Star of David - the meaning of the symbol and how to wear it

In the last two centuries, the sky blue Star of David

became a symbol of Jewish identity. No wonder it is placed on the Israeli flag. However, the magical power of the six-pointed figure is recognized not only in the Holy Land. For many peoples, a hexagram that harmoniously fits into a circle was considered a talisman against demons. Across cultures, the Star of David has been a sign of wisdom and freedom, life and hope. Archaeologists find an image of a six-pointed star in Pompeii and Crete, among the Gibeonians and Etruscans. It was in use among the ancient Slavs and Egyptians, Celts and Indians.

History of the Star of David symbol

Why is the symbol called the “Star of David”?
One of the legends tells the following story. Before the battle with his enemy Nimrod, the young king David prepared for himself a shield, to the back of which two triangles were attached. At the height of the battle, the triangles merged into one figure. The young man won the battle, and since then the symbol of the victor has been known as Magen David (“shield of David”). The star-shaped six-pointed figure was known to Jews back in Antiquity. But then it was used not as a religious attribute, but as a decorative element of religious buildings. Sometimes the Star of David was used as a trade mark. The earliest archaeological find associated with this symbol dates back to the 6th century BC. A certain Joshua ben Asaiah, a resident of the city of Sidon, used the Star of David on his seal.

For the first time, the hexagram appears as a sacred sign in the 11th century on one of the pages of the manuscript of the Hebrew Bible - Tanakh. Then, during the early Middle Ages, the six-pointed star acquired the meaning of a talisman and was used by Christians, Muslims and Jews as a talisman against demonic forces and fires.

In the middle of the 14th century. Emperor Charles IV allowed the Prague Jews to use the Star of David as a symbol on their battle standard. However, Czech historian Alexander Putik believes that this is nothing more than a legend and provides other information. According to Putik, the Prague Jewish community first appeared with the Star of David on its flag in 1490 at public celebrations for the coronation of Ladislaus II as King of Hungary. It was then that the authorities first officially recognized this symbol of the Jewish people.

In the 18th century, the hexagram acquired even more important meaning. The Age of Enlightenment inspired new hopes for Jews to gain full citizenship in the newly formed states. Thus Magen David became the spokesman for the ethnic aspirations of the Jews. In 1897, the world Zionist community adopted the sacred hexagram as the emblem of their organization.

The history of the six-pointed star in the middle of the 20th century. marked with tragedy. During the Holocaust, Jews in France, Holland, Belgium, Croatia, Slovakia and Romania were severely persecuted and forced to wear a yellow six-pointed star. Those who refused this humiliation faced severe punishment.

After World War II, the yellow star of shame became the blue star of honor. Now it flies on the Israeli flag as a symbol of protection and security for every Jew.

Who can wear the Star of David?

Many people firmly believe that the six-pointed Magen David is a Jewish symbol, and representatives of other religions have no right to wear it.
However, an amulet with the Star of David can become a talisman for both Jews and Christians. The sacred hexagram protects a person regardless of what faith he adheres to. If you are often attacked by ill-wishers, you should use the Star of David as a talisman. A silver pendant with the image of this symbol will not only protect the owner from negativity, but will also share with him a charge of positive energy. If you want to enjoy life in harmony with others and discover your deepest talents, wear an amulet with a gold Star of David.

You can buy the Star of David in the form of a pendant or bracelet made of silver or gold from us. See the catalog at the link.

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Making your own talisman

If a person needs to make an important decision or solve a problem, he can make the Star of David himself. To do this, you need to use cardboard or thick white paper. You also need to take drawing tools.

First, you need to apply a hectogram to the paper. This must be done in accordance with the laws of geometry. Then take a compass and enclose the image in a circle. The resulting drawing must be cut out and colored with paints or pencils. To make the talisman more durable, it can be coated with wax.

You can make an amulet from steel wire. At the same time, it is important to monitor the accuracy of the lines and proportions in order to obtain the most even and correct shape.

The meaning of the symbol in Judaism

Among Jews there are several explanations for the symbolism of Magen David.
Historian Uri Ofer believes that the six-pointed figure is an image of a white lily, which is identified in the minds of Jews with the Israeli people themselves. The German thinker F. Rosenzweig put forward an original interpretation of the hexagram. In his opinion, the Star of David symbolizes the relationship between the universe, God and people.

The Jews have adopted the custom of placing the Star of David in the tent in which a Jew should stay during the autumn holiday of Sukkot. The six points of the sacred star symbolize the legendary biblical characters who visit this temporary home - Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Aaron, Abraham and Moses.

Most Jews perceive the six-pointed star as a sign of mercy. It is not surprising that the symbol of the emergency medical service, organized in 1930 in the capital of Israel, became a red hexagram on a white background.

Meaning in Orthodoxy

In the Orthodox tradition, King David is considered a revered Old Testament figure, a prophet. Therefore, the use of this name does not contradict the canons.

In theology, this hexagram has several meanings for the Orthodox:

The unity of human and divine nature in Jesus Christ. It is worth taking as a basis a quote from the Apocalypse of John the Theologian, in which the Savior claims to be a descendant of David.
In early Christianity, the hexagram was one of the options for depicting the Bethlehem or Christmas star. It is known that during the birth of the Son of God, people actually saw some amazing phenomenon in the sky, perhaps it was a comet. The star of Bethlehem lit up as a sign of the coming of the Messiah, showing the way to the wise men, who brought their gifts to the Savior that same night.
The hexagram is also a symbol of 6 days, which is exactly how long it took the Lord to create the earth.
For King David, the hexagram symbolized the 6 main aspirations or feelings of a person. That is, she identifies 5 well-known feelings, which are crowned by the sixth, associated with faith in God.
It is believed that this star is associated with the Virgin Mary. In this case, it is depicted only not with six, but with eight rays. In this case, the star necessarily remains equal-pointed. This symbol appears on images of the Virgin Mary on the shoulders or above the forehead, which testifies to her chastity and purity of thoughts.

Star of David in Kabbalah

Adherents of Kabbalistic beliefs who lived in the Middle Ages attributed magical powers to the Star of David.
Inside this symbol they placed 9 sefirot (spheres), and the hexagram itself was placed on amulets. According to Kabbalah, the Star of David includes the following symbolism: Heaven and Earth

Traditionally, the Star of David consists of two triangles facing in different directions. One Kabbalistic interpretation states that the upward-facing triangle signifies God and His place in heaven as the Creator of the Universe, while the downward-facing triangle symbolizes the earth and humanity. The overlap of these two principles shows that the spiritual and materialistic go hand in hand.

Unity of the pillars of faith

In Kabbalah, the three sides of the triangle are believed to stand for the fundamental aspects of Judaism—God, the Torah, and the People of Israel. Each of the two figures in the Magen David symbolizes this unity. The ascending triangle demonstrates the emotional side of the relationship, and the descending triangle demonstrates the physical side.

The Omnipresence of God

One Kabbalistic interpretation of the Star of David points to the symbolic meaning of its six faces. These are the six directions where God's presence can be felt: North, South, East, West, Above and Below, while the center of the Star indicates the center of the Universe - the place of God's existence. An interesting detail: the phrase “Magen David” in Hebrew contains exactly six letters.

Unity of the nation

Since the magical hexagram has six sides, it has twelve edges. Kabbalah interprets this as a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel, which currently form the unified nation of the state of Israel.

Activating a magical item

Regardless of the source of the Star of David, the talisman must be charged with positive energy. Only in this case will it work and help you comprehend secret knowledge, protect you from illnesses and protect you from evil thoughts.

Activation enhances the magic symbol

To activate the amulet:

You need to place it in a glass of water for a day.
After which the product should be washed in running water.
At night it needs to be placed on the windowsill under direct moonlight.
In addition, you need to look at the sign every day, hold it in your hands and make your deepest desires.

The Star of David may look different today. Most often it is made in the form of pendants, rings, pendants that can be worn as jewelry. Every person is allowed to do this. But the symbol will be protected only by those who believe in its miraculous abilities. In this case, desires will be fulfilled gradually. However, you should not tell anyone about this sign.

The Star of David is a very powerful amulet that helps to attract good luck and success into a person’s life. In addition, the symbol reliably protects its owner from diseases and troubles. For the amulet to be useful, it is important to believe in its power and maintain purity of thoughts.

Six-pointed star in Christianity

The Christian interpretation of Magen David differs from the Jewish interpretation.
In Orthodoxy, the hexagram is perceived as a symbol of the six days during which the creation of the world took place. Many Orthodox Christians consider the Star of David to be a symbol that unites the Old and New Testaments. On the tops of the crosses of Christian churches you can sometimes see a hexagram symbol, and there is nothing strange about this. From sacred Orthodox texts we learn that Jesus Christ compared himself to the morning star, which was supposed to dispel the darkness of death and sin. In addition, for Christians, the Star of Bethlehem is of particular significance, showing the way to the birthplace of the Savior.

Timeless symbol

Photo: Sib-catholic.ru
In fact, it is not surprising that symbols and signs from one religion are actively used by representatives of other faiths. Over the past centuries, a situation often arose when some symbols became an integral part of several cultures or religions at once.

For example, communities of early Christians, when they were still officially prohibited, recognized each other by the image of a fish. Now this symbol has disappeared, remaining in history. At the same time, many other signs have passed through the centuries, becoming entrenched in religious and cultural traditions.

Some of the symbols simultaneously migrated to both Judaism and Orthodoxy. This should not be surprising, since the New Testament became a continuation of the Old Testament, the main book in Judaism. Over the past centuries, man's knowledge of the world has changed many times, but the Word of God has remained unshakable.

The Star of David is placed on the Israeli flag as one of the main symbols of the entire nation. It can also be seen on many Jewish houses in Europe and Russia. The star is one of the main symbols of Judaism; in terms of its significance, the star can be compared with the cross - the main Christian symbol. However, such a comparison will not be entirely accurate.

In Orthodoxy, the Star of David is found on icon cases and icons in the decoration of Orthodox cathedrals and churches. Moreover, it is not just an ordinary decoration, but carries a symbolic meaning.

Star of David in Islam

During the Middle Ages, the hexagon was popular not only among Jews, but also among Muslims.
Adherents of Islam called the six-fingered star “Khatam Suleiman” (“Seal of Solomon”). The Quran mentions the name Solomon (son of David) at least sixteen times because this biblical king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah was one of the revered prophets who lived before Muhammad. According to legend, the hexagram that adorned the ring of the wisest of rulers gave him power over the genies, the ability to see the future and understand the language of animals. The six-pointed star was especially common among the followers of the teachings of the Hanafi madhhab, as well as among the Turkish beyliks of Anatolia (Isfendiyarids and Karamanids). A seal depicting a hexagram was often used by the Ottomans when arranging mosques, on coins, and even on the personal banners of pashas (for example, naval commander Hayreddin Barbarossa). The Star of David adorned the swords of Ottoman soldiers. It was also placed on the tombs of early Islamic figures in Medina.

Now the sacred symbol is actively used in many esoteric practices of the Arab East. And a ritual black stone is built into one of the walls of the Mecca Kaaba, which is traditionally covered with a vestment with the image of a hexagram.

Magic and symbol of the Star of David

Performers of magical rituals usually call the six-pointed star a hexagram.
In magic, it is customary to associate the hexagon (symbol of the macrocosm) with the pentagram (embodiment of the microcosm). By changing his inner world, the magician has the power to influence the world around him. The Star of David symbol is interpreted in magic as follows. The sacred figure consists of two triangles. One of them - “broad-shouldered” - rests on the tip of the corner; the other - “pointed” - is located at an upward angle. Each triangle contains triple symbolism:

upper: masculinity, fire, spirituality;
lower: femininity, water, material world.

The connection of these two triangles symbolizes the balance of antagonistic forces.
The hexagram is also interpreted as a symbol of the astral (“stellar”) plane of existence, in which energy, rather than matter, plays a key role. Therefore, the symbol of a six-pointed star is often used in planetary magic. Seven planets can be placed in the six corners of the hexagram and in its center.

Depending on the order in which the magician draws the sacred hexagon, he is able to call on the power of a specific celestial body to realize his plans. In planetary magic, planets have the following abilities:

Saturn limits the enemy's forces and causes damage;
Jupiter gives power to the magician or another person;
Mars helps to defeat an opponent;
The Sun is used to balance a specific area of life;
Venus awakens love;
Mercury helps to convince an opponent or earn money;
The Moon develops magical abilities or intuition.

By drawing a hexagram in a certain way, the magician can either take advantage of the listed properties of the planets, or get rid of their influence if they interfere with the implementation of his plans.
Since the hexagram combines several symbols and balances them, it has extremely strong protective functions. Therefore, the magician often puts this particular symbol on the Book of Shadows, in which he writes down his knowledge and secrets.

"Star of Wisdom" and symbol of fertility among the Sumerians and Canaanites

In ancient India, a six-pointed star was a symbol of the union of a man and a woman. In the center of the hexagram was the Hindu sign “OM”, uniting the masculine and feminine principles. By the way, this symbol was used in Hinduism 10 thousand years ago.

Historians and other scientists believe that the six-pointed star symbol dates back to the Sumerian civilization, as its image was found on a clay tablet dating back to the 4th century BC. e. It is currently in the Berlin Museum in Germany. Unfortunately, the belief that this symbol is associated with astrology and magic has left its mark. It was banned from use in all Abrahamic religions.

We find this symbol in other ancient civilizations - among the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Amorites, Canaanites and Phoenicians. The six-pointed star was a symbol of fertility, intercourse and the union of male and female principles.

The six-pointed star, consisting of two identical equilateral triangles superimposed on each other, in the Sumerian civilization meant the sacred union of the sky god “An” and the earth goddess “Ki”. A triangle with its apex down means the feminine, and with its apex up – masculine. Sexual relations were welcomed in ancient civilizations and were an integral part of various religious rituals. For example, the worship of the goddess Ishtar in the Fertile Crescent region, the goddess Isis and the god Horus in Ancient Egypt, Adonis and the goddess Aphrodite in Ancient Greece, the goddess Venus and the god Bacchus in Ancient Rome.

It is worth noting that some historians believe that this symbol came to Judaism through Mesopotamia. The Jewish population was forcibly resettled to Babylonia from the Kingdom of Judah in 597 BC. e. Dr. Fadel al-Rabiah writes in his book Haqiqa al-Sabi al-Babili that the Assyrian campaigns resulted in the Jewish population being scattered throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Star of David Tattoo

In 1950, a collection of tattoos that were popular at the time was published in France. Among them was the hexagonal Star of David. The authors of the book argued that it should be done by sailors going on long voyages. Such a tattoo was supposed to play the role of an amulet and guarantee the safe return of the sailors to their home port.

Nowadays, the Star of David is usually “stuffed” on different parts of the body:

on the forearm: if a man gets a tattoo of this symbol on his forearm, this speaks of his courage, strength and endurance;
on the shoulder blade: here the image of the sacred hexagram symbolizes the desire to fly and the irresistible desire to achieve the goal;
on the ring finger: in this place, a tattoo with the Star of David means loyalty or commitment to some idea;
a six-pointed star on the wrist is a symbol of achievements that are very dear to a person;
The hexagram on the chest is usually painted by basketball players as a sign of sports solidarity.

For those who want to emphasize their bright individuality, a tattoo with Magen David in 3D format is ideal. The higher the professionalism of the master, the more realistic and convincing such a pattern will look on the skin.

Before the symbol of the Jewish people, the six-pointed star was a “symbol of secret knowledge”

Before becoming a symbol of the Jewish people, the six-pointed star was a symbol of secret knowledge, including magic and witchcraft. The ancient Egyptians were the first to depict six-pointed stars on the walls of their temples. The symbol with a six-pointed star is directly related to the religion of the ancient Egyptians and was the first sign of the hieroglyph "Amsu".

The ancient Egyptians used this symbol to protect themselves from the hidden worlds. He was also associated with the first man (Amsu-Horus) who became a god, according to ancient texts. In addition, the Eye of Horus is one of the most famous symbols of Ancient Egypt, supposedly protecting against all evil.

There is no evidence that Israel adopted this symbol from the ancient Egyptians. Nevertheless, there is the following myth: when Moses was on Mount Sinai, he was so amazed by the Egyptian symbols that he decided to borrow them.

It should be noted that the ancient Egyptians were not the only ones who used the six-pointed star before it became a symbol of the Jewish people. This symbol is also present in Hinduism, where it is considered a symbol of balance. For example, water and fire, masculine and feminine. The Star of David was also used as an astrological symbol in Zoroastrianism.

The phenomenal popularity of the ancient symbol

The mystical six-pointed one can be found in the most unexpected places. Here is a far from complete list of them, which can cause culture shock among those uninitiated in the topic:

family coats of arms of many Russian nobles and Austrian bankers-rich Rothschilds;
coats of arms of Croatia and Bukovina, Kolomna and Krasnodar, Poltava and Ternopil, Zagreb and Rakvere, Herbstedt and Hamburg;
the flags of Burgundy and Northern Ireland (not to mention the Israeli one);
personal flag of the leader of the Cossacks Bogdan Khmelnytsky;
Russian popular prints of the 18th-19th centuries;
Delhi tomb of Humayun, ruler of the Mongol Empire;
Florence Church of the Holy Cross;
Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior;
Ahmed ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo;
Tashkent Museum of Applied Arts;
Moroccan coins and Scottish pounds;
Christmas decorations common among residents of Northern Europe;
The “Star of David” emoticon that has taken root on the Internet.

It is obvious that in terms of its prevalence, the Star of David is a grand symbol, known in world culture for at least 25 centuries.