Within the Jewish tradition, the best known symbol is the David's star o Seal of Solomon, so representative for the Jews that it is easy to find in the entrances of synagogues, Hebrew tombstones and in fact, in the flag of Israel itself.
About the Star of David
It is undeniable that every culture based on religion and beliefs requires a wide symbology, which represents objects, designs and gods, in order to establish a relationship with the reality that it intends to praise or idolize; in the case of the gods, the one it evokes or represents.
For centuries, attempts have been made to differentiate the Star of David from the 5-pointed star, to which characteristics clearly linked to Satanism have been attributed and is known as a pentagram.
The term Magen David translates literally as David's Protector and it was not until the existence of the Jewish mystics that it gained popularity, for alleged magical powers as a kind of protection against evil spirits.
What exactly the Star of David, or Shield of David, represents is still not entirely clear, although many explanations have been suggested. However, none have been fully accepted.
The only aspect in which all the cultures that make use of the emblem agree is that it represents a balance and that the supreme, the purest of a Superior Being is manifested in the center of the symbol.
Definition and characteristics of the Star of David
The Star of David, also known as "Magen David” in Hebrew, or “Shield of David” in Ashkenazi and “Seal of Solomon”, is an emblem formed by the union of two equilateral triangles, one with one vertex upwards and the other with the vertex downwards, thus forming a 6-pointed star, called hexagram.
This symbol manifests various interpretations depending on the cultural and religious branch that adopts it, although it has been recognized mainly by the Jews, the faith of Judaism (in all its branches), the people of Israel, who have it embodied in their flag, the cultures Hebrew and other religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
As the Christians carried their crosses and the Muslims used their crescents, the Jews also began to use various symbols, among which was the Magen David. You may also be interested in knowing about Christian values.
The evolution that the 6-pointed star has had over time is very complex, they say that its shape first indicates the view upwards: the possibility of the human being to climb the pyramid of life, whose goal is Heaven, after earthly death. While, on the other hand, looking down could imply non-ascent and the idea of remaining in material and earthly matters.
The six-pointed stars, originally, were also used for a magical purpose, since they were hung on the walls, with the intention of driving away evil and threats from evil spirits. Similarly, alchemists used this symbol to represent the connection of heaven and earth.
The wide symbolism of the Star of David has marked great scenarios of life, as was the case of the holocaust; then it was considered in Germany, Poland, France, Holland, Bohemia-Moravia, Belgium and Slovakia, as a symbol of hatred and derision.
Origin of the Star of David
One of the oldest origins dates back to a Hebrew seal from the XNUMXth century BCE (before the common era, or after Christ), found in Sidon. Similarly, during the sixth century CE it appeared on a tombstone in a Jewish cemetery in Italy.
On the other hand, in Babylonian times the six-pointed star, or hexagram, was used as identification of their three supreme gods. However, it was mostly used in the manifestations, rites and representations of the goddess Astarte, whose figure carries it on her head, as a symbol of: "the first star". This rite corresponds to approximately two thousand years ago.
Throughout history, the star has been attributed to David, King of Israel, who according to some facts narrated in the Bible, would have been the first king appointed by God on Earth. Although his connection is more related to Solomon (son of David), than to David himself, it should be noted that there are no biblical records associating the star with the latter.
However, Jewish legends claim that King Solomon engraved the fight between David and Goliath on a ring, making mention of the fight between Heaven and Earth. In this way, this emblem of Judaism was used since the Middle Ages, it is believed that as a talisman, which was placed on the shields of the Israelites as a form of protection and peace.
According to the above, the theory also arises that David's name, written in ancient Hebrew, was made up of three letters: "Dalet", "Vav" and "Dalet". This letter "Dalet" in Hebrew was known as a triangle, which is why King David used the 6-pointed star as a signature, representing the two triangles that made up his name.
Thus, the remaining letter «Vav» meant six, hence the complementary origin: «six-pointed star», which in turn means that «God exercises his protection in those six directions», now cardinal points: north, south, East and West.
The origin of the Star of David is difficult to determine, since there is no certain knowledge of the beginning of its use, however, there are many theories that explain what its beginnings would be like and the reason for its implementation. Initially it was known as a Hebrew symbol in the town of Taranto, before being accepted by the Arab Jewish community. In this way, vestiges of the Star have been found in many Jewish settlements.
The Jewish community of Prague, during the fourteenth century, begins to assume the symbol as a unit of identification and from the nineteenth century it begins to be applied to objects of worship and worship, including in synagogues. In fact, there is evidence of the Star of David in synagogue ruins, dating back to the XNUMXrd and XNUMXth centuries of the Common Era.
On the other hand, from the Middle Ages, scholars also affirm that Solomon (son of David) had a ring with the hexagram, thus identifying him as a Jewish symbol.
But the above, according to experts, could only have been used for decorative purposes, since at that time, the menorah, or seven-branched lamp, represented the main sign of the Jews. According to the books of Zechariah and Isaiah, the menorah is the sign of Judaism in synagogues, representing the divine spirit.
The scriptures say that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for any gift for himself, he asked for wisdom, to command with justice. As the Star of David is associated with Solomon, it inherently has an aura of wisdom and knowledge, which is why it is used in institutions and colleges that represent exactly that.
Also in the ancient cultures of Tibet, India, China, Japan and Indo-European areas, the emblem has been associated with the history of esoteric paganism. In 1980, the Zionist movement adopted the star as its sole emblem.
Star of David and Judaism
Currently, the Star of David has become one of the most outstanding Jewish symbols since its evolution. Now, it is important to emphasize that neither the Tanakh nor the Talmud refer to it, so it is inferred that it was adopted in a later period.
The first idea around the Star is that its core is the manifestation of the spiritual dimension and in turn is surrounded by the six directions that represent the universe. The above is the main theme of Shabbat: "the seventh day, which gives balance and perspective to the six days of the week."
The Kabbalah of Judaism says that the two connected triangles could also represent the relationship that exists between the Jews and God. When it points up, it is the symbol of the good deeds that are elevated towards the sky and when it points down, it is the benevolence that descends, product of this flow of elevated love.
For Judaism, the Star of David has seven compartments: six points and a center. These are explained as follows:
- The upper right corner represents chesed.
- The upper left corner is gevura.
- The upper central peak is identified as tiferet. This point is enriched with keter, the crown, which is superior to all divine attributes, which are related to the earthly quest to create the world.
- The lower right corner is called netzach.
- The lower left corner is hod.
- The center is known as yesod.
Chesed: represents the desire to give unconditionally what one has, to give all of oneself and to share without limits.
Gevurah: They indicate strength, judgment, power and concealment.
Tifferet: integrates Hesed, generosity and Gevura, Strength. It is the combination of both and one without the other could not manifest the flow of divine energy.
Netzah: It is the feminine aspect of God, in charge of controlling thoughts. It means "splendor and dignity, greatness and immensity".
Hod: means majesty or splendor, represents praise. It is the eighth sephira of the tree of life.
Yesod: means foundation, base, it is the ninth sephira in the Tree of Life.
This is how the Magen David is widely recognized as a symbol of Judaism par excellence, being used in Israel in all matters of the country, administrative and religious. In addition, it is valued as a decorative symbol.
From the point of view of Kabbalah, the Jews connect their souls with a higher Being, the creator, through the study and observation of the Torah. This comprises teachings that encompass the Talmud and Jewish law.
The double triangle of the Star of David symbolizes the external level of the soul, the essence. The star was also a symbol of orientation for pilgrims, travelers, those who lived as nomads or were displaced, thus being a manifestation of the diaspora of the Israelite people.
The interlacing represents union, conjunction and hope, which gives more strength to the symbolism of the Star of David for all Jews and Judaism itself.
Star of David Meanings
The meaning of the Star of David has Hebrew recognition, associated with Judaism, but also used in other religions and even in paganism or esotericism. It mainly symbolizes the union of the energy of heaven and earth, giving it protective qualities, with great symbolic value as a decorative element among many cultures.
The two overlapping or intertwined triangles respond to a biblical verse that expresses the intimate relationship between God and humanity.
Along with the menorah, the Lion of Judah, the shofar (instrument made from a ram's horn) and the Lulav (the branch of a palm tree), there is the Star of David, which, unlike the previous ones, has not been a exclusively Jewish symbol.
Also, during the centuries that the Holy Inquisition lasted, that brutal persecution caused by the Catholic Church, the Jews were stigmatized, this symbol was adopted to mark their clothes, although on other occasions they put on outfits that represented humiliation and ridicule and in many, the presence of the Star was observed.
Religious Meaning
The religious meaning attributed to the Star of David is very broad, always linked to the different religions that are professed. The two points that the Star has (upper and lower), it is believed, represent the two columns of the Temple of Solomon, thus forming a triangle in union, which are actually two connected pyramids, according to belief.
The idea is that, mainly the triangle looking downwards, refers to the first column that King Solomon called «Boaz», which means «Strength, God will strengthen you. You will receive from God strength and strength.” The reason for being inverted is to represent the "descent of God" or "going down" from the heavens or "the kingdom of God over all Earth and all things".
The triangle looking up, would receive the name «Jachin», whose meaning is «Establish. Thus God will establish you.” It refers to the correct and established way of doing things, “rectitude at all times”. Assuming this as Jehovah's own virtue, of perfection and cleanliness of acts. You may find it interesting to read about Human virtues.
In this way, both pyramids overlap, forming the Magen David, fully understood as the powerful symbol of Jesus Christ above all. Within religion, the Star of David then represents an intimate relationship with God, this appearing in a biblical text from the Song of Songs: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine."
For the above reason, it is believed that the Semitic virgins carried this relic when they were going to marry, to represent the form of the union of their person with the couple they had chosen, how they gave each other mutually, before the eyes of a God or Supreme Being
On the other hand, it can be said that the Star of David is attributed symbolism related to the continuous pilgrimages of the exiles suffered by the Jewish people, being segregated, serving as a symbol of guidance, strength and peace in desert places.
As described by Judaism, the Magen David represents the twelve Israelite tribes and the way in which they camped in the desert. In the center of the star the Sanctuary would be represented with the Levites and Ministers, around the tribes divided into four groups of three.
What was described above, if observed in graphic form, are twelve points, which form the six triangles and each of these has three points. Likewise, also taking the tabernacle as a reference, it is known that it is made up of seven utensils and three parts. Seen in diagram form, if its elements are considered, they form the Star of David, these being its parts:
- Holy of Holies: Ark of the Covenant.
- Holy Place: Table of Breads, Altar of Incense and Table of Golden Lampstand.
- The Atriums: Bronze Fountain and Altar of Sacrifice.
By extracting these elements and arranging them in the form of a triangle, it forms the structure of the six-pointed star.
Spiritual Meaning
For many centuries, the hexagram made up of 6 points has been associated as a spiritual symbol, with mystical powers, to provide protection to the "soul" or the "being" of the person who wears it, that is, it keeps away those spirits that can harm them. .
Kabbalists affirm that it represents the division of a concept into two differentiated aspects, with respect to man: "good versus evil" and "the spiritual versus the physical." Some legends affirm that the Seal of Solomon forming the star, allowed him to speak with animals and control evil.
In other words, the spiritual description of the Star of David comes to be the equivalent of the Taoist symbol «ying-yang», based on its two points (upwards: it represents ying – downwards: it represents yang). From this perspective, it is appreciated as the union of the spiritual and the material, maintaining a balance.
Within the practice of mysticism, the Star of David has been widely used as a protection amulet, which is said to provide its wearer with positive energies, covering their aura against negativity and maintaining a mental connection with the energies of the world.
For a long time, over the centuries, the six-pointed Star or David has been assumed as a symbol of the esoteric, the occult, magic and astrology. Occult experts affirm that in the two superimposed triangles the order of the cosmos can be observed: the sky, the movement of the stars and the flow between Heaven and Earth, together with the elements of air and fire.
Thus, the belief indicates that each triangle represents a universe: the spiritual and the material, therefore when these universes come together, they form a balance of the body (birth, growth, reproduction and death). This is how it is described in the pyramidal base with six points.
In addition, among the Muslims, Gnostics and the Templars, this symbol was attributed hidden relationships with the Temple of Jerusalem and with the existence of hidden energies (forces, demons, etc.), in contrast, it was also firmly used as an amulet, to acts of protection and cleansing of the being.
In this way, among the magical practices were the rites of invocation to some angels, to whom protection and strength were requested, using the hexagram, and thus, little by little within mysticism the use of the Shield of David was taking force, which was also implemented in decoration, in order to also have the desired protection.
The Star of David and the Nazis
In 1941, the Nazis began the harassment and persecution of the Jewish people by identifying their houses and clothes with this symbol. During Hitler's Nazi Germany, the Star of David was chosen as a discriminatory identification symbol and was called "Yellow Star". It contained pseudo-Hebrew characters and its use was for segregationist purposes.
Inside the star they placed the inscription "Jude" or "Jew", in characters that they supposed to be Hebrew, but were in fact Latin and that they tried to imitate them in a mocking way. Learn more about Spirituality.
Likewise, in 1939 Poland introduced the yellow star in the form of a distinctive bracelet; the idea was that it would represent a "shame" in the face of anti-Semitism, when used in public spaces. Later, they were taken to concentration camps.
On the other hand, throughout history this emblem was used as a racist symbol in Islamic and Christian countries. There were times when decrees were imposed that forced Jews to wear badges or clothing, with the Star of David, in order to distinguish them and thus discriminate them from the rest of the majority group in the country.
From 1933 to 1945, the Hitler dictatorship used this symbol to shame and mark the Jews who would be destined for extermination, which is why in 1948, as an act of liberation and survival, the Zionist Congress affirmed that this emblem would be the central figure of the flag of the State of Israel, for that time newly created as a mark of honor.
The Star of David and its relationship with Witchcraft, Occultism and Satanism
There are those who affirm that the Hexagram Star was brought to the Jewish people by Solomon, when he converted to witchcraft, Satanism and idolatry, almost at the end of his life; building pagan altars for Ashtroeth and Moloch (pagan god who represented Saturn).
This belief comes from the legend that explains that the six-pointed star was used in past times, when human sacrifices were made in honor of these gods, in the rites of worship of the god Baal. Thus, Jews were also found who used the star and were involved in these occult rites.
Some consider that the six-pointed star represents one of the most important emblems of the occult, astrology and within black magic, to create a connection with evil spirits. Evidence of the hexagram has even been found at crime scenes related to satanic groups.
There are also those who claim that King Solomon left a large amount of evidence as evidence of his pagan idolatry and in fact, it was he who laid the foundations of Masonic art, later known as Freemasonry, appearing in rituals of this type.
For followers of Satanism, the Star represents "666", or "number of the beast", a meaning attributed to it due to its technical and numerical nature: "six, within six, within six". That is, six points, indicated by six small triangles, which form a hexagon.
Star of David and Freemasonry
The Star of David or Seal of Solomon is known by Freemasons as "the symbol of the symbol". Its meaning infers a geometric representation and therefore, a numerical expression that explains: «The Sefirotic Tree of Life of the Kabbalah with Tiferet», which deals with the theme of the sun, the cosmos and the heart of man, related to the number six already the "parting of the waters".
The two inverted triangles, one in relation to the other, signify the unification of opposing energies. The upper triangle is the sky, as the lower one is the earth, with which it is complemented.
This is how the sefirah Tiferet states, what it says literally in the hermetic text of the "Emerald Tablet": "what is below is equal to what is above, and what is above, equal to what is below, to work miracles of a single thing."
The conjunction of heaven and earth is what the Star of David symbolizes and is represented numerically as follows: <7 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 28 = 2 + 8 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1>, this means that in the end everything reduces to unity. Also learn about the 7 deadly sins.