A heptagram, 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 γραμμῆς (grammēs) meaning a line.
In general, a heptagram is any self-intersecting heptagon (7-sided polygon).
There are two regular heptagrams, labeled as {7/2} and {7/3}, with the second number representing the vertex interval step from a regular heptagon, {7/1}.
This is the smallest star polygon that can be drawn in two forms, as irreducible fractions. The two heptagrams are sometimes called the heptagram (for {7/2}) and the great heptagram (for {7/3}).
The previous one, the regular hexagram {6/2}, is a compound of two triangles. The smallest star polygon is the {5/2} pentagram.
The next one is the {8/3} octagram, followed by the regular enneagram, which also has two forms: {9/2} and {9/4}, as well as one compound of three triangles {9/3}.
Religious and occult symbolism
The heptagram was used in Christianity to symbolize the seven days of creation and became a traditional symbol for warding off evil.The heptagram is a symbol of perfection (or God) in many Christian sects.The heptagram is used in the symbol for Babalon in 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.The {7/3} heptagram is used by some members of the otherkin subculture as an identifier.In alchemy, a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets which were known to ancient alchemists.The seven-pointed star is incorporated into the flags of the various bands of the Cherokee Nation and the badges of Navajo Nation Police (as well as other police).The Bennington flag, a historical American Flag, has thirteen seven-pointed stars along with the numerals "76" in the canton.The Flag of Jordan contains a seven-pointed star.The Flag of Australia employs five heptagrams and one pentagram to depict the Southern Cross constellation and the Commonwealth Star.Some old versions of the coat of arms of Georgia (country) including the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic used the {7/2} heptagram as an element.A seven-pointed star is used as the badge in many sheriff's departments and some smaller-community police departments.The seven-pointed star is used as the logo for the international Danish shipping company A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, sometimes known simply as Maersk.In George R. R. Martin's novel series A Song of Ice and Fire, a seven-pointed star serves as the symbol of the Faith of the Seven.
