Heptagram

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Regular heptagram (7/2)
A regular heptagram
TypeRegular star polygon
Edges and vertices7
Schläfli symbol{7/2}
Coxeter–Dynkin diagrams
Symmetry groupDihedral (D7)
Internal angle (degrees)≈77.143°
Propertiesstar, cyclic, equilateral, isogonal, isotoxal
Dual polygonself
Regular heptagram (7/3)
A regular heptagram
TypeRegular star polygon
Edges and vertices7
Schläfli symbol{7/3}
Coxeter–Dynkin diagrams
Symmetry groupDihedral (D7)
Internal angle (degrees)≈25.714°
Propertiesstar, cyclic, equilateral, isogonal, isotoxal
Dual polygonself

A heptagram, septagram, septegram or septogram is a seven-point star drawn with seven straight strokes.

The name heptagram combines a numeral prefix, hepta-, with the Greek suffix -gram. The -gram suffix derives from γραμμῆ (grammē) meaning a line.[1]

Geometry[edit]

In general, a heptagram is any self-intersecting heptagon (7-sided polygon).

There are two regular heptagrams, labeled as {7/2} and {7/3}, with the second number representing the vertex interval step from a regular heptagon, {7/1}.

This is the smallest star polygon that can be drawn in two forms, as irreducible fractions. The two heptagrams are sometimes called the heptagram (for {7/2}) and the great heptagram (for {7/3}).

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 and its related {8/2} star figure (a compound of two squares), followed by the regular enneagram, which also has two forms: {9/2} and {9/4}, as well as one compound of three triangles {9/3}.


{7/2}

{7/3}

{7}+{7/2}+{7/3}

7-2 prism

7-3 prism

Complete graph

7-2 antiprism

7-3 antiprism

7-4 antiprism

Uses[edit]

Flags and heraldry[edit]

Law enforcement[edit]

Religious and occult symbolism[edit]

Seal of Babalon and the A∴A∴
  • The heptagram became a traditional symbol for warding off evil in Catholicism.
  • The symbol is also used in Kabbalist Judaism.
  • In Islam, the heptagram is used to represent the first seven verses in the Quran.
  • The heptagram is used in the symbol for Babalon in Aleister Crowley's occult system Thelema.
  • The heptagram is known among neopagans as the Elven Star or Fairy Star. It is treated as a sacred symbol in various modern pagan and witchcraft traditions. Blue Star Wicca also uses the symbol, where it is referred to as a septegram. The second heptagram is a symbol of magical power in some pagan spiritualities.
  • In alchemy, a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets which were known to early alchemists, and also, the seven alchemical substances: fire, water, air, earth, sulphur, salt and mercury.
  • In Polynesia, the seven-pointed star is used often in imagery, basket making, tattoos, and is considered to be a symbol of Kanaloa, the first Polynesian navigator.[2][3]
  • The seven-sided star is an important symbol of the Cherokee people of southern Appalachia, representing the seven clans of the Cherokee and the sacred number seven.

In popular culture[edit]

Logo of Maersk
  • The logo of American shoe brand DC Shoes features a 7/3 heptagram in the letter C.
  • The seven-pointed star is used as the logo for the international Danish shipping company A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, sometimes known simply as Maersk.
  • In George R. R. Martin's novel series A Song of Ice and Fire and its TV version Game of Thrones, a seven-pointed star serves as the symbol of the Faith of the Seven.
  • In the manga series MeruPuri, a magical mirror/ portal is in the shape of a heptagram. The symbol is also seen during spellcasting.
  • Finnish rock band HIM used a heptagram on the cover of their eighth studio album Tears on Tape.
  • American heavy metal band Darkest Hour used a heptagram on the cover of their eighth studio album Darkest Hour.
  • English Singer Damon Albarn uses a heptagram as a symbol in his solo performances and with his band Blur.
  • The {7/3} heptagram is used by some members of the otherkin subculture as an identifier.
  • The American Progressive Rock Metal Band “Tool” uses an ‘open’ seven pointed symbol for their fan group. It is ‘open’ to signify an invitation into the collective unconscious.
  • An alternate logo of Chicago-based Children's Press from 1945 to 1970, having the slogan "Children's Books Are Important".

Variants[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ γραμμή, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
  2. ^ "HUNA INTERNATIONAL - Your best resource for Huna Knowledge and Practice". www.huna.org.
  3. ^ Melville, Leinani (1969). Children of the Rainbow: A Book Concerning the Religion, Legends, and Gods of the Natives of Pre-Christian Hawaii. ISBN 0835600025.

Bibliography

External links[edit]