THE HEXAGRAM
(SIX-POINTED STAR WITHIN A CIRCLE)

The six-pointed star (without the circle) is a familiar symbol to most people. It is the symbol of the State of Israel and has appeared on its national flag since 1948. In Judaism, it is known as the Star of David or Magen David (Shield of David). The six-pointed star derives its association from the tradition that David carried a exagrammic shield against Goliath.

The symbol is made up of two interlocking triangles pointing in opposite directions. It symbolizes the union of opposites and is referred to as the Seal of Solomon. The Kabbalists believed that the emblem had protective power and magical properties. In magic and in alchemy, it symbolizes the unity of the elements--the upward triangle signifying fire, the downward water and also masculinity, femininity, and the soul. ⁽¹⁾ Of great antiquity, the Seal of Solomon appears in the writings and practices of magicians and has strong associations with Hebrew mysticism. ⁽²⁾

The hexagram, when enclosed within a circle, has a more sinister meaning to the occultist. This configuration can be observed in the window panes over the entrance to the Salt Lake City Mormon Assembly Hall. The Assembly Hall is a granite structure adjacent to the Mormon Temple and is used for conference meetings and public worship.

Symbol found on the front cover of The Greater Key Of Solomon by S.L. MacGregor Mathers (1914)

According to the 1914 edition of The Greater Key of Solomon, a hexagram within a double circle is shown with Hebrew inscriptions and is identified as a Pentacle "...which we make for the purpose of striking terror into the Spirits and reducing them to obedience," It is called The Second Pentacle of Jupiter and "...is proper for acquiring glory, honors, dignities, riches, and all kinds of good, together with great tranquility of mind; also to discover Treasures and chase away the Spirits who preside over them." ⁽³⁾

The hexagram has powerful amuletic and talismanic properties. According to The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, "As an amulet, the Seal of Solomon protects against the EVIL EYE and LILITH, the terrible Hebrew demon who steals children during the night." ⁽⁴⁾

"The most important use of the Seal of Solomon is in magic, as a talisman to control the demons and spirits conjured by the magicians. The magicians' GRIMOIRES, or handbooks, give instructions for drawing the Seal of Solomon inside or outside the MAGIC CIRCLE." ⁽⁵⁾

According to William Schnoebelen, former Satanist and Mormon, "...this star, when within a circle is the symbol of anti-Christ. It has 6 points, 6 angles, and an interior polygon of 6 sides hence the perfect symbol of 666. Though I have not found this on the Salt Lake Temple, it is right across the park, emblazoned all over the Assembly Hall. And it exists in a stronger form on the Logan Temple: inverted, with two points up." ⁽⁶⁾

References:
(1) Claire Gibson, Signs and Symbols, 1996, p. 34
(2) David Fontana, The Secret Language of Symbols, 1993, p. 58
(3) S. L. MacGregor Mathers, The Greater Key of Solomon, 1914, pp. 56-63 (photomechanical reprint by Kessinger Publishing, LLC)
(4) Rosemary Ellen Guiley, The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, 1989, p. 314
(5) Ibid.
(6) William J. Schnoebelen/James R. Spencer, Mormonism's Temple of Doom, 1991, p. 47

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