The pentagram or Drudenfuß (Drude's Foot) is a protective sign or talisman with the power to repel malevolent magic associated with supernatural beings, evil witches and elves. The pentagram first appears in ancient Mesopotamia.
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The pentacle is the star including a circle, a symbol often used in nature religion. The pentagram is the star alone. Terms are often used interchangeably. The pentagram is found carved in wood doorways, window frames, entrance stones and charms of protection.
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Pentagram symbols from c. 2800 BCE appear in the Liangzhu culture of China. In Chinese lore the five point star represents the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, water. The elements interrelate in eternal flow of energy depicted by the circle and star.
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To ancient Egyptians and Greeks, the five point star is commonly associated with magic and the occult. It's interpreted variously as the five senses, five elements, including spirit, in neopagan religions. The pentagram is the human body with arms and legs outstretched.
In Greek Neoplatonism, the pentagram is a symbol or sign of recognition by Pythagoreans. Early Greeks call the pentagram hugieia, meaning "health". From c. 300 -150 BCE the pentagram is the symbol of Jerusalem, marked by 5 Hebrew letters ירשלם of its name.
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The way the pentagram points has meaning for some. Interwoven pentagrams can be either right or left-sided. The pentagram has no specific top or bottom, part of its infinity magic.
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Nonetheless the human desire to classify and ascribe meaning prevails. Through the ages the orientation and descriptions of pentagrams are subjects of debate.
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"A reversed pentagram, with two points projecting upwards, is a symbol of evil and attracts sinister forces because it overturns the proper order of things and demonstrates the triumph of matter over spirit. It is the goat of lust attacking the heavens with its horns, a sign execrated by initiates."
Lévi, Éliphas (1999) [1896 (translated), 1854 (first published)]. Transcendental Magic, its Doctrine and Ritual
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"The flaming star, which, when turned upside down, is the heirolgyphic [sic] sign of the goat of black magic, whose head may be drawn in the star, the two horns at the top, the ears to the right and left, the beard at the bottom. It is a sign of antagonism and fatality. It is the goat of lust attacking the heavens with its horns."
Lévi, Éliphas (2002) [1939 (translated), 1859 (first published)]. The Key of the Mysteries
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"Let us keep the figure of the Five-pointed Star always upright, with the topmost triangle pointing to heaven, for it is the seat of wisdom, and if the figure is reversed, perversion and evil will be the result."
Hartmann, Franz (1895) [1886]. Magic, White and Black (5th ed.). New York: The Path.
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Used in early Christian iconography, the downward pointing pentagram is meant to signify the power of God flowing from the heavens. Today the downward pointing pentagram is often associated with the worship of Satan, the prime anti-God.
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Satanism gains popularity during the Middle Ages, not by practice but by accusation. Witches and all else considered evil are henchpersons of the Devil. Thus emerge countless tomes about Satan and his demons.
Demons are big business. Artists depict them, directories list them and vendors of protective charms, potions, herbs, incense, carvings and amulets find eager markets. Grimoires of the Middle Ages popularize and organize their demons as witch hunts rage through the lands.
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The interlaced pentagram represents weaving, a skill associated with witchcraft as in 'weaving a spell'. It also connects with concepts of strength, power and infinity. Like the circle the standard or interwoven pentagrams have no beginning and no end.
The pentagram symbol can also refer to the dimensional layers of spirituality and perception and relates to illusion, shadows and light, hidden knowledge. The symbol connects the human with the cosmic levels of existence. It makes the unseen visible.
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In German folklore the pentagram is often called Drudenfuss (Drude's foot) or Alpfuss (Elf's foot). The Drude is a nightmare-bringing demon with soul-sucking powers. During the height of the witch hunts the word Drude becomes equated with witch.
In Germany, Hexennacht is the night the witches fly to the Brocken to revel with the Devil. In the early Middle Ages it becomes known as Walpurgisnacht after a Christian martyr who's said to have powers against witchcraft.
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The Drudenfuss (Drudenfuß) is thought to protect from harmful magic including that of Druden, elves, vague definitions of witchcraft and the evil eye. As an Old World symbol, the pentagram is brought to the Americas by immigrant Europeans.
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