Definition:
The “Seal of Solomon,” also known as the “Ring of Solomon,” is a symbolic emblem attributed to King Solomon, a wise and powerful monarch in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. It is often depicted as a hexagram (six-pointed star), formed by two interlocking triangles, although there are various designs and interpretations.
Etymology:
The term “Seal of Solomon” derives from the legendary King Solomon, who was believed to possess a magical ring that could control demons, spirits, and animals. The seal or ring was thought to bear a special symbol or inscription that granted him this power.
Description:
The Seal of Solomon typically features a hexagram, composed of two interlocking triangles. The Seal of Solomon is believed to possess mystical properties, often used in medieval alchemy, Kabbalah, and Islamic mysticism for protection, commanding spirits, and harnessing spiritual power. It symbolizes the union of opposites, such as the material and spiritual worlds, and is revered in various esoteric traditions.
Symbolism:
The Seal of Solomon symbolizes wisdom, protection, and divine authority. It is associated with the ability to command supernatural forces and gain spiritual insight. The interlocking triangles are often interpreted as representing the union of heaven and earth, spirit and matter, or male and female principles.
Éliphas Lévi – Macrocosm and Microcosm (1854).
This black-and-white symmetrical image features an old man, possibly King Solomon, horizontally mirrored below his chest. The top man is wearing a crown that resembles the Tower of Babel topped with a cross, a black jacket, and a white sash. His beard is white and divided into three parts. The upper arms are stretched out horizontally, while the lower arms point downwards and diagonally towards the body as he stretches out the sash that lies over his shoulders. It’s hard to tell, but his right eye is not clearly defined, which might indicate that the eye is damaged. The bottom man is also wearing a crown that resembles the Tower of Babel, but without a cross on top, a white jacket, and a black sash. His beard is black and also divided into three parts. His upper arms are also stretched out horizontally, while the lower arms point downwards and diagonally towards the body as he stretches out the sash that lies over his shoulders. His eyes are wide open, and his face looks mad. Together their arms and sashes form a hexagram. In the center of the hexagram, behind their beards, there’s a big white cross.
Above the top character, it says: “QUOD SUPERIUS,” meaning “What is above,” and “MACROCOSMVS,” meaning “Macrocosm” (the large-scale universe, the cosmos). On the sash of the top character, it says: “STOLA,” meaning “Robe” or “sash,” and “DEI,” meaning “Of God.” Under the bottom character, it says: “SICUT,” meaning “As” or “Just as,” and “MICROPROSOPI,” meaning “Microcosm” (the small-scale universe, the individual). At the very bottom of the image, it says: “QVOD INFERIVS,” meaning “What is below.” This is often summarized as the popular Hermetic principle “as above, so below,” referring to both triangles in the hexagram carrying the same symbolism, meaning they both symbolize lies.
Around the figures and the text, there’s the symbol of Ouroboros containing the serpent Jörmungandr circling the entire image, eating its own tail. It is known to symbolize the unity of opposites, such as creation and destruction, life and death, or the conscious and unconscious mind. But a snake going in circles and eating its own tail is an obvious symbol of madness, also known as go symbolism.
The Seal of Solomon is the same symbol as the Star of David.
Religion:
While not explicitly mentioned in canonical texts, the Seal of Solomon appears in Jewish folklore and mystical writings. It is often described as a magical ring, engraved with the name of God, which gave King Solomon the power to command demons and spirits.
In Kabbalistic tradition, the Seal of Solomon, or the Star of David (Magen David), symbolizes the connection between the divine and the earthly, the macrocosm and the microcosm.
In Islamic lore, the Seal of Solomon (Khatam Sulayman) is a ring with magical properties bestowed upon King Solomon (Sulayman) by Allah. It enabled him to control the wind, speak to animals, and command jinn (spirits). Some texts describe the ring as having a hexagram or other intricate designs.
While the Seal of Solomon is not explicitly detailed in the Quran, Solomon’s extraordinary abilities and his control over jinn are for example mentioned in Surah An-Naml 27:17-19: “And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, “O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.” So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.””
The Seal of Solomon is not directly mentioned in the canonical Bible but appears in apocryphal and pseudepigraphal works. For instance, the Testament of Solomon, a text attributed to King Solomon, describes the seal’s powers and its use in building the Temple.
In some Christian mystical writings, the Seal of Solomon is seen as a symbol of divine wisdom and authority.
The Seal of Solomon is frequently mentioned in alchemical texts and Hermetic writings. It is often associated with the philosopher’s stone and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
In Western esoteric traditions, the Seal of Solomon is viewed as a protective symbol, used in talismans and amulets to ward off evil and harness spiritual power.