Wiccan Ritual Tools: The Pentacle

The pentacle is a flat piece of metal, wood or clay that has been inscribed with a pentagram, or five pointed star. The five pointed star has been used in magic for ages, making the pentacle one of the most important Wiccan ritual tools.

The pentacle has been adapted to Wiccan ritual and magic from ceremonial magic. In Wicca, the pentacle is associated with the element of Earth. It is used in magic and ritual as a place to put amulets, charms or other tools that are being ritually consecrated.

The five pointed star of the pentacle may be one of the most well known symbols of Wicca. It is representative of the four elements; earth, air, fire and water, and also of spirit. Most practitioners of Wicca keep a pentacle on the Wiccan altar for consecration rituals and magic use. Usually, the pentacle is given a place on the Wiccan altar in between the God and Goddess symbols but this placement is dependent upon your personal altar setup.

Pentacles are also known amongst followers of Wicca for their protective powers. They are sometimes hung over doors and windows to bring protection and can be very useful in earth, fertility and money spells and magic. The pentagram is also often carved on to magical tools, the book of shadows or Wiccan charms as a symbol of protection.

A pentacle is very easy to make yourself. You can take a piece of clay and shape it into a disc or circular shape, then carve the pentagram on to it yourself. If you are handy with woodworking, you could carve a pentagram into a flat piece of wood. However, if you aren't confident in your abilities to make a pentacle, you could also purchase one. There are many Wicca supply stores and online shops that sell pre-made pentacles of various materials ranging from wood and metal to stone. Choose a pentacle for your Wiccan altar that is beautiful and meaningful to you.

Once you have selected a pentacle, it is a good idea to consecrate it for use in Wiccan ritual and magic practice. Select one of the many tool consecration rituals that have been published or write one of your own. The important thing is to dedicate the pentacle as a Wiccan ritual tool and not use it for any other purposes. Once consecrated, the pentacle becomes a sacred Wiccan object and should be honored as such.

Sources:

Personal experience and training

Wicca for One by Raymond Buckland

Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham