The Hexagram, Star of David or Seal of Solomon

Today we identify hopelessly with the Jewish people, but the symbol of the six-pointed star or hexagram is actually a universal symbol that has remote sources and has been used for different purposes by many cultures: protective talisman to alchemical symbol or mere decoration has been used by Judaism, Islam, Christianity or even Hinduism.



For centuries, before it became popular as "Star of David 'or Magen David (Shield of David), this emblem was known as Solomon's seal (Khatam Suleiman for Muslims and for Jews Khatam Shlomo).


Different texts, especially the Babylonian Talmud and some accounts Muslims spread the legend that the biblical King Solomon had a ring with magical properties through which the demons could control or talk to animals.


Hebrew Talisman Seal of Solomon and prayers

According to scholars, the sign of the hexagram has a similar meaning as in yin and yang, as representing the opposite, as well as a link between heaven and earth or ideographic Reflection of superhuman wisdom.

However, the best known use was always the protector of his character and magical, without it being tied to any particular religion. Thus, in the middle Ages it was common to find amulets and talismans which reproduced the Seal of Solomon, usually with the star in a circle and accompanied by several points. It was believed that these drawings magic protected the wearer from the influence of demons and evil spirits, or just bad luck.


It was also common to record the seal on a frame or lintel of the entrance door to homes or on the steps of the stairs, with the same protective character against the spirits or to potential fires.

The renowned expert on Kabbalah, Gershom Scholem thoroughly studied the symbolism of the Seal of Solomon and his magic-protective role in Islam and Judaism, as well as the trace of its origins.


The earliest identification of this symbol is called a short cut to the Jewish dating from the fourteenth century, when the Jews of Prague century used it as identification. However, it was not until the late nineteenth century, the Jewish nationalist movement, when acquire the modern sense. Despite this detail, they are known representations of the Seal of the Jewish character in earlier times, as some Hebrew books made in Spain in the thirteenth century.


But the magical or esoteric use of this symbol does not end here. He also had great importance in practice and alchemical iconography, being represented in many works on the Great Work as an emblem of fire and water. Freemasonry also counts among its symbols with the hexagram, which is embodied in the decorative motifs of the lodges, as well as objects and works of art of Masonic complexion.


Seal of Solomon Masonic triple tau within. Sheffield Cathedral

In addition, there is often also the Seal of Solomon in many medieval Christian buildings, as decoration or as a symbol of divine wisdom. A great example is in the facade of the cathedral of Burgos, which has several representations of the symbol, both in the main rosette as sculptural reliefs.


Another example is also one of the facades of the Cathedral of Valencia. And, in parallel, was also a sacred ornament and recurrently represented in Islamic art, we find beautiful works of great refinement.

Solomon's seal on the main facade of the cathedral of Burgos.  

Balcony in Salamanca, with decorations made based on stars of David.

 

Two representations of the Seal of Solomon in the door of a mosque in Tunisia.

Seal of Solomon accompanied by symbols on the facade of a Masonic temple in Edinburgh (Scotland).