First century Gnostic, Abraxas intaglio ring
Abraxas is a Deity in the Gnostic faith. In Gnostic cosmology, the 7 letters spelling its name represent each of the 7 classic planets—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.It was engraved on certain antique gemstones, called on that account Abraxas stones, which were used as amulets or charms. As the initial spelling on stones was ‘Abrasax’ (Αβρασαξ) Opinions abound on Abraxas, who in recent centuries has been claimed to be both an Egyptian god and a demon.