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Dionysius Hierarchy of Angels
Nine Celestial Orders of
Angels
Seraphims
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Cherubims
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Thrones
Dominions
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Virtues
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Powers
Principalities
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Archangels
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Angels
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First order:
Closest in order to God |
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Seraphims |
The guardians before God's throne, referred to
as "the fiery spirits", they are usually pictured with six wings and flames.
They constantly sing God's praise and regulate heaven. They are
colored a flaming red and gold to symbolize fire. God's grace flows
through the seraphim to the Angels below, dispelling darkness and purifying
the universe. It was from this order that Satan emerged. Before
his fall from Grace, he was considered the Angel who outshone all others.
Seraphims are the highest order of Angels.
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Cherubims |
Gods record keepers and guardians of God's
glory. Over the years Cherubims have undergone radical transformations
from the Assyrian leonine-monster guardian to the winged creature of the Old
Testament to a chubby baby with blue wings which appeared in the 1600s.
Originally, Cherubims were depicted with multi-eyed peacock's feathers to
symbolize their all-knowing character. The first Angels mentioned in
the bible, God placed the Cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden to
guard the way to the Tree of Life. They are the charioteers of God and
bearers of his throne.
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Thrones |
Referred to as "the many eyed ones",
portrayed as winged wheels within wheels, whose rims were covered in eyes.
They support the Throne of God and consider how God's decisions should be
manifested. Their mission is to bring judgment for individual karma
and society as a whole.
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Second order: Priest-Princes of the court of heaven |
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Dominions |
These are the Angels who bring you the
teachings of intuition. Through them the majesty of God is manifested.
They carry scepter and sword to symbolize the given power over all creation
and decide what needs to be done to accomplish God's needs and regulate the
duties of Angels to ensure the universe keeps working as it should.
They appear in human shape, wearing a triple crown to signify their position
over the physical form. They can be seen carrying a scepter, holding a
cross and/or a sword to symbolize the balance between the active and passive
forces.
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Virtues
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Drawing on God's force to work miracles on
earth, the "brilliant" or "shining ones" are the Angels of miracles,
encouragement and blessings. Virtues are the ones who become involved
whenever people are struggling with their faith. They have four blue
feathered wings and war sparkling armor. They can often be seen with a
scepter, axe spear, sword and/or a shield for protection. But each of
these "tools" are decorated with instruments of passion. They work
hand-in-hand with the Thrones to bestow grace and rewards on those who have
overcome deeds in their physical lives.
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Powers |
First order of Angels created by God, it is the
job of the Powers to prevent the fallen Angels from taking over the world
and keep the universe in balance. They also bring the power of
intellect in such matters as math, geometry, astronomy and so on, making
them the professors and educators.
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Third order: The
Ministering Angels |
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Principalities |
The protectors of religions, guardian Angels of
cities, nations, rulers. They keep watch over nations and attempt to
inspire their leaders to make wise decisions. Often depicted wearing
soldier's garb and sandals, they are seen in human form. They provide
strength to the tribes of Earth to pursue and endure their faith.
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Archangels |
The "chief-Angels", they carry God's messages
to humans and command God's armies of Angels in constant battle with the
"Sons of Darkness". They look after the affairs of humankind and act
as guardian Angels to leaders of world movements. These are the Angels
who stand around God's throne, ready to carry out the divine and most
important decrees to humans. According to the book of
Revelation, there are seven Archangels who stand in the presence of God, but
only four are mentioned in the Old Testament, Michael, Gabriel,
Raphael and Uriel. The identity of the other three is subject to
debate. The three recognized in the Judeo-Christian belief are Raguel,
Jophiel and Chamuel. Other possible candidates are Ariel, Azrael,
Camael, Haniel, Jeremiel, Metetron, Raziel, Sandalphon and Zadkiel.
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Angels |
Celestial beings closest to humans, Angels are
the intermediaries between God and mortals. Assigned by God to every
human being at the time of his or her birth, they assist every aspect of
life in the universe. They deal with the aspects of everyday life and
act as the direct gateway for information, knowledge and communications
between human kind and the God force. These Angels are seen with human
bodies, wings and clothed in various garments depending on the traditions
and visual acceptance of the human they have "been assigned to".
In reality, Angels do not have human bodies, wings or clothing, they are
made up of energy and love. The only thing Angels do not help humans
do is destroy themselves, the planet and other human beings, they are always
a force for all that is positive, good and true.
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