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Unicursal Hexagram – What Does it Symbolize?

The Unicursal Hexagram is a unique six-pointed star design that has been associated with symbolic magical, and spiritual connections. The design has been around for a few hundred years, and while most people will recognize the symbol, not everyone knows the meaning behind it.

Unicursal Hexagram Design

The Unicursal Hexagram gets its name from the fact that you draw it using a unicursal motion, or in other words, one continuous motion. The ability to be drawn in one movement is one possible reason for its creation and its popularity of being used in magic. Unlike a regular hexagram, the points are not equidistant from the center, nor are the lines the same length.

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unicursal hexagram vs star of David

The Unicursal Hexagram can be drawn within a circle with all points touching the circle. In more stylistic representations, the lines are interwoven to represent a knot within the hexagram.

In its appearance, the Unicursal Hexagram is similar to the Star of David. However, the Star of David is made of two equilateral triangles superimposed upon each other, creating a symmetrical shape.

The Unicursal Hexagram has a central diamond and two arrowhead-like shapes on either side, resulting in a symmetrical but unequally weighted design.

Unicursal Hexagram History

The Unicursal Hexagram is most commonly associated with the Thelema Religion, but before this most people initially associated the Unicursal Hexagram with the Golden Dawn group of Britain, a secret occult society. The design has been found in the Golden Dawn document “Polygons and Polygrams” and stated as symbolizing the Sun and Moon ruling over the four elements that all are united and from the Spirit.

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Later on, it was adapted by Aleister Crowley when he founded the Thelema religion in the early 1900s and became one of the most significant symbols of the religion.

While the Unicursal Hexagram remains in use by Golden Dawn and Thelema groups, it pre-dates both these groups. The earliest known record of the Unicursal Hexagram is currently in the 1588 paper from Giordano Bruno called Essays upon the Mathematics of Mordente: One Hundred and Sixty Articles against the Mathematicians and Philosophers of this Age. 

Unicursal Hexagram and the Thelema Religion 

The Unicursal Hexagram is often worn by Thelema’s followers, a.k.a. Thelemites, as a way to show their religious affiliation. The group focuses on the occult, magic, the supernatural and the paranormal.

Thelema symbol

When Crowley adapted the Unicursal Hexagram for the Thelema religion, he placed a five-petaled rose in the center. The rose symbolizes the pentacle and divine femininity. The addition of the rose also brought up the total number of points in the design to 11, which is the number of divine union and magic.

Some believe that 5= man and 6= God, so by Crowley having a five-petal rose within a six-pointed design, all of which can be drawn in one movement, he shows God’s union with man.

Unicursal hexagram necklace
Beautiful Unicursal hexagram pendant. See it here.

Unicursal Hexagram – Use in Magic

The fact that the Unicursal Hexagram can be drawn in one motion makes it popular in spell work that involves banishing or invoking elemental forces. However, its exact use varies between practitioners and is only recently starting to be further examined.

The Unicursal Hexagram is associated with magic through its association with Thelema, which states that magic can help you find and manifest your True Will.

There is some evidence to suggest that hexagrams are used in curses and hexes. However, despite being mentioned on some pagan sites, there is minimal evidence to support their use or give context to their possible use. Overall, the hexagram is more associated with planetary energies or Thelemic magic than standard witchcraft.

Symbolism of the Unicursal Hexagram

  • Hexagrams, in general, represent the union between opposites, such as male and female.
  • The Unicursal Hexagram also represents the union of two halves – in that both halves can be drawn together.
  • Hexagrams represent the four elements of wind, water, fire, and air.
  • Additionally, the symbol represents cosmic forces like the Sun, Moon, and planets and the balances between them. This representation is why it is used in planetary rituals.
  • The Unicursal Hexagram can represent freedom, power, love, a high level of confidence, or achieving your biggest goals, depending on who you ask.

Unicursal Hexagram in Use Today

Today, the unicursal hexagram continues to be a popular symbol, often worn in pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets. It makes for a popular charm too and is often considered a magical amulet. If the design features a rose at the center, it’s association with the Thelema religion is clear.

The symbol is often chosen as a tattoo design, for those wanting a symbol to represent true will. It’s also popular on clothing and in decorative items.

Because the symbol is so closely associated with magic and occult groups, some prefer not to sport it, unless they’re affiliated with said groups. The symbol is also highly popular in pop culture and is often featured in movies, used as logos, or sported by rock stars, to name a few.

Wrapping it All Up

A person who chooses to wear a Unicursal Hexagram, have it tattooed, or decorate with the symbol may decide to do so because of representations in pop culture or its spiritual and magical connections. The most common uses of the symbol remain in connection with the Golden Dawn group and with Thelema religion. 

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Dani Rhys
Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.