on an inner journey unless there is some understanding of what awaits discovery. The following is offered with the hopes of sparking the interest to look deeper into yourself and into Craft symbolism. Our goal is to aid you in building a strong foundation, but the castle built upon that foundation is your own.There are several systems used in modern magick to study the secrets of the pentagram. Generally, the points are representative of elements in nature and in (wo)man: Spirit, Earth, Air, Fire & Water. Two of the most common are the Creationary and the Evolutionary pentagrams. Both are equally valid and effective for working with and learning from the pentagram. Knowing yourself is the key to finding the right system to work with.
We reveal a story of spiritual and physical development by tracing the pentagram clockwise. In the Creationary pentagram, Spirit feeds Fire like lightning from the hand of the Divine Creator. Fire generates the spark of intellect symbolized by Air which fosters the emotional interactions represented by Water. Water cultivates the fertility and stability of Earth as we return again to Spirit. The system is considered masculine because the first act of Spirit is to take on Force and develop externally. The Creationary pentagram is the most common system found in popular introductory books on the Craft.
In the Evolutionary pentagram, Spirit flows to Air as the Divine becomes aware of Itself. This realization is the idea which fosters action as symbolized by Fire, and proceeds to Water with feelings of accomplishment and self-love. Earth receives these energies as nourishment for the grounding and stability required to evolve Spirit anew. This system is considered feminine because the path illustrates Spirit taking on Form and developing internally. For the purposes of this article we will be following the Evolutionary model, but the basic principles apply in any system.
Regardless of which model you prefer, it is important to understand and work with the interrelationships of the elements. An element is not a stand-alone entity. The qualities of each element are uniquely dependent upon the elemental energies that feed it, and subsequently affect the elemental energies that are fed by it. Nature herself uses this system of checks and balances. Consider, for example, the forest fire. An excess of oxygen will fan the flames, whereas an excess of moisture will douse them. Conversely, a deficit of moisture enables the flames to gather strength, whereas a deficit of oxygen will weaken them. In both cases, visualize the difference in how the Earth is affected by the "domino effect" of these elemental energies. Look to your invoking and banishing pentagrams of an element to illustrate these relationships; understand what will amplify the qualities of an element and what will subdue those same qualities. Both esoteric and exoteric lifestyles can benefit from a working knowledge of these interrelationships. With this understanding we can call on the correct elements to handle most situations we encounter.Every day we see the actions and qualities of the elements reflected in the personalities of those around us. An Air personality may seem very intelligent, or on the contrary very flighty. The wise and gentle old crone may have an Earth flavored aura, but so might the stubborn and stand-offish child. Once we have recognized an elemental energy in someone, we can use the model of the pentagram to understand how to relate with this person effectively. Both the crone and the child will respond positively to sincere emotions and love (Water feeding Earth); the intellectual and the flighty personality are both enamored of the mysterious and unknowable (Spirit feeding Air).
When you encounter an angry, fiery spirit, consider Nature's model of the forest fire. Approaching "Joe Fire" in an over-intellectual manner may heighten his anger, essentially fanning his flames. A similar reaction will occur when this fiery spirit is arguing with someone of a weak emotional nature. Either interaction will have a negative effect on the stability of the situation. When "Joe Fire" encounters our stubborn child, we may see the two at an impasse; neither one can effectively communicate with the other. Successful communication with a fiery personality comes from approaching them with open heart and an open mind. In other words, Fire can be tempered with the proper balance of Water and Air.
Careful attention to elemental balance is vital in ritual. We have a good friend who worked a pure Fire ritual that he considered very successful. In fact, he was so successful that every circle he participated in afterwards witnessed flaring candles, burning altar cloths and robes, and unusually active censers! Initially it was amusing because no one was harmed, but the potential for real danger was too great to be ignored. These events subsided when he performed a Water ritual with the intent to temper, but not douse, his former actions. You may find that including balanced representations of complimentary, or even opposite elements in your magickal work with a primary element will result in a faster manifestation of your desire with little or no unwanted side-effects.
In choosing a primary element, remember that there is no single element that is "more correct" for a specific task. In a Healing ritual, for example, some may be fond of working with Water for its nurturing characteristics, while others will swear that Earth's growth and strength are better suited to the purpose. One might be drawn by the purifying qualities of Fire, and another may find Air helps the patient's "state of mind" work for their "state of body." Whichever primary element you work with, take care in ensuring a proper balance of elemental relationships. Study, meditation and observation of the esoteric and the mundane will provide a deeper understanding of the relationships of man and nature, and a greater awareness of the secrets inherent in the pentagram.
About the authors:
At the time this was written, Marianne and John Bjelke were the proprietors of Herb 'N Trends, a shop specializing in fresh herbs and other magickal supplies. For the past 5 years, Marianne has been a Priestess of The Gaia Group, Inc., Staten Island's first not-for-profit Pagan organization and coven, of which John is also a member. They are currently living in the Albuquerque, NM area.
Contact the authors at:
This article appeared in the March / April 1997 issue.
