The Pentacle & The Ivy Banner

The Pentacle/Pentagram: is a symbol of a star encased in a circle. Always with 5 points (one pointing upward), each has its own meaning. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit. The other four points all represent an element; earth, air, fire, and water. All these things contribute to life and are a part of each of us. It has magical associations, and many people who practice Neopagan faiths wear jewelry incorporating the symbol. To wear a pentagram necklace or other form of jewelry, is to say you feel the connection with the elements and respect the earth. Christians once more commonly used the pentagram to represent the five wounds of Jesus. The pentagram also has associations with Freemasonry and is utilized by many other belief systems. Ivy: is a sacred plant, once revered by the ancients as much as it is today by contemporaries. Throughout the ages ivy has been regarded as the emblem of fidelity, and Greek priests once presented a wreath of ivy to newly married persons. Today the ivy is still commonly associated with weddings, and is carried or worn by bridesmaids. Its most common association is with the Holly tree, the “Holly and the Ivy” being used extensively worldwide as a Yuletide decoration. The custom of decorating houses and churches with ivy at Christmas was once forbidden by the Christian Church, on account of its pagan associations.