THE HIERARCHY OF ANGELS
"Thus the heavens and the earth were
finished, and all the host of them."
Genesis 2:2.
Angels sent by God to guide me,
Be my light and walk beside me.
Be my guardian and protect me,
On the paths of life direct me.
Author Unknown
THE ARCHANGELS
There are seven Archangels who always stand before the Face of God. They are entrusted to govern the world. These seven Archangels are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Anael, Samael, Sachiel and Cassiel. The four main Archangels are presented below, along with some other important Archangels. There is little or no information available on
Archangels Anael, Sachiel and Cassiel.
ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
The name Michael is a question and means, "Who is as God?" Michael is the Archangel of Protection and is generally considered to be the foremost of the seven Archangels and the leader of the Host of Heaven. He is the great prince charged with defending the people and is the chief of the Order of Virtues. It is said to have been Michael who defended the Israelites, and according to the Book of Revelation, Michael and his Angels are described as fighting the dragon (Satan) and his fallen Angels.
Michael is depicted most often as winged with an unsheathed sword. He is shown as young, strong and handsome, usually wearing a beautiful coat of chain mail, and carrying a sword, shield and spear as "God's Warrior."
ARCHANGEL GABRIEL
Gabriel is one of the two highest ranking Archangels and is the leading Angel who stands in the presence of God. His name means, "God is My Strength."
Gabriel is described as having 140 pairs of wings, and is the Governor of Eden and Ruler of the Cherubim. Gabriel sits at the left hand of God. He is usually shown as a majestic figure, richly attired, sometimes wearing a crown and bearing a scepter. His right hand is usually extended in salutation.
ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL
Archangels Raphael, Michael and Gabriel, are the only three Angels mentioned by name in the Bible.
Raphael's name means, "God Has Healed" or, "the shining one who heals."
Raphael is the Physician and Healing Archangel and is charged to heal the Earth and all its inhabitants. He oversees the Healing Angels and is one of the seven Holy Angels that attend the Throne of God.
Raphael is often depicted carrying a pilgrim's staff.
ARCHANGEL URIEL
Archangel Uriel rules Ministration and Peace. His name is interpreted variously as, "God is My Light"; "God is Light"; "Radiation of God"; "God is the Radiating Principle of Light", and, "Fire of God."
Uriel stands with a fiery sword at the Gate of the Lost Eden. His symbol is an open hand holding a flame, which he offers as the Flame of Love towards all souls.
ARCHANGEL CAMUEL
Archangel Camuel is also known as Camuel, Kemuel, Shemuel Seraphiel, Camiel, Camiul, Khamael, Camniel, Cancel and Jahoe! His name means, "He Who Sees God".
Camuel is the Archangel of Divine Love and the Gatekeeper of Heaven. He is regarded as Chief of the Order of Powers. He is usually depicted as a warrior with large green wings, dressed in a red tunic with green armor plates, and an iron helmet.
ARCHANGEL ARIEL
Archangel Ariel's name means, "Lion of God." He is the Keeper of the Sacred Wisdom and is the Angel of the Earth. Ariel is usually depicted as a serious-faced man of mature years with flowing silver hair and violet eyes. He wears a cloak of rainbow colors that flash and glow in his aura.
ARCHANGEL SAMAEL
Archangel Samael is also known as Sammael and Samil. It is generally taught that Samael resides in the Seventh Heaven, although he is declared to be the Chief Angel of the Fifth Heaven.
ARCHANGEL ZEDKIEL
Archangel Zedkiel is also knows as Tzadkiel, Satqiel, and Zachiel. Zadkiel is the Chief of Dominations and is an Angel of Mercy. His name means, "Righteousness of God."
ARCHANGEL SANDALPHON
Archangel Sandalphon appears as very tall and dressed in black. His robe is made of pure energy. His name means, "Brother", and he is the twin brother of Metatron. Sandalphon is the Master of Heavenly Song. His primary functions as a Guide.
ARCHANGEL METATRON
Metatron is the tallest of the Archangels and the twin brother of Archangel Sandalphon. He appears as an enormous being of brilliant White Light, and is the greatest of all the Heavenly Hierarchy He is Master of the Highest Power of Abundance, Chancellor of Heaven, and King of the Angels.
Metatron is said to have been the prophet Enoch, who was taken up to Heaven and transformed into an Angel of Fire with thirty-six pairs of wings. Metatron is usually shown holding a scroll in his hand.
Do not search for us, we will find you.
Do not wait for us, we are here...all ready.
Do not whisper your name, we know it well.
We have loved you forever, time will tell...
We are your Guardian Angels.
Author Unknown
Angels, also referred to as the Heavenly Host, have been with us since The Beginning and are mentioned in every culture and every religion. Angels come into our lives in a variety of ways and seem to appear when least expected. Their close, loving presence is always deeply encouraging. Angels are among us whether we believe in them or not.
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Angels as:
1. messengers of God;
2. spiritual beings superior to man;
3. an attendant spirit.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Angels are, "any of numerous benevolent spiritual beings, powers, or principles, that mediate between the realms of the sacred."
Every one of us has special Angels watching over us. Each of us come into this realm with two Angels guiding our way: the Angel of our birth sign, and our individual or Personal Guardian Angel. These two Angels are with us throughout our lives and can be called upon for assistance at any time. When we make our transition from this Planet, a third Angel joins our Angel of Birth and our Personal Guardian Angel, and that Angel is the Angel of Death. The Angel of Death is never to be feared. He comes to guide our way back home!
Angels can appear to us in many forms. They are androgynous beings, meaning they are neither male nor female, having the qualities of both. Angels can appear as a swirl of light, or a bright flash. They can manifest as animals, and in human form as either gender. Even our pets are Angels who have come to assist us in various ways. Angels protect us when we are in danger, show us the way when we are lost, and comfort us and lead us through our trials and tribulations. Angels are all around you! Do you feel them?
Have you ever been lost in the middle of nowhere with no one in sight, and then suddenly someone appears and provides you with perfect directions to get you back on track? Have you ever had the feeling that someone was watching you over your shoulder while driving in bad weather? Or had a complete stranger smile and strike up a conversation with you when you were having a particularly bad day, just when you needed it the most? These are our Angels. You don't know when you will meet them, but you will know it when you do!
Angels are divided into Ranks, each with its separate responsibilities. This is known as the Hierarchy of Angels. There are nine distinct Orders of Angels within three major Ranks known as Choirs.
Angels love to share in your joy and happiness, so dance and sing with your Angels! Enjoy their presence and their Love. And above all, remember to thank your Angels whenever you have an Angelic experience. After all, they are there just for you!
Do you believe in Angels?
I do!
THE
HIERARCHY OF ANGELS
THE FIRST CHOIR
THE ANGELS OF PURE CONTEMPLATION
WHO GOVERN ALL CREATION
The First Choir consists of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Seraphim is said to be closest to the Throne of God. They are the ones who unceasingly chant the Trisagion, "Holy, Holy, Holy." They encircle the Throne, existing off the love emanated by God. It is said there are four of these Angelic beings, and are listed as the Four Holy Beasts in the Book of Revelation. They are also described as having four faces and six wings.
Cherubim are second only to the Seraphim. The Cherubim hold the Knowledge of God.
Thrones are also known as the Ophanim. These Angels serve the primary function of being God's chariot. They are also the dispensers of God's Judgment, acting with humility and impartialness to bring about the desires of the Lord. They are described as great wheels covered with a great many eyes and glowing with light. They mark the end of the First Choir, where the emanations of God begin to take on more material forms, and as such, exist in a state of transition.
THE SECOND CHOIR
THE ANGELS OF THE COSMOS
WHO GOVERN ALL THE COSMOS
The Second Choir consists of Dominions, Powers and Virtues.
Dominations are also known as the Hashmallim, and coordinate the Upper Choir and the Lower, holding the task of regulating the duties of lower Angels. They receive their orders from the Seraphim and Cherubim, and are responsible for ensuring that the Cosmos remains in order. They rarely manifest physically.
Virtues are concerned with maintaining the aspects of the natural world, as well as bestowing blessings upon the material world. They oversee the movements of the celestial bodies, as well as events of weather, including snow, rain and wind. Virtues are also known as Tarshishim and Malakim.
Powers hold one of the most dangerous tasks, as they are responsible for maintaining the borders between Heaven and Earth. Powers are the major line of defense and battle during heavenly warfare. They guard the celestial paths between the two realms and ensure that the souls departing the mortal world reach heaven safely. Because of their proximity to the nether regions, there are more Angels from the Rank of Powers listed as Fallen Angels than from any other Rank in the Angelic Hierarchy.
THE THIRD CHOIR
THE ANGELS OF THE WORLD
WHO GOVERN ALL THE WORLD
The Third Choir consists of Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
Principalities are the head of the Third and final Choir. Principalities watch over the mortal worlds, guiding and protecting the Earth's nations, cities and towns. They also protect religion and politics. They are assumed to be given more freedom to act than the Angels below them, and are responsible for carrying out Divine acts concerning their area of jurisdiction. They also have the task of managing the duties of the Angels below them.
The term Archangel designates the second to last Rank in the Third Choir. The Archangels are especially important. They are tasked with watching over the duties of the Angels, and act as the leaders in the Divine Army during battle.
Angels are the last Rank in the Third Choir and are responsible for watching over the affairs of mortals in a more direct way than Principalities. The Angels watch over households and individual souls, guiding them and keeping them safe. Angels carry the Word of God to mankind, and act as messengers and couriers to both God and the Upper Ranks. In Hebrew, Angels are called "mal'akh", meaning "messenger".
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