In many instances, fire is suggested for cleansing tools and other paraphernalia. This isn’t always practical as you may not like handling even the relatively small open flame of a candle, and some items are flammable. As a representative of Earth*, the Pentacle is a good alternative to flames. It may be used to cleanse or consecrate any other items on your altar, and it can be anything from a simple pendant to a large tabletop plate or plaque. Typical pentacles are metal, ceramic or carved from wood.
Of all the symbols and tools used in Paganism and witchcraft, the Pentacle is probably the most misunderstood. Other names for this symbol include pentalpha, pentagram, Solomon’s Seal or Solomon’s Shield, Star of Bethlehem, Three King’s Star, wizard’s star, Star of Logres, devil’s sign, witches’ cross, goblin’s foot, and Drudenfus (German: Druid’s Foot). The pentacle has long been used in ceremonial magic and its history stretches back approximately 6000 years. It is a feminine tool of the North and represents the Goddess, but it is not only a symbol of feminine energy and consecration. It has been found in Nordic countries drawn on the doors of barns and storehouses to ward off trolls and invoke protection. It is also used for grounding. The pentacle acts as a traditional ward of protection and is one of the official symbols of Magick users today.
The typical pentagram is a five-point star, one point pointing straight up. This is taken to represent the human body, the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and soul), the Earth (four corners of the earth and the vault of the heavens), and many other things. While this simple representation is common, there are many variations on the theme. There is Penelope’s Web, the Pentacle Flower, and the Ringed Pentacle to name a few. Just as Catholics make the sign of the cross over themselves, the sign of the pentacle is formed with the right hand from left breast, to forehead, to right breast, to left shoulder, to right shoulder, to left shoulder again.
In ancient times, the pentacle stood for life and health. Many researchers believe it was derived from the apple core pentacle of the Earth-mother. If you cut an apple horizontally, you will see the pentacle too. To Gypsies, this is the Star of Knowledge. They claimed this was the only correct way to cut an apple, especially if it were to be shared by two lovers at their wedding or after intercourse.
* You can use a bowl of salt to represent the Earth, rather than an altar pentacle. Salt is also used to cleanse tools, crystals, jewelry or any item that may pick up negative energy. A small bowl of salt (coarse sea salt is best) is simply kept on the altar instead of a pentacle.
Note: The Stone is used much the same way as the pentacle. It is a tool of the North, representing the Earth. Practitioners of the Faery Tradition are more likely to use the stone than the pentacle.
The pentagram is a very powerful protective amulet. In addition to its uses as a cleansing or consecration tool, you might want to consider it as a tool for grounding. To this end, if you make any kind of permanent circle or work area, you should consider a pentagram for any entry points. This will not only serve to ground you before and after your work, it will protect the circle or room from unwanted invasions and harmful energies.
The pentagram can be made out of any substance –wood, stone, glass, bone, clay, fabric, etc. It can even be fashioned from living plants if you are adept at growing topiary and have a suitable outdoor area. The substances you use to make your own pentagram will be unique to your personality and abilities. If you work best with stones, you may choose to make a painted step-stone, a mosaic, or an etched metal plaque. If you work better with organic materials, you may opt for a painted or burned wooden plaque, a clay impression, or a weaving or cross-stitched mat.
If you plan on using your pentagram as a warding sign to pass over as you enter your work space, a plaque, stone, mosaic, or mat of some kind would be best. This should be cleaned, cleansed, and retouched periodically as needed. That is to say, it should be kept physically free of marks and scuffs and repaired when it becomes damaged. And since it is being used in this instance as a protective sign, it should also be periodically cleansed to keep it working at optimal levels. The more traffic that passes over the sign, the more often it should be renewed. I would personally do this on the dark of the moon to remove unwanted energies. You’ll have to decide for yourself how often you’ll need to do this depending upon how often you and others pass over it.
For a very simple pentagram, you’ll need a pencil, a marker, a pair of scissors, a ruler, some paper, paint and brushes, and a very large, flat rock. You may choose not to use the paper as some might consider it an unnecessary step, but if you don’t want to make any mistakes, it’s a good extra step to have. Map out your pentagram on the paper, making sure every line is the same length and each point is the same distance apart. When you are satisfied with your creation, cut it out and lay it on the stone. Once you are satisfied with its placement, mark each point of the star on your rock.
At this point, you can either remove the paper and use the ruler to draw the lines in pencil (if your stone is flat enough), or you may trace the star directly onto your rock. Once you have the star design on your rock, you can use your marker to make the lines easier to see before painting. You can also use this as a way to give your pentagram the appearance of interlacing lines. This isn’t necessary for the power of the talisman, but the pentagram formed of one continuous line is a popular form. The amount of color you use on your pentagram is entirely up to you. Black and white would be sufficient, but depending upon the uses you intend to put it to, more colors may be added according to your personal preference.