Faces of Death VII: Angels Among Us
Ranked #1,143 in Culture & Society, #28,173 overall
Ancient and Angelic
A long time before man was even created, the angels existed. Bonded to God by a time span eons long, they do pretty much as He says. Tremble then mortal as you consider His holy angels of death.
As I know my visitors have diverse backgrounds there are a couple of proto-angels. Those deities that with time have come to be seen as angelic or having angelic tributes in art.
Since they have no true gender, I've helped myself to some male and female angelic art. As always any art is just here for helping readers "see" the angels more clearly. No violation of copyright is intended. If you are the original artist and wish for your art to be removed, please contact me.
Oh, dear. You've come upon a gathering of death angels. Sure hope they don't notice you. Too late. Metatron's spotted you. At his shout you hear swords being drawn.
Faces here: 20
As I know my visitors have diverse backgrounds there are a couple of proto-angels. Those deities that with time have come to be seen as angelic or having angelic tributes in art.
Since they have no true gender, I've helped myself to some male and female angelic art. As always any art is just here for helping readers "see" the angels more clearly. No violation of copyright is intended. If you are the original artist and wish for your art to be removed, please contact me.
Oh, dear. You've come upon a gathering of death angels. Sure hope they don't notice you. Too late. Metatron's spotted you. At his shout you hear swords being drawn.
Faces here: 20
Angels or Demons?
The angels here are just that, angels. So why do so many people call them demons? Well after the founding of the new religion based on the teachings of Christ (Catholicism) people wanted some space between the "devout" and "rebel" Jews. Or rather the Christians wanted to prove that they and not the earlier Jewish faith was correct. For several centuries this just meant not speaking to one another.
But as time went on the Catholic Church would keep learning and adding new things. How could they prove the new ideas were right in the eyes of God? . One of the easiest things to do was to get rid of all the holy avenging angels by casting them into a new place called Hell. Sorry, although Sheol did exist it was simply a dumping place for all dead souls. The concept of Hell wouldn't appear until after the Crusades and was borrowed from several sources.
Now all those good angels were devils, and would go on to terrorize mankind. Catholics as you can guess were not too happy about the idea of holy and rather violent angelic enforcers of God's laws. Luckily angels really don't care what silly things mankind writes, or these angels of death would've killed us all long ago.
But as time went on the Catholic Church would keep learning and adding new things. How could they prove the new ideas were right in the eyes of God? . One of the easiest things to do was to get rid of all the holy avenging angels by casting them into a new place called Hell. Sorry, although Sheol did exist it was simply a dumping place for all dead souls. The concept of Hell wouldn't appear until after the Crusades and was borrowed from several sources.
Now all those good angels were devils, and would go on to terrorize mankind. Catholics as you can guess were not too happy about the idea of holy and rather violent angelic enforcers of God's laws. Luckily angels really don't care what silly things mankind writes, or these angels of death would've killed us all long ago.
Abaddon
He so loves to destroy evil he has been classified as a demon. But he is just an angel with a job humans aren't fond of. His abode is a nice dark pit he loves to throw evil people in. Well, we think he will throw people in there. His most holy duty will be to tie up a defeated Satan and throw him in. He will also enjoy taking part in the apocalypse. His name refers to destruction, ruin, or hell. He either rules or takes souls to Sheol the dwelling place of all dead souls, good and evil in Hebrew.
Af
Is an angel who provokes anger and brings death to mortals. His actions are holy as God gave man free will. Also divine and just anger are not bad things. An example of good anger would be outrage over puppy mills. Trust Af to fuel you to fight for justice when the going gets tough.
Azrael (aka Izrail, Izrael, Azrail, Ezraeil, Azraille, Azryel, Ozryel)
Another angel of death, but one with an important function. He separates the body and soul at the moment of death. He is found both in Jewish and Islamic traditions. He appears in the Catholic traditions as well.
He is described as a most holy arch angel who is devoted completely to the service of God. He also keeps the book of life and death. Adding and detracting names as people are born and die.
He is described as a most holy arch angel who is devoted completely to the service of God. He also keeps the book of life and death. Adding and detracting names as people are born and die.
Belial (AKA Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Belias , Beliall, Beliel, Bilael, Belu
If you keep failing anger management, this angel may be the reason why. He is the angel of confusion and lust, and of course, death. His hobbies include eating the poor, then regurgitating the remains on the rich. For some reason the rich never like his attempts to feed them. Yes that could show ho he also encourages greed in mankind. Belial rules over all earth demons and is even considered a prince of Hell. He is a sort of champion of mankind among Satanists, as he encourages people to have all the carnal knowledge their little hearts desire. He may be an angel that ruled over fertility who was then demonized when sex went out the window.
Chemah
This angel of death likes to help out his buddy Af with death duty. He is also looking forward to the fulfillment of Revelations. Then he can roast as many godless sinners as he likes with firestorms that will cover the entire earth. Then he can drag the souls to Hell.
The Dankini
These Buddhist goddesses spend their time flying through the air looking for evil human prey. They love to eat evil humans and are therefore death to any tasty morsel they spot. They also love dancing so it is no surprise that they are attendants of Kali. In Tibet these female being fly through the heavens and the purity of their nakedness represents their knowledge of perfect truth.
But just like any perfect woman they can be sublime and gentle lovers, doting with gentle loving care of the holy Buddha.
Also here is a lovely text quote about both woman and the Dakini:
'Do not question woman. Adore her everywhere. In her real nature she is Bhagavati! Perfection of Wisdom; and in this empirical world Bhagavati has assumed the form of woman.'
But just like any perfect woman they can be sublime and gentle lovers, doting with gentle loving care of the holy Buddha.
Also here is a lovely text quote about both woman and the Dakini:
'Do not question woman. Adore her everywhere. In her real nature she is Bhagavati! Perfection of Wisdom; and in this empirical world Bhagavati has assumed the form of woman.'
The Furies
These avenging goddesses hunt down and destroy any who shed an innocent's man blood. They can't be moved to pity as they are death and divine retribution combined. But after a rather famous council they are much slower on the hunt and are called the Soothed Ones. For now. These faces of death show that violence against the innocent will never go unpunished by divine justice.
Hermes
This wonderful and wily God loves to play tricks. He would often be sent to steal that which no other god could get but desperately needed. He also enjoys carrying messages from one place to another, and his sweet life and children. This sweet death comes for people in person and guides them to a comfy home in Hades, which has many pleasant spots truth be told.
Quick witted folks have him to thank, he is also the master of communication, and as his wings or winged feet show, rapid travel.
Quick witted folks have him to thank, he is also the master of communication, and as his wings or winged feet show, rapid travel.
Hemah
His role of death is to destroy domestic animals of those who have offended God. Think of the stock of Pharaoh dying when he would not free the people of Moses. He can also be a natural force, destroying where filth and overpopulation have set in.
Kesef
He is the angel of destruction. He brings death on God's orders. His name refers to wrath and destruction. For those who call nature's destructive side acts of God, he is the angel to blame. But his work is holy as destruction is part of the natural cycle.
St. Gabriel
He is the angel of the annunciation to Mary. His duties include bearing good news overseeing the foundations of the holy works and more. He will blow the trumpet on the last day, where the earth and evil mankind will be destroyed with the devil. This will also raise the holy dead to partake in a last battle to destroy evil forever. He is also the angel of death in that he can incite evil people to destroy one another. He rid the world of the monestrous children and giants produced by evil in the old Testament. In a more peaceful function he may carry souls of the esteemed to heaven.
St. Michael
Believed to be the angel of Death and also an arch angel. His mere appearance inspires fear in mortals because he is well known to be a bit over enthusiastic in carrying out God's mission. He is a devoted protector of those who say prayers to him, but does not, nor would not equate himself with God. He is just a servant, but one to be careful with. He will also destroy the Devil when the time comes for the Final Battle, and enjoys casting out, well destroying demons. Be careful as he does tend to get over zealous or sometimes do the opposite of what was asked.
St. Mike is very fond of children and the helpless. He will gaurd anyone or anything dedicated to him, hence all the lovely churches bearing his name. He is most often very friendly, loving and gentle. That makes him without a doubt the most popular of the angels with the New Age movement.
And as this nifty picture reminds me, he is gifted in warfare and the General of God's army.
St. Mike is very fond of children and the helpless. He will gaurd anyone or anything dedicated to him, hence all the lovely churches bearing his name. He is most often very friendly, loving and gentle. That makes him without a doubt the most popular of the angels with the New Age movement.
And as this nifty picture reminds me, he is gifted in warfare and the General of God's army.
Sammael
His name means angel of poison. Which gives you a clue as to what his sword tip is covered with. He carries out God's orders of death, sometimes to the extreme. He can be defeated by the name of God and thus turned back to heaven. He blurs the line between good and evil. He is clearly acting under God's orders, but with much more zeal that makes humankind feel comfortable. He is listed as both an arch angel and demon in legends.
Tetsukami Kita
She is the death spirit of the North Wind. Her mere touch kills even the gods. Ths effrontery enraged Zhu Rong so much that he went to her underworld to battle her. Oh, did I mention he also toasted her army of the undead? This cost him his life, but did put death in her proper place. She still has that army though.
Mairya
He is the angel of death in Zoroastrianism. He likes to offer the rule of the earthly realm to potential victims. So we know he loves to tempt mankind to gain a reason to take them away. His work is overseen by the creator, and needs be done to separate the chaff from the wheat.
Malach HaMavet (aka Mar Mavet, Malach Ahzari)
The angel of death that has his many eyes on you. There is no escape from him and he will reach you anywhere. He seems to be an angel apart from the others in traditional Hebrew.
So we can tell he is not inclined to mercy if he will hunt down errant souls. He is also very powerful, and can not be kept at bay regardless of where you hide. Without a doubt he inspires fear and dread everywhere he goes.
Did I mention he is the fastest of God's angels and at time can appear as a seven-headed dragon? He is the angel of darkness and can all command all demons. He also has a wonderous robe that allows him to take on any form. Swift and sneaky, I love him! I love theology too, of course.
So we can tell he is not inclined to mercy if he will hunt down errant souls. He is also very powerful, and can not be kept at bay regardless of where you hide. Without a doubt he inspires fear and dread everywhere he goes.
Did I mention he is the fastest of God's angels and at time can appear as a seven-headed dragon? He is the angel of darkness and can all command all demons. He also has a wonderous robe that allows him to take on any form. Swift and sneaky, I love him! I love theology too, of course.
Mashhit
He or she is the angel of death who collects children. He guides their souls to heaven. His is a sad task, but he is not the one who slaughtered the children of Egypt. That role belongs to Michael. In any case these angels are very gentle when taking a child.
Metatron
Although he dwells in heaven with god, he too is seen as an angel of death. He was formerly human, the holy man Enoch. He was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot and helped destroy the Watchers, angels who had taken mortal wives. He is The Prince of the Presence of the Divine and has his own jewel-encrusted throne. This most holy of angels helped during the flood which destroyed the race of monsters spawned by the Watchers. He also teaches those who died too young all they need to know to be worthy of heaven. Plague
He is a face of death that takes humans and animals in the worst way possible. He enjoys seeing people ill, and does all he can to fight good health. He'd be very happy to spread as a pandemic and take as many people as possible with him. His only known enemies are medicine and cleanliness. According to the Bible this horseman will be let loose at the end of time. He is also seen as an angel doing God's will.
The charming mask that looks like a dead vulture? They are called "plague doctors" and were worn during the plagues by, of course, doctors. The beak could hold herbs or other items to ward off death and the plague. And you thought their bedside manner was lousy today.
The charming mask that looks like a dead vulture? They are called "plague doctors" and were worn during the plagues by, of course, doctors. The beak could hold herbs or other items to ward off death and the plague. And you thought their bedside manner was lousy today.
Yetzer Hara
He is the face of death within us all. Seen as both an angel and man's inclination to evil. It is his job to push for evil, be it war or destruction. He is an angel of death not only of the body but the soul. In traditional rabbinical lore he is seen only as man's desire for evil.
Faces of Death Lenses
Ready for More?
Explore yet more fascinating faces of death. If you dare...
- Faces of Death
- Far before recorded history humankind has seen Death as a God or Goddess, angel, demon, or friend. In the Catholic Church for example the archangel Michael is referred to as the Angel of Death. Ancient Aztecs, Egyptians, and all other cultures have some form of personified death.
- Faces of Death II
- Hey kittens! Hopefully you've surfed over from the first lens. If not, the whole purpose of both lenses is to help people face death. The best way is personification. Who better then, to show you than gods, goddesses, demons, angels or more?
- Faces of Death III: Death Checker
- You had to know I'd use that joke sooner or later. Welcome to the third installment of Faces of Death. As always I hope this page helps you face death, or at least come to terms with him or her.
- Faces of Death IV: Flight to Egypt
- All of my loyal readers have made the FoD installments my best lens group ever. Also my first one, but you hear me, right?So let's take a look at the next 25, er, 27. Here we can stop by the Nile and stare into the depths as the gods and goddeses welcome us.
- Faces of Death V: Death of the People
- The installments are like death, everywhere. I'm not trying to incite riots. Death of the people, as in man of the people? You get it? Good. The faces of death here will be the ones largely adopted by common every day people. No fancy attire required.
- Faces of Death VI: Dragon Attack!
- Dragon gods and goddesses have a long history. Often they bring life, but in anger or by accident they bring death as well. These faces of death are most often kind and giving, but they do have famous tempers.
Death Notes
Touched by an Angel
Like the angels, want more links? Got questions or comments? Post 'em here.
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Nightcat
May 13, 2012 @ 7:24 pm | delete
- You're most welcome, jimbarnes, thanks for visiting! Thanks to all my other visitors too. :)
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jimbarnes May 12, 2012 @ 9:34 pm | delete
- thanks for the journey
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jadehorseshoe
Dec 21, 2011 @ 10:02 pm | delete
- Excellent Reading!
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Nightcat
Oct 15, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- Thank you Mooblitta! I remember all the stories they told us about St. Michael growing up. He is well-loved but feared too. I wouldn't want to run into any of them in real life either.
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moonlitta
Oct 15, 2011 @ 2:53 am | delete
- Loved your photos. The largest part of your angels I didn't know about- but loved meeting (well probably wouldn't if it were for real...;)
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