Solomon's seal is one of the oldest mystical symbols, widely used to this day as a talisman. There are many different interpretations of its meaning, and to get to the bottom of the truth, you need to turn to history.
What is Solomon's seal?
The Seal of Solomon (Latin Sigillum Salomonis) is a symbol applied to the seal ring of the legendary King Solomon, which is two superimposed equilateral triangles inscribed in a circle, also known as the "Star of David". According to legend, the ring with this hexagram endowed with supernatural powers: power over jinn and the ability to talk with animals.
According to the legends recorded by Arab writers, the seal ring was made of brass and iron. The very first mention of a magic ring, which makes it possible to control evil spirits, dates back to the 1st century AD. They began to associate the ring with King Solomon only in the Middle Ages. It is believed that the ruler received it from the Lord himself.
There are many versions and interpretations of the legends about the famous Jewish king, and opinions differ as to what kind of pattern adorned the ring. Many question the point of view that it was the Star of David. The most common alternate version is that the name of God was engraved on the seal. A six-petal rosette has also been suggested, as this ornament was extremely popular during the reign of Solomon.
The symbolism of the Solomon seal
It is rather difficult to answer unequivocally what the Solomon seal means. Early Christianity interpreted it as a symbol of "seven centuries of world history", each of which was associated with seven planets and was ruled by the Sun, the latter being personified by the archangel Michael. Subsequently, the Star of David began to be actively used in alchemy and occultism.
In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Solomon's seal became widespread as an adornment of churches and synagogues. The image of the hexagram can also be found on many paintings. Since the 19th century, the Star of David has become the main Jewish symbol and today adorns the flag of the State of Israel. The twelve ribs of the figure correspond to the 12 tribes of Israel.
Like any hexagram, the seal of Solomon symbolizes the fusion of two dualistic principles. Therefore, to this day, this sign remains extremely popular and is often applied to amulets. It is also believed that the upper triangle denotes Fire and Air, and the lower one - Water and Earth. Finally, the Star of David is seen as a kind of model of the universe and symbolizes the control of the four cardinal points.
