This article will further explore the use of astrological and Kabbalistic signs on 16th and 17th century weapons. This topic is not only interesting in terms of weapon history, but also gives insight into the beliefs and worldview of the people of the time.
Astrological signs
Astrology played a significant role in the lives of people in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was used to predict the future, make decisions and explain events. Various astrological signs representing the planets, constellations and signs of the zodiac can be found on weapons of this period.
Planets: Each planet had its own influence on human destiny. Jupiter and Venus were considered lucky stars, bringing good luck and wealth. Saturn and Mars portended trouble, war and misfortune. Mercury was considered a “wobbly” planet that could both help and harm, depending on the context. The Sun and Moon, although the largest and most powerful, had different influences depending on their location and phase.
Constellations: Constellations also had their own meanings. For example, the Big Dipper symbolized strength and protection, and Orion symbolized courage and victory.
Zodiac Signs: Every man belonged to a particular zodiac sign that determined his character, talents, and tendency to succeed or fail. The zodiac signs of both the owner and his opponents can be found on weapons.
Qabalistic signs
Kabbalah is a mystical Jewish tradition that involves the use of symbols and numbers. Some Kabbalistic signs can be found on weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries. These signs were often combined with astrological signs to enhance their magical power.
Symbols: Qabalistic symbols can be very complex and have many different interpretations. Some of the most common symbols include:
Menורה: The seven candlestick, which symbolizes the seven days of creation and the seven planets.
Star of David: The six-pointed star that symbolizes the unity of God and man.
The Four Letters of God’s Name (YHWH): These four letters are considered some of the most powerful symbols in Kabbalah.
Numbers: Numbers were also given great importance in Kabbalah. Each number has its own vibration and meaning. For example, number 1 symbolizes unity and God, number 3 symbolizes creation, number 7 symbolizes perfection.
Examples of weapons with astrological and kabbalistic signs
Saber of a squadron of hussars, circa 1762-1765, Old Monarchy. Front side: Image of a hussar in attack with the inscription “Vivat hussar” (“Long live the hussar!”), crescent moon and stars. Back side: Coat of arms of France with the inscription “Vive le Roy” (“Long live the king!”).
A 17th century saber depicted by Count Carl Rambaldi: The blade of this saber bears the signs of Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, the Sun and the Moon. There are also symbols that are probably Kabbalistic.
“Gustav-Adolph’s” saber: This saber, which actually has nothing to do with the Swedish king, has zodiac signs, planets and constellations on the blade. It also has the mottos “VINCERE AUT MORI” (“Win or die”) and “INTER ARMA SILENT LEGES” (“The law is silent among arms”).
A 16th-century dagger from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art: The blade of this dagger bears the signs of Mercury, Mars, and Venus. There are also symbols that are probably Kabbalistic.
The meaning of these signs
The meaning of astrological and Kabbalistic signs on weapons is not always obvious. Some of these signs may have had personal significance for the owner of the weapon, others may have been used for protection from evil or to bring good fortune.
Impact on culture
The use of astrological and Kabbalistic signs on weapons reflects the belief of the people of the time in the magical power of these symbols. These signs also provide insight into how people perceived the world and how they tried to influence their destiny.
Conclusion
Studying astrological and Kabbalistic signs on 16th and 17th century weapons can help us better understand the beliefs and worldviews of the people of the time. This topic is also interesting from a weapons and art history perspective.
More info
Books:
Karl Rambaldi, “Waffen mit astrologischen und kabbalistischen Zeichen,” Zeitschrift für historische Waffen- und Kostümkunde, op. cit. 1921, vol. 9, pp. 128 ff, figs. 1, 2.
W. Rose, “Die Klingenmarke 1414/1441 und verwandte Zahlenmarken,” in Zeitschrift für historische Waffen- und Kostümkunde, op. cit. 1935-36, vol. 14, p. 131.
Sephacial, The little Book of Magic (without indication of year, publisher, printer and copyright).
Museums:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
German National Museum, Munich
Remark
This article is based on information from the books pictured and additional sources.
The author of this article has no personal experience in astrology, Kabbalah or occult theories.
Some combinations of signs and blades remain obscure.
This article is not an exhaustive study of the topic.
Additional topics for research
History of Astrology and Kabbalah
The use of symbols in the weapons of other cultures
The influence of magic and beliefs on warfare
Modern interpretations of astrological and kabbalistic signs
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Astrological and Kabbalistic signs on weapons
Astrological and Kabbalistic signs on weapons
Introduction
This article will further explore the use of astrological and Kabbalistic signs on 16th and 17th century weapons. This topic is not only interesting in terms of weapon history, but also gives insight into the beliefs and worldview of the people of the time.
Astrological signs
Astrology played a significant role in the lives of people in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was used to predict the future, make decisions and explain events. Various astrological signs representing the planets, constellations and signs of the zodiac can be found on weapons of this period.
Qabalistic signs
Kabbalah is a mystical Jewish tradition that involves the use of symbols and numbers. Some Kabbalistic signs can be found on weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries. These signs were often combined with astrological signs to enhance their magical power.
Examples of weapons with astrological and kabbalistic signs
Saber of a squadron of hussars, circa 1762-1765, Old Monarchy.
Front side: Image of a hussar in attack with the inscription “Vivat hussar” (“Long live the hussar!”), crescent moon and stars.
Back side: Coat of arms of France with the inscription “Vive le Roy” (“Long live the king!”).
The meaning of these signs
The meaning of astrological and Kabbalistic signs on weapons is not always obvious. Some of these signs may have had personal significance for the owner of the weapon, others may have been used for protection from evil or to bring good fortune.
Impact on culture
The use of astrological and Kabbalistic signs on weapons reflects the belief of the people of the time in the magical power of these symbols. These signs also provide insight into how people perceived the world and how they tried to influence their destiny.
Conclusion
Studying astrological and Kabbalistic signs on 16th and 17th century weapons can help us better understand the beliefs and worldviews of the people of the time. This topic is also interesting from a weapons and art history perspective.
More info
Remark
Additional topics for research
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