Myths and Legends of Angels

Within the framework of Judeo-Christian traditions, it is affirmed that between God and Man there exists a series of "intermediate" beings halfway between the human and the divine. These beings are the angelic existences which, possessing different levels, have a hierarchy determined by their degree of proximity to God.

The Virgin holds the child Jesus while three angels play instruments around her. — The Song of the Angels, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1881).
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Today, through spiritualist movements (New Age) that combine interreligious traditions from diverse sources, there is renewed interest in rediscovering belief in angelic beings. There thus appear rites associated with the cult of angels, combined with other esoteric-mystical practices of a distinctly magical and even animistic character.

But where does this belief in angelic categories come from? A speculative medieval text, attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite, mentions nine choirs or angelic orders, which take their names from each of the celestial creatures cited in the Holy Scriptures. And so, according to this ancient text, the nine choirs are in turn grouped into three hierarchies, of three choirs each:

A small winged red-haired angel holds a lute in his hands. — Angel Musician, Rosso Fiorentino (1521). Uffizi Gallery.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

First Hierarchy

This is the highest hierarchy. These are beings devoted to glorifying and praising God.

Seraphim

The seraphim surround the throne of God and constitute the highest angelic order. According to the Jewish tradition, the angels sing at night and fall silent during the day, since at that time it is human beings who must praise God.

When the angels express their unconditional love for God, they generate a constant and permanent current of love that maintains the unity of the universe.

Cherubim

Two small angels leaning on a ledge look upward. — Angels of the Sistine Madonna, detail by Raphael (1512–1513).
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Folklore defines the cherubim as small and chubby. They are attributed the function of sentinels. God places them to the East of Paradise to guard the Tree of Life, and they are considered generators of knowledge and wisdom, being charged with setting the boundary between the sacred and the profane.

Thrones

Their mission is to carry the chariot of God, transporting his justice.

Second Hierarchy

Formed by those who govern space and the stars. They are responsible for integrating the spiritual and material aspects of Creation. They also serve as the link between the first hierarchy and the third. They have no direct or constant contact with God or with men. Upon receiving the divine Light, they are charged with animating and ordering the world, bestowing beauty upon it.

Dominions

They represent a deliberate impulse of all servitude in the likeness of God. On certain occasions they are depicted under a feminine image.

Virtues

These are a heroic, swift and unbreakable force. They are attributed the mission of granting miracles at special moments. It is said that they show the direct intervention of divine wisdom in the lives of human beings in unexpected ways.

Powers, Authorities or Potentates

They are charged with the territory where the spirit is incarnated in matter. They must confront the forces of evil, keeping the human soul close to good deeds.

Third Hierarchy

These angelic beings intervene in human needs.

Principalities

Protectors of nature and of large human groups such as peoples and nations.

Archangels

The names of angels and archangels always end in "El", from the Hebrew root "Elohim" or "Eloi", meaning the Spirit.

Archangel Michael

Also known as the warrior prince, his name derives from Mica-El, meaning "Who is like God?"

Legend says that Michael is a fierce and powerful fighter against his enemies but a supreme defender of mankind, and for this reason he is the protector of the people of Israel.

Archangel Gabriel

He is the spokesman. He had announced the future motherhood to Elizabeth and would do the same for Mary. Transcending Judeo-Christianity, Gabriel would also be the one who dictated the text of the Quran to Muhammad.

Archangel Raphael

According to the Old Testament, he appeared only once and fulfilled the function of healing bodies and souls; for this reason he is considered the protector of health.

The hidden archangels

The hidden archangels are Uriel (light of fire), Barachiel or Baraquiel (Blessing of God), Jehudiel (praise of God) and Saeltiel (Prayer to God).

These archangels are mentioned in various writings of the Jewish tradition and would not be recognized by the later Catholic tradition.

Angels

Guardian angels

Tradition assigns to these angels functions of protection and guidance.

Fallen angels

Beings who, by rebelling against God, were expelled from the heavens and thus make up the spirits of evil.

Links

More about the elemental beings of the ether

More about other magical beings

The angels' website

Books about angels

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