Heavens Angels

One hears of choirs of angels and of legions of angels. And, of course, one is aware of the traditional angel that visits earth. But, a group of angels playing music is not how the religions view a choir of angels!





Giulio Procaccini's angel fresco



Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Kabbalistic, and Zoroastrian religions all have references to angels.
And all categorized them. Saint Clement of Rome, in the first century, recognized eleven categories of Angels. Today the Catholic church recognizes nine. There is confusion about one category of angels that some recognize, while others feel that category has been incorporated into one of the other angel categories.

The categories of angels are divided into three levels, called Spheres. And the angels in a Sphere are called a choir. Each choir has very specific duties.

The angels of the first Sphere deal directly with God. These angels are called the Princes of Presence as they were allowed to enter the presence of God. They are the most powerful of the angels.

The second Sphere is comprised of angels that deal with the cosmos.

The angels of the third Sphere are responsible for man and the earth.They are the angels that have direct contact with men.

The nine classifications that the Catholic church recognize are the Seraphim, the Cherubim, the Thrones, the Dominions, the Virtures, the Powers, the Principalities, the Archangels, and the Angels. There is another group of angels that some feel were folded in with the Cherubim and others feel have been placed with the Thrones. Others feel they should have their own classification. They are the Ophanim.

In the first Sphere are the Seraphim, the Cherubim, and the Thrones. The Ophanim would also be in the first Sphere.
The second Sphere is comprised of the Dominions, the Virtues, and the Powers.
And the third Sphere has the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

                  CHERUB by an unknown artist



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THE SERAPHIM

Searaphim means burning one. (Jewish)

The Seraphim guard God's throne, singing praises, and are concerned with keeping the Divine order. A Seraph has three sets of wings. One pair is to cover their eyes, as they can not look into the eyes of God, one pair to cover their feet, and the third pair is for flying. They are the firey angels, filled with light.

THE CHERUBIM

Cherubim means full of wisdom and record keeper. (Jewish)

The Cherubim are the second highest rank of the heirarchy of angels. They are not the cute little angel one thinks of as flying around on St. Valentine's Day. A Cherub is a fearsome warrior. They are said to have either two heads or four- that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. Two cherubim were set by God to guard the Garden of Eden. They are said to be the first objects created in the Universe.

THE THRONES

Thrones means strength of the eye, or perhaps, he sees the throne. (Egyptian)

The Thrones are the third order of angels. They are close to the throne of God, and are in charge of the high energies of the universe. They are in charge of maintaining the connection of pure heavely spriritual energy with that of the physical world. God's spirit is shown to the angels. And the angels interpret and convey that spirit to man. The Throni are also said to interpret and carry out God's justice. Their shining light uncovers injustice, while sending healing to victims, while keeping all universal energies in order. They are the force behind the physical laws of the universe and the universal laws of man.

THE OPHANIM

Ophanim means wheels (Jewish) or world spheres. (Jewish)

The Ophanim are not recognized by the Catholic church. But as there is so much confusion surrounding them, I thought they should be looked at.

There is an order of angels called Ophanim that are said to be wheels within wheels with hundred's of eyes on the rims. Some references say these are connected to the Thrones, others say they are not. They are said to keep watch over God's throne, while showering Him with praise. Some references say that the Thrones stand within the wheels of the Ophanim, others say that the Thrones are the wheels on God's throne, and that the Ophanim are outside of them. They are composed of wheels within wheels, two nested wheels. Some say the spirit of the Cherubim reside within them. Some say they are next to the Cherubim, moving with them beneath the throne of God. And they may, or may not be the same as Thrones.

 

 

One can see the wheel within a wheel, with its eyes, of a Throne or of a Ophanim and a Cherub in this engraving of Ezekiel's "chariot vision", by Matthaeus Merian (1593-1650).

           "ANGEL" by Carl Timoleon von Neff




The second Sphere angels are concerned with governing the heavens.

THE DOMINIONS

The Dominions are in charge of the lower orders of angels. They are Lordships, govenors. They have no earthly desires or yearnings. They are said to look like a regular angel, but can be distinguished by orbs of light that they have on their swords and scepters. Being in charge of angels they rarely are seen on earth.

THE VIRTUES

The Virtues are charged with keeping all of the heavenly bodies in order, to keep the cosmos in order. They work miracles, and give grace and valore.

THE POWERS

The Powers are warrior angels. The are said to be completely loyal to God. They are the keepers of history, and the bearers of conscience. They work to over-throw evil.

   AN ANGEL DOING BATTLE by Sebastiano Ricci




The third Sphere of Angels is comprised of holy messengers and soldiers. These are:

THE PRINCIPALITIES

Principalities are under the supervision of the Dominions. Like the Dominions they are said to wear crowns and carry scepters. Their duties are to carry out the orders of the Dominions. They are in charge of keeping religion alive among men; of giving men the means to persue and endure for their faith. They also inspire man to art and science.

THE ARCHANGELS

The Archangels are the messangers of God. They carry messages to man, and are in charge of the angels who battle demons.

THE ANGELS

Angel means messanger. It comes from the Greek word "angelos" and the Hebrew word "Malak". These literally mean: "messenger"

Angels are the lowest order of angels. They are the ones that interact with people the most.

  GUARDIAN ANGELS
  by Joshua Hargrave Sams Mann





Guardian angels are angels that are a heavenly representative for a group or person. They can guide or intercede in the life of the group or people.

The concept of a guardian angel is rooted in antiquity and is traceble throughout history. The Catholic church has not defined the role of the Guardian angel; but "it is the "mind of the Church". As St. Jerome expressed it: "how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it." (Comm. in Matt., xviii, lib. II). (Note 1) So, the doctrine is not laid down, but taken for granted, by the Church.

The purpose of the Guardian Angel is to lead one to God, if one so wishes. They work on a one's intellect and senses, but not upon one's will.

        THE BIRD OF GOD by Joanna Boyce




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For angel wing soap see the shop of SATIN and BIRCH.





For delightful wooden angels see the shop RJABINNIK.





For handmade angel dolls and tree toppers see the shop of THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL

             St. MICHAEL and the DEVIL
             by Raffaello Sanzio




The angel's name means "Who is like God". In some religions this is viewed as rhetorical- "Who is like God?". This was his cry as he battled Lucifer. The answer is- no one. So, while he led the angels of God against Lucifer in the rebellion of the angels in heaven, and is the commander of the legions of angels and the defencer of Heaven, Michael also symbolizes humility.

Some religions name him as the highest of all the angels, and place him as the head of the Seraphim. Others, due to his intercessions with man, place him in the lowest order- the Angels. He has been called a prince.

He was the patron saint, in the Middle Ages, of knights and of chivelry. He is the patron saint of soldiers and of policemen. He is also the patron saint of the Popes of the Catholic church.

He is also associated with healing, as he caused a spring of medicinal water to occur Chairotopa near Colossae, where the ill who bath in it and pray, are cured.

He is viewed as a protectorate of children. Not only did he watch over Adam, he continued to help his children throughout the ages. He protected the children of Israel, is said to have been Moses teacher, and substituted the ram for Isaac.

In the Catholic church he has four missions. He is charged with leading the fight against Satin. He gives the souls of the dying a chance to redeem themselves, thus rescuing them from Satin. He carries the souls to Judgement to be weighed in his scales. And he is the Guardian of the Church. St. Michael the Archangel is often seen with a sword, a pair of scales, or a large cross.

Thus, he is the Angel of Death. He is the Lord of Souls, the Angel of Faith, the protector and the deliverer.

St. MICHAEL WEIGHING SOULS
by Kartner Meister

The ANGEL of DEATH
While some religions only note one angel as the Angel of Death, others recognise more. Rabbinical studies list fourteen. And both Judiah and Christian religions list four: Michael, Gabriel, Sammael, and Sariel are all called the angel of death.

THE ANNUNCIATION ANGEL
from the Polyptych of the Resurrection by
Tiziano Vecelli (Titian)
The banner says
"AVE GRATIA PLENA" which means
"HAIL FULL of GRACE"




The ANGEL GABRIEL
This angel's name means, according to different sources, strength of God, power of God, man of God, and God is mighty.

As a messanger of God he is the patron saint of broadcasters, telecommunication workers, diplomats, postal workers, and stamp collectores
.
As the angel who helped Daniel interpret his dreams people pray to him for his help with theirs.

And, as the angel who brought news of both Mary and Zachariahs pregnancies woman pray to him when trying to conceive.

Gabriel is also supposed to sound the trumpet at end of time.

He typically wears blue or white garments; he holds either a lily - which is representative of Mary: a trumpet- the one to be blown at the end of time; a shining lantern, a branch from Paradise from Mary, or a spear in his right hand and often a mirror-made of jasper and with an "X" ( the first letter of Christ's name in Greek) -in his left hand.

                 THE TRIUMPH of the ARCHANGELS
                                 OVER SATAN
                           by Marco D'Oggione




St Raphael the Archangel

The name means God has healed. This is the only archangel named, besides the archangels Michael and Gabriel, that is accepted cannonically by Christians and Orthodox religions. Raphael the Archangel is the parton saint of medial workers, matchmakers and travelers.

Different religions have differing views on other archangels. For an over-view of this see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel and take a look at the references at the bottom of this lens.

Uriel the Archangel The name means Light of God.

Phanuel, (Orfiel, Ophaniel) named in the Book of Enoch

Zarachiel (Saraqael) named in the Book of Enoch

Simiel Proclaimer of God

In Orthodox Religions:

Uriel means "Fire of God," or "Light of God" (III Esdras 3:1, 5:20). He is depicted holding a sword against the Persians in his right hand, and a flame in his left.

Sealtiel means "Intercessor of God" (III Esdras 5:16). He is depicted with his face and eyes lowered, holding his hands on his bosom in prayer
.
Jegudiel means "Glorifier of God." He is depicted bearing a golden wreath in his right hand and a triple-thonged whip in his left hand.

Barachiel means "Blessing of God." He is depicted holding a white rose in his hand against his breast.

Jeremielmeans "God's exaltation." He is venerated as an inspirer and awakener of exalted thoughts that raise a person toward God (III Ezra 4:36). As an eighth, he is sometimes included as archangel.)

Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1 Enoch,

Saraqael is described as one of the angels that watches over "the spirits that sin in the spirit."

         ELGANTINE by Clarence House Fabrics



The modern cherub,(as opposed to Cherubim of the First Sphere) is seen fairly often on home decorating fabric. But it is rare for true angels to be seen. One of the few was a Clarence House fabric, called Eglantine. This is a classic toile fabric with scrolling acanthus leaves, flowers, and Italian putti.

For these and other modern cherub fabrics see: www.BrickHouseFabrics.com

While working on this lense, HEAVEN'S ANGELS, I saw a lot of art. And I saw many photographs as well. While looking for one of the Archangel Gabriel I came across a photograph that really stood out.


THE ANGEL GABRIEL by Kevin L. Mallory

His work is available here: Mallory Art and Photography

This picture has been used by the permission of the photographer.

http://www.seraphim.com/

http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/angels/angel-hierarchy.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2079496_describe-nine-choirs-angels.html

http://www.luckymojo.com/archangelgabriel.html

http://www.allaboutspirituality.org/angel-of-death-faq.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10275b.htm

http://www.ascension-research.org/michael2.html

http://angelstoday.net/

http://www.psychicbozo.com/angels.html

http://www.heartscenter.org/Teachings/WisdomTeachings/ArchangelsandArcheiai/tabid/458/Default.aspx

http://www.angelfire.com/mi/dinosaurs/angels.html

http://www.psychicbozo.com/angels.html

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/A-Painter-of-Angels-Became-the-Father-of-Camouflage.html

http://www.willemswebs.com/ringlingdocents/putto.htm

http://www.circle-of-light.com/Angels/rank-virtues.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel

NOTE 1: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07049c.htm