In the book “The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft” and its 2005 re-edition, “Buckland’s Book of Saxon Witchcraft,” we find the “Symbol of Seax-Wica” on the initial pages. Buckland describes it as follows:
“It symbolizes the Sun, the Moon, and the eight Sabbats or -The Wheel of the Year-.”
Seax-Wica, the Pentacle, and the Pentalpha: Origins and Significance
In Wicca, particularly within Seax-Wica, the pentacle—a five-pointed star within a circle—is a foundational symbol that embodies core elements of “The Craft,” as practitioners often call it. The pentacle’s history, however, reaches far beyond Wicca, drawing on ancient Pythagorean wisdom and philosophical principles that have endured across various esoteric traditions.
The Pentalpha in Esoteric History
The pentalpha, or five-pointed star, has a rich history in magic and esotericism, extending beyond modern Wicca. Since ancient times, it has symbolized protection, wisdom, and divine order. One of the oldest and most notable examples of the use of the pentalpha appears in the Testament of Solomon, a text that describes how King Solomon used a ring with the pentalpha to control and subdue demons and other beings. This symbol, known as the “Seal of Solomon,” was considered a tool of power, enabling him to invoke, command, or expel supernatural forces. The pentalpha appears in various grimoires and texts on medieval ceremonial magic, where it often represents divine structure and the balanced control of natural forces.
The Pentacle in Wicca and Pythagorean Influence
The five-pointed star, or pentalpha, holds a deep connection to the Pythagorean school. Pythagoras, whose teachings embraced the harmony of mathematics, saw the pentalpha as a key to understanding the physical structures of the universe, embodying the golden ratio—a concept associated with balance, proportion, and beauty in nature. This symbol of cosmic unity and geometric perfection was often marked by early Pythagoreans on their palms to recognize one another as members of their secretive gatherings. Over time, this symbol became widely adopted by mystics, mathematicians, and later magicians as a basis for geometric and Kabbalistic practices.
The pentacle’s influence traveled from Pythagoras’s time to European mysticism, resonating with magicians and alchemists who saw it as a means of linking their practices to the harmony of the cosmos. As the Pythagorean pentacle continued to spread, it became a recognized symbol in various mystical texts, appearing frequently in grimoires, alchemical treatises, and occult diagrams.
Gerald Gardner’s Adoption of the Pentacle
Gerald Gardner, the founder of modern Wicca, was profoundly influenced by the esoteric currents of his era, particularly through his association with groups like the Rosicrucian Order Fellowship of Crotona. This Rosicrucian group, based in England, shared similarities with irregular forms of Freemasonry, such as the Droit Humain, which admitted both men and women. Gardner’s time with these mystics, often referred to collectively as the “New Forest Coven,” gave him access to esoteric traditions that had been deeply influenced by Pythagorean and Masonic teachings.
Gardner’s biographer, Jack Bracelin, records that Gardner was introduced to concepts relating to the Pythagorean pentacle and the “Old Dorothy Clutterbuck,” whose practices aligned with Pythagorean philosophy. Members of the New Forest Coven admired the pentacle’s symbolic representation of the universe, and it likely informed Gardner’s incorporation of the pentacle into his Wiccan practices. This connection is further supported by scholars such as Philip Heselton and Ronald Hutton, who have pieced together the coven’s historical roots.
The Pentacle in Seax-Wica and the Principle of Unity
For Pythagoreans, it was more than a geometric figure; it symbolized the inner harmony of the universe, representing principles that echoed through various spiritual practices and remained central to the work of many magicians and philosophers. Gerald Gardner’s revival of the pentacle and its association with “The Craft” links modern Wicca to these ancient, powerful teachings, blending historical influences with a new vision for mystical practice.
Through symbols like the pentacle and Seax-Wica’s emblem, practitioners are reminded of their connection to universal forces, grounding their practices in the harmonious principles that underlie all things.
In Seax-Wica, the pentacle is commonly used as a symbol of mutual recognition, representing unity within the ritual circle. The pentacle symbolizes not only the elements and their balance but also the wisdom and strength of cosmic laws.
