Classes of Angels

ANGELS



Angels are everywhere, they're found throughout the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, they are the subjects of art and literature, and they make consistent appearances in churches, Christmas cards, and New Age gift shops.
Although angels make occasional appearances in Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, their main background comes from the monotheistic religions: Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. All four of these religions share the tradition that there is one god in a multi-part universe (heaven, Earth, and hell) and that God's messengers between these domains are spiritual beings called angels. The angel Gabriel was said to have dictated the content of the Koran to Mohammed, angels tended Jesus after his bout with Satan in the desert and announced the resurrection to Mary when she visited Jesus's tomb. The angel Vohu Manah revealed God's message to Zoroaster, and in Judaism, angels wrestled with Jacob and guarded the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve fell from grace. Angels began hitting hard times in the 4th century c.e., when the book of Enoch--an angelic treasure trove-- was not accepted into the canon of the church (it is in the Apocrypha), and further hard times when they were utterly dismissed by Martin Luther during the Reformation.
But angels have never really gone out of style, even though they aren't heavily focused upon in theological circles, they remain in scripture, in hymns, and are referenced throughout the Book of Common Prayer. In the secular world, they are as popular as ever. They are now in television shows, and are in films as wide ranging as the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" to the sappy "Michael" to the surreal and haunting German film "Wings of Desire." They're characterized as luminous beings, as doddering nincompoops, as little cherubs on Valentine's Day cards, and as ordinary human look-alikes who mysteriously appear and disappear.
In Christian and Jewish tradition, an entire hierarchy of angels was set forth, and we still use the hierarchical terms--cherubim, seraphim, angels, and archangels--without really knowing the difference.
There are nine "species" or types of angels. The nine types, called choirs, are arranged in three groups of three. The highest choirs (in descending order) are the Seraphim, the Cherubim, and the Thrones. Next is the middle triad with Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. Last are Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
Seraphim are said to ceaselessly chant in Hebrew the Trisagion "Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh--Holy Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is full of His Glory" while they circle God and the divine core of light. The song is said to be the song of creation, and they are said to resonate with Love. When they appear to humans (like Isaiah) it is as a six-winged and four-headed being.
Cherubim are the next order. They have four faces and four wings, and they are God's charioteers and guardians. They were described by Ezekiel.
Thrones are many-eyed wheels with wings, and are referenced by Elijah and Enoch. If the Cherubim are the charioteers, the thrones are the chariot. Ezekiel describes them as wheels burning like coals of fire.
Dominions are channels of mercy and they regulate the angels' duties. Virtues are known as "the Brilliant or Shining Ones." They are said to bestow blessings from on high, usually in the form of miracles. It is said that they help all who struggle for good and instill courage when it is needed most. Powers are most closely associated with the battle between good and evil, and they are the guardians of our souls. Some of them--the fallen angels--become over-identified with humanity, and get to know evil too well. The Powers are supposed to keep a balance in our souls, and to help us. A fallen angel's punishment is to be banished forever from the sight of God.
Principalities are an order of angels that are in charge of nations and great cities.
There are seven archangels, four undisputed, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel, the other three are chosen from six candidates, depending on the religion or the source: Metatron, Remi-el, Sari-el, Ana-el, Ragu-el, and Razi-el. They are intercessors between God and humans and they command the legions of Heaven in their constant battle with the Sons of Darkness.
Michael is famous for battling and beating Satan and hurling him out of heaven, and he is also known as the conductor of souls to the Last Judgment. Gabriel is the archangel of the Annunciation and the resurrection. Raphael is mostly known from the book of Tobit, he is the archangel of science and knowledge. Sari-el is the archangel who is responsible for the fate of those angels who transgress the laws, and Uriel is the archangel who brings about punishment for wrong-doers. Ragu-el is another who watches over the good behavior of angels, and Remi-el leads souls to Judgment. Razi-el is the archangel of the secret regions and mysteries. Metatron is called the archangel of the covenant, and is charged with the sustenance of the world. In the Talmud and the Targum, he is the direct link between God and Humanity.
And finally, angels. They are the hoard of messengers, celestial spirits, or intercessors between the Almighty and human mortals. It is said that we each have a guardian angel when we are born, and that angel stays with us throughout our lives, urging us to our higher selves, warning us, helping us, and bringing us dreams.

II. The Origin of the Angels:
A. Do people become angels after their deaths?
1. Many think so.
2. If this were true, then throughout history the angelic population has been steadily increasing and we would know that angels are an evolutionary progression of human spirits.
B. Searching the Scriptures to discover the source of angels:
1. The evil angels are called rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms in Ephesians 6:11,12.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
2. Colossians 1:15,16 tell us the angels, known as thrones, powers, rulers and authorities, were created.
“For by (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”
3. Psalm 148:2,5 teach us the angels were created by the Lord's command. Likely by the power of his word, "Let there be angels," they came into being.
“Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts...Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.”
4. The angels were created sometime during the six days of creation.
Before the beginning of creation in eternity we know only the Lord himself existed, who then proceeded to create all things, ref. John 1:1-3. The angels could not have existed from eternity, then, and prior to when the Lord began his creative activity.
Exodus 20:11 informs us the Lord made everything in the heavens and the earth in six days. The angels were created during those six days as well.
“For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.”
Colossians 1:16 clarifies that not only this visible earth was created during those six days, but the angels in their invisible realm as well.
“For by (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”
5. Millions of angels were created.
Numerous passages such as Hebrews 12:22 and Psalm 68:17 answer this question. But let Revelation 5:11 suffice.
“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousands times ten thousand.”
6. The number of angels is the same now as at the time of their creation.
“The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels” (Luke 20:34-36).
Since all the angels were created during the six days of creation, and since they do not marry, propagate, or die as we humans do, there are no more or less angels now than when they were created.
7. The spiritual state of all the angels at their creation was good. They were holy angels.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array” (Genesis 1:31, 2:1)
III. The Characteristics of the Angels:
A. We are unable here to look up all the pertinent Bible passages to discover what the angels are like. Therefore, their characteristics are listed below with some of the Bible references.
1. The term angel means messenger, which designates their office. But their nature is that of a spirit, a non-physical, immaterial living being. (Hebrews 1:14; Luke 24:39; Ephesians 6:12)
2. Immortal, but not eternal (Psalm 148:5; Luke 20:36)
3. Powerful, but not omnipotent (Psalm 103:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Peter 2:10,11)
4. Knowledgeable, having an intellect, but not omniscient, or knowing all things (1 Peter 1:12; Luke 24:4-7)
5. Present in one place or another, but not omnipresent (the Lord commands and sends them to one place or another, they move about; Psalm 91:10; Zechariah 1:8-11; Hebrews 1:14)
6. Illocal, that is being spirits, they do not take up any physical space such as we do.
7. Invisible (Colossians 1:15,16)
8. Unchanging, that is because they are immortal, immaterial spirits who do not grow up physically or age as we do (Luke 20:34-36)
9. Asexual, that is being neither male nor female, having no sex (Luke 20:34-36)
10. Volitional, that is having a will of their own and a desire (Jude 6; 1 Peter 1:12)
11. Emotional (Luke 15:10; Job 38:7)
12. Winged spirits (Isaiah 6:3; Ezekiel 10:5)
13. Immaterial, yet capable of touching, moving, affecting our physical world (Matthew 28:2; Acts 12:7,9; Genesis 19:11; 2 Kings 19:35 and 2 Chronicles 32:21,22)
14. The good angels are holy, being confirmed by the Lord in their holy state (Mark 8:38; since the wicked cannot dwell with God, ref. Psalm 5:4, and the good angels always are in God’s presence, ref. Matthew 18:10, they must be holy and permanently so.)
15. The holy angels are glorious, radiant, brilliant in appearance (Matthew 28:2,3; Luke 9:26; Acts 12:7)
B. The devil and his demons are angels also, fallen angels. Being angels they possess the angelic characteristics we noted above with some noted differences.
1. Being fallen angels, they are less than the holy angels, being weaker for example, ref. Revelation 12:7-9, and not possessing the intellect and wisdom of the holy angels, who have the benefit of being in the presence of God. Satan foolishly self-destructed when he plotted and instigated the crucifixion of Christ.
2. The evil angels are evil, perverse, depraved spirits, that is their very nature in which they have been hardened. (Luke 7:21,8:2; Mark 1:23; the devil is a murderer and liar from the beginning, John 8:44)
3. The devil and his demons are not glorious but wretched, and miserable, having been separated from all the blessings which the holy angels enjoy. Theirs is a kingdom, not of light, but of darkness. (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 Peter 3:18)
4. Being bound in hell for their condemnation to the eternal fire, ref. Matthew 25:41, they have no second chance for repentance, salvation, or restoration to their former, original holy state.
5. The devil is most brash and brazen. He was willing to challenge God himself and tempt Christ, the Son of God (Job 1:9-11; Matthew 4:1f)
IV. The Angels’ Dwelling Places:
A. The good angels:
1. The good angels are always in heaven in the presence of God.
“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10)
2. Yet the good angels are also with us on earth.
“We (apostles) have been made a spectacle to the whole universe (Greek cosmos), to angels as well as to men” (1 Corinthians 4:9).
“I (Paul) charge you (Timothy), in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions...” (1 Timothy 5:21)
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
B. The devil and his evil angels:
1. The evil angels are permanently bound in hell for judgment on the last day.
“The angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home--these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the Great Day” (Jude 6).
“If God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment...” (2 Peter 2:4)
2. Yet the devil and his evil angels are also with us on earth.
“(The devil) was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him...But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you” (Revelation 12:9,12).
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world (Greek cosmos) will be driven out” (John 12:31).
“...you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air (atmosphere and sky), the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2).
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (the atmosphere, sky)” (Ephesians 6:12)
V. Guardian Angels:
A. How do we know the good angels guard us?
“For (the Lord Most High) will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:10,11)
B. According to Psalm 91:10,11 above, the angels are always with us to guard us in all of our ways.
C. All of the angels are guardian angels.
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
D. According to Hebrews 1:14, and according to Psalm 91:10,11, which was written about those who take their refuge in the Lord, the Lord's good angels guard us believers who will inherit salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
E. These two passages are the only ones which specifically speak of the guardian angels. Based on these passages, we believers in Jesus cannot say with certainty that we have one guardian angel assigned to us. We may have more than one.
VI. Demonic Possession:
A. Spiritual possession:
1. In the wide sense: the devil holds the unbelievers in the spiritual blindness and ignorance of unbelief.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
2. In the narrow sense: the devil enters a person’s mind and heart, taking control of his will to prompt him to do evil.
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus...The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus” (Luke 22:3,4; John 13:2).
“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’” (Acts 5:3)
B. Physical possession: a demonic spirit inhabits a person’s body, taking control of all his faculties.
“When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation” (Matthew 12:43-45).
“When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs...Many times (the demon) had seized (Legion), and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places...(After Jesus had cast out the demons from Legion he was) sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:27,29,35)
C. Characteristics of those demonically possessed:
1. They are out of their right minds, having lost control of their will, emotions, intellect, sense of decency, bodily functions. They become different people who are no longer in control of themselves. (ref. Legion, Luke 8:27,35; Mark 9:17-26)
2. They may exhibit superhuman strength. (ref. Legion, Luke 8:29; Acts 19:14-16)
3. They may be afflicted with physical maladies. (ref. the boy who was possessed by a demon which robbed him of his speech, threw him about on the ground and into the fire and water, threw him into convulsions so he foamed at the mouth, made him gnash his teeth and made his body rigid. (cf. Mark 9:17,18; Acts 8:7)
4. They may speak of themselves in the first person plural “we, us,” as being more than one person. (Mark 1:23,24, 5:9)
5. They may speak the most profane, foul, filth.
6. They may have knowledge of things which are humanly impossible to know, speak in foreign tongues which they have never learned, suddenly have artistic talents which they do not possess before or after their seizure, foretell future fortunes, perform other superhuman, miraculous feats, or have inexplicable phenomenon occur while they are present--such as it raining in an indoor room or objects flying and hurdling through the air. (ref. Acts 16:16; 13:6-10)
7. They can be possessed by more than one demon simultaneously (Mark 16:9; Matthew 12:43-45).
8. Their presence may be accompanied by a horrible stench and an eerie cold air or draft.
9. Afterwards their knowledge of the Lord and his Word can be totally wiped from their minds and have no recollection of them.
D. We have no reason to fear the devil and his demons. Read Psalm 91:1-12.

ARCHANGELS

Archangel (Main extracts reproduced with kind permission from the Sarah's Archangels website). Archangel n : in medieval angelology archangels were high ranking angels who belonged to the eighth of the nine ranks of the Celestial Hierarchy. The word from Middle English and from Old French is 'archangele' and 'archangelus' from Late Latin. 'Arkhangelos' from Late Greek.

Pseudo-Dionysis, a scholar who gave us the possibly one of the best known forms of the Celestial Hierarchy, lists the following angels as being among the highest ranking: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Chamuel, Jophiel and Zadkiel. Although depending upon which scholar or listing is used variations and additions can occur. Some listings give mention to Raguel, Remiel, Sariel, and Raziel among others. However, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel are nearly always given the post.

Descriptions of the Archangels:

1). Michael (Who is as God) (Feastday: September 29) Patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness	5). Chamuel (He who sees God)	9). Remiel (Mercy of God)
2). Gabriel (God is my strength) (Feastday: September 29) Patron of communications & postal workers	6). Jophiel (Beauty of God) Jophiel is preceptor angel to the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham and Japhet	10). Sariel (Command of God)
3). Raphael (God has healed) (Feastday: September 29) Patron of travelers	7). Zadkiel (Righteousness of God) Angel of freedom, benevolence, mercy, and the patron angel of all who forgive	11). Raziel (Secret of God) Raziel is ranked as the special patron to the first human
4). Uriel (Fire of God)	8). Raguel (Friend of God)

Michael (Feastday: September 29).
It is is generally thought that Michael is foremost among angels. He is considered to be of the class of seraphim and also known as the angel of the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses. He ranks as the highest of the host regardless of which major faith is being followed and also appears in the book of Daniel, where God states him as being the highest within the angelic ranks. He was responsible not only for fighting and enchaining Satan during the war, but he also leads the celestial armies. Although classed as the chief angel, Michael also heads up other ranks within the hierarchy:

"the ruler of the archangels, leader of the virtues, and head of the principalities in his role as protector of Israel. Although other angels have been attributed with the title of Angel of Death, it is Michael who weighs the souls on judgment day, after his battle once more with the forces of evil. He is mentioned as both an angel of destruction and vengeance in the name of God, but also as a protector and the angel who kept Satan from claiming the body of Moses after the patriarch's death."

Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness.

For more on the Archangel Michael please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"First defender of Jesus Christ in his Sacred Humanity and of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Mystery of the Incarnation.
Associated with the miracles manifesting the almighty power of God with the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Daniel 10:12 ; 12:1 ; Apoc. 12:7)

Regardless of which major faith's angelic beings is being followed, Michael ranks as the highest of the host. With Gabriel, Michael is the only angel mentioned in the Bible. In the Aggadah, he is seen as the guardian of Israel. He is the head of all the great warring angels who do battle against evil. Michael is often depicted as winged and with unsheathed sword. In the Renaissance period, he is shown as young, strong, and handsome, wearing a splendid coat of mail and equipped with sword, shield and spear. His wings are generally conspicuous and very grand. He usually holds in his hand the scales of justice.

In Muslim lore, Michael's wings are said to be "the color of green emerald," and he is covered with "Saffron hairs, each of them containing a million faces and mouths and as many tongues which, in a million dialects, implore the pardon of Allah."

The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war cry of the angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and as leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the Angels - as Prince of the Seraphim.

Michael is the protection Archangel, patron of policemen and bringer of the gift of patience. Angel of careers, courage, achievements, ambitions, motivation, and life tasks. He is the great prince charged to defend the people.

Legend tells that the Cherubim were formed from the tears Michael shed over the sins of the faithful.

God has created the Archangel Michael and put him in charge of nature, rain, snow, thunder, lightning, wind, and clouds. God has appointed a complete creation of angels to assist him and placed them under his command. These angels are countless and no-one other than God knows their number. God has given Michael power to see the entire span of the created universes at once, with no interference of other universes. He knows at all times where he has to send rain, wind, snow, and clouds without effort on his part. The angels who assist him range in size from the hugest size imaginable to man to that of the smallest species living on this earth. They fill the entire atmosphere of every star and planet in every universe. Their praise to God can be heard by the other angels, by prophets, by saints, and by young children.

Michael is the angel of mercy which is another name for rain in Arabic. He is created from the light of God's attribute al-Rahman, "the Merciful." He was never seen smiling after hell was created. He was created before Gabriel.

Archangel Michael is believed to have appeared to Moses as the fire in the burning bush, and to have rescued Daniel from the lions' den. To Christians, he's the angel who informed Mary of her approaching death.

Once upon a time, Gabriel and Michael visited the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. The latter had a toothstick in hand which he immediately handed to Gabriel, the angel who constantly brought him Revelation. Gabriel said: "O Muhammad! give it to the elder angel." The Prophet gave it to Michael.

The Prophet said: "God gave me two celestial assistants to help me deliver my Message: Gabriel and Michael." He used always to send for Gabriel and Michael concerning matters important to human beings.

The caller to prayer (muezzin) in the heavens is Gabriel and the prayer-leader (imam) is Michael. God created a house for Himself in Paradise (al-Bayt al-Ma`mur) to which the angels make pilgrimage every day five times. There, five prayer-services are held and every service is heralded by Gabriel and led by Michael. The angels all come with their lights and ornaments, their jewels and fragrances, chanting and praising God with their heavenly music. Some people on earth, especially children, are able to hear their voices. This sound gives them indescribable pleasure. Every angel chants and praises in a different language without clash or disharmony. All are pleading to God for mercy for human beings and asking Him to elevate the state of people so that they can hear and see these daily ceremonies. To reward the angels for their praise, for the sincerity of their intercession, and to show them the great extent of His mercy, God at every moment showers His mercy on human beings.

Until the time of the Prophet Noah the House of God existed on the face of the earth. People came from all over the world to walk ceremoniously around it the way pilgrims walk around the Ka`ba in Mecca today. When God set His face on sending the flood to drown the entire world, He ordered His angels to transport the Heavenly House up into the fourth heaven. It stands there until now with the angels walking continually around in solemn state. It was transformed into a Palace of Paradise. Its only remnant on earth is the Black Stone in the Holy Kaaba: it used to be white like the Palace it came from but has been clouded over blackened by the sins of mankind. It has been left on earth for the sake of remembrance. All who kiss it, it is as if they are kissing the right hand of God on earth.

In the Catholic Epistle of St. Jude: "When Michael the Archangel, disputing with the devil, contended about the body of Moses", etc. St. Jude alludes to an ancient Jewish tradition of a dispute between Michael and Satan over the body of Moses, an account of which is also found in the apocryphal book on the assumption of Moses (Origen, "De principiis", III, 2, 2). St. Michael concealed the tomb of Moses; Satan, however, by disclosing it, tried to seduce the Jewish people to the sin of hero-worship. St. Michael also guards the body of Eve, according to the "Revelation of Moses" ("Apocryphal Gospels", etc., ed. A. Walker, Edinburgh, p. 647).

It was from early times the centre of the true cult of the holy angels, particularly of St. Michael. Tradition relates that St. Michael in the earliest ages caused a medicinal spring to spout at Chairotopa near Colossae, where all the sick who bathed there, invoking the Blessed Trinity and St. Michael, were cured.

The Christians of Egypt placed their life-giving river, the Nile under the protection of St. Michael; they adopted the Greek feast and kept it 12 November; on the twelfth of every month they celebrate a special commemoration of the archangel, but 12 June, when the river commences to rise, they keep as a holiday of obligation the feast of St. Michael "for the rising of the Nile", euche eis ten symmetron anabasin ton potamion hydaton.
Chief among the angel-princes, appearing as such in the Old Testament books of Enoch and Daniel. In Revelations, it is Michael who leads an army of God's angels against Satan. He is an angel of repentance, mercy, and righteousness, appearing in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian "angelology". He is often depicted with a sword...

The feast of St. Michael is 8 Nov.
The Archangel Michael, whose name means 'who is as God', is generally considered to be the foremost of the seven archangels and the leader of the Host of Heaven. He derives originally from the Chaldeans by who he was worshiped as something of a god. He is the chief of the order of virtues, Prince of the presence, angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy and sanctification: also ruler of the 4th Heaven, tutelary sar (angelic prince). He is the prince who defended the Israelites and later, it was claimed, the Christian Church, when as guardian he may be called on (sometimes with Gabriel) to defend church doors against the evil angels. According to the Book of Revelations, Michael and his angels' are described as fighting the dragon and his angels. Hence Michael is often shown fighting or overcoming a dragon armed with spear or sword as God's Warrior.

Michael is the spirit of the planet Mercury, Governor of the North and the element of Earth. He is ruler over Sunday and Thursday. He is the alchemy of motivation, activation and achievement.

Michael's candle colors are orange, white and gold. His color energies are orange, violet, white, crystal, gold, and brown.

Invoke Michael in the North for motivation and empowerment in your work. Call on him to protect you from day to day."

---

Gabriel (Feastday: September 29).
Is probably most well known for the Annunciation where he told Mary of the impending birth of Christ. Generally Gabriel is seen as a slightly more benevolent spirit than his ally Michael. He was also the messenger that brought news of the coming birth of John the Baptist and appeared to Zacharias.

It is also told that he was the angel responsible for the downfall of the cities of Sodom and Gommorah as well as other places of sin throughout the Old Testament although he is never named there as such.

"Within all of the legends of birthing, Gabriel as been accredited as the angel who selects souls from heaven to be birthed into the material world and spends the nine months as the child is being developed informing the new person of what he or she will need to know on Earth, only to silence the child before birth by pressing his finger onto the child's lips, thus producing the cleft below a person's nose. Besides births however, Gabriel is also the angel who came before Daniel and told him of the future as well as the angel responsible for strengthening Christ prior to the Crucifixion."

Gabriel is the patron of communications & postal workers.

For more on the Archangel Gabriel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"The bearer of God's secret messages to His chosen ones.

One of the two highest ranking angels. He is the leading angel who stands in the presence of the God/Goddess as a co-ordinator. He is the Archangel of annunciation, humanity, resurrection, heavenly mercy, vengeance, death, revelation, truth, and hope. Bringer of news and heralds the revealing of answers. Maker of changes. He is the Patron Saint of Communications Workers.

The name Gabriel means "Man of God" or "God Has Shown Himself Mightily." It appears first in the prophecies of Daniel in the Old Testament. This Angel announced to Daniel the prophecy of the seventy weeks, (Daniel 9, 21-27). His name also occurs in the apocryphal book of Henoch. He was the Angel who appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptizer, (Luke 1, 11), the messenger Angel who announced to Mary that she would bear a Son who would be conceived of the Holy Spirit, Son of the Most High, and the Saviour of the world, (Luke 1, 26), and the angel who buried Moses.

Within all of the legends of birthing, Gabriel as been accredited as the angel who selects souls from heaven to be birthed into the material world and spends the nine months as the child is being developed informing the new person of what he or she will need to know on Earth, only to silence the child before birth by pressing his finger onto the child's lips, thus producing the cleft below a person's nose.

Gabriel explained to Daniel his vision of a ram and a billy-goat foretelling Alexander the Great's conquest of Persia and a prophecy foretelling the freeing of the Israelites. In both these cases the Archangel is mentioned by name, but it has also been suggested that Gabriel is the angel who wrestles with Jacob in the form of a man and that he was involved in the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah. Enoch says that Gabriel was sent to destroy the giant children of the fallen 'watchers' and did so by turning them against each other In 'Paradise Lost'.

It was Gabriel who dictated the Koran to Muhammad, and according to Babylonian legend, Gabriel fell from grace for not obeying a command exactly as given and remained outside the heavenly curtain for a time.

Gabriel is the angel of the moon who brings man the gift of hope. He is the spirit of truth and the prince of justice. He is the alchemy of psychism, intuition, and receptivity.

According to legend, it is Gabriel who will blow the horn announcing the second coming of Christ.

Gabriel is the Governor of the West and the element of Water. Ruler of Monday, psychic gifts, intuition, visions, magick, clairvoyance, scrying, astral travel, herbal medicine, the cycles of women, and female aspects of men. His symbols are the lily and the trumpet, and his stone is the moonstone.

Gabriel's candle colors are silver, white and blue.

Gabriel's color energies are white, silver, rose, blue, crystal, and scarlet.

Invoke Gabriel in the west for stronger powers of intuition and psychic gifts."

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Raphael (Feastday: September 29).
Is considered the head of the guardian angels. Although the ranking of chief of virtues is sometimes given to Michael it is generally attributed to Raphael. He is a seraph but Raphael is also mentioned as being a member of the cherubim, dominations and powers. He is known for teaching Solomon how to bind demons into slave labor when Solomon's Temple was being built and also teaching Noah how to construct the ark before the flood.

"His most notable appearance in scripture is his guiding of young Tobias in the apocryphal book of Tobit where he teaches the lad about medicine and demon exorcising among other things. Also in his role as healer, it is Raphael who eases the pain of Abraham after his circumcision, and healing Jacob's thigh after Jacob wrestles with another angel."

Raphael is considered to be the patron of travelers, the sciences as well as medicine.

For more on the Archangel Raphael please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"Raphael, "God has healed", is one of the seven chief angels. He is known as the Semitic God of Air and one of the four presences set over all the diseases and all the wounds of the children of men.

Raphael is charged to heal the earth and has a special charge of protecting the young, the innocent, and travelers. He is the regent of the sun, Patron of Travelers, Chief of the order of virtues and overseer of the evening winds. He is the angel of prayer, love, joy, providence, healing, light, science, and knowledge. He is associated with Spring and rebirth. Golden vial of balm, aids in healing and master of healing the earth. Above all, he is the angel of healing.

This Angel first appears in Holy Scripture in the Book of Tobit. He acts as a guide to young Tobiah on his journey to Rages, a city in the country of Medes, east of Nineveh, to collect a debt owed to his father. The Angel binds the demon Asasel in the desert of Egypt, helps Tobiah to find a wife and recover the debt, and heals Tobit from his blindness. He then reveals his identity: "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God."

St. Raphael is one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. At the time, Tobit was blind and Tobiah's betrothed, Sarah, had had seven bridegrooms perish on the night of their weddings. Raphael accompanied Tobiah into Media disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah. Tobiah said that Raphael caused him to have his wife and that he gave joy to Sarah's parents for driving out the evil spirit in her. He also gave Raphael credit for his father's seeing the light of heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession.

Besides Raphael, Michael and Gabriel are the only Archangels mentioned by name in the bible. Raphael's name means "God heals." This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he "healed" the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. Raphael is also identified as the angel who moved the waters of the healing sheep pool. He is also the patron of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and of travelers. His feast day is celebrated on September 29th.

In the Book of Euocb, Raphael is the guide to Sheol, the Judaic underworld, and it was he who was sent to bind the fallen 'watcher' Azazel, burying him under rocks in a desert place on earth. According to the Talmud, he is one of the three angels who visited Abraham after his circumcision.

A legend taken from the book of Solomon says that when Solomon prayed to God for help in the building of a temple, God answered with the gift of a magic ring brought to the Hebrew king personally by Raphael. The ring, engraved with the pentalpha, (5-pointed star), had the power to subdue all demons. It was with the "slave labor" of demons that Solomon was able to complete the building of the temple. It was also Raphael who gave Noah, after the flood, a medical book said to have been the famous "The Book of the Angel Raziel".

Raphael rules over Mercury, Wednesday and Saturday. He is the governor of the South and the element of Fire. He is often shown carrying a pilgrim's staff.

Raphael's candle colors are yellow, white and gray.

Raphael's color energies are yellow, white, gray, black, crystal, and indigo.

The Feast of St. Raphael is October 24."

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Uriel
Is one of the most dedicated and faithful members of the host and as such was put in charge of Tartarus (another name for Hades), He Identified as both a seraph and a cherub and is most well known for his appearance in the book of Revelation where he calls forth the birds of the air to feast upon the fallen. Here his role was as Regent of the Sun. Although Raphael is credited with teaching the building of the ark, Uriel warned Noah of the impending flood. He also attacked Moses for failing to circumcise his son.

"Accepted as an archangel by the Church for many centuries, he was finally removed from the records in 745 CE as the Church became increasingly concerned with the prominence the public was placing upon angels."

For more on the Archangel Uriel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"Uriel is the spirit of ministration and peace. He helps turn our worst disappointments into our greatest blessings. He is the Archangel of salvation. The ruler over magick, devotion, alchemy, sudden changes, ("The Winds Of Change"), astrology, universal cosmic consciousness, divine order, distribution of power and universal flow, emergencies, judgment, enlightenment and insights.

The name Uriel means God is my Light; or God is Light; or Radiation of God; or God is the radiating principle of Light; or Fire of God.

Uriel is one of the Archangels of rabbinical angelology. He was sent by God to answer the questions of Esdras (II Esdras iv). He is mentioned in I Enoch and IV Ezra, where he "watches over thunder and terror." In the Midrash 1, Uriel is said to be one of the four guardians of God's throne. In The Book of Adam and Eve he presides over repentance.

Uriel appears in Milton's Paradise Lost where he is the 'Regent of the Sun' and 'sharpest-sighted spirit of all in heaven.'

Uriel is of the leading angels in noncanonical lore, and ranked variously as a Seraph, Cherub, Regent of the Sun, Flame of God, and Angel of the Presence. As one of the most faithful and dedicated members of the host, Uriel was also placed in charge of Tartarus (another name for Hades).

Uriel has been identified as one of the angels who helped bury Adam and Abel in Paradise. He is known as the dark angel who wrestled with Jacob at Peniel; as the destroyer of the hosts of Sennacherib ; as the messenger sent by God to Noah to warn him of the impending deluge, (although Raphael is credited with teaching the building of the ark), all of which feats or missions have been credited to other angels. In the view of Louis Ginzberg, the "prince of lights" in The Manual of Discipline, refers to Uriel. In addition, Uriel is said to have disclosed the mysteries of the heavenly arcana to Ezra; interpreted prophecies, and led Abraham out of Ur.

In later Judaism we find Uriel instead of Phanuel" as one of the 4 angels of the presence. The Magus claims that alchemy "which is of divine origin" was brought down to earth by Uriel, and that it was Uriel who gave the cabala to man, although this "key to the mystical interpretation of Scripture" is also said to have been the gift of Metatron.

Legend tells us that Uriel stands at the gate of the Lost Eden with a fiery sword. The Lost Eden is a term describing forgetting to Love God. The fiery sword shows that negative matter (selfish and unpure desires) are destroyed when one truly focuses their love on God. In this legend Uriel reminds humanity to Love God by using the "fire of God" (by using the fiery sword).

Uriel teaches the path of the heart, the fire of pure Love. Without this pure Love and devotion to Spirit, all spiritual study remains an intellectual pursuit, fairy gold. This understanding of true spiritual study is further supported by the tradition that Uriel brought to Earth: Alchemy, the heavenly arcana and was the giver of the Cabala to man.

It is through Noah's devotion and Love of God that Uriel is able to warn him of the flood. Noah's pure love and devotion was the telephone number of Uriel. If Noah had been unable to express divine love and devotion to God, he would have been unable to hear Uriel's warning via the cosmic phone. This is how another attribute associated with Uriel has arisen, the attribute of Divine Vengeance and Judgement. Only if the heart is ignited in devotion to God can one hear Yahweh's call. If one does not hear Yahweh's call, one will perish (get caught in the flood). Without Yahweh's guides and messages, one cannot find the Eternal Light. Uriel is said to have been the interpreter of Ezra's visions which also explains why Uriel means "God is the radiating principle of Light."

Uriel's symbol of an open hand holding a flame depicts a great gift to humanity. It is the flame of Love to ignite the heart in service to God. Uriel holds out the flame of Love towards all souls. The soul by filling with the flame of Love becomes devoted to serving Yahweh's plan. Uriel's flame of Love, the fire of God, the Light of God, purifies emotional and mental understanding transmuting the lower vibrations into frequencies that can assimilate Spiritual Understanding. The planet that Uriel is associated with is Venus, the planet symbolizing love.

Accepted as an archangel by the Church for many centuries, he was finally removed from the records in 745 CE as the Church became increasingly concerned with the prominence the public was placing upon angels.

Uriel rules over Monday and Wednesday and is the alchemy of universal order. He is the Governor of the East and the element of Air. He is the angel of September and may be invoked ritually by those born in that month.

Uriel's candle colors are violet, white and indigo.

Uriel's color energies are violet, white, indigo, blue, silver, and rainbow."

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Chamuel
Is considered along with Gabriel to be one of the comforting angels of Jesus when he was in Gethsemane. Although considered a chief domination, he is also a member of the order of powers. Some believe Chamuel to be the angel who wrestled with Jacob and damaged Jacob's thigh.

For more on the Archangel Chamuel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"He Who Sees God". Also known as Chamuel, Kemuel, Shemuel, Seraphiel, Camiel, Camiul, Khamael, Camniel, Cancel and Jahoel.

Camael appears as a warrior dressed in a red tunic. He wears green armour plates, an iron helmet and has large green wings.

The Angel of Divine Love and the Patron Angel of all who love God. He is traditionally regarded as chief of the Order of Powers and one of the sefiroth. He is considered to be one of the seven archangels who stand before God and one of the governing angels of the seven planets, specifically ruler of the planet Mars.

A gatekeeper of Heaven, Camael is Chief of twelve-thousand fiery Angels of Destruction, all posted there with Camael at the portals of the sky.

Originally the God of War, Camael personifies divine justice and governs Heavenly singing. He grants Power, Invisibility, and invincibility. Camael is responsible for holding in check Leviathan, the monster of evil who will swallow the souls of sinners on Judgment Day. Camael brings to mankind the gift of Godness, the Holy that exists within all women and men.

Camael gives power in interpersonal relationships and self-discipline, but the most impressive trait of this Archangel is his knowledge of Karma. Camael can show you how to make up for bad karma and how to purify yourself in this incarnation. He acts as a judge and can, on your behalf, make sure justice is served. He will only help, however, if he feels you are honest.

Legend tells of Moses destroying the archangel Camael when this great hierarch tried to prevent the Lawgiver from receiving the Torah at the hand of God.

Chamuel is considered, along side of Gabriel, to be one of the angels who strengthened and comforted Jesus on Gethsemane.

Clara Clement in her 1898 book "Angels in Art" regards Camael as the angel who wrestled with Jacob and also as the angel who appeared to Jesus during his agony in the garden of Gethsemane."

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Jophiel
Is accredited for his role in driving Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden after they ate the forbidden fruit. Should this be the case then Jophiel also gains the honor of being the first angel mentioned in the Bible. Jophiel is a cherubim,

"He is last left guarding the Tree of Life with a flaming sword to prevent the return of man."

For more on the Archangel Jophiel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"Also called Iophiel and Zophiel, his name means "Beauty of God". Archangel of the Third Ray, Jophiel is the Angel of Paradise and the Patron Angel of Artists. Archangel of Illumination, he teaches the outer consciousness the Power of Light within oneself, stirs the feelings, through Radiation of Illumination, into aspiration for spiritual things. He helps in absorbing information, studying for and passing tests, dissolution of ignorance, pride, and narrow-mindedness, and exposure of wrongdoing in governments and corporations. Jophiel helps in fighting pollution, cleaning up our planet and brings to mankind the gift of Beauty. Jophiel is said in Jewish lore to be a special friend to the angel Metatron, and is one of the chiefs of the choir of Cherubim. He is a ruling prince of the Order of Thrones and the first World Teacher for our world.

It was the Archangel Jophiel who drove Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, after they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. If this is the case, Jophiel receives also the honor of being the first angel to be mentioned in the Bible. In such a role, he is last left guarding the Tree of Life with a flaming sword to prevent the return of man.

Jophiel is preceptor angel to the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham and Japhet."

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Zadkiel
Is believed by some to be chief, considered an angel of mercy he belongs to the ranks of the dominions. Zadkiel is the patron angel of all who forgive as well as the angel of freedom mercy and benevolence.

"It is he who holds back the hand of Abraham to prevent the patriarch from sacrificing his son, and because of this is usually shown holding a dagger. Also, Zadkiel is one of two standard bearers (along with Zophiel) who follow directly behind Michael as the head archangel enters battle."

For more on the Archangel Zadkiel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"Angel of Freedom, benevolence, mercy, and the Patron Angel of all who forgive.

Belonging to the ranks of the dominations, and considered by some to be chief, Zadkiel is considered an angel of mercy. It is he who holds back the hand of Abraham to prevent the patriarch from sacrificing his son, and because of this is usually shown holding a dagger. Also, Zadkiel is one of two standard bearers (along with Zophiel) who follow directly behind Michael as the head archangel enters battle."

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Raguel
Has the honor of ensuring the good behavior of the other angels. He is of the principalities and needs to be vigilant.

"Raguel is also mentioned as being an angel of ice and snow, calling forth other angels during the Final Judgment to deal with the unpure."

For more on the Archangel Raguel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"(Raguil, Rasuil, Rufael, Suryan, Akrasiel -"Friend of God")

One of the 7 Archangels listed in the Enoch writings. Of the order of Principalities, Raguel is an angel of earth, a guard of the 2nd (or 4th) Heaven, and watching over the good behavior of his fellow angels. He "takes vengeance on the world of luminaries," which is interpreted to mean that, for cause, he brings other angels to account.

Raguel is also mentioned as being an angel of ice and snow, calling forth other angels during the Final Judgment to deal with the unpure.

**RAG (from RAGUEL) was responsible with sentencing or bringing to justice those who broke the laws. In ancient Babylonian "RAGUMU" was the suit brought against the defendant. Similarly in Hungarian "RAGA-lom" is the suit against the defendant. The "lom" is just a suffix of abstract concepts. In Sumerian the RIG word, which is the source of RAGUEL, simply meant to talk or speech, with which a case is typically presented to a council. Similarly REGE in Hungarian is a story given in speech like sing song fashion, like a saga. It is also related to the qualities of the voice (rikkan,rekedt). In old Hungarian the REGOS were the bards who sang or told stories of heroes and religion. The council of elders, and the subject of knowledge they represented in Sumerian is called TAN, just as in Hungarian and several other Ural-Altaian languages, including even Japanese. The decision which they brought forward, based on deliberation by a judge, is called BAR in Sumerian as it is in Hungarian BIRO=judge. The word is also found in a close eastern relative of the Hungarian language, the Chuvash, as BAR. The word was also adopted into English, through the influence of the Huns. Even the remnant of the early Akkadian-Babylonian word for lawyer UGIDU is found in modern Hungarian Ugyved."

**The Legends of the Garden of Eden and The Angels - Alfred Hamori

Copyright 1995, Alfred Hamori, all rights reserved

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Remiel
Has two main responsibilities. Firstly he is the angel that acts as the guide for souls of the faithful after being weighed by Michael at the last trump. Such a role such a role leads to the assumption that Ramiel is a power.

Secondly Remiel is the angel, "responsible for true divine visions, and is said to be the angel to give such a vision to Baruch before destroying Baruch's enemies, the armies of Sennacherib. Although not mentioned specifically as such,"

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Sariel
Is believed to be an angel of knowledge who works along side of Raguel. He is a seraph whose role is to decide the fate of angels which stray from God's path. He is also one of the leaders in Heaven's armies and his name is written upon the shields of one of the fighting forces.

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Raziel
Is a cherubim and ranked as the special patron to the first human. He like sariel is also an angel of knowledge. He is the giver of divine mysteries.

"It is he who lead to the writing of the book of Enoch and is also the author of the tome from which Noah learns to build the ark. This is not to be confused with Raphael, who is the angel to give Raziel's tome to Noah, but did not write it himself."

For more on the Archangel Raziel please see the following extract reproduced with kind permission from Sarah's Archangels:

"This angel is the the legendary author of The Book of the Angel Raziel --"wherein all celestial and earthly knowledge is set down." The Book of the Angel Raziel is reputed to contain the 1,500 keys to the mysteries of the universe. Unfortunately, they are written in a language so arcane and impossible to decifer (without presumably the aid of Raziel himself) that not even the greatest angels of heaven are able to figure it out. Raziel is also ranked as the special patron to the first human.

Raziel, called the angel of mysteries, is the possessor of a staggering amount of information on all matters secret, arcane, and mysterious; his knowledge stems from the fact that he stands at the curtain separating God from the rest of Creation and hears and notes everything that is said around His throne. He supposedly wrote it all down, and because of his pity for the plight of Adam and Eve, gave the book to Adam that he might better understand God. This did not go over well with some of the other angels, and they stole the book from Adam and threw it into the sea. God, instead of punishing Raziel, retrieved the book and returned it to Adam. The book later passed to Enoch, who would become the angel Metatron. He also the author of the tome from which Noah learns to build the ark. This is not to be confused with Raphael, who is the angel to give Raziel's tome to Noah, but did not write it himself.

His head is surrounded by a glowing yellow aura. He wears a robe of gray material that seems to swirl as if made of liquid. Raziel appears quite tall and has large sky-blue wings. He is the ruler of the planet Neptune.

Raziel is one of the cherubim, the guardian of originality and the realm of pure ideas. He is knowledgeable in several mystical arts and can explain the truth behind many occult truths in the universe. One of the most interesting things Raziel can give you is an understanding of the energy currents in the magickal universe and how to manipulate them to various ends."

See also: Angels, Angel Magic, Angelolatry, Angelology, Angelophany, Celestial, Celestial Bodies, Celestial Hierarchy, Celestial Light, Dionysius the Areopagite, Fallen Host & Grigori.

Sources: Information and inspiration for this topic and all quotes unless otherwise stated taken from the The House of Rites Website. Please see also Sarah's Archangels where the extracts about many of the archangels were reproduced with kind permission from the author of the Sarah's Archangels website.