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Each point on the star represents one of the four natural elements, earth, air, fire, and water. The fifth point represents the mysterious fifth element, which is spirit, or consciousness. When the spirit is depicted above the four physical elements, this is typically regarded as a symbol of balance and health. When it is shown upside-down (the inverted pentagram), that is
where it becomes questionable. It can be a representation
of “evil” or “devil worship,” to some, but to me, it generally just depicts illness or perversion of morals in some way.
When the physical elements take priority over the higher knowing of spirit, imbalance occurs. Some magickal practitioners will actually depict the pentagram facing different directions based on the nature of the type of work they are doing… And it isn’t always for what is generally considered to be “bad” magick. For example, the inverted pentagram can be used in workings where revoking bad habits is the intent.
The upward-facing pentagram is generally accepted as the identifying symbol associated with Wicca, but the symbol itself is as old as the hills, and actually has its place in every ancient religion, including Islam and Christianity. It’s been associated with the five pillars of Islam, and the five wounds of Jesus Christ, just to name a few things.