Six-pointed star: meaning. Symbols of Judaism

At all times people paid special attention to symbolism. And it is not so important, whether there is a conversation about religion, occultism or usual hobbies. And always a special place was occupied by the six-pointed star. The meaning of this symbol can not be uniquely determined. In a wide variety of cultures, it is treated differently.

In general, the star from time immemorial was an important symbol, as its image was prompted by nature itself. A man inevitably draws to heaven, so she was compared by people to superiority, strength, constancy and protection. Flicker and bright overflows pointed to hope, a dream and a miracle, which also had a positive effect on the attitude to the corresponding symbolism. The six-pointed star in different cultures has its own specific definition. But one thing is for sure: there were no civilizations that did not pay attention to it.

Origin of the Star of David

There is no doubt that the star of David belongs to the Jewish culture, since it was first discovered in the 7th century. BC. E. In Sidon. The seal on which she was held belonged to a Jew, Yehoshua ben Yeshayu. Then the symbol had no other definitions, its name sounded like this: a six-pointed star. The photo of that seal has survived to this day. Later the symbol received a different name - "Magendavid", and also known in modern times - "Star of David". It happened in the early Middle Ages, when the first sources appeared with legends about King David. It was believed that the shield with such a symbol defended the commander and his army in the battles, so they all brought only victories.

Talking about what the star of David means, you can not miss another version of the origin of the name. It describes how a certain David Alroy, who considered himself a messiah, led an army to Jerusalem to return the city conquered by the Crusaders. It was believed that he was a mystic and a sorcerer, besides quite vain, that's why he named the star in his honor.

Since the thirteenth century, the star has become more popular, it appears on the walls of synagogues, on amulets or in books with Kabbalistic texts. Most historians and researchers believe that the symbol then was only a decoration, its specificity, he found a little later, in 1354. At that time, the Roman emperor granted Jews a special privilege, they became owners of their own red flag, which was adorned with the star of David. Since then, all references to this symbol are oriented in most cases to Jewish and Jewish cultures.

Understanding the six-pointed star

The symbol "six-pointed star" is usually depicted in the form of equilateral triangles superimposed on each other so that their vertices are looked up one, the other - down. Also these figures have one center. In some cultures, the symbol is corrected in accordance with the beliefs that are observed within society. However, most often this image is attributed to Judaism, since the star has the widest distribution only among the Jews.

At one time this symbol intersected in the history of the fascist swastika. It is possible to give more than one example, where this symbol is viewed in a positive light, but people's opinion will not affect it, because a long time hexagram was in the same order with Nazism.

In fact, the most common understanding of the symbol is incorrect. Speaking of what the star of David means, one usually mentions Judaism and its presence in this religion. Today, by Magen- david means freedom, and there is an explanation. There are several opinions as to when the Hexagram began to embody the Jews, but they all have approximately the same ending.

In the 5th-6th century, King David lived, whose nationality was under oppression. On the battlefields with the enemies of the Jews often lost, because they could not restrain the onslaught of the most powerful warrior - Goliath. But David, taking in hand the shield with the image of hexagram, still defeated him. As a result, the Jews gained freedom from enemy oppression.

Later (in the 13th century) Jews again intersect with the hexagram. Now, for services to the empire, the Roman Emperor Charles lays a flag with the image of the Magendavid, only then it was scarlet (in modern times - blue). And again, getting a star is connected with freedom.

And, finally, in the 18th century, Europe, which was at that time a developed region and played an important role in the activities of mankind, takes the six-pointed star as a symbol of the Jewish people. Thus, even in this case, the understanding of Magendavid is invariably connected with the freedom of the Jews.

How did the star of David appear on the flag of Israel?

If there comes a conversation as to which flag the six-pointed star is, then Israel is always mentioned. Some other countries throughout the history of mankind also appropriated this symbol to their clan, but in fact it has taken root in this interpretation only in Judaism. There are several assumptions about how the hexagram appeared on the flag of Israel.

According to one version, this symbol was borrowed in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptian pharaohs Jews for a long time were in slavery, while the prophet Moses did not come and did not become their liberator. In the occultism of that ancient civilization, the six-pointed star occupied a special position, it was used in the inscription of signs associated with deities. Quite true story, except that its most common name is "the star of David." And here the name that the symbol was given does not appear.

Another version is that a certain David was the liberator of the Jewish state, and in his military campaigns for liberation he was always nominated, carrying in his hand a shield in the form of a six-pointed star (according to other sources, this symbol was painted on a shield). After the defeat of more powerful troops, outside observers had the impression that it was the shield of David that caused the liberation of the state.

It should be noted that the symbols of Judaism did not immediately begin to include a six-pointed star. It is likely that the Israelis are closer not the philosophical or religious component of the hexagram, but the decorative one.

Puzzles

The considered symbol from the 7th century BC. E. Excites the minds of historians, occultists and cultural experts. And all because he appears in many written sources, in rock paintings, seals, coats of arms and other similar elements. This means that almost every civilization that ever existed on the planet invariably showed its interest in this symbol. What is his mystery?

No cultural scholar has yet approached this issue closely, all the new facts associated with the six-pointed star, reveal even more unsolved mysteries. On the one hand, there are many historical data or information from mythology, where the star of David plays only a positive role. For example, Solomon wore a ring with the seal of the corresponding image. With his help, he called on the spirits who helped him in all the good endeavors.

Or the story of David himself, in which he defeats Goliath not without the help of a shield with an image of a hexagram. Since then, this Jewish military leader has become not only the hero of an entire nation, but also a liberator. Despite the fact that it has been more than one hundred years since that moment, all Jews still honor the symbol as a defender of demons, carry amulets and talismans with such an image.

But there are absolutely opposite stories connected with the hexagram. It often appears along with the fascist swastika, so many people are negative about it. In fact, her participation in the historical events of that terrible time was very limited. In the concentration camps, experiments were conducted on people, and after certain experiments some were marked. This was done through the image of a yellow hexagram on the forehead of the experimental. This state of affairs allowed the fascists to distinguish those on whom they had already experimented, from "pure" people.

Consequently, wherever a six-pointed star appears, its value is always either positive or negative. It takes the golden mean only as a symbol in some cultures, and that is only because it does not consider the hexagram as a whole, but its individual images (for example, lines of triangles).

Mystic

In magic and the occult, as far as modern history knows, there has always been a six-pointed star. Its significance is great not only for rituals, but also for creating amulets, talismans, amulets, books with spells and so on. In magic, the three sides of the triangles personified matter, spirit and the middle nature (the same thing as in science - space). Thus, it is possible to divide the value into three components:

1. The mind or consciousness, the element that is responsible for creating energy.
2. Matter (middle nature, space). Occultists considered matter as a cosmic substance that is harmoniously distributed throughout the universe. Therefore, this element was responsible for the safety of everything that ever existed.
3. Physical matter. Since it is rather dense, it ceases to let in the light of the sun, gradually becomes darkness. Therefore, the element under consideration is responsible for the destruction of energy.

Proceeding from the above, we can conclude that the six-pointed star occupied a special place not only in some religions, but also in magical teachings, which have not lost popularity until today. Thanks to this symbol, any event could be explained. Magic amulets depicting the hexagram opened the future to the occultists, the past and the present.

Talismans

The six-pointed star at all times represented a powerful defense, in fact impenetrable. Therefore, until today, it is often used in the creation of amulets and amulets. Since the Middle Ages, talismans with a hexagram have been considered powerful defenders against cold weapons, as David defeated Goliath using a shield with her image.

Later amulets acquired additional meanings. It was believed that they were protected from fire and a sudden attack from the enemy. Over time, this property has lost its importance, but something else has emerged. Toward the 16th century, the six-pointed star of David on talismans was used to protect against evil forces.

Anyway, any material object has its own energy, which can serve both for evil and for good. However, there are also signs and symbols that are not just checked by time, but have also acquired the generally accepted status of assistants. That is what the Magendavid is, for thousands of years have been interested in all the nationalities and cultures.

Why is the six-pointed star in Christianity perceived as a symbol of evil spirit?

The symbol "star of David" in Orthodoxy does not have a very good reputation. The fact is that the hexagram since ancient times was considered a symbol of Judaism - a religion that Christians perceive negatively.

But there is another explanation for the bad attitude toward her. The fact is that in Judaism the specific meaning of the star lies in the fact that only six days passed (6 ends of the figure), and the Messiah comes to the seventh. In the Christian faith, Jesus had already visited the earth, so the seventh day arrived. In Judaism, it is only expected. Consequently, Christians perceive the symbol as irrelevant.

Symbols of religion, and any, you need to read. Therefore, it can not be said unequivocally that all Orthodox are negative about the six-pointed star. Moreover, many confessors already refused to give it the meaning of the number of the beast.

Is the six-pointed star evil or good?

Many cultures have never been negatively affected by such a symbol as the star of David. A photo depicting this figure, described in a negative vein, is found only in eschatological interpretations. This religious doctrine compares the symbol with the number of the beast. It has 6 angles, 6 small triangles and 6 sides inside the hex.

Indians, namely yogis and tantras, compare the symbol with the chakra of a person located at the heart level. She is responsible for love, compassion and devotion. The direction of the triangle downward means the sky, the upward the earth. Accordingly, it is the universe in which the six-pointed star is oriented. The meaning of a symbol expresses the essence of a person who constantly rushes between spirituality and carnal components.

When the first alchemists appeared, they also became interested in the hexagram, and depicted with its help the philosopher's stone that gives eternal life. Masons compared the symbol with great wisdom, which, in fact, they sought. Anyway, each current compared a six-pointed star with something of its own.

Importance in different cultures

The six-pointed star has not only esoteric or religious significance. Many civilizations used it in various spheres only because it looks beautiful. So, for example, from the fourteenth century it was used as a reward for special merits. Moreover, some modern military units still hand the star of David as a sign of special honor.

But, of course, we can not exclude the religious or occult component that the six-pointed star possesses. Its significance in the Christian faith can not be called unambiguous. On the one hand, the Orthodox do not like it, because the number of corners, sides and triangles is 666. On the other hand, it was the six-pointed star that pointed the way to the house where Jesus was born. But the generally accepted orthodox opinion is oriented to the fact that the Lord was engaged in 6 days creation of the world for people, and on the seventh he should come. Therefore, in early Christianity, this symbol was more significant than today, because the Messiah had already descended to earth.

Eastern cultures also did not abandon this symbol. In Tibet, for example, it means six syllables of the most important Buddhist prayer. Hindu culture does not consider the star as a whole, but only its triangles. They represent Kali and Shiva, or the destruction and creation of the world. Thus, Eastern traditions perceive the hexagram as a symbol of balance, the inevitable and constant struggle between good and evil on the planet and / or in one particular person.

In Masonry there is also a Magendavid, but members of this society give a greater preference to the pentagram - the seal of Solomon. It is believed that Solomon was the son of David, and if you remove any small triangle from the image of the hexagram, you get a five-pointed star. Therefore, Freemasons are still connected with Magendavid, but indirectly, honoring him as the father of Solomon, the holder of the ring with a five-pointed star, whom he commanded by spirits and ghosts.

Theosophical interpretation is focused exclusively on the perfection of the universe, as well as in the occult. Two triangles (2 - the number of women), three faces and angles in each (3 - the number of men) allow you to idealize not only the universe, but the symbol itself, which explains its high value.

The six-pointed star in the circle appeared almost immediately after the ordinary Magendavid. However, she received her greatest distribution only in astrology. So all the signs of the zodiac were depicted within the framework of one particular symbol.

In general, it is impossible to say exactly where and when in history there was a star of David, since each culture necessarily used it in writings, on amulets or in engraving on buildings.

Symbol image in different cultures

Quite often, the various symbols of religion, in essence, are the same, but are depicted in different ways. For example, Kabbalists draw a hexagram in the form of two triangles of black and white. They represent spirit and matter. And the value of individual lines or a hexagon formed in the center is missing.

Even in the culture of Kabbalists there is a similar symbol - the six-pointed star is drawn in the form of a snake that swallows its tail. The image is inside the circle. In this case, the symbol represents the three deities and the eternity of their reign. Kabbalists in the west cut the tops of the triangle, and they become like the Egyptian pyramids.

In Jewish culture, the image of the hexagram is ideal, here the triangles look up and down, with one center uniting them. There are no additional shades or intersections, in aggregate they represent a full-fledged picture. There are also no specific interpretations of the individual lines, except that the star of David is the symbol of the Jews. A photo with an image of a Jewish hexagram can be seen on the flag of Israel. By the way, in spite of the fact that the star originally accompanied the Jewish culture, it became the common sign of the Jews only in the eighteenth century, before Europe did not consider it as a symbol of one particular state.

Let's summarize the ways of depicting a six-pointed star and its meaning in different cultures in the table below.

Thus, it is impossible to say exactly what the six-pointed star means. In most cultures, it is a good symbol, embodying deities, feminine or masculine, matter and spirit. But there are also negative options for treating hexagrams, such as the number of the beast. If we give the most common definition, then the star of David has always been a symbol of freedom, because once upon a time the Roman emperor laid the foundation for the liberation of the Jewish people, giving her his own flag with the Magendavid.