A five pointed star inside a circle is a symbole of pratection if the middle point is pointing up,i think it can be used for binding is the middle point is pointing down,as for an inverted five pointed star without a circle,it can be used as a satanic symbole or as a symbole for different pagan gods(pan for instance).
The pentagram is a symbol which has many meanings; It can mean the 4 elements combined and working with harmony with ones spirit, it can represent the 5 wounds of christ; Crown of the thorns and nails via crucifixian. It can represent man as being the the microcosmic version of the macrocosmic i.e. a smaller version of god with the pentagram being the mans head and arms and legs. Really and truly a symbol is just a glyph what associations you put to it is what gives it power and so whatever you want the symbol to symbolise will in turn be the source of power that symbol offers.
A ritual which incorperates the use of the pentagram is the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram you may wish to check this out.
Also how you draw a pentagram is important for example the Lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram tells you to draw the banishing earth pentagram.
The pentagram as was stated is very old. Its most understood original meaning was Venus as the morning and evening star. Venus was associated with the Queen of Heaven Astarte also known as Inanna. The Greeks viewed it as Artemis (evening star) and Aphrodite (morning star). Aphrodite particularly, which is why in Rome the goddess was simply named Venus. Her fruit was the apple, which if cut horizontally across the core, also shows a five point star in the center. Coincidence? Probably not.
As time progressed and the symbol was used in european and western magick, the symbol grew in meaning, representing the four elements (plus spirit at the top) and the figure of a man with arms and legs outstretched.
If you want to go even further into the symbolism of the pentagram, you would need to look into pentagons and the number five in general.
You could use it as a protective amulet, as a symbol of Venus (and her associated deities), or as a way to evoke and banish. When each point represents an element, the way it is drawn focuses on banishing or invoking those particular elements respectively away from or into the symbol made. There is also a system of ranks/levels in certain covens which involves the pentagram symbol.
Here is a neat webpage on the subject I just found through google for you about
http://scrivener.circleofthedarkmoon.org/?p=346
this is just an addition to what others are saying-->>in the initiation into hermetics of franz bardon, the five pointed star is a symbol of the mastery of yourself.. knowing that if use it when evoking, you are the master of yourself (microcosm) and no spirit would influence you unless you say so..
The Pentagram has many meanings and uses. First, it is symbolic of the five elements. If the point is up, it shows the four lower elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water under the rulership of the fifth, Spirit. If it is reversed, then the lower elements are shown as superior over the Spirit. The Pentagram is also the sign of man, according to some. If you stand with your arms out to the side, and your feet spread, you point in five directions (Your head being the fifth, pointed up.) as does the Penntagram. It was also seen on early christian churches, and is symbolic of the new covenant, the five lettered name of God, which is the four lettered name, the old covenant, or the four elements (YHVH) symbolized by the cross, with the addition of the fifth element, Spirit (YHShVH).
With the Pentagram, you can invoke the elemental energies or banish the same. It is also used as protection and clearing, such as in the LBRP. When inscribed in a circle, it is closed, designed to contain the energy therein. You can draw the Pentagram, invoking or banishing which ever element is needed, where ever it is needed, or where the energy of a particular element needs to be cleared.
The Pentagram is primarily used for invoking or banishing on the physical and Etheric planes, as the Hexagram is used on the higher levels.
A pentagram is the five pointed star by itself. Inside a circle it is a pentacle. It can mean anything you wish! Ask an astronomer; he/she will tell that it is the eight year orbital path of the planet Venua; the path draws a perfect pentagram in the sky. That's why the ancient "star watchers" came to view it as sacred. Many still do. Me included!
The Pentagram has been used in more religions and traditions than you can count. My last post discussed the Qabbalistic use of the Pentagram, but there are pagan tradtitons, other religions, etc., that use the Pentagram. Every tradidtion will have a slightly different interpertation of its meaning. What is important is to find the one that resonates with you. That is the right one for you.
