The Pentacle
by Blayze

The Pentacle: symbol of Earth and a tool of consecration; one of the eight working tools commonly used by Wiccans; a round disk with an image of a pentagram or five pointed star upon it. It is all these things and more. There are mysteries to be found in its shape, its symbols, its substances and its correspondences.

The Pentacle can be made of any substance that contains a correspondence to Earth and can be shaped into a circle with a hard, flat surface. Suggested materials include wood, brass, copper, clay or wax.  Remember that most objects to be consecrated within a circle will at some time be placed upon the Pentacle. This means that the Pentacle will need to be of a size large enough to hold a censer or a small bowl. Generally any size between a saucer and a bread and butter plate will suffice. All it takes is a little imagination.

I have had great success with unglazed terracotta flowerpot saucers. You can get them from any nursery for a couple of dollars. Turned upside down the ‘bottom’ makes a great flat surface that can be painted or drawn upon with a thick permanent marker. You can always varnish the finished pentacle to protect your design. The terracotta is also reasonably heat proof, which is an advantage when dealing with hot censers. Wax is also easy to work with but you will need to be careful not to leave it in the sun or place hot objects upon it. Tubs or blocks of beeswax are available from most health food stores. 

Simple wooden pentacles can be made from round wooden bread boards, they are sanded and shaped ready to be carved or painted. I have also found several craft shops that sell saucer sized corks that still have the bark on one side. They are generally about an inch thick and the cork is easy to carve. 

If you are artistically inclined you may wish to try porcelain painting. Most shops that sell greenware will have flat discs that are perfect to use as a Pentacle and they will also hire out their kilns for a small fee.

Once you have chosen your material it’s time to look at the symbols and design you wish to paint, draw etch or carve upon your Pentacle.

Below are some common symbols used for Pentacles. These are by no means the only ones, you can use any symbols that are relevant to you, such as astrological signs. The only symbol that is essential is that of the pentagram. 

The Pentagram. The five pointed star enclosed within the circle. Symbol of Protection.. The five pointed star represents the power of spirit over earth, air, fire and water. The circle binds them together and reminds us of the eternal circle and the cycles of our lives.

God Symbol. The mark of the Horned One. Objects to be consecrated to the God and Goddess are placed upon the pentacle. The God symbol here is a reminder that all actions performed in circle are in honour of Them.

Goddess Symbol. The mark of the three-fold Goddess as the Triple Moon. Objects to be consecrated to the God and Goddess are placed upon the pentacle. The Goddess symbol here is a reminder that all actions performed in circle are in honour of Them. 

The symbol of the 1st Degree. The mark of the Maiden. Mostly used if following one of the ‘traditional’ Wiccan paths such as Gardnerian or Alexandrian.

The symbol of the 2nd Degree.  Also a mark of the Horned One. Mostly used if following one of the ‘traditional’ Wiccan paths such as Gardnerian or Alexandrian.

The symbol of the 3rd Degree. A symbol of the union of the Goddess and God. Mostly used if following one of the ‘traditional’ Wiccan paths such as Gardnerian or Alexandrian.

Symbol of a Wiccan Kiss

Symbol of the Scourge. Its use is taught only within a coven.

If possible, try to make your Pentacle within a sacred space or, better yet, a fully cast circle. If you are working in a friend’s garage workshop or decorating your pentacle in a painting class for example, you may wish to just surround all your materials, brushes, paints, tools etc., in visualised white light. 

As you mark the symbols upon the surface, concentrate on what those symbols mean on all levels, spiritual, mental and physical. See them coming alive with that meaning. After all, you are creating an object of power and magic.

After you have physically made your Pentacle you are then ready to consecrate it as one of your working tools. So what is a consecration? In Wicca, we dedicate our tools to a specific purpose. We purify and bless them with the elements that are within us and surround us. We present them to the Mighty Ones as an acknowledgement that all our actions with the tool are performed in honour of them. We are making these objects sacred to us and to our Gods.