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Hierarchy of Angels

angels hierarchy

Introduction: The Nine Celestial Orders of Angels

In the vast tapestry of spiritual traditions, angels hold a revered place as divine messengers and guardians, bridging the earthly and the celestial.

Rooted in ancient theological and mystical frameworks, the hierarchy of angels is often organized into nine celestial orders, each with distinct roles and proximity to the Divine. From the radiant Seraphim, who bask in the eternal light of God’s presence, to the earthly Angels guiding humanity, these orders—Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels—form a sacred structure of cosmic harmony. This article explores the unique attributes and divine purposes of each order, beginning with the First Order, closest to the divine throne, and descending through the celestial ranks, offering insight into their timeless significance in spiritual and New Age thought.

Nine Celestial Orders of Angels

Seraphims Cherubims  ~  Thrones

Dominions  ~  Virtues  Powers

Principalities  ~  Archangels  ~  Angels

First order: Closest in order to God

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.

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.

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.

Second order: Priest-Princes of the court of heaven

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.

Virtues

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.

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.

Third order: The Ministering Angels

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.

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, Metatron, Raziel, Sandalphon and Zadkiel.

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.

© 2009-2025 CrystalWind.ca & Author | All Rights Reserved | No reproduction without permission | Awakening Souls Since 2008.
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