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Angels are
divided into definite ranks, each with separate duties and honors.
However, as with all aspects of angology, what these exact ranks
are depends largely on the scholar asked. Still, one of the
most common listings of hierarchy used is the Pseduo-Dionysis.
The listing comprises nine distinct orders of angels within
three major headings known as choirs. Despite the many listings
available, most contain the same ranks and differ only in the
order presented.
First
Hierarchy (Choir)
Clustered around the central core of purity.
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SERAPHIM
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The
uppermost section of the hierarchy, these are the angels
closest to the throne of God. It is they who unceasingly
chant the Trisagion, "Holy, holy, holy..." and
encircle the throne, existing off the love emanated by God.
It is said that the light they give off is so intense, that
not even other divine beings may look upon them. There is
said to be four of these angelic beings. |
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CHERUBIM
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Second
to only the seraphim, the Cherubim hold the knowledge of
God. It is also they who are often sent to earth with the
greatest of tasks; the expulsion of Man from the Garden
of Eden and the Annunciation of Christ were both performed
by Cherubim. Spirits of the Harmonies. The guardians of
the fixed stars, keepers of celestial records, bestowers
of knowledge. |
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THRONES
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Also
known as the Ophanim, these angels serve the primary function
of being God's chariot. But besides this, they are also
noted as being the dispensers of God's judgment; acting
with impartialness and humility to bring about the desires
of the Lord. Having the most bizarre physical appearance
of the celestial host, they are described a great wheels,
covered with a great many eyes and glowing with light. |
Second
Hierarchy (Choir)
An ultimate unification with "God
the Source".
All Orders within this Triad strive to balance or reconcile
such opposites as good and bad, matter and spirit and
higher and lower, thus risking corruption in doing so.
| DOMINIONS
or DOMINATIONS |
Act
as a sort of middle management between the upper choir and
the lower, holding the task of regulating the duties of
lower angels. They receive their orders from the seraphim
and cherubim and are responsible for ensuring that the cosmos
remains in order. It is only with extreme rarity that the
dominations make themselves physically known to mortals,
instead quietly concerning themselves with the details of
existence. |
| VIRTUES |
Given
to two main tasks, the virtues not only are concerned with
maintaining the aspects of the natural world, but also with
bestowing blessings upon the material world as well. In
their first task, they preside over the movements of the
celestial bodies as well as events of weather including
rain, snow, wind and the like. In the second, it is they
who take the orders given to them and in turn convert them
into miracles for God's favored. |
| POWERS |
Spirits
of Form. Holding one of the most dangerous tasks, the powers
are responsible for maintaining the border between Heaven
and Earth. Acting as a sort of elite guard, they constantly
watch for demonic attack, and are the major line of defense
and battle during heavenly warfare. They are also tasked
with guarding the celestial byways between the two realms
and ensuring that souls which leave the mortal world reach
heaven safely. |
Third
Hierarchy (Choir)
Most exposed and vulnerable to any corrosion of flesh.
Angels from these Orders are most well known to us
simply because they are most like us.
| PRINCIPALITIES |
The
head of the final choir, the principalities watch over the
mortal world directly, guiding and protecting the earth's
nations, cities and towns. Also, they are given to the protection
of religion and of politics. As such, they are assumed to
be given more freedom to act than the lesser angels below
them and are responsible for carrying out divine acts concerning
their area of jurisdiction. |
ARCHANGELS
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Angels
above the order of Angels, guardians of people and all physical
things. It also serves to designate a specific rank of angels
in the angelic heirarchy. The term Archangels refers to
the greater angels such as Michael and Gabriel, known also
as chief princes. The order can also refer to the angels
who stand at the throne of God, thus being the higher angel
ranking. |
| ANGELS
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A
rank which intermediates between God and Man. Angels are
closest to earth and earthly matters. Angels watch over
households and individual souls, guiding them subtlety and
keeping them safe from demonic attack. Also, they are the
carriers of God's word to mankind, acting as messengers
and couriers to both God and the upper ranks of angelkind
as well. |
The Four Most Well-Known Archangels
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Michael
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("who
is like God") Courage, strong defense, divine, protection,
shield and sword. Keeper of the violet flame. |
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Gabriel
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("God
is my strength") Bringer of news and heralds the revealing
of answers. Maker of changes, trumpet. |
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Raphael
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("God
has healed") Golden vial of balm, aids in healing and
master of healing the earth. |
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Uriel
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("fire
of God or God is my light") Emergencies, judgment,
scroll, enlightenment and insights. |
Guardian Angels
It's
said we each have a Guardian Angel who looks after us from birth.
The angel gives us support from the invisible realm, throughout
our childhood and development into adults, and for the rest
of our lives. If we have a problem, or we want to find a way
to help someone out, we can ask our Guardian Angel for help.
They've been with us since the first moment, so they know us
as well as our family, if not better, and they can give us the
best possible advice. We can also ask for help from other angels
if we think we need it.
Calling Your Guardian Angel
All
you need to do to call your Guardian Angel is to concentrate.
First of all find a quiet space. Sit comfortably, close your
eyes and take a few deep breaths so you can feel realy relaxed.
Now
imagine in your mind's eye that you are meeting your angel for
the first time, and call out to it. You should start by asking
its name. You might not hear an actual voice, but a name might
pop into your head.
Welcome
your angel in your mind, and you can start having a chat. You'll
probably be amazed at what you hear. Also, if there's anything
troubling you, tell your angel to take the worry away and it
will happen. Just believe it!
Some
information on this page is from The
Element Pocket Encyclopedia of Mind Body Spirit & Earth
by Joanna Crosse
For
more information on angels check out these links:
Sarah's
Archangels
Rainbow
Angel Meditation
A-Z
List of Archangels
How
To Have An Angel Encounter
Working
With Your Angels
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