- Heptagram
A heptagram or septegram is a seven-pointed star drawn with seven straight strokes.
Geometry
In general, a heptagram is any self-intersecting
heptagon (7-sidedpolygon ).There are two "regular" heptagrams:
* "{7/2} heptagram"
* "{7/3} heptagram"This is the smallest star polygon that can be drawn in two forms, as
irreducible fraction s.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 regularenneagram , which also has two forms: {9/2} and {9/4}, as well as one compound of 3 triangles {9/3}.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 byAleister Crowley and theOrdo Templi Orientis where it was known as the "Star" (or "Seal") "ofBabalon ".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 ofNavajo Tribal Police (as well as other police.)The heptagram is also the symbol of perfection (or God) in many Christian religions.
Some old versions of
Coat of arms of Georgia (country) including Soviet days had used {7/2} heptagram as an element.In
alchemy , a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets which were known to ancient alchemists.Heptagrams have a degree in the star angles of generly 77
The rock band Tool has been known to use a first heptagram star on-stage and as part of their [http://www.toolarmy.com/ ToolArmy] logo.
ee also
*
Star (symbol)
*Stellation#Stellated polygons
*List of regular polytopes#Two Dimensions 2 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.External links
*Mathworld | urlname=Heptagram| title= Heptagram
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