A heptagram or septegram is a seven-pointed star drawn with seven straight strokes.
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Geometry
In general, a heptagram is any self-intersecting heptagon (7-sided polygon). There are two regular heptagram:
- {7/2} heptagram
- {7/3} heptagram
This is the smallest star polygon that can be drawn in two forms, as irreducible fractions. The previous one, the regular hexagram {6/2}, is a compound of two triangles. The smallest star polygon is the {5/2} pentagram. The next one is the {8/3} octagram, followed by the regular enneagram, which also has two forms: {9/2} and {9/4}, as well as one compound of 3 triangles {9/3}.
 First heptagram {7/2} |
 Second heptagram {7/3} |
 Both heptagrams inscribed within a heptagon |
 Heptagrammic prism (7/2) |
 Heptagrammic prism (7/3) |
Cultural
The second heptagram is known among Wiccans as the Elven Star or Fairy Star, a sacred symbol to those who follow the Faery tradition. Similarly, it has been adopted as an identifier by members of the Otherkin subculture. Blue Star Wicca also uses the symbol, where it is referred to simply as a septegram. The second heptagram is also a symbol of magickal power in other Pagan religions. The first heptagram was used as a symbol in the Kabbalah, and later by Aleister Crowley and the Ordo Templi Orientis where it was known as the Star (or Seal) of Babalon. The heptagram is also used in Christianity to symbolize the seven days of creation and became a traditional symbol for warding off evil, thus the reason that most sheriff's badges are first heptagonal shaped. The seven pointed star is incorporated into the flags of the various bands of the Cherokee Nation and the badges of Navajo Tribal Police. The heptagram is also the symbol of perfection (or God) in many Christian religions. In alchemy, a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets which were known to ancient alchemists. The rock band Tool has been known to use a first heptagram star on-stage and as part of their ToolArmy logo.
See also
References
- Grünbaum, B. and G. C. Shephard; Tilings and Patterns, New York: W. H. Freeman & Co., (1987), ISBN 0-7167-1193-1.
- Grünbaum, B.; Polyhedra with Hollow Faces, Proc of NATO-ASI Conference on Polytopes ... etc. (Toronto 1993), ed T. Bisztriczky et al, Kluwer Academic (1994) pp. 43-70.
