Seal of Solomon on gravestone, mid-nineteenth century. Courtesy Fortean Picture Library.

Seal of Solomon

The Seal of Solomon is a six-pointed star figure made up of two interlocking triangles (one with the point up and the other with the point down). It is also known as the "Star of the Microcosm," being symbolic of the spiritual potential of the individual. The two triangles may be regarded as denoting fire (upright) and water (inverted) intermingling. In India this is viewed as a male-female union. The hexagram they create, according to legend, was used by King Solomon to cast a spell on evil spirits. In alchemy and theosophy it is known as the "signet star"—a star "that gives understanding to the wise and shows the way" (G. Gichtel, 1682). It is frequently employed in talismans as a protective sigil.

The hexagram that is the Seal of Solomon is also known as the Star of David, although its use as a symbol of Judaism has only been official for about a century. It came into Judaism through the Tantric influence on medieval Jewish cabalists. According to Barbara Walker, the cabalists "spoke of the desired reunion between God and his spouse Skeina (a Semitic version of Kali-Shakti). This reunion was symbolized by the Tantric sexual mandala."