Good question. There is a short answer and a long answer, the long answer, of course, being more informative.
short answer: It's a shape. The dictionary defines it as: a figure formed by two intersecting, equilateral triangles.
(think, Star of David)
Long answer: the hexagram is a stellated shape, meaning it is star-like in appearance. The downward triangle is said to represent the grace of God,while the upward pointing triangle is man's aspiration for a glimpse of God.
The two triangles also represent fire and water, and are said to show the interplay between the higher state of individual thought and the lower.
The points of the star represent 6 planets. which are, starting at the top and going clockwise: Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Moon, Mercury, Mars, with the sun in the middle. This order of planets is based on the qabalistic Tree of Life.
The symbol dates back further than Jewish use, way back into antiquity. As the Star of David symbol, it represents the divine shield, God as the protector of David.
you can cruise the internet and find all kinds of information on this shape, which seems to have a lot of mystical interpretations. It was once used a magical, mystical decoration etc etc.
Google it and see what you find.
happy hunting
L
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