inverted pentagram

[zemblin]

Why do most wiccans dispise the inverted pentagram and why do satanists wear it alot.I always thought that it was a symbol that stood for the occult etc..
was it created by eliphas levi?baphomet and what not.

[Elaine]

this is touched on in detail in the pentagram thread...I think that Wiccans despising the inverted pentagram is a misconception on your part!! (not trying to sound rude there...sorry if I did!!) to touch on this briefly (because it is in detail in the other thread) pagans do not look badly at the pentagram...inverted or not...the inverted pentagram in paganism is sometimes used as a sign of (for my lack of memory and a better term) being a higher up in the coven!! the inverted pentagram was for some reason adopted by satinists and it became a common belief by christians (usually) that it is a satanic symbol, instead of by it's true meaning...(which does not mean occult....it shows that you are in touch with the Goddes and you worship what She has to offer you...which is earth, air, fire, water and spirit!)

you'll have to forgive the way that is all worded....I am still only about 6 months into my Wiccan path and some things are a little jumbled in my head right now...(besides the fact it's 2:45 am!!!)

[Elaine]

I'm not sure if I have welcomed you to our community yet!!! If not welcome and get comfy:) the spam people are around here somewhere:)

[Fawn]

I always heard that a pentrgram inverted just meant that it was a witch looking for her way. (I guess I'll remember that the next time I get lost in a new town and help with directions;) )

[Mairwen]

As was stated, this was touched upon in the Pentagram thread in the Magick Forum. (I think it was Magick or New Pagans)

The inverted pent is used to "draw in" energies to the practitioner (or Circle) ~ it's also used to banish energies.

It's not necessarily a bad thing.

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by zemblin
was it created by eliphas levi?baphomet and what not.

As for its creation, I'm not awake enough for. However, I do know that the Scottish Rite Freemasons use it, in conjunction with Baphomet, for their rites. That doesn't make it a symbol of "evil" or right or wrong, either.

[Rævyn Cigány]

Originally posted by Elaine
the inverted pentagram in paganism is sometimes used as a sign of (for my lack of memory and a better term) being a higher up in the coven

Yep, I read somewhere that ppl wear an inverted pentagram in Wicca (and others) to represent second-level initiate status.

BB
Rae )0(

[loopy]

An atheist friend of mine once told me that the inverted pentagram is used to symbolize atheism. Anyone else hear that?

[mol]

Originally posted by loopy
An atheist friend of mine once told me that the inverted pentagram is used to symbolize atheism. Anyone else hear that?

Nope. The inverted pentagram usually represents power WITHIN while a pentagram usually represent the power WITHOUT.

[Revelation]

As someone else stated, the inverted pentagram often represents a second degree initate. The reason they use the inverted pentagram is that the second degree status is a time of deep introspection. IT is a time when the initiate travels to the underworld to conquer her own demons and become stronger in her spiritual and mundane life. The top point of the upright pentagram represents spirit while the other 4 represent the physical world. When inverted, the spirit is at the bottom. Thus, the spirit has been overcome by the physical world (part of the symbolism of the Decent) and in order to bring her pentagram to upright status, ie to bring the spirit back on top where it should be, the initiate must conquer the demons that hold her down.

In Satanism, the inverted pentagram simply means "flesh over the spirit". It's a notion that the physical and the mundane the "here and now" mentality is more important than the lofty concept of spirit. Its the physical stuff that matters. (Incidentally, some Satanists will often wear an inverted cross for similar reasons).

[Rævyn Cigány]

Originally posted by Revelation
As someone else stated, the inverted pentagram often represents a second degree initate. The reason they use the inverted pentagram is that the second degree status is a time of deep introspection. IT is a time when the initiate travels to the underworld to conquer her own demons and become stronger in her spiritual and mundane life. The top point of the upright pentagram represents spirit while the other 4 represent the physical world. When inverted, the spirit is at the bottom. Thus, the spirit has been overcome by the physical world (part of the symbolism of the Decent) and in order to bring her pentagram to upright status, ie to bring the spirit back on top where it should be, the initiate must conquer the demons that hold her down.

In Satanism, the inverted pentagram simply means "flesh over the spirit". It's a notion that the physical and the mundane the "here and now" mentality is more important than the lofty concept of spirit. Its the physical stuff that matters. (Incidentally, some Satanists will often wear an inverted cross for similar reasons).

I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks so much for going into more detail for me...I couldn't find the link I had that said all that. :D

Blessings,
Rae )0(

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Revelation
As someone else stated, the inverted pentagram often represents a second degree initate. The reason they use the inverted pentagram is that the second degree status is a time of deep introspection.

Duh. I'm of a Tradition which uses the inverted pent for 2nd Degree ~ and didn't think to include that in my initial response. Thanks for jarring my brain. 8O :crazy: :elf:

[Lucidia]

i would have woken up my hubby (he's a satanic priest), but it seems it's all been discussed and stuff...