Why a Six-Pointed Star?

[Jagen Sedai]

In the books there are at least two incidences of a six pointed star being used; one is during the Aes Sedai testing (New Spring), to mark where Moiraine had to go; there is also a guardhouse on the Tower grounds in the Dragon Reborn that is described being shaped like a six-pointed star lying on its side. The second is on the right hand of every Sea Folk, between the thumb and forefinger. Is a six-pointed star found anywhere else? And does anyone know why RJ choose a six-pointed one, instead of, say, a 5 or even 8 pointed one? Did anyone every ask, and did he ever explain?

 

Edit to add: Found six-pointed stars elsewhere. Amadicia has a single six-pointed star with a red thistle leaf over it; Ghealdan also had stars on the flag, and in Knife of Dreams these stars are stated to be six pointed. Also, Meilan a High Lord of Tear, has 3 six-pointed stars in blue as his house sigil.

[Ryrin]

A 6 pointed star is a Magen David better known as a Star of David. I do not know why it was chosen.

[Mrs. Cindy Gill]

I agree with the thirteenth depository and its explanation of the freemasonic symbolism in Freemason Robert Jordan's work

 

http://13depository.blogspot.com/2002/03/freemasonry-and-wheel-of-time.html

[Jagen Sedai]

I know the Star of David well, which is why I wonder why RJ chose it so often. I did read about the masonic symbolism, but it does not seem limited to the Aes Sedai at all--which is what I would suspect if it's supposed to be a masonic reference; but is all over WoT. I suppose no one asked RJ in an interview about it...? Hmm. I wonder if 6 pointed stars are known elsewhere in our own world beyond being the Star of David and having masonic connection?

[Mrs. Cindy Gill]

RJ was a Freemason, so the symbolism is often seen in WoT.

 

Other symbolism is seen as well.

[Mrs. Cindy Gill]

Seriouosly, read the thirteenth depository article, it's very good and talks about other symbolism as well.

[Jagen Sedai]

I did read the article, and it is very intriguing.

 

But, I did not know RJ was a freemason. That basically answers my question, then! Thank you!

[Mrs. Cindy Gill]

He didn't make a big deal of it bc he wasn't into proselytizing but he did confirm it.

[Ryrin]

Thanks for reminding me, Cindy. I had read that long ago.

[Jacew]

It's also logical storywise to use six-pointed star. Since it's strongly religious symbol, it's significance would last longer and stronger that, for instance five-pointed star, which is often used in political symbolism. It can be seen as an echo from the past, like Thoms stories from times before AoL.

[mb]

5-pointed star often political?  I recall just 2 political references to a 5-pointed star; U.S. flag, Texas.  not sure elsewhere.

 

it also has religious references; the Occult.

 

and mathematical; Golden Ratio.

 

 

a 6-pointed star might be interpreted politically.  a number of U.S.'s founding fathers were freemasons; and David was a king.

[Kesiera_Sedai]

RJ was a freemason.

[Ryrin]

Yes, he was.

[OlwenaSedai]

5-pointed star often political? I recall just 2 political references to a 5-pointed star; U.S. flag, Texas. not sure elsewhere.

The 5-pointed star standing alone is frequently connected to socialism and some places anarchism. Used in logos for organizations etc. At least in Europe :) and stars are quite common in flags on several continents.

[Orderofolde]

RJ was a Freemason, so the symbolism is often seen in WoT.

 

Other symbolism is seen as well.

The reference to the guard house being shaped like a six-pointed star is a historical reference to the star-shaped forts like Fort Mchenry and others along the east coast that were important in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.  Remember he was not only a Freemason but a graduate of the prestigious Citadel and he knew tactics as well as military history.  Likely the other uses were for the Star of David as he blended history, religion, lore, and mythology into his writing.

[Orderofolde]

 

5-pointed star often political? I recall just 2 political references to a 5-pointed star; U.S. flag, Texas. not sure elsewhere.

The 5-pointed star standing alone is frequently connected to socialism and some places anarchism. Used in logos for organizations etc. At least in Europe :) and stars are quite common in flags on several continents.

 

And it also marked the undersides of US Planes of the Army Air Forces as an identifier to forces on the ground who weren't skilled at recognizing planes or who didn't have a Friend/Foe silhouette handbook available.  The star was often surrounded by a circle or superimposed as white against a blue or black circle depending on the theatre and paint scheme.  This morphed into having a solid bar added through the darker circular back ground later on, I can't recall exactly when, I'm just ball parking here.  RJ was a Huey gunner in 'Nam so he was around war birds and ranking officers like generals whose stars are five-pointed.