Fnord wrote:
For example, the Pentagram, while mistakenly related to Satanism, is actually a Pagan symbol.
The pentagram has been used in many different cultures to mean many different things.
It has been used in Judaism and Christianity too. For example, a pentagram was used in the city seal of ancient Jerusalem. (See
this Biblical Archeology Review article.) In the early centuries of Christianity, pentagrams were used as a symbol of the five wounds of Christ. A pentagram was also used on the seal of the Roman emperor Constantine.
More about the history of pentagrams, and their uses in many different cultures and contexts, can be found on the following websites:
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Wikipedia-
Religious Tolerance-
Stacianne K. Grove-
Masonic Grand Lodge of Rhode Island-
Masonic Grand Lodge of British Columbia-
Mormon Temple StudySatanists commonly do use point-down pentagrams, but are certainly not the only people who use them. The association of a point-down pentagram with Satan/demons/etc. was originated in the 19th century by Eliphas Levi, who deemed a point-down pentagram to represent spirit trapped in matter, thus evil. Satanists adopted it later.
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Last edited by Mona Pereth on 09 Jun 2022, 7:30 am, edited 1 time in total.