8-Pointed Star: Spiritual Meaning | Star of Lakshmi

What is the spiritual meaning of the 8-pointed star?

Short answer: the eight-pointed star is believed to represent balance and harmony, as well as protection against evil forces. It can also be seen as a representation of the eightfold path that one must follow to break free from worldly attachments and escape suffering.

Introduction

An 8-pointed star, also known as an octagram, is a symmetrical figure composed of eight points arranged in a circle.

The points are usually connected by straight lines, forming an eight-sided shape.

This shape has been used throughout history for various purposes, such as decoration or religious symbolism.

We’ll talk about the spiritual significance of the 8-pointed star and its importance in different cultures.

8-Pointed Star – Spiritual Meanings – Star of Lakshmi:

Sumer

The Star of Ishtar is an ancient symbol that has been used to represent the Sumerian goddess Inanna or under the name Ishtar for Assyrians, Babylonians, and Akkadians.

It usually had eight points. From 1932 to1959, it was featured on the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Iraq.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, it is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who had eight emanations representing different forms of wealth – victory, progeny, courage, knowledge, royalty, agriculture, material wealth, and spirituality.

Surya Majapahit is an ancient symbol found in many ruins and temples from the Majapahit era (a Javanese Hindu-Buddhist empire in Southeast Asia). It is a cosmological diagram that forms an octagonal mandala holding the symbols of 17 Hindu gods.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, the Kagome crest is depicted as an 8-pointed or 6-pointed star. The eight-pointed star version is similar to the Star of Lakshmi. It represents the balance of opposites.

The Dharma Wheel is most commonly depicted as having eight spokes.

These spokes are meant to represent the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of the right samadhi, right view, right mindfulness, right resolve, right effort, right livelihood, right conduct, and right speech.

Each spoke represents one aspect of this path, and together they form a circle that symbolizes harmony and balance.

The hub in the center of the wheel represents unity and interconnectedness, while the rim stands for protection from external forces.

Paganism

The Pagan Wheel of the Year is an ancient cycle of festivals celebrated by pagans and modern-day Wiccans.

It consists of eight annual festivals, roughly six to seven weeks apart, starting in December.

These festivals are a way for pagans to connect with nature and celebrate the changing seasons. The Wheel of the Year is represented by an eight-armed sun cross, which symbolizes the eight festivals that make up the cycle.

Each festival has its unique meaning and significance, from honoring the coming of spring to celebrating harvest time.

Many pagans use this cycle to practice their spirituality and connect with nature on a deeper level.

They may also use it as an opportunity to reflect on their lives and find balance within themselves.

Islam

The Rub el Hizb, also known as the Islamic Star, is an important symbol in Islam. It is represented by two overlapping squares, which form an octagram. The word “Rub” translates to “one-fourth” or “quarter” in Arabic, while the word “Hizb” means “a group” or “party.”

It is used in Arabic calligraphy to mark the end of a chapter.

Christianity

The Star of Melchizedek, also known as the Seal of Melchizedek, consists of two interlocked (or overlapping) squares, making what appears to be an eight-pointed star. It appears 10,000 times in the San Diego Temple.

In the Bible, Melchizedek was a priest of El Elyon and the king of Salem, typically translated as “most high God.” He is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18–20.

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.”

ALSO READ: The Meaning and Symbolism of Tulip Flowers

The Quaker Star

The Quaker star is a symbol of service and peace that has been used by Quakers since the late 19th century. The star is composed of two colors – red and black – and has eight points.

The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a Christian group with roots in 17th-century England.

Quakers believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and reject formal creeds and rituals.

They focus on the direct relationship between an individual and God without the need for intermediaries or religious authorities.

Quakers seek to live simply and peacefully to be closer to God.

In Popular Culture

The eight-pointed star has been a symbol of Faith No More. Bill Gould originally designed it.

ALSO READ: What is the spiritual meaning of craving spicy food?

The symbolism of the Number 8

The number 8 is a powerful symbol linked with abundance, success, and new beginnings. It is also thought to be a sign of spiritual perfection and completeness.

In numerology, the number 8 is seen as a lucky number, representing abundance and prosperity. 

Its shape resembles the infinity symbol. This suggests that it has an infinite potential for growth and success. It also represents a balance between worldly desires and spiritual needs.

The angelic message behind angel number 8 is one of abundance coming into your life if you stay focused on manifesting your goals. Your angels want you to know that you will receive financial gain, unexpected wealth, joy, success, power, and authority.

Final Words

The 8-pointed star is a powerful symbol with deep spiritual meaning that has been used by many religions throughout history for various purposes.

Its symbolism varies depending on the context, but generally speaking, it represents purity, strength, protection, and a balance between physical and spiritual realms. 

ALSO READ: Dreaming of Coughing Up Blood