We see “sevens” everywhere in nature and thus we reflect the way we describe our world. There are the seven colors of the rainbow, and the seven notes of the musical scale. Western science recognizes seven chief glands in the human body, called the endocrine glands; while Eastern yoga systems speak of the seven Chakras (as I described in the Strength Card of the Tarot).
In western Music the most common scale is of seven tones made up of two tetra chords. This seven tone has a subtle influence on everyone in their daily lives. For those of us who are always running music their their minds, we have begun to think in music, whether a favorite tune or improvising on a theme, we are weaving through these seven notes which may express our heart ache, joy or love of another.
In alchemy, a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets which were known to ancient alchemists. Modern discussions of alchemy are generally split into an examination of its esoteric practical applications, and its esoteric aspects. Historians of the physical sciences who have examined the subject in terms of proto-chemistry, medicine, and charlatanism. Unfortunately this perspective does not take into account it’s origins of purpose. The best known goal of the Alchemist was the transmutation of common metals into gold and the creation of the philosopher’s Stone (the inner base components of a person’s being is transmuted through stress and time into a perfected Being). Modern chemistry was developed because of the pursuit of knowledge in the material world where as Alchemy is (in short) the pursuit of being a better person. As with most studies like Astrology, Tarot and others, we have developed modern sciences of Astronomy, physiology, chemistry (and so on) because experiments opened previous undiscovered aspects of the physical world. In doing so we now have a better understanding of our selves and the universe we live in. The result of the studies in metaphysics: we now have a better language to describe aspects which required colorful metaphor in ancient times. Still, we rely heavily on the old words to describe which is still hard to fathom.
For example: we describe the term Consciousness as Mercurial, because of the way the metal mercury appears: absolutely reflective of everything around it and pours into any vessel taking the shape of the vessel without changing its basic attributes. Mercury has such a power relation to the way we think we even have a special day attributed to it: Wednesday.
We have the seven-day week: each day is ruled by one of the planets: The Sun rules Sunday, the Moon Monday, Mars Tuesday, Mercury Wednesday, Jupiter Thursday, Venus Friday, and Saturn Saturday. Their influences may be recalled from the days of ancient Chaldea and Babylon.
According to Medieval astrology there are seven Ancient and Sacred planets: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon or Luna. (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto not being visible were omitted, the Sun and Moon are not planets yet were considered as such for many years, thus the influence on our culture concerning their representation of primary forces. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were added in modern astrology as higher frequencies of already acknowledged influences).
One of the more recent groups which has adapted the The Heptagram is Faery or Fairy Wicca: an umbrella term that refers to any tradition of modern Wicca that places an emphasis on the Fey, their lore, and their relation to the natural world. When speaking of “Faery Wicca” some refer to a tradition of Wicca recently founded by author Kisma Stepanich. Some claim it recovers the traditions of the Tuatha De Danaan, ( disputed by those familiar with ancient Celtic polytheism and mythology. Stepanich’s Faery Wicca draws liberally on some degree of Irish mythology, from the author’s interpretation of Celtic history, legend, imagination, and a variety of non-Celtic sources) Though Faery Wicca may draw inspiration from some of the customs practiced among the ancient and modern Celts, it shares more with other modern Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan traditions than with the “Fairy Faith” as it is known in traditional Gaelic cultures.
In 2000, A Pagan organizer started a magical path or religion based on Faeids called Faeidism (or Faeidry) which consists of the rites, rituals, practices, and wisdom of those who live a path in life seek to be in touch with the Faery realm. Faeids commonly wear the Faery Star or Elven Star (seven points) as their symbol. This is a seven-pointed Heptagram Amulet believed to be given to humanity by the Fae representing the connection to the world of Faerie so that they may recognize each other.
One of the great artists who helped establish the Faery Tradition is Kenny Klein: co founder of Rose and Antler coven of Blue Star, author of The Flowering Rod, and his music express but a fragment of this rich and diverse sub-culture. His 1995 – High Grows the Barley – Blackthorn Records; highly recommended!
Over the years other Traditions have adopted the concept and symbol. Despite the inevitable disagreements and friction that will develop in a large, diverse, and widely-spread group, a remarkable sense of community and closeness continues between members of the Tradition, to the point where annual convocations are often referred to as “Family Gatherings.” Diversity is embraced, differences are cherished and expression of many kinds are encouraged.
The Heptagram is found in paintings, drawings, sculpture, Vae Vaes, pentacles (in the classic sense of a mandala) and (yes) mandalas; crossing cultures, generations, arts and sciences. The Heptagram means many things to many people. In celebration of the the seven point star, I have created a new amulet in my collection: The Heptagram Amulet. This is a simple, deep carving of a 7/8 inch (23mm) disk with a woven seven point star in filigree. A top bail with a jump ring offers a sleek comfortable wearing of the amulet. To order your copy, please visit the The Heptagram Amulet page.
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