Antique Rug Symbols: Eight Pointed Stars
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What does an 8 pointed star symbolize and represents?
The 8-pointed star design has been used as a symbol for various meanings and beliefs throughout history and across cultures.
Here are a few of the different meanings of 8 pointed star:
- Christianity: In Christianity, the 8-pointed star represents rebirth or resurrection. It is sometimes called the Star of Redemption or the Star of Bethlehem, and is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Islam: In Islam, the 8-pointed star is called the Khatim Sulayman or Seal of Solomon, and is associated with the biblical King Solomon, who is considered a prophet in Islam. The star is also believed to represent the unity of the seven days of the week with the day of rest, which is Friday in Islamic tradition.
- Alchemy: In alchemy, the 8-pointed star represents balance and harmony, as well as the four elements (fire, water, earth, air) and the four qualities (hot, cold, wet, dry) that were believed to make up all matter.
- Native American culture: In some Native American cultures, the 8-pointed star is associated with the morning star, which is the planet Venus. It is also sometimes used as a symbol of protection or guidance.
Overall, the meaning of the 8-pointed star design symbol may vary depending on the culture in which it is used.
What is the 8 pointed star called?
The 8-pointed star design is also known as the “Octagram” (an octagram is an eight angled star polygon design) and “Khatim” or “Khatim Sulayman”.
What is the 8 pointed star with an eye in the middle?
When the 8-pointed star has an eye in the middle of it, it is often called the Star of Ishtar or the Star of Venus. In some spiritual or mystical traditions, the eye in the center of the star is called the “All-Seeing Eye” or the “Eye of Providence”, and is believed to represent divine awareness, intuition, or enlightenment.
In other contexts, the 8-pointed star with an eye in the middle can represent the goddess Ishtar or the planet Venus. Both Ishtar and Venus are associated with love, beauty and fertility in ancient Mesopotamian and Babylonian cultures. In this context, the star can be seen as a symbol of the divine feminine and the power of creation.
The 8 pointed star design history and meaning in different cultures
The eight pointed star appears in spiritual traditions from many different cultures across the globe.
The eight pointed star began to appear in Islamic art in the Middle Ages. It is referred to as khatim or khatim-sulayman, meaning “seal of the prophets”. This use of the star is likely related to earlier appearances of six-pointed star in Judaic designs, which are referred to as the “seal of Solomon”.
Muslim legend tells of Solomon using the star to capture djinns, genies, the immaterial counterparts to humans.
Moroccan zillij artisans also refer to the eight-point star as sibniyyah, sabniyyah.
17th Century Persian Khorassan Carpet, featuring eight
In Chinese tradition, the eight pointed star was a way to concisely depict the entirety of the Universe. It was believed that the Sky Emperor T’ai-Yi resided in a palace at the center of Heaven, at the top of the eight pointed star’s axis, from which he ruled the eight divisions of Heaven.
These stars are known to denote life, from birth to death.
Oriental Antique Tribal Turkish Kirshehir Prayer Rug
What does the 8 pointed star mean in paganism?
Here are a few of the main meanings of the 8-pointed start design in Paganism specifically:
- Wheel of the Year: In some Pagan traditions, the 8-pointed star represents the Wheel of the Year, which is the cycle of the seasons and the festivals that mark the turning points of the year. The eight points of the star represent the eight Sabbats or festivals, which include the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days.
- Elemental balance: The 8-pointed star can also represent the balance and integration of the four elements (fire, water, earth, and air) and the four directions (north, south, east, and west). The star can be seen as a symbol of the interconnectedness and harmony of all things in nature.
- Goddess symbolism: In some Pagan traditions, the 8-pointed star is associated with the goddess Venus, who was worshipped as a symbol of fertility and love. The star can be seen as a representation of the eight phases of Venus, which include her appearances as the morning and evening star.