The 9-pointed star (also known as enneagram/nonagram) is a sacred symbol that encompasses a wealth of wisdom and profound truths about life. It represents a multitude of concepts, including spiritual enlightenment, creation, divine completeness, divine symmetry, and the interconnectedness of diverse elements within the universe. Remarkably, this symbol has even been equated to God or Source energy itself, emphasizing its immense significance and the divine insights it holds.
In this article, let’s take a look at the deeper symbolism and meanings associated with the 9-pointed star and uncover the profound truths and timeless wisdom that this sacred symbol holds. Let’s start by taking a look at the three types of 9-pointed stars and how they are constructed.
3 Ways to Draw the 9-Pointed Star
Geometrically, the 9-pointed star can be drawn in three different ways by connecting the 9 vertices within a nonagon (9-sided polygon). These three types are as follows:
- 9/2 nine-pointed star: This star is created by interconnecting every 2nd point (or vertex) in a nonagon. It is unicursal and hence can be drawn in one continuous line without lifting the pen.
- 9/3 nine-pointed star: This star is created by interconnecting every 3rd point (or vertex) in a nonagon. It consists of 3 overlapped triangles.
- 9/4 nine-pointed star: This star is created by interconnecting every 4th point (or vertex) in a nonagon. This star is also unicursal in nature.
The image below illustrates all three stars.
The following image illustrates the beautiful pattern you get when you combine all three 9-pointed stars.
As an example, in order to draw the 9/4 nine-pointed star, which is also known as the regular 9-pointed star or the Unicursal 9-pointed star, you first start with a nonagon (9-sided polygon).
As shown in the image below, you start by connecting the first point (or vertex) to the 5th point (after skipping 3 vertices) in the nonagon. Next, you would connect the 5th point with the 9th point (again skipping 3 vertices), and then the 9th to the 4th point, and so on and so forth till the star is completed. This is shown in the image below.
Let’s also look at the construction of the 9/3 nine-pointed star as it is a special star that contains 3 equilateral triangles.
As shown in the image below, we start with a nonagon and connect the first vertex with the 4th vertex (skipping 2 vertices). In the same way, we connect the 4th vertex to the 7th, and then the 7th back to the 1st to form an equilateral triangle. In the next step, you connect the 2nd, 5th, and 8th vertices to form the 2nd equilateral triangle. You then connect the 3rd, 6th, and 9th vertices to form the third equilateral triangle.
As shown in the image below, each equilateral triangle in this star corresponds to forces/phenomena that make existence possible.
- The three points of the first triangle represent the primal forces of – Creation, Preservation, and Destruction (Re-creation).
- The 2nd triangle represents – Mind, Body, and Spirit which is the basis of life on earth.
- The 3rd triangle represents – Past, Present, and Future, or all of time.
The combination of all these forces is the basis of existence in the universe. This way, the 9/3 enneagram is a powerful symbol of life and creation.
You will also find that the 3rd triangle in the star points to the numbers – 3, 6, and 9, which is considered a powerful code that contains within it many secrets of creation.
In addition to these three main types of the 9-pointed star, there are many other representations of the star like the Durga Yantra in Hinduism. We will look into this later in the article.
Spiritual Meaning of the 9-Pointed Star
The 9-pointed star has many sacred meanings and profound concepts associated with it. Let’s take a look at these meanings and concepts.
1. Completeness
The 9-pointed star represents completeness, perfection, totality, and wholeness. This is because the number 9 is the highest single-digit number and represents the completion of a cycle. After reaching 9, the sequence starts again with 0.
2. Spiritual Enlightenment
In many spiritual traditions, the 9-pointed star is seen as a gateway to higher consciousness and the realization of spiritual truths.
When you multiply 9 with any number the resulting digits added together will always reduce to 9.
For instance, 56 x 9 equals 504. And the digital root of 504 is 5 + 0 + 4 which is 9.
This suggests that when you merge with the totality, you become the totality. Thus 9 signifies attaining a state of higher consciousness and realizing higher truths.
In meditation, it symbolizes the highest state of existence (the state of spiritual enlightenment) when your thoughts cease to exist and you merge with the ultimate consciousness or source.
3. Oneness, Unity, & Interconnection
The 9-pointed star symbolizes oneness, unity, and interconnectedness.
This is because the number 9 contains within it all the other single-digit numbers that precede it.
When we add the numbers 1 through 8, we get the number 36 and the digital root of 36 which is obtained by adding 3 and 6 equals 9. This is also the case when we add the numbers 1 through 9.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36 and 3 + 6 = 9
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 45 and 4 + 5 = 9
Thus 9 can be considered as the Source or Ultimate Consciousness that contains within it all the qualities and experiences represented by the numbers that precede it. In other words, it contains within it everything.
Thus the 9-pointed star represents the fact that everything is one and comes out from a single source. It also represents the interconnectedness of all things.
4. Finity within Infinity (As Above, So Below)
The 9-pointed star represents the concept of both the finite (material world) and the infinite (spiritual world).
When you start to double the number 9, the resulting number will always reduce to 9. For instance, 9 doubled is 18, 18 doubled is 36, 36 doubled is 72 and so on. And the digital root of all these numbers is 9.
- 9 x 2 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9
- 18 x 2 = 36 and 3 + 6 = 9
- 36 x 2 = 72 and 7 + 2 = 9
- So on and so forth
The source gets multiplied infinite times creating infinite realities but will also reduce back to the source. This represents both the finite and infinite nature of the universe.
This also proves the concept of As Above, So Below, or that the microcosm contains the macrocosm and vice versa. The source is present within creation and the creation within the source.
5. Oneness within Duality
The 9-pointed star also symbolizes duality within oneness. Everything comes from a single source (oneness), but for the universe to exist, the source divides into two opposing energies (Yin and Yang) giving rise to the world of duality. The interaction between these opposing forces is the basis of everything that exists.
When you take any number and reverse it (which denotes opposing polarities) and then subtract the smaller of the two numbers from the larger, the resulting number will always reduce to nine.
For instance, let’s take the number 572. The reverse of this number is 275. If we substrate, 275 from 572, we get 297. The digital root of 297 is 2 + 9 + 7 which is 18. When we add 1 and 8, we get 9.
This proves that the world of duality consists of opposing forces but at the very core, they are one as they emanate from a single source.
6. Creation & Creative Energy
The 9-pointed star is also associated with creation and creative energy.
For one, the number 9 can be obtained by adding the numbers 3 and 6. From a numerological standpoint, number 3 represents creativity and number 6 represents balance and harmony. The combination of these two numbers is believed to represent the process of creation.
Also, in various cultures around the world, 9 has always been associated with creation. For instance, in Greek mythology, there are nine Muses who are considered the goddesses of knowledge, inspiration, and creativity. They are associated with various art forms, including music, literature, dance, comedy, and astronomy, representing human creativity and transformation.
Similarly, in Norse mythology, there are nine realms or worlds that are part of the cosmic structure. These realms represent different aspects of creation and existence.
In Hinduism, the 9-pointed star is represented by the Durga Yantra in Hinduism which is a potent symbol of creation. We will discuss this later in the article.
Also, as we saw earlier, the 9/3 nine-pointed star is made of three equilateral triangles that represent various forces that make existence possible. These include the primal forces of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction, the Mind, Body, and Spirit, and time which includes the Past, Present, and Future.
Finally, in human reproduction, the gestation period (or pregnancy) lasts for nine months. Thus 9 symbolizes the process of nurturing, development, and the emergence of new life.
All these factors make the nine-pointed star a potent symbol of creation.
7. Omnipresence, Source Energy, & Divine Symmetry
The 9-pointed star represents divine symmetry.
This is because 9 is present within all 2D and 3D symmetrical shapes as the sum of the angles of these shapes always reduces to 9.
For instance, a square has 4 right angles or 90-degree angles. Four times 90 is 360 and the digital root of 360 (3 + 6 + 0) is 9. Similarly, the interior angle of an octagram is 135 degrees. The digital root of 135 (1 + 3 + 5) is 9. Also since the octagram has 8 vertices, when we multiply 135 by 8 we get the number 1080, the digital root of which also reduces to 9 (1 + 0 + 8 + 0). This is the case with all polygons and polyhedrons.
Another interesting aspect is that when you divide (or bisect) a circle, the sum of the resulting angle always reduces to 9. This is as shown in the image below:
The circle is seen as the source or life energy as it has no end or beginning and keeps going forever. It represents the everlasting cycles of life. Since 9 is present within the core of the circle, 9 can be equated to God or Source Energy which is omnipresent.
Furthermore, if you continue to divide (bisect) a circle, you eventually arrive at a dot or singularity. On the other hand, by continuously adding sides to a polygon, you eventually form a circle, which symbolizes infinity. This observation further reinforces the previous point that the nine-pointed star represents concepts of oneness, finity, and infinity.
8. Time
The 9-pointed star also represents time. Here’s how.
There are 1440 minutes and 86400 seconds in 24 hours. The digital root of both these numbers is 9.
1440 = 1 + 4 + 4 + 0 = 9
86400 = 8 + 6 + 4 + 0 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9
Similarly, the number of minutes in a regular year is 525,600 and the number of minutes in a leap year 527040. Both these numbers reduce to 9.
527040 = 5 + 2 + 7 + 4 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9
525,600 = 5 + 2 + 5 + 6 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9
Also, the number of minutes in a 30 day month is 43,200 and the number of minutes in a 31 day month is 44,640. Again, both these numbers reduce to 9.
43,200 = 4 + 3 + 2 = 9
44,640 = 4 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9
This holds true for the number of seconds as well.
9. Secret Code 369
The 9/3 nine-pointed star, as previously mentioned, harbors the hidden code 369. As depicted in the image, when we add the numbers assigned to the three vertices of the purple triangle, we obtain 7 + 4 + 1 = 12, and further adding 1 + 2 results in 3. Similarly, performing the same additions for the green and red triangles yields 6 and 9, respectively. Also, the vertices of the red triangle, correspond to 3, 6 and 9.
369 is regarded by numerous ancient cultures as containing the secrets of the universe. Nicola Tesla, the brilliant scientist who contributed to the development of powerful technologies such as AC current, fluorescent light, and wireless transmission, was particularly captivated by this number. He famously declared, “If you only knew the magnificence of the 3, 6, and 9, then you would have a key to the universe.”
Tesla also emphasized the significance of energy, frequency, and vibration, stating, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”
By connecting the dots, we can deduce that 3 represents vibration, 6 represents frequency, and 9 represents the energy resulting from the fusion of vibration and frequency. Since all matter vibrates, the 369 code resides at the core, symbolizing the essence of all matter.
10. Form (Material) & the Formless (Spiritual)
The 9-pointed star represents both the form (material) and formless (spiritual) realms. As we have already seen, 9 represents space and time which makes the material world.
Now, 0 (or circle) represents nothingness or the formless (spiritual) realm. However, what makes it intriguing is that 9 can be considered equivalent to 0 or to possess all the properties of 0.
The digital root of any number containing 9, is equal to the digital root when 9 is replaced by 0. To demonstrate this, let’s consider the number 529. The digital root of 529 is calculated as 5 + 2 + 9, which equals 16, and further simplifying to 1 + 6, we obtain 7. Now, if we replace the 9 in the number with 0, we have 520. Remarkably, the digital root of 520 is also 7, determined by adding 5 + 2 + 0.
Here are a few more examples:
339 = 3 + 3 + 9 = 15 and 1 + 5 = 6
330 = 3 + 3 = 6
5798 = 5 + 7 + 9 + 8 = 29 and 2 + 9 = 11 and 1 + 1 = 2
5708 = 5 + 7 + 0 + 8 = 20 and 2 + 0 = 2
These examples clearly demonstrate the interchangeability of 9 and 0.
Furthermore, any number multiplied by zero equals zero, and this rule applies to 9 as well. When any number is multiplied by 9, the resulting digital root will always be 9.
For instance, 45 x 9 = 405 and 4 + 0 + 5 = 9.
These two examples provide compelling evidence that 9 and 0 share similarities and can be interchanged. Consequently, the nine-pointed star represents the duality of nothingness and everything, symbolizing both the manifested and un-manifested realities.
9-pointed star in Various Religions
The 9-pointed star holds special significance in both Hinduism and Christianity, each carrying unique symbolisms and meanings. Let’s take a look at these symbolisms.
9-Pointed Star in Hinduism – Durga Yantra
In Hinduism the 9-pointed star is represented by the Durga Yantra – which is a sacred Hindu symbol for Goddess Durga. Durga is a prominent Hindu goddess, revered as the universal mother and the source of all life. She manifests as feminine energy in the Three Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), and orchestrates the cosmic functions of creation, preservation, and destruction. She is also known by the names Devi or Shakti. The Durga Yantra is a representation of the powers of Goddess Durga as the Goddess of Creation.
Yantras in Hinduism are sacred geometric symbols. Focusing on the center of the Yantra during meditation is said to help the practitioner reach higher realms of consciousness.
The Durga Yantra in particular consists of three upward-facing triangles and one downward-facing triangle. It has 9 vertices making it a nine-pointed star. The three upward-facing triangles represent the three primal forces and the three associated gods namely: Creation (Brahma), Preservation (Vishnu), and Destruction (Shiva). These three forces (also known as the Hindu Trinity) form the very basis of existence.
The downward-facing triangle represents the manifestation of spirit into the material world.
The overlapping of these four triangles creates another smaller upward-facing triangle in the center that represents the Divine Mother or Goddess Durga. The Bindu or dot at the center represents the Source (or energy/consciousness) of the Divine Mother from where creation happens.
In Hinduism the 9-pointed star also represents the following:
Navadurga (Nine Forms of Goddess Durga): In Hindu mythology, the Goddess Durga is believed to manifest in nine different forms, known as the Navadurga (Nava meaning 9 in Sanskrit). Each form represents a specific aspect of the divine feminine energy. The Navadurga are worshipped during the festival of Navaratri, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Navagrahas (9 celestial bodies): Hindu astrology recognizes nine celestial bodies that exert an influence on human lives. These celestial bodies are known as Navagrahas and include the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. Each celestial body is associated with specific qualities and influences different aspects of human existence.
Navaratnas (9 gemstones): In Vedic astrology, the concept of Navaratnas refers to a set of nine gemstones, each associated with a Navagraha (as discussed above) and believed to bring specific benefits and energies when worn. These include, Ruby (Sun), Diamond (Venus), Pearl (Moon), Coral (Mars), Hessonite (Rahu), Blue Sapphire (Saturn), Cat’s eye (Ketu), Yellow Sapphire (Jupiter), and Emerald (Mercury).
9-Pointed Star in Christianity
In Christianity, some interpretations suggest that the 9-pointed star can represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. The 9 points may be seen as a representation of these spiritual gifts.
The star can also represent the Nine Choirs of Angels: According to Christian tradition, there are nine hierarchical orders or choirs of angels. These include Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Each choir has its unique role and purpose in God’s divine plan.
Conclusion
From this article, it is evident that the 9-pointed star holds immense significance as a symbol of God (or Source) itself. It embodies the essence of creation, reflecting important concepts like oneness, duality, interconnectedness, and divine symmetry. Additionally, it represents spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of higher truths.
The star also encapsulates profound ideas such as “As Above, So Below,” offering insights into the blueprint of the universe and the fundamental laws that govern its functioning. All in all, the 9-pointed star serves as a potent symbol, carrying within it the wisdom of life’s most powerful truths.
