What does a six-pointed star mean in Orthodoxy?

The symbol, most often called the “Star of David,” is one of the oldest.

It is found in cultural monuments of many nations.

Despite the fact that this sign is usually associated with the Jewish religion, historically the Star of David is not associated with Judaism, and its image was found on objects belonging to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

It is noteworthy that since ancient times this symbol has been used not only for religious meaning, but also for occult, as well as simply for decorative purposes.

One of the interesting uses of the Star of David is as a talisman or amulet.

It is interesting to figure out what this symbol means, where it came from, why it is needed and how to use it for protection and help.

History of the Star of David symbol

Symbols in the form of the Star of David, that is, a hexagram composed of 2 combined opposing triangles, have been found during excavations almost all over the world.

The oldest find supposedly dates back to the 7th century. BC e. It is believed that the birthplace of this sign could be Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece or India.

At least in the locations of these states, such images were also found.

The widespread use of a pattern in the form of a hexagonal star as an ornament has been noted (for reasons of convenience of filling the space with hexagons), not only among the ancient Jews, but also among many other peoples, regardless of religion.

BY THE WAY! A similar element was found in rock paintings found in the countries of the Alpine region.

In Jewish culture itself, the Star of David also initially did not carry any religious meaning, but decorated various household items.

But among Muslims and Christians, the hexagram usually decorated places of ritual significance (for example, cemeteries and temples). The same sign was found on coins and seals of the Golden Horde.

The six-pointed star was also depicted by the Scandinavians, Celts and Slavs.

It is believed that the hexagram became the “Star of David” after the Israeli king, whose army wore this symbol on their shields. "Magen David" ("mogendovid") - this is the name in Hebrew for the symbol with a six-pointed star - is literally translated as "shield of David."

Another name for the sign is “Star of Solomon” or “Solomon’s Seal”.

This name comes from the Jewish ruler who followed David, Solomon.

Legend has it that this king had a magic ring with which he could control genies and understand the language of animals. According to legend, the magic ring depicted a hexagram, later called the “seal of Solomon.”

BY THE WAY! The frequently used name “star of Solomon” in relation to the hexagram is incorrect, since the star of Solomon is a pentagram (unlike the star of David).

History of the symbol

The Jewish star appeared in ancient times. Now it is difficult to accurately restore the origin of the mystical sign. Perhaps it goes back to the ancient shields used by David's soldiers. Some associate the hexagon with David Alroy - a false messiah; others argue about the connection with the Talmud and the allegorical expressions with which the God of Israel is designated there. The six-pointed star is otherwise called the Seal of Solomon. In the century before last, it acquired the status of a sign of the Jews, and now adorns the Israeli flag, symbolizing the state.

The shield of David has long been known to different peoples. The Hindus called her Anahata. Presumably, they realized the sacred power of the pattern many centuries or even millennia before the Europeans and inhabitants of the Middle East. In those ancient times, the pattern was not associated with Judaism and was not associated with Jews. In the Bronze Age, everyday objects were decorated with ornaments. It was used in rituals along with the pentagram. Historians have discovered such sacred formulas in archaeological layers of different regions - from Mesopotamia to Britain. Mystical formulas with a hexagon dating back to the Iron Age have been found on the Iberian Peninsula. In that era, the five-pointed star was used more often than the symbol with six rays - the Star of David, but both are equally found in alchemical books, magical treatises, and magical research.

A non-controversial depiction of the hexagram in the Middle East dates back to the 7th century BC. This is the seal discovered in Sidon, which previously belonged to Yehoshua ben Asaiah. Some scholars believe that the remains of a building built back in the 9th century BC under King Ahab also contained a hexagram, but the pattern has suffered too much over time to be completely sure. The significance of the hexagonal Star of David gradually became greater; it was used to decorate dishes, other utensils, personal signets, and lamps; then they began to use it in the design of synagogues. In the 2nd-3rd century AD, they created the ornament of the Capernaum synagogue, combining the swastika and David's shield in one pattern. A villa was built in Ein Eyal, the floor of which was decorated with stars with 6 rays. Historians believe that in that era it played only a decorative role, but the symbol of the Jews was the menorah - a lamp used in the temple. Since the 2nd century of the current era, menorahs have been used to mark burials and decorate holy places.

Vintage mystical ornament

Star of David during the Middle Ages

The hexagram spread widely in the Middle Ages in the Old World. The Navarre kings of the 10th-11th centuries decorated their seals with it, then scribes from Denmark, Spain, France, and Germany adopted it. The ancient pattern spread among Jews and Christians alike. The 6-pointed star was present in many churches. Often the lines were slightly bent in order to better fit the pattern into the ornament. Archaeologists studying an early Christian church in Tiberias discovered a stone decorated with the shield of David. The same pattern is found at the entrance to the cathedrals of Valencia, Burgos, and at the altar in the Cathedral of Anagna. Wikipedia says that the mystical hexagon adorned the patterns of Muslims and ancient Christian signs. He was called by the name of Solomon.

The name of the shield “Magen David” from the early Middle Ages is known. It is found in Talmudic works; it means gentlemen. The interpretation of Metatron’s sacred alphabet characterizes the sign as carrying God’s name and the name of Judah, Taftafia, in the heavens. Taftafiya later replaces Shaddai. The legend became especially widespread among Hasidim Ashkenazi. In the Book of the Limit, dating from the 15th century, the sign is mentioned twice. He may have been in Eshkol HaKofer, written in the 12th century, but the history is ambiguous - perhaps the mention appeared only after the work was republished in the 19th century.

The origin of the mark is disputed

Already in the Middle Ages, they began to depict a sacred symbol on amulets and amulets. In Arabic books, references to ornament are more common than in European works of mystics. Additional confusion about the origin is created by the fact that the image of the star first appears in Jewish mystical books written in Muslim powers. It is not until the 13th century that such patterns appear in German records.

In the same era of the Middle Ages, David Alroy appears, declaring himself the messiah. In the 12th century, he captured the Kurdistan fortress of Amadi, intending to organize a campaign from it to Israel. Scientists suggest: the false messiah came from the Khazar areas and from the very beginning chose a six-sided star as his own symbol. Zack is starting to achieve national status.

In the 13th-14th centuries, German synagogues were decorated with a hexagram. At first it was painted to imitate Christian chapels. Later, it is used to decorate manuscripts, mezuzahs, and amulets. Only in the late Middle Ages did the shield of David appear in Kabbalistic works, but at first only as decoration.

Since approximately 1354, the sign has been not only a decoration, but also a specific sign of the Jews. Charles IV, who ruled the Roman Empire, gives Prague Jews the right to their own flag. They choose a red canvas with a hexagram, giving it the name of David. This ornament is placed on a seal and turned into the official symbol of Prague Jews.

The symbol was used by Jews, Muslims, Christians

One of the important aspects of the use of the hexagram in the Middle Ages was the alchemical direction. Seekers of hidden secrets of that era associated the pattern with a combination of all the elements. There were 4 elements; alchemists combined and ordered them. Finally, the pairs of fire with air, water, water with air and earth with water, air and fire were used. Later, a planetary hexagram was created - it is preserved in some mystical books. She was first depicted by Johann Milius, the compiler of a medical treatise popular among his contemporaries.

The ornament appears in mystical books

Star of David symbol meaning

The Star of David symbol has six rays and looks like two equilateral triangles with their vertices pointing in opposite directions, but intersecting to form an equilateral hexagon.

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The interpretation of the symbol is far from unambiguous. Here are just some of the meanings:

• fusion of masculine and feminine principles;
• harmonization of the energies of the Earth and space;
• the unity of the physical and spiritual in man;
• unity of elements;
• designation of the universe;
• designation of the number of days during which, according to biblical mythology, the Earth was created.

BY THE WAY! The general meaning that unites all these meanings is the unity of 2 opposites, since the 2 triangles in the sign have their vertices directed in opposite directions, but at the same time are united together.

The concept of the “Star of David” is also found in astrology. It is used in drawing up horoscopes (so-called “natal charts”).

The Star of David configuration in the natal chart is made up of 2 major trines (or trines) connected to each other by sextiles. A person with such a horoscope is believed to be incredibly gifted, which can make him very successful.

But his talents will be fully revealed only if he puts effort into it.

Such a picture in the horoscope gives a person the opportunity to overcome any difficulties.

However, such a person often does not want to work on himself due to his innate relaxation and confidence that everything will be solved without his efforts (he gets used to the fact that everything comes with ease anyway).

There is also a separate modification of the Star of David in the natal chart: a union of large trigons inscribed in a circle (such a figure is called a “diamond”).

Such a horoscope suggests a rapid rise in career, but also a possible sad outcome (due to the reasons described above).

Of course, you should not completely rely on the horoscope without a critical attitude and analysis of the surrounding circumstances.

BY THE WAY! There is such a concept in palmistry. It is believed that a pattern in the form of a Star of David on the palm is a sign of a person with magical abilities (for example, a clairvoyant).

Conspiracy version of the meaning of the symbol

It is not known for certain why one of the meanings of the Star of David symbol was associated with the Freemasons. But there are several interesting assumptions about this. As you can see in the photo on the left, the outline of the hexagram is clearly visible on the US State Great Seal. But it is America that is considered to be, if not the headquarters, then the focal point of modern Freemasons!

Fact two: in 1822, the Rothschild family received the title of nobility. One of the components of the family coat of arms of the newly-minted nobles was the Star of David. Why did one of the richest people in the world, who are also considered members of the secret Masonic lodge, need an ancient esoteric symbol? One can only guess about this.

Meaning in different cultures

As already mentioned, the six-pointed figure is used not only by Jews.

Here are some meanings of the sign from other cultures:

• Hindus call it “Anahata chakra”, which symbolizes the unity of male and female;
• Buddhists consider the hexagram to personify the harmony of order and chaos, from which absolute peace is born. The human soul, according to this theory, is located in the center of a six-pointed star;
• The ancient Sumerians considered the hexagonal sign to be a symbol of the goddess Ishtar, who was responsible for fertility.

There is even a theory according to which the hexagram is a symbol of Russian (Slavic) origin, but it does not have sufficiently convincing grounds.

The meaning of the symbol in Christianity

Such symbolism is interpreted most ambiguously in Christianity.

Here are some of its meanings:

• in the hexagram there are 6 external and 6 internal angles, as well as 6 sides, which together amount to 666 - the number of the devil;
• According to biblical legends, the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the Magi the way to the birthplace of Jesus, was precisely of this shape;
• in the branch of Christianity - Orthodoxy - the Star of David means the unity of the soul of man and God (God descends to earth, and man strives for God);
• 6 angles mean 6 days of creation of the world in biblical mythology.

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In the Christian tradition, the hexagonal star received another name - “star of the Creator.”

Symbol meaning

This symbol is considered an ancient emblem of a six-pointed star, or as it is also called a hexagram, in which two equilateral triangles are superimposed on each other. Thus, they form a figure of six identical angles. There are several possibilities about where this symbol came from:

• One of the legends says that the shape of the shields of King David’s soldiers had the same shape.
• Others say that the seal of King Solomon was of this shape.
• Some believe that this is due to the false mission of David Alroy.

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Since the 19th century, the sign of a six-pointed star has been considered Jewish. It can be seen on the national flag. But six-pointed stars can also be seen on the symbols of other states.

What does the Star of David mean?

There are a large number of interpretations of this symbol. They are not only traditional, which originated in ancient times, but also modern.

Regarding two principles:

• It is believed that the hexagram is a combination of two principles: feminine and masculine.
• Another interpretation also consists of two principles, only a combination of the earthly and the heavenly.

Number four meaning:

• This symbol carries four fundamental principles - water, earth, sky and air.
• Others believe that this symbol contains the four cardinal directions: north, west, south, east.

Model of the universe and the number six:

• This sign contains 6 days of the week and reflects the model of the universe. One upper corner indicates the Unity of the Lord. The other two are Good and Evil. The other triangle symbolizes the goals of human existence in this world.
• The six points of the star represent the six “distinguished guests” who come on the first six days of the holiday: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph. They are all connected by the seventh guest - King David.

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There are also 12 ribs in this symbol, which symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel. In this case, the Star of David is seen as a symbol of the unity of the Jewish people.

In his work, Franz Rosenzweig said that the Star of David must be considered as an expression of the relationship between man, God and the universe. One triangle means three main subjects: God, man and the Universe. The second speaks about the connection between these components: Creation, Salvation and Revelation. It is this overlay of triangles that is called the “Star of Salvation.”

Star of David in Islam

In Islam, this symbol also found its place. Thus, it is believed that for Muslims it reflects the 6 foundations of Islam:

• faith in God (Allah);
• belief in angels created by God;
• belief in the sacred scriptures transmitted through the prophets;
• faith in the prophets themselves;
• belief in the onset of judgment day, as well as in heaven and hell;
• belief in predestination.

In addition, in Islam there is also such an interpretation of the hexagram as a person’s desire for both earthly life and God.

Outside of a religious context in Muslim countries, the symbol itself is regarded as a talisman against misfortune, a talisman for wealth and prosperity.

Jewish symbol

In history, we can trace several stages during which the six-pointed star acquired the status of “Jewish”:

• in the 14th century, Emperor Charles IV gave the Jews living in Prague their own flag, which featured a hexagram;
• almost 100 years later, approximately the same flag appeared among the Hungarian Jews;
• 2 centuries later, the same symbol was assigned to the Jewish population in the Czech Republic;
• During World War II, Jews had to wear special armbands with the Star of David, and in concentration camps, Jewish prisoners were branded with this sign.

After the war, in 1948, the symbol officially began to be included in the national flag of Israel, and then the star became firmly associated with “Jewish” symbols.

Role in culture

Photo: Cityspb.ru
The six-pointed star is known by several names: the star of David, the seal of Solomon, the hexagram. They all denote the same symbol, which outwardly looks like an equilateral triangle united by a common center.

The Star of David is often found in early Christian communities and was later common in Arab culture. Moreover, only from the 19th century the hexagram began to be used by Jews as a specific national symbol. Only in the century before last they began to depict it on Jewish buildings and synagogues, as a result it even appeared on the Israeli flag.

The Star of David began to be strongly associated with Jews after the Second World War, when it was forced to be attached to clothing in the ghetto so that everyone around could immediately recognize a Jew.

Hexagram

The hexagram most often means the harmonization of the elements: earth, fire, air and water, as well as the four cardinal directions: north, south, west and east.

According to some sources, the hexagram symbolizes the model of the universe.

In the Kabbalistic tradition, the 6 corners of the figure mean beauty, power, glory, severity, mercy and infinity, which are united by the center (base).

The hexagram has 12 edges, which designate the 12 tribes (generations) of Israel led by David, which must rise up at the coming of the Messiah.

In addition, the hexagram is considered a sign of the Masons.

Star of David as a magical symbol

The Star of David is also used in occultism and mysticism, where it symbolizes the confrontation between God and the devil.

Moreover, the circle in which the figure is located personifies the world where this eternal struggle takes place.

This sign is also interpreted as the “seal of the devil” (in connection with the symbolism of the number 666 discussed above).

In magical rituals, the hexagram consolidates the effect of spells.

On the other hand, the sign protects from evil forces. Therefore, in the Middle Ages, this symbol was often applied to amulets and used to exorcise evil spirits.

Who is it suitable for?

Magendovid is common in many cultures and religions. There are minor differences in the interpretation and application of the symbol, but this does not affect its main protective purpose. The talisman suits everyone. Some people prefer to wear it as a regular decoration, without really delving into its meaning. Jewelry with the Star of David in the form of pendants, rings, pendants, and earrings are popular. Tattoo lovers apply the symbol to open areas of the body - arm, shoulder, chest, back.

It is important that the fortune teller is protected by such a symbol.

In order for the Star of David amulet to work in full force, performing protective functions, you need to hold it in your hands every day, thinking about pleasant things, asking for help and protection. It is recommended to always have a talisman with you for people involved in fortune-telling and predicting the future. The symbol will help protect the soul from evil and attacks from dark forces. To enhance the protective effect, it is recommended to use a double symbol, which will protect the owner from any negative energy.

Who can wear the Star of David amulet and what does it mean?

Since, from the point of view of religions, the Star of David is a universal sign, anyone can wear and use it, regardless of nationality and religion.

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It is used as jewelry in the form of pendants, pendants, rings, and tattoos.

It is believed that such a talisman:

• brings good luck;
• protects from misfortunes;
• promotes health and longevity.

It is also believed that this symbol should be carried by those who engage in fortune telling (to protect themselves from dark forces).

ATTENTION! For the most effective effect of the amulet with the Star of David, you should contact it as much as possible (hold it in your palms, look at it). When making contact, it is important to mentally pronounce your desires in order to fulfill them as quickly as possible. The double hexagram has an even more powerful effect.

The meaning of the Star of David tattoo

Today, tattoo parlor artists quite often use the image of a hexagram, although such tattoos were popular a long time ago, among sailors. They believed that such a tattoo would allow them to return from a long voyage safe, alive and healthy.

Also, a tattoo with the image of the Star of David was favored by prisoners who suffered from the harsh political regimes of their country. Such people were respected in their circles.

The Star Tattoo carries the following sacred meaning: giving the owner the protection of higher powers, the amulet demands worthy behavior from him, God sees all his actions and weighs them on his scales, measuring out a worthy punishment or reward.

Of course, the presence of such a tattoo on a person does not at all indicate his high moral principles or knowledge of history. It happens that a person simply liked a symbol and decided to get it without knowing anything about it. In this case, the owner of the tattoo runs the risk of becoming a victim of negative energy holes, troubles and troubles, since the Star of David carries very heavy energy for the uninitiated.

Who is the tattoo suitable for?

If you believe the statistics of esotericists, such a tattoo is chosen by people with high moral principles and strong faith in their souls.

In what cases does a person need such a tattoo:

• if his life is full of negativity from the outside (enemies, envious people and simply unpleasant people around him);
• a person is fighting a difficult battle with various harmful addictions (alcoholism and drug addiction);
• in search of the meaning of life and one’s place in the world;
• to attract prosperity, luck and wealth;
• when health conditions require it (serious illness or many chronic diseases);
• to achieve harmony in family relationships (or finally find your soul mate).

People who have connected their lives with the Star of David claim that they have repeatedly been convinced of its power and help in all areas of their existence.

The meaning of such a tattoo is that God sees all your actions

Where to stuff

The classic option for a tattoo is the upper back, shoulder blade, shoulder or forearm. When making such a tattoo, one should not forget that this symbol still bears the Divine imprint and sacred meaning, and it cannot be insulted, otherwise the owner will be rewarded according to his deserts.

It is preferable to make the image of the Star on those parts of the body that are inaccessible to the eyes of most others; this symbol is quite intimate, reflecting the soul of its owner. You also need to remember that the hexagram can easily turn from a symbol of goodness and light into a symbol of Satan and his minions. It is unlikely that such a sign on the body will bring any positivity into the life of its owner.

If in your environment there is a person with symbols of Satanism, it is better to stay away from him: such people in life are guided by animal instincts, and their moral principles leave much to be desired. In fact, it doesn't matter at all what Gods you believe in. The main thing is the belief that, thanks to the amulet, you are under the reliable protection of higher powers, your good deeds will be rewarded a hundredfold, attracting good luck, love and health.

Tattoo meaning

In ancient times, travelers who set off across the seas got tattoos with this sign so that they would definitely return back.

In the 20th century, prisoners in Russian prisons tattooed themselves with this symbol to denote higher status in certain circles.

But it was impossible to get such a “status” tattoo without permission; it was strictly punishable by the prison community.

The Star of David as an element of a tattoo still remains relevant.

As a rule, it symbolizes the unity of the spiritual and material, as well as the feminine and masculine principles.

There are also tattoos with a hexagram in combination with Satanist symbols.

How does the Star of David help?

Today, the image with the Star of David is used quite widely. With this symbol they make tattoos, wear talismanic jewelry, embroider bedspreads and do much more. In the old days, sailors tattooed a six-pointed star because they believed it would help them return home safe after a long voyage.

The hexagonal star symbolizes:

• Harmony between the spiritual and material worlds
• A combination of two principles - masculine and feminine (the design of the symbol resembles the Chinese sign "Yin-Yang")
• High moral principles of the person who chose this sign as a talisman

There is also a completely contradictory opinion, according to which, the hexagram is interpreted as a sign of Satan and represents the number 666. This judgment stems from the design of the symbol - it has six triangles along the perimeter, six acute and the same number of obtuse angles, as well as an internal hexagon consisting of six sides.

In contrast to this statement, Rabbi Eliyag Essas believes that the six-pointed star is a model of the Universe. In addition, Jews decorate special dwellings in the form of huts in which they live during the sacred holiday of Sukkot with the hexagram.