Kagome crest

Short description: Symbol in Shinto

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 (Hexagonal and Octagonal lattices). 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 union between opposites, similar to Yin and yang.
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, and is present on almost all the stone lanterns approaching the Ise-jingu. Its presence in Shinto shrines is believed to ward-away evil, an Apotropaic mark. This symbol is also synonymous with the Cintamani, a "wish-fulfilling stone"(a Mani Jewel), all being icons associated with the goddess, Lakshmi/Kisshōten.

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

ja:籠目