The Symbolism of the Pentagram
(a personal interpretation)
The ancient symbol known as the pentacle, or pentagram, is often associated in popular imagination with the practice of various forms of magic. Owing to ignorance about the actual meaning and use of the old symbol, however, it is also most commonly assumed to relate somehow to the "dark side" of those things. This I believe to be truly unfortunate, for such misconceptions oftentimes become the source of needless misunderstanding between well-meaning people of differing spiritual belief systems.
There are actually two primary interpretations of the sign of the pentagram that are widely held by those who consider it to be both a positive and a spiritually meaningful symbol. (Leastwise, there are two that I am personally aware of.) I will present them here in what I consider to be their proper order of importance. Opinions vary, but to my own way of thinking the interpretation that honors Creator is far and away the one of greatest significance:
Firstly, for some the pentagram is a symbol of the Earthly Realm in which we presently find ourselves, and of the all-important relationship of that realm to the higher order of reality which is God. Seen in a somewhat archaic fashion, the five arrows of the symbol are thought of as representing the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, together with Spirit. These are seen as being the fundamental constituents of the temporal realm. Creator---The Prime Cause and The Source of All---is then thought of as being at the very center. Thus, the pentagram symbolizes the presence of The Most High within, and as the source of, ALL OF CREATION. As such, it is a powerful and sacred symbol, worthy of honor and respect.
Secondly, the pentagram is sometimes taken to symbolize that facet of creation which is Man. In this interpretation, the arrows are thought of as representing the five senses that are our windows upon the world we live in. Spirit---or consciousness---is then placed at the center. This, too, is powerful symbolism, but it is more descriptive of our nature within the Earthly Realm than it is a statement of our relationship with God. It is still a good symbol, but only sacred to the extent to which you consider a human being to be sacred, or at least potentially so.
As with all symbols---sacred and otherwise---the pentagram has at times been used in a fashion that is not a true reflection of what it really means. (The misappropriation of the swastika is another fine example of such profanation. Similarly, the sign of the cross has been misused by various groups who seem to have altogether missed what it was that Jesus was really saying.) I would therefore ask that you not jump to hasty conclusions when the sign of the pentagram is occasionally encountered. Its undeniably widespread and unfortunate misuse in popular culture notwithstanding, it is just possible that it is being displayed as an expression of belief in and devotion to the One who made us all.