The Pentagram, The Priest, and Perception: How Satanic Stereotypes Permeate Our Consciousness

Two nights ago, Cleveland's Fox8 news broadcast a story which featured a Greek Orthodox Church that was the subject of vandalism. Apparently unknown person(s) mowed the shape of a pentagram into their churchyard via a push mower. Aside from the vandalism itself, what disturbed me was the fact that phrases like "Satanic pentagram" and "Satanic symbol" continually rolled off the tongue of both the priest and the reporter. Were these the ramblings of a barroom drunk, I would've let it roll off my back. This was one of those times I felt compelled to correct a stereotype. This time, I responded by drafting the following letter to Rev. Valantasis.

Dear Rev. Valantasis,

I am writing to express my sincere regret over the recent defacement of your church property. Such vandalism was a thoughtless violation of your sacred space, for which there is no excuse. At the same time, my desire for interfaith understanding has led me to share a few thoughts.

As I watched Fox8 News last evening, and read the Canton Repository article regarding the vandalism, I was struck by the persistent use of the phrases "Satanic pentagram" and "Satanic symbol" to describe the emblem left on St. George's property. Although you and the reporter shared equally in this articulation, I wondered whether either of you were aware of the history and common usage of the five point star known as the pentagram. While it's tempting for some to lump the pentagram into an all-inclusive category of "Occult/Satanism/Witchcraft," the truth is not so simple. As a self-identified witch (i.e., not a Satanist), I wear the emblem in an upright position. Accordingly, I do so with a reverence for the five elements of life that each point symbolizes: earth, air, fire, water and spirit.

The five-point star that graces my neck, hearth and home may have originated with worship of the goddess Kore, but that didn't stop Judeo-Christianity from incorporating the emblem. Not only was the pentagram inscribed on Solomon's ring, its five points were said to symbolize the five books of the Pentateuch (i.e., the Torah). Just as Ostara eggs, mistletoe, holly and other pagan holiday customs were adopted by Christians, the pentagram was also appropriated by some churches to symbolize the five wounds of Christ, or alternatively, the five senses. Remnants of its Christian use remain, including the large stained glass pentagram that appears on the Pilgrim Christian Church in Chardon, Ohio. I'm reasonably certain that parishioners would take issue with the description of it as a "Satanic symbol."

It wasn't until the mass paranoia of the Middle Ages that the pentagram was viewed with negativity. As suspected witches were tortured and killed, the pentagram was increasingly portrayed as an inverted sign with the two points upward. Eventually Satanists adopted this inverted pentagram, often shown with a goat's head, as the Sigil of Baphomet. Since Fox8 News did not feature an aerial shot of St. George's grounds, the positioning of the pentagram on church property was unclear (e.g., which points were facing the church). If the vandals positioned the star with the intent to invert the emblem, then it's possible that you are correct and that it is truly a "Satanic symbol." Otherwise, it appears to be little more than an insensitive prank at your parishioners' expense. It should also be noted that many Satanists invert the cross, but I think you would agree that the appearance of a cross around your neck during holy services does not automatically render it a "Satanic symbol."

In addition to wearing a pentagram, I attempt to honor the Wiccan Rede in all aspects of my life: "An it harm none, do what ye will." This is reflected in my dietary choices, personal relationships and community activities. Just as St. George Greek Orthodox has hosted events like the recent Men's Cook-off for Charities, I share your desire to contribute to the community. Not only have I dedicated my life to the elimination of domestic violence and abuse in all its forms, but I participate in events that raise awareness on issues like animal cruelty, breast cancer, and poverty. Per my ethics and interest in healing, I am the type of person who would normally assist you in repairing the churchyard and rejuvenating the sacred space from the vandals' violation.

In closing, I would like to thank you for taking the time to let me share my insights. Interfaith understanding often begins with small steps- steps that are vital in preventing conflict on local and world stages. I wish you peace, kindness, and gratitude.

Blessed be,

Melissa K. Dean, Esq.

Richard McTear Takes Domestic Violence to a Horrifying Level, Killing His Girlfriend's Infant

In theory, we all know that domestic violence is bad. Same goes for child abuse. In a horrifying true tale, Florida resident Richard McTeal proved the combination of both can be deadly.

The 21-year-old man was arrested Tuesday shortly after a violent confrontation with his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend. Apparently upset that he was demoted to "ex," McTear hit Jasmine Bedwell several times and threatened to "kill the both of y'all" before he threw a carseat containing Bedwell's infant son across her living room, causing little Emanuel Murray to fall onto the floor. In an appalling effort to one-up his ex-girlfriend, he snatched the one thing that meant most to her and fled. Moments later, he tossed the infant out of the window of his blue Impala onto Interstate 275 in Tampa, where his little body was spotted by a local television photographer driving by. "[I]t was too big to be a doll," said WTVT's Jason Bird said. "I almost passed out, I started shaking."

Sadly, Emanuel didn't survive the the rage of his mom's abuser (to whom he was not related). A preliminary autopsy indicated he died of blunt force trauma to the head. McTear faces charges of first degree murder, burglary with battery, felony battery, aggravated child abuse, and kidnapping. Thankfully a Tampa judge denied bail for the man whom I've dubbed "the best argument for capital punishment I've seen in a long time."

Miss California To Lose Crown?

Just when you thought it was safe to turn on your television, Miss California Carrie Prejean has hit the airwaves again, although this time not with all the blessings of the religious right. Unfortunately the lass' transformation from beauty queen to anti-gay marriage activist hit a snag this week when photos emerged showing a 17-year-old Prejean posing topless as an aspiring underwear model.

Poor thing! First a victim of political correctness and now this. She'd just come off criticism after it was learned that she requested, and received, a breast augmentation courtesy of Miss California USA pageant officials. Barely a week after defending the confidence-boosting procedure, here she was, busily crafting a wholesome image as a celebrity spokesperson for the right-wing National Organization for (Straight) Marriage, when these pesky teen photos cropped up. Immediately she went into spin control, valiantly explaining the photos were taken when she was attempting to land a gig for Victoria's Secret. While she alleged the photos were leaked in an attempt to "mock [her] Christian faith," it didn't dull the gnawing issue of honesty on her California pageant registration. When asked whether she'd ever posed "nude or semi-nude," she apparently checked no- a response that could cost her the state crown.

A second issue emerged that could become problematic for Prejean's reign. While in the process of becoming an outspoken activist against gay marriage, she made numerous appearances, televised interviews, she forgot one thing. Her contract requires her to obtain prior approval from pageant execs for official appearances- something she neglected to do. Who knows? It could be a forgiveable mistake, or part of her undoing as pageant officials sort thru the mess.

Despite Prejean's cry of mockery at the hands of liberal critics, it is far from mockery that disturbs me. While there's plenty of room for merriment at her expense, it's not her faith with which I take issue. It's her inconsistency and hypocrisy, both of which are fair game. It wasn't a gossip website, but Prejean herself that placed her morals at center stage. Now those floodgates are opened, she may be forced to learn that honesty and fidelity are vital to a contractual agreement. Maybe someday she might even realize that gays and lesbians can honor a marriage contract with greater respect.