Kagome crest

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The Kagome crest; six-pointed star

The Kagome crest, eight-pointed star is also known as Ashthalakshmi or Star of Lakshmi

The Kagome crest or Kagome mon (籠目 + 紋, lit. "Lattice Eye crest/pattern/emblem") is a star-shaped emblem related to the kagome lattice design. The Kagome mon can be depicted as, either, a six-pointed star (a hexagram) and as an eight-pointed star (an octagram):

1. The six-pointed star version (a hexagram) is composed of two interlocking equilateral triangles, similar to/interchangeable with the Hindu Shatkona (Sanskrit: षट्कोण, Ṣaṭkoṇa, lit. Six-Sided), which represents the represents the union between opposites, similar to Yin and yang) and to the Jewish Star of David.
2. The eight-pointed star version (an octagram) is composed of two interlocking squares, similar to/interchangeable with the Hindu Star of Lakshmi (which represents the Ashtalakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी, Aṣṭalakṣmi, lit. Eightfold Lakshmi), the eight forms, or "kinds of wealth", that the goddess, Lakshmi, represents).

Regardless of which one, both the six-pointed star and the eight-pointed star are also known as kagome. It can be found in many of the oldest Shinto shrines, dating back to at least the 5th century BCE, and is present on almost all the stone lanterns approaching the Ise-jingu. Its presence in Shinto shrines is believed to ward-away evil. This symbol is also synonymous with the Cintamani, a "wish-fulfilling stone"(a Mani Jewel), both being icons associated with the goddess, Lakshmi/Kisshōten.

In regards to heraldry, the Kagome crest is also often associated with the Hata clan.

To a Western audience the six-pointed version of the Kagome crest as religious symbol perhaps most closely resembles the Star of David, however, any direct connection between the two is unlikely. If a cultural connection involving the Kagome crest does exist, it is most likely related to the satkona of Hinduism.

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