The pentacle.
We've all seen one,
Usually on a necklace that someone is wearing,
Or a figure that was spray-painted on a wall somewhere.
Seeing a pentacle makes many people cringe because movies have gone wild,
Telling us that this five-pointed star symbolizes the devil or evil.
I'm here to assure you that it does nothing of the sort.
Don't believe me?
If you celebrate Christmas,
I invite you to recall what is at the top of your tree each year.
And I'm guessing it's a five-pointed star.
Welcome to this talk.
I'm a pagan and a Wiccan,
And I have some interesting and possibly shocking news for you.
I don't believe in the devil.
None of us do.
I keep saying this over and over.
But as a Wiccan,
I don't believe.
I know.
So let's get into this.
At its core,
The pentacle represents the elements of earth,
Air,
Fire,
Water,
And spirit.
That's it.
Really,
That's it.
Interestingly enough,
Christians once used the pentagram to represent the five wounds of Jesus.
Perhaps it could be that we're all unknowingly walking a similar path.
I'd love it if we could all walk together in peace.
Pentacle 5.
If you look at your hand,
You have the pentacle right there.
Your thumb is associated with the element of fire,
The index finger air,
The middle finger ether,
The ring finger earth,
And the small finger water.
How cool is that?
And the next time you do a cross-section cut on an apple,
Take a look at the seeds.
They're arranged as a five-pointed star.
However,
It wasn't until 2007 that the United States military added a pentacle to its official list of religious symbols that can be engraved on headstones.
Wiccans,
Witches,
And pagans view the pentacle as a symbol of protection,
While many others don't hold this symbol to that same level of esteem.
In our view,
However,
The elements represented simply ground and strengthen us.
If you wish to,
I would now like to invite you to join me in a brief meditation with the elements.
Close your eyes.
Take a few deep breaths as you feel all tension leaving your body,
As you feel your neck and shoulders soften.
I invite you to consider the element of earth and the connection we have with it as humans.
It is our support.
The earth's gravity connects us to it.
It is our home.
Thank you,
Element of earth.
Next is air,
Our life force.
So many yoga practices are linked to proper breathing.
Pay attention to your breath right now.
Pay attention to how a breeze feels on your skin.
Thank you,
Element of air.
The element of fire is both a catalyst and a symbol of passion.
Often when we exercise,
We will experience what some refer to as feeling the burn.
That is the element of fire within you.
Thank you,
Element of fire.
Water also sustains us.
It cleans and hydrates the body.
Ocean waves are filled with both power and tranquility,
As are both gentle showers and thunderstorms.
Water shows us movement quite vividly.
Thank you,
Element of water.
Spirit is the divine.
Whatever your relationship with the divine might be,
The divine is also within each of us.
Therefore,
It is important to practice respect and love for others and for ourselves.
Thank you,
Spirit.
Take a few more deep breaths.
Invite subtle movements into your fingers and toes.
At your own pace,
Begin to open your eyes.
Return feeling relaxed,
Refreshed,
And in tune with the elements.
The crow flies from me to thee to send the message,
Blessed be.
Namaste.
