Introduction
In the vast tapestry of spirituality, the concept of angelic hierarchies has intrigued and inspired seekers throughout history. Understanding the various orders of angels provides a profound insight into the celestial realms and their roles in the cosmic dance. This blog post aims to unravel the intricate layers of angelic hierarchies, exploring traditional orders, major archangels, the Seven Archangels, the 72 Angels of God, and angels associated with elemental forces.
The Traditional Angelic Hierarchy
Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones
In the highest echelons of the celestial hierarchy, we encounter the radiant Seraphim, the wise Cherubim, and the majestic Thrones. These divine beings embody the essence of divine presence, knowledge, and justice, respectively.
Dominions, Virtues, and Powers
Descending to the middle order, we encounter Dominions overseeing lower choirs, Virtues bestowing grace, and Powers acting as celestial warriors against malevolent forces.
Principalities, Archangels, and Angels
The celestial hierarchy extends to Principalities governing nations, Archangels as divine messengers, and ordinary Angels serving as guardians for humanity.
The Major Archangels of The 4 Quarters
In some esoteric traditions, archangels are associated with the four elemental quarters (Earth, Air, Fire, and Water). Here are the qualities and associations of the archangels associated with each elemental quarter:
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Archangel Michael – Element of Fire (South):
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Qualities:
- Strength, courage, protection
- Leadership and guidance
- Purification and transformation
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Associations:
- Colors: Red, gold
- Symbol: Sword
- Astrological Sign: Leo
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Archangel Raphael – Element of Air (East):
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Qualities:
- Healing and health
- Communication and intellectual pursuits
- Guidance in spiritual journeys
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Associations:
- Colors: Yellow, light blue
- Symbol: Caduceus (staff with entwined serpents)
- Astrological Sign: Gemini
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Archangel Gabriel – Element of Water (West):
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Qualities:
- Divine communication
- Intuition and psychic abilities
- Guidance for artistic pursuits
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Associations:
- Colors: Blue, silver, white
- Symbol: Trumpet, lily
- Astrological Sign: Cancer
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Archangel Uriel – Element of Earth (North):
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Qualities:
- Stability and grounding
- Wisdom and illumination
- Prosperity and abundance
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Associations:
- Colors: Green, brown
- Symbol: Open hand holding a flame
- Astrological Sign: Virgo, Capricorn
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These associations draw upon various esoteric traditions, and interpretations may vary across different traditions. Working with archangels associated with the elemental quarters is often done in rituals and practices aimed at invoking specific energies or seeking guidance in particular aspects of life. Especially in the Golden Dawn system of magick.
The Seven Archangels
Overview of the Seven Archangels
This section provides an overview of the concept of the Seven Archangels.
The association of archangels with the major planets is not universally agreed upon across all traditions, and different belief systems may have varying correspondences. However, the most commonly recognized systems associate archangels with the seven classical planets as follows:. The archangels and their corresponding planets are as follows:
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Michael – Archangel of the Sun
- Symbolizes: Strength, courage, protection
- Colors: Gold, yellow
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Gabriel – Archangel of the Moon
- Symbolizes: Divine communication, intuition, guidance
- Colors: Silver, white
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Raphael – Archangel of Mercury
- Symbolizes: Healing, travel, intellectual pursuits
- Colors: Yellow, light blue
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Uriel – Archangel of Venus
- Symbolizes: Harmony, relationships, creativity
- Colors: Green, pink
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Zadkiel – Archangel of Jupiter
- Symbolizes: Wisdom, spiritual growth, forgiveness
- Colors: Royal blue, purple
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Sachiel – Archangel of Jupiter
- Symbolizes: Abundance, prosperity, benevolence
- Colors: Royal blue, purple
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Cassiel – Archangel of Saturn
- Symbolizes: Discipline, responsibility, transformation
- Colors: Black, dark brown
Keep in mind that these correspondences may vary, and some traditions may assign different archangels to the planets. It’s always beneficial to explore and understand the specific beliefs and practices of the tradition you are working with.
The 72 Angels of God
The Shemhamphorash, also known as the 72-fold name of God, is a Kabbalistic concept that associates 72 angels with specific names derived from the Book of Exodus. Each angel is believed to govern a specific degree of the zodiac and has unique qualities or associations. Here is a list of the 72 angels and their main areas of influence or association:
- Vehuiah – Influences: New beginnings, leadership
- Jeliel – Influences: Healing, love, wisdom
- Sitael – Influences: Agriculture, fertility, abundance
- Elemiah – Influences: Artistic pursuits, creativity
- Mahasiah – Influences: Spiritual growth, truth
- Lelahel – Influences: Protection, healing, guidance
- Achaiah – Influences: Patience, inner peace
- Cahetel – Influences: Wisdom, understanding
- Haziel – Influences: Communication, diplomacy
- Aladiah – Influences: Justice, balance, harmony
- Lauviah – Influences: Enlightenment, spiritual awareness
- Hahaiah – Influences: Inner strength, courage
- Iezalel – Influences: Protection, health
- Mebahel – Influences: Generosity, charity
- Hariel – Influences: Creativity, inspiration
- Hakamiah – Influences: Healing, health
- Lauviah – Influences: Reconciliation, relationships
- Caliel – Influences: Liberation, freedom
- Leuviah – Influences: Protection, enlightenment
- Pahaliah – Influences: Compassion, healing
- Nelchael – Influences: Artistic expression, creativity
- Yeiayel – Influences: Inspiration, spiritual growth
- Melahel – Influences: Healing, protection
- Haheuiah – Influences: Justice, authority
- Nith-Haiah – Influences: Patience, tolerance
- Haaiah – Influences: Enlightenment, spiritual insight
- Jerathel – Influences: Generosity, benevolence
- Seheiah – Influences: Prosperity, abundance
- Reiyel – Influences: Inner strength, willpower
- Omael – Influences: Healing, compassion
- Lecabel – Influences: Protection, guidance
- Vasariah – Influences: Spiritual growth, divine connection
- Yehuiah – Influences: Protection, guidance
- Lehahiah – Influences: Creativity, inspiration
- Chavakiah – Influences: Spiritual insight, wisdom
- Menadel – Influences: Healing, harmony
- Aniel – Influences: Protection, guidance
- Haamiah – Influences: Enlightenment, divine connection
- Rehael – Influences: Healing, health
- Yeiazel – Influences: Inner strength, courage
- Hahahel – Influences: Protection, enlightenment
- Mikael – Influences: Reconciliation, peace
- Vehuel – Influences: Compassion, benevolence
- Daniel – Influences: Prosperity, abundance
- Hahasiah – Influences: Inner strength, willpower
- Imamiah – Influences: Healing, spiritual insight
- Nanael – Influences: Creativity, artistic expression
- Nithael – Influences: Liberation, freedom
- Mebahiah – Influences: Patience, tolerance
- Poyel – Influences: Protection, justice
- Nemamiah – Influences: Enlightenment, spiritual growth
- Yeyayel – Influences: Healing, health
- Harahel – Influences: Inner strength, courage
- Mitzrael – Influences: Protection, guidance
- Umabel – Influences: Spiritual growth, insight
- Iah-Hel – Influences: Creativity, artistic pursuits
- Anauel – Influences: Compassion, benevolence
- Mehiel – Influences: Prosperity, abundance
- Damabiah – Influences: Inner strength, willpower
- Manakel – Influences: Healing, health
- Eyael – Influences: Protection, justice
- Habuhiah – Influences: Enlightenment, spiritual insight
- Rochel – Influences: Liberation, freedom
- Jabamiah – Influences: Patience, tolerance
- Haiaiel – Influences: Reconciliation, relationships
- Mumiah – Influences: Healing, harmony
- Vehuiah – Influences: Enlightenment, divine connection
- Yeliel – Influences: Protection, guidance
- Sealiah – Influences: Spiritual growth, insight
- Ariel – Influences: Creativity, artistic expression
- Asaliah – Influences: Compassion, benevolence
- Mihael – Influences: Prosperity, abundance
These associations are based on interpretations of the Kabbalistic tradition, and beliefs may vary among different practitioners and traditions.
Conclusion
As we conclude this comprehensive guide to the hierarchy of angels, we’ve traversed the celestial realms, uncovering the mysteries of Seraphim, Archangels, and elemental forces. May this exploration inspire further connection with the celestial realms, guiding you on a spiritual journey filled with insight, protection, and enlightenment. The celestial hierarchy awaits those who dare to navigate its realms, offering a profound understanding of the intricate dance between the earthly and the divine.