"The pentagram expresses the mind's domination over the elements and it is by this sign that we bind the demons of the air, the spirits of fire, the specters of water, and the ghosts of earth. It is the star of the Magi, the burning star of the Gnostic schools, the sign of intellectual omnipotence and autocracy. Its complete comprehension is the key of two worlds - it is absolute natural philosophy and natural science. Its use, however, is most dangerous to operators who do not completely and perfectly understand it... All mysteries of magic, all symbols of the gnosis, all figures of occultism, all kabbalistic keys of prophecy, are resumed in the sign of the pentagram; which Paracelsus proclaims to be the greatest and most potent of all. It is indeed the sign of the absolute and universal synthesis." —Éliphas Lévi
“In the pentagram, the Pythagoreans found all proportions well-known in antiquity: arithmetic, geometric, harmonic, and also the well-known golden proportion, or the golden ratio. ... Probably owing to the perfect form and the wealth of mathematical forms, the pentagram was chosen by the Pythagoreans as their secret symbol and a symbol of health.
- Alexander Voloshinov
"By the Pentagram is also measured the exact proportions of the great and unique Athanor necessary to the confection of the Philosophical Stone and the accomplishment of the Great Work. The most perfect alembic in which the Quintessence can be elaborated is conformable to this figure, and the Quintessence itself is represented by the Sign of the Pentagram."
— Eliphas Lévi, Transcendental Magic
"The Divine Circle, which contains the First Cause, incomprehensible to human reason. Spirit of God moving over the waters. Man, formed in the image of God, is placed at the center of all circles. Circle of the Intelligences. Circle of the Senses. Circle of Thought. Circle of Understanding. The Center, in which all circles meet, is the Divine Light."
The Simple Truth “The simple truth is found in the order of nature and the elements that compose all things. God, in His infinite wisdom, has established a universal order where everything corresponds and harmonizes. Man, created in the image of God, contains within himself the principles of all creation. Nature is composed of four fundamental elements: Fire, Air. Water, Earth. These elements unite to form the diversity of beings that exist in the world. Everything is connected in a great universal harmony, where each thing has its place and function. This truth is simple, but only those who seek wisdom with a pure heart can understand it."
"Who understands this order understands the mysteries of nature. To know the true principles of creation, one must observe the laws established by God. Everything in nature follows an order: The elements combine to form matter. Matter organizes itself into minerals, plants, and animals. Man, as a microcosm, contains all these elements within himself. The divine light illuminates those who seek truth with humility. Everything returns to its source. What comes from God must return to God. Man, by understanding the divine order, discovers his true nature and his connection to the universe."
- BnF, département des Manuscrits, FM-ICONOGR-ATLAS by François-Nicolas Noël, vers 1813