Pentagram Vs. Pentacle

Image from: https://www.facebook.com/ALLMagick

So, I notice that "pentacle" and "pentagram" get used interchangeably, however, they are different. The main difference as you may notice in the picture is that the pentagram is just the 5 pointed star whereas the pentacle has a circle around the star. That is the noticeable difference. They also have a slightly different meaning because of this.

The Pentagram represents the 5 elements of Wicca: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. The 4 lower points represent the material realm and elements (Earth, Fire, Water, and Air) whereas the upward point represents the Spirit and points toward the Divine. The Spirit point may also represent the mind/spirit over matter.

Picture from: http://www.squidoo.com/blazingstar

The Pentacle is a pentagram which has been encircled. When the pentagram is encircled, this is said to represent the elements bound in harmony with one another. It also creates a center point of energy which is used in rituals to consecrate and energize ritual items.

Both these symbols, when worn, can be used as protection. Although, the pentacle and pentagram are shown upright and are worn upright they also have meanings when the point is down. When the pentagram or pentacle are worn with the point down it is said to represent matter over the mind/spirit. It is also the symbol for a second degree Gardnerian Witch. However, most people (even some Wiccans) consider the inverted pentagram or pentacle to be a symbol of blasphemy and Satanism. 

Here's a link to an interesting website that speaks of a different way to define the pentagram and pentacle.Its always good to look at different points of views to help draw your own conclusions!

http://www.paganspath.com/magik/pentacle.htm

Getting to Know Your Besom

Besoms are traditionally made from a piece of wood about 3 to 5 feet in length and an inch to two inches in diameter. At one end, a bundle of twigs, straw, or herbs is tied together to form the end of the broom as seen in the picture above. Witches who use these brooms ceremonially tend to place charms, crystals, ribbons, and other objects on the broom for decoration, charging, cleansing, protections, etc.

The wood and bristles of the broom can be made from any material or wood you choose. However, I would advise to choose a type of wood or material that is most meaningful to you so that it can serve your purposes the way you want it to. The besom holds both masculine and feminine symbolism. The handle is a phallic symbol representative of the masculine while the bristles are feminine. You may think of it as the masculine and feminine joining in harmony or union.

The besom can be used as a tool to "sweep" away negativity within a sacred space or Circle. It is also an important tool in handfasting ceremonies where the couple who is to be wedded jumps over the besom to symbolize their new beginning together as a couple. Also, it is said that hanging your besom with the bristles upward will keep good fortune within the home and from getting lost. Place it next to your door to keep your home positive and cheerful within your home.

Pentagram

Pentagram

Sanctuary from wickedness, the five points provide;
condemnation of religion and forced to hide.
Elemental symbols of a sacred ritual,
mistaken to represent that of pure evil.

Mother Earth, the Goddess dear;
ground trembles when covered with your fear.
Bones of ash and flesh of crust;
the touch of thee turns me to dust.

Air born upon the summer breeze,
a whisper heard by the silent trees.
Swirls high above the solemn clouds,
The light of the moon it enshrouds.

Water descends from the heaven light,
drowning rain to be turned white.
Blizzard freeze the world to ice,
to melt, vaporize, and begin twice.

Fire of my soul that which burns,
destruction of life it does return.
After devastation seems like a dream,
the Earth grows fertile, it does redeem.

Spiritual essence of my own life,
I would give up in sacrifice.
Save my Star, I do beseech.
The dismal glow of which appears extinct.