The Misconceptions Of Pagan Symbols
Most of the symbols used in Wicca remain obscure to the uninitiated, the uninformed and the uninterested. There are some however that have become fairly well known but because of mis-understandings, mis-associations and mis-interpretations, have fallen into bad repute. Religious intolerance and dogmatism on the part of some non-pagan groups exacerbates the matter.
The Pentagram, the Moon and the Mano Cornuto (Horned Hand) are probably those best known by the general public and will be discussed in this article. All of these Wiccan symbols are erroneously associated with Satanism in spite of the fact that Wicca and Satanism are two completely different religions. Many a treatise has been written on the differences and I recommend that those interested in informing themselves of the facts visit the following two Religious Tolerance web pages for an objective overview of each: http://www.religioustolerance.org/satanis1.htm & http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm
Pentagram and Pentacle
The Pentagram is a five pointed star surrounded by a circle. As a symbol, it is ancient and was widely used over millennia by different cultures (as far afoot as the Mayans) and different religions (including Christianity). In Wicca, the Pentagram is a sacred symbol and representative of the earth aspect during ritual. It contains all the elements that give life. The circle surrounding the five pointed star represents the sacred space where Spirit (Deity, the Divine) rules over the four mundane elements of earth (work, home & hearth, etc), air (intellect, thought, etc), fire (action, energy, etc) and water (emotions, love etc). The pentagram is considered a protective symbol in most