Weapon of Earth - Pentacle, How to construct the earth pentacle Options

I'm building an earth pentacle to use in my rituals, but i have some doubts on its creation.

I'm building it around 6 inches, out of some wood boards i glued together.

I read in "Modern Magick" by "Kraig" that it is better to be concave, because this would direct the energy directly back to the one who sent it, in case of an attack.

I really don't agree to that, as i don't see how anything reflects back to its origin on something concave differently from something flat. I also don't understand why it has to be used against attacks, as it is obviously meant as a defensive weapon, or a shield. And a shield is definitely not concave, more the opposite.
It just doesn't add up, Kraig's theory, and it leaves me confused...

Could anyone give me some advise on this.
Also, the origin of the god names that are meant to go around it are not given in Kraig's book, I would like to know them to. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Smoking Fox,

First of all, nice work on the pentacle. I like the color and the brush work on the lettering. Very cool.
When I first got involved in CM Donald Kraigs book was my first read as well. I spent about six months following his instructions to the letter before I started searching the net and getting in touch with all the other sources out there(this was when the net was pretty new and didn't go beyond a 28.8bp conection)loll
. Kraig is cool and all, but I'd say he's best used as a primer course for the serious CM worker. That's just my opinion though.
I feel that no single author can truly sum up and present a good course in Cm in one book. Kraig is cool like I said, but I'd suggest using him as a jumping off point. For me, there is a core library of CM books that are most important.
Regardie's Tree of Life.
Gershom Sholem's Kabalah translation,
Scott Cunningham's Incense Oil and Brews (yes this is low magick, but I like it because he gives a clear explanation of natural energies. I started also with Cunn. so I'm biased. Sue me.lol
Denning and Philips Mysteria Magica book 3
Crowleys 777

The last of that list isn't really instructional in the traditional sense, but it has just about every correspondance you could think of though. lol
But yah, it can get a bit expensive learning CM. I will say though, it is worth it. I've since moved on from traditional CM to the Simonicon and Sumerology, but my roots will always be in this area of the occult and therefor my first love.
I think my best advice though would be, Don't take the rules too seriously. Do what you think is best for you. As a Sorcerer would say, 'The power is in you, not the tools.'
Throughout the history of CM it has seemed to me(again,my opinion) that far too many formulas and rules and strictures have been placed on the CM magician. At least in the sense of making these things unbreakable. As long as you follow the energies of a working, or spirit, the ritual should come out fine. Use what you wish of the CM literature, but don't be afraid to experiment. In the end, just follow your gut. If something seems wrong to you, don't do it. Do what seems cool with you. But that's just my opinion and experience on things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blablabla.gif) lol