Heptagram


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 meaning a line.

Geometry

In general, a heptagram is any self-intersecting heptagon.
There are two regular heptagrams, labeled as and, with the second number representing the vertex interval step from a regular heptagon,.
This is the smallest star polygon that can be drawn in two forms, as irreducible fractions. The two heptagrams are sometimes called the heptagram and the great heptagram.
The previous one, the regular hexagram, is a compound of two triangles. The smallest star polygon is the pentagram.
The next one is the octagram and its related star figure, followed by the regular enneagram, which also has two forms: and, as well as one compound of three triangles.



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7-2 prism
7-3 prism
Complete graph

7-2 antiprism
7-3 antiprism
7-4 antiprism

Uses

Flags and heraldry

Law enforcement

Some police badges in the US have a heptagram outline.

Religious and occult symbolism

  • The heptagram became a traditional symbol for warding off evil in Catholicism.
  • The symbol is also used in Kabbalist Judaism.
  • 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 astrology. For example, the planetary hours, from which comes the names of the days of the week.
  • 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.
  • 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