Angelic Orders

The 12 Angelic Orders / Hierarchy

To understand about the celestial orders/hierarchy it is important to know exactly what an angel is (see What's Angels). Briefly it can be described as: a spiritual being that is believed to be much more powerful than a human. In Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other theologies an angel can be one who acts as a messenger, attendant or agent of God.

Regarding the celestial orders/hierarchy, the majority of scholars believe that angels are divided into clearly defined ranks and depending on the rank of the angel it will have separate honors and duties.

To understand better how this number of Twelve Orders list was form see "The Number Twelve (12)" section.

Each Angelic Order has its special purpose for existing, and now lets see some details about them.

Orders of the First Choir are:
            Supernals - Celestials - Illuminations

Orders of the Second Choir are:
            Seraphim - Cherubim - Thrones

Orders of the Third Choir are:
            Dominations - Virtues - Powers

Orders of the Fourth Choir are:
            Principalities - Archangels - Angels

At the end of this page you will find some more references about the number, the hierarchy, and the names of the Angelic Orders.
No one can really say which is the correct number of the Angelic Orders but personally I find the number 12 and this list more mystical and appealing to the whole subject as 12 is the number of completion.

The portrayal of the synthesis for - The 12 Orders - was made by me using as much as possible the information in hand.        Steli :-)

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The First Choir

ANGELS OF PURE ENERGY:
The Will of the Source:

The First Choir is the non-tangible "invisible" one and the expression of the loving intention of the Source of the Whole of Existence. Within the 1st Choir are three Orders of Beings of Pure Light which are everywhere and nowhere at the same time, and thus an "extension" of God Himself - The Source of the Whole of Existence.
This first Choir forms a kind of Trinity and the means for The Source of the Whole of Existence to extent his Divine Will, Wisdom and Light downward to the next Orders of Angels and so on to the physical realms.

These Angelic Orders are listed each as they came into being and into there Choirs.
The first order of angels were the first companions for the Source of the Whole of Existence also known as  the Holy Twelve or the Angels of Presence.
Then the second order came into being and so on in the same capacity. In actuality they came into being simultaneously before there was time.
Each order took on different roles and a variety of duties as they interacted with the universes.
The first angels existed as brilliant shinning light, and radiated tremendous loving everywhere.

The Angelic Orders of the First Choir are:
The Supernals, the Celestials and the Illuminations.

SUPERNALS:
The First Order of Angels are of brilliant gold light and are companions to The Source of the Whole of Existence.
They form what are known as the Holly Twelve or the Angels of the Presence.
They are known as the Supernals.
There are always 12 Supernals at any given time that serve in this capacity, as 12 is the number of completion within physical orders. Their presence forms within it, the abode of the Source of the Whole of Existence.

The Holy Twelve - Supernals - are those beings, who are extensions and the first intentions of the Source of the Whole of Existence. Each of these twelve possesses an ascending and descending principle of creation in balance, harmony and synchronization with each of the twelve. The Holy Twelve assisted the angels in becoming aware of the wisdom of all things. Members of this Angelic Order : Michael Metatron Suriel Sandalphon Astanphaeus Saraqael Phanuel Jehoel Zagzagael Uriel Yefeiah Akatriel.

CELESTIALS:
The Second Order of Angels maintain the connections between Divine Thought and Wisdom and its manifestation into the physical realms.
They appear as shinning silver light. They are known as the Celestials.
Few ever appear to humans or 3rd density realms.
They are present throughout all of existence.

Member of this Angelic Order :
Celestiel (Astarael)

ILLUMINATIONS:
Those of the Third Order of Angels are of the highest physical form and maintain and accomplish the emulations of divine light and wisdom throughout the physical realms.
They appear as iridescent light and are known as Illuminations.
They are present within all physical realms.

Member of this Angelic Order :
Sandalphon (Ilaniel)
 

The Second Choir

ANGELS OF PURE CONTEMPLATION:
Govern All Creation:

The second Choir of angels is collectively concerned with the universe and the manifestations of divinity within it, operating at the highest level of the astral. Some see these as the angels of pure contemplation. This means that they manifest energy through pure thought. These angels possess the deepest knowledge of Divinity, and its inner workings and manifestations.
The angels of the first Choir are:
The Seraphim, the Cherubim and the Thrones.

SERAPHIM:
The Fourth Order of Angels manifests so rapidly within the physical realms that they appear as 6 wings of light with eyes.
They are known as Seraphim, their very name means ardor and are in charge of maintaining the presence of the Source of the Whole of Existence within the physical worlds. They are the guardians of the various universes. 

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name Seraphim clearly indicates their ceaseless and eternal revolution about Divine Principles, their heat and keenness, the exuberance of their intense, perpetual, tireless activity, and their elevative and energetic assimilation of those below, kindling them and firing them to their own heat, and wholly purifying them by a burning and all- consuming flame; and by the unhidden, unquenchable, changeless, radiant and enlightening power, dispelling and destroying the shadows of darkness."

The Seraphim are primarily concerned with vibrational manifestations which keep Divinity in perfect order. They have been described as being the angels of love, light and fire.

They help to carry positive energy through the orders of the angels to us in the physical realms. Supposedly they are so bright and powerful that to look at them would instill one with pure fright. Because of this, the only beings known to interact with the Seraphim are The Lord and Lady, and the Archangel Michael. These angels work with consuming divine love and compassion.

The Seraphim without question they are the closest in all of heaven to the very throne of God, and their primary function is to circle the incomprehensibly beautiful throne in perpetual adoration of the Lord. This is a task that is not nearly as monotonous as it may seem to mortals, given the nature of the angels (who have perfect powers of concentration) and the delight that such an honor actually brings to the spirits.

The Seraphim are almost always identified with fire-not the burning, painful flames and heat of hell, but the healing flame of Love. They are literally living flames. The intensity of their adoration and pure Love of God pure out of them as a flawless reflection of the Divine Love that emanates from the Lord. Like the rising sun, each angel radiates such light that even the other Holy Beings, the Cherubim and the Thrones, cannot look upon them.

According to Enoch, each Seraphim has six wings. In the Old Testament Book of Isaiah (6:1-3) he writes "...I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the Seraphim; each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew." In the Book of Revelation (4:8) is another possible reference: "And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to sing 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come!"

In Isaiah 6, we read that the Seraphim have 6 wings

Magically, work with the Seraphim when you wish to raise energy for humanitarian or planetary causes. They listen to group ritual. To reach the Seraphim, burn a white candle for Divinity, and a purple candle for the Seraphim.

Members of this Angelic Order :

Michael
Seraphiel
Gabriel
Metatron
Uriel
Nathanael
Jehoel
Chamuel (Kemuel, Shemuel)
Metatron
Satan (before his fall)

CHERUBIM:
Members of the Fifth Order of Angels are youthful and appear as faces of light or very childlike forms. They are the reminders of joy, happiness and the essence of creation.
They are known as Cherubim.
They appear when humanity remembers its own joy and allows happiness to be present. 
Their name signifies "fullness of knowledge". Characterized by a deep insight into God's secrets, the cherubim hold the knowledge of God and they truly possess the fullness of the divine science of heaven. "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". They enlighten the lesser orders of angels and are to them the Voice of Divine Wisdom.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name Cherubim denotes their power of knowing and beholding God, their receptivity to the highest Gift of Light, their contemplation of the Beauty of the Godhead in Its First Manifestation, and that they are filled by participation in Divine Wisdom, and bounteously outpour to those below them from their own fount of wisdom."

The Cherubim have been described as the guardians of the fixed stars, keepers of celestial records, best owners of knowledge. They are also said to be the guardians of light. They create and channel positive energy from Divinity and appear in exquisite form. They supposedly outshine all the other angels. The Cherubim watch over all the galaxies, and guard any religious temples.

An older description places the Cherubim with four faces and four wings, which could be a mythical representation associating them with the four winds. In the Renaissance period they somehow got shrunk into little baby-face angels now known as Cherubs.

Function and Philosophy

The Cherubim Order is the fifth of the 12 accepted Orders of angels, placed fifth as well in the second Choir of the angelic hierarchy (with the Seraphim and Thrones).
They are some of the most powerful and awe-inspiring of all angels, standing below the Seraphim in direct closeness to God. Their illuminative knowledge and wisdom are thus so great as to be utterly incomprehensible to the mortal mind, blinding the blessed human who has the honor of actually beholding them in this world.

Only a step below the Seraphim in Divinity, the Cherubim have always been much more active on Earth, protecting all God's creations. No other Order works harder (only the Powers are their equals in relentless devotion to duty). If humans knew just how much the Cherubim have done for them, they would occupy the most privileged station in Angelic Lore.

In Islamic lore, the Cherubim was allegedly created out of the tears shed by the Archangel Michael for all the sins of humanity. They are the first angels to be encountered in the Old Testament, being posted in the Book of Genesis in the east of Eden to ensure that no one entered after the expulsion of Adam and Eve.

Their chief task in the celestial hierarchy is to sing the praises of God, but they are also declared in occult lore to have the responsibility of driving the Chariot of the Lord (Merkabah), a key symbol of heaven. They are described as the Charioteers of God, steering the Ophanim/Wheels (another name use for the order of  Thrones).

The Cherubim are also given the task of maintaining the records of heaven and seeing to the details necessary to keep order in the Heavenly Host.

Characteristics:

Cherubim had the bodies of a winged bull, an eagle, or a sphinx and the faces of men or lions. As is clear from Ezekiel's encounter, the Cherubim possess four wings and four faces, symbolizing their eternal vigilance and knowledge, which reaches every direction of Creation. They are also often presented with peacock feathers bearing a host of eyes, again in reference to their all-seeing omniscience.

Contrary to paintings on greeting cards and new age book covers, the cherubim are not depicted as fat, winged babies. Instead they are described as sphinx like creatures in Assyrian lore, or the angels gracing the Ark of the Covenant and Solomon's temple in biblical terms.

Magically, seek the Cherubim when you need divine protection, wisdom, and knowledge. To reach the Cherubim burn a white candle for Divinity and a blue candle for the Cherubim.

Members of this Angelic Order

Cherubiel
Gabriel
Ophaniel
Raphael
Uriel
Zophiel
Lucifer (before his fall)

THRONES:
Angels of the Sixth Order are beings of tremendous power and movement.
They are the keepers of higher more expanded energies. They ensure that these energies maintain connections and flows through the realms.
They are known as Thrones.
They act as the conduits of the physical worlds and tend to be more stationary in their existence.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name of the most glorious and exalted Thrones denotes that which is exempt from and untainted by any base and earthly thing, and the super mundane ascent up the steep. For these have no part in that which is lowest, but dwell in fullest power, immovably and perfectly established in the Most High, and receive the Divine Immanence above all passion and matter, and manifest God, being attentively open to divine participations."

Known in scripture as the bringers of justice, but their
status in hierarchy is often confused, sometimes placing them above the Seraphim, and sometimes placing them as the Cherubim. They do however, come in the second Choir, and are assigned to planets.

This position makes them some of the most powerful angels in service to the Lord. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the Thrones have the task of pondering the disposition of divine judgments. In other words, they carry out or fulfill the divine justice of the Lord.

They create, channel and collect incoming and outgoing positive energies. Dispensation of justice is important to the Thrones and they send healing energies to victims while shining a light on injustice to bring it's presence to our attention.

Like their counterparts in the second angelic triad, they come the closest of all Angels to spiritual perfection and emanate the light of God with mirror-like goodness. They, despite their greatness, are intensely humble, an attribute that allows them to dispense justice with perfect objectivity and without fear of pride or ambition. Because they are living symbols of God's justice and authority, they are called Thrones and have as one of their symbols the throne.

Function and Philosophy

This group of Angelic Princes are often also called "Ophanim, Wheels or Galgallin." It is said that they were the actual wheels of the Lord's Heavenly Chariot (Merkabah).
"The four wheels had rims and they had spokes, and their rims were full of eyes round about."
They are also frequently referred to as "many-eyed ones."

God's spirit is conveyed in a certain manner to these angels, who in turn pass on the message to men and the inferior angels.

Characteristics

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. One explanation given for this (besides them acting as God's chariot), is that they mark the end of the first Choir, where the emanations of God begin to take on more material forms and as such exist in a state of transition.

Magically, call on the Thrones when you need assistance in smoothing relations with groups of people or between two individuals. For any issue involving a need for stability, or planets or planetary energies, call on the Thrones. To reach them, burn a white candle for Divinity and a green candle for the Thrones.

Members of this Angelic Order

Bodiel
Jophiel
Zaphkiel
Oriphiel
Raziel

The Third Choir
ANGELS OF THE COSMOS:
Govern All The Cosmos:
The third Choir Angelic Orders (the Dominions, Virtues and the Powers) concern themselves with the governing of a specific planet, as well as those angels assigned tasks below them. These angels flow in an intensity of power. They also carry out the orders they get from the Angels of the above Choirs. Third Choir angels deal with the cosmos and its interconnectedness.

DOMINATIONS:
Within the Seventh Order of Angels are those beings that distribute and maintain connections between all beings and things within physical realms.
They are known as Dominations or Dominions.
They are so called because "they rule over all the angelic orders charged with the execution of the commands of the Great Monarch."

They are also known as the Lords, Kyriotetes or Hashmallim, whose purpose is to regulate the duties of the lower angels.

They act as a form of middle management between the upper Choir and the lower. Receiving their orders from the seraphim and cherubim these bright spirits make known to us the commands of God and ensure the cosmos remains in order. Their main virtue is zeal for the maintenance of the King's authority. Only on very rare occasions do they reveal themselves to mortals, instead they quietly concern themselves with the details of existence.

They integrate the material world with the spiritual, continuing balance and order between the two. They are described as carrying an orb or scepter as their emblem of authority.

Function and Philosophy

Also called the Dominions and the Lords, Dominations are one of the 12 accepted orders of Angelic Princes, ranked seventh overall. They belonged to the Third Choir with the Virtues and Powers.

According to Dionysius, the Dominations have the duty in the Heavenly Host of regulating the activities of the angels. Through the efforts of these spirits, the very order of the cosmos is maintained. They handle the minute details of cosmic life and existence, designating tasks to the lower orders of angels.

The Dominations are gifted with the ability to take part in the different corporeal aspects of the Symphony; seeing the world through an endless array of eyes. They are the most alien of all of the Orders, capable of experiencing life in ways other angels can only imagine, but they are also closest to the human experience in many ways.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name given to the holy Dominions signifies, I think, a certain unbounded elevation to that which is above, freedom from all that is of the earth, and from all inward inclination to the bondage of discord, a liberal superiority to harsh tyranny, an exemptness from degrading servility and from all that is low: for they are untouched by any inconsistency. They are true Lords, perpetually aspiring to true lordship, and to the Source of lordship, and they providentially fashion themselves and those below them, as far as possible, into the likeness of true lordship. They do not turn towards vain shadows, but wholly give themselves to that true Authority, forever one with the Godlike Source of lordship."

In the traditions of Angelology, Dominations are the first Angels (and therefore the oldest Angels) created by God.

Characteristics

They are sometimes perceived as travelers, appearing in widely separated spaces and times. By custom Dominations are believed to wear green and gold, and their symbols are the sword and scepter. This denotes their lordship over all created things. In turn, the dominations receive their instructions from the Cherubim or Thrones.

On a magical basis, anything concerning leadership falls under the area of the Dominations. To reach the Dominations burn a white candle for Divinity and a pink candle for the Dominions.

Members of this Angelic Order:

Hashmal
Zadkiel
Muriel
Zacharael (Yahriel)

VIRTUES:
Those beings of light that act as generators within the physical realms belong to the Eighth Order of Angels.
They manifest in this Universe as astronomically large beings, and generate various amounts of light.

They are called Virtues and also known as the Malakim and the Tarshishim, they commune directly with
stars and the nebulae which give stars birth, and with even larger astronomical phenomena.

Said to work miracles on earth, the Virtues bestow grace and valor to those worthy. The Virtues' primary job is to move massive quantities of spiritual energy to the earth plane and the collective human consciousness. The Virtues are said to be very fond of those striving to achieve more than people say they can. They love all the go-getters and the positive people who try to enlighten and lead others toward harmony. Virtues work with movement, guiding the elemental energies that affect the planet. When you work with elemental energies, it is the Virtues who listen to you and assist you. When you are sick or scared call on the Virtues.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwaveringly to the super essential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue."

Function and Philosophy

The virtues are ranked eighth in the heavenly host out of the 12 Orders of Angels. There is a little mixed-up in the ranking of Virtues, some places them above Powers and some below, whichever, they are members of the third Choir with Dominations and Powers. As a member of this triad, they take part in the duties given to the Choir, namely the ordering of the universe. The virtues specifically preside over the elements of the world and the process of celestial life. Thus all heavenly bodies-from the stars and planets to the galaxies themselves-are kept in their divinely appointed routes and progress. On earth the angels maintain a watch over nature, marking and guiding every facet of natural life: rain, snow, wind, etc. It has also be speculated that Virtues are in charge of miracles.

As if these duties were not enough, the angels also assist humanity by stowing grace and valor within the mortal heart. They encourage humans to turn always to the good and help enhance the person's will to endure hardship and suffering and to have the personal strength to turn ever toward God. As the angels in charge of miracles, they receive their orders from the Order above them, but they are also closely interlaced with the saints.

To reach the Virtues burn a white candle for Divinity and an orange candle for the Virtues.

Members of this Angelic Order:

Chamuel
Uriel
Gabriel
Michael
Tarshish
Peliel
Barbiel
Sabriel
Haniel
 Hamaliel

POWERS:
The Ninth Order of Angels are those beings who maintain the laws set into motion we call the physical realms.
They are keepers and teachers of the laws and are known as Powers. These are information gatherers and depositors of truth and information to all things that exist.

According to tradition, the Powers are Guardians of order (peace & order), a form of Celestial Police

Force, who attempt to assure order in the World (according to God's will).

In scripture the Powers are said to stop the efforts of "demons" to overthrow the world, or else they preside over demons, making them "evil", as claimed by St. Paul. They are however, the keepers of human history. They are known as the angels of birth and death and they organize the world's religions and send divine energy to keep the positive aspects of religion growing. Powers work through the human 6th sense, and are the angels of warning.

The Powers are Virtues embodied. They were not created with the other Angelic Orders, but came into being during Lucifer's rebellion. The noblest and purest angels, led by Archangel Uriel, became a new kind of celestial, warrior angels so resolute that they could not Fall. Since then, they have been Heaven's first and last line of defense against the diabolical hordes.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name of the holy Powers, co-equal with the Divine Dominions and Virtues, signifies an orderly and unconfined order in the divine receptions, and the regulation of intellectual and super mundane power which never debases its authority by tyrannical force, but is irresistibly urged onward in due order to the Divine. It beneficently leads those below it, as far as possible, to the Supreme Power which is the Source of Power, which it manifests after the manner of Angels in the well ordered ranks of its own authoritative power."

Function and Philosophy

One of the 12 Angelic Orders, Powers are also known as Potentates, Authorities, Dynamics, and Forces. They are placed in the third Choir along with Dominations and Virtues, numbered ninth overall. Some believe that the Powers like the Thrones were supposedly the very first of the angels created by God. However, this disagrees with the theory that all angels came into existence at a single moment and with the believe that they came into being during the Angels war with the evil forces.

Powers have the task of defeating the efforts of the demons in overthrowing the world. They are declared awesome defenders of the cosmos against all evil and the maintainers of all cosmic order and equilibrium. They are the guardians of the heavenly paths, policing the routes to and from heaven to the earth. This means they concern themselves with humanity as well. The great harmonizers, they assist each soul to overcome the temptations place before it to do evil and to lean instead toward the proper action (that being to Love and worship God.)

During heavenly warfare they are a major line of defense. 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. Perhaps not surpassingly, given their proximity to the nether regions, there are more angels from the ranks of the powers listed as fallen than from any other member of the hierarchy.

Characteristics

Powers' colors are green and gold, and their symbol is a flaming sword.
On a magical basis, the Powers are warrior angels, and you can call on them when you're in trouble. These angels will defend your home, property, children or any group of people who call on them for protection and defense. To reach the Powers, burn a white candle for Divinity and a yellow candle for the Powers.

Members of this Angelic Order:

Gabriel
Raphael
Camael
Verchiel 

The Fourth Choir
ANGELS OF THE WORLD:
Govern All The World:

The Fourth Choir Angels find themselves intricately involved in human affairs and are considered the Angels of the Earth and the friends of man. They constantly weave in and out of our lives, listening closely to human affairs. The Fourth Choir Angels include the Principalities, the Archangels, and those simply called the Angels."

These three Angelic Orders are charged with relations with mankind, and thus the "least Divine" of all the Angelic Orders. From Divine Diplomats to Heavenly Socialites.
The Fourth Choir Orders are the developers of politics and the arbiters of taste, bringing the discipline of abstract structures to the corporeal realm.

PRINCIPALITIES :
Those angels of the Tenth Order of Angels are governors and administrators of various systems within the physical realms.
They have been known to become patrons of whole areas, countries or cities. They are known as Principalities.
They work with and conjoin their energies with larger groups of various types or species.

The Principalities are said to be the guardians of large groups, such as continents, countries, cities, and other human creations on a grand scale (such as U.N. - NATO). They work toward global reform. You can find them anywhere, such as boardrooms, conference-rooms, swimming pools, and wherever groups of people congregate for learning, or just for fun.

Principalities watch over the mortal world and are executive in regard to the visible world of men. Religion and of politics are also guarded by them and, "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. Finally, they are given to the task of managing the duties of the angels."

St. Thomas says of them:

"The execution of the angelic ministrations consists in announcing divine things. Now, in the execution of any action there are beginners and leaders; this-the leadership-belongs to the Principalities."


Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The name of the Celestial Principalities signifies their Godlike princeliness and authoritativeness in an Order which is holy and most fitting to the princely Powers, and that they are wholly turned towards the Prince of Princes, and lead others in princely fashion, and that they are formed, as far as possible, in the likeness of the Source of Principality, and reveal Its superessential order by the good Order of the princely Powers."

Function and Philosophy

The Principalities are placed first in the Fourth Choir of Angels among Archangels and Angels. They are ranked tenth overall. Also called Princedoms and Princes, these angels are the first of the Choir most concerned with earth and are traditionally declared to have roles of caretakers over every nation, province, county, district, city, town, village, and house. According to tradition, the Principalities also protect religion under their care.

They work with Guardian Angels who are also assigned to every spot and person. It is debated that the Guardian Angels function as the personal angelic protectors and the principalities are the administrative or technical writers. They are supposedly empowered with greater strength by God than the Guardian Angels and thus receive permission more frequently to have a direct involvement in the affairs of humanity. They use their incalculable strength of heaven to move the hearts and minds of those mortals with whom they have direct contact.

Characteristics

The symbols of principalities are the scepter, the cross, and the sword.
Magically, you can call on the Principalities in times of discrimination, extinction of animals or people, inadequate leadership or another from a town to a company. Human rights and economic reform are top priorities for these angels. To reach the Principalities burn a white candle for Divinity and a red one for the Principalities.

Members of this Angelic Order:

Anael
Haniel
Cerviel
Amael
Nisroc
Requel

ARCHANGELS:
Those angels who govern the affairs of the messengers of the various realms and dimensions are known as the Angels of the Eleventh Order. They are very large and radiant spiritual beings.
They are called Archangels.
Their presence signals great change. They sometimes take human form in order to cause occurrences or change the tide of events for humanity. 

The archangels are known to work on several different levels in the Orders... they often belong to one of the other Choirs or Orders, and yet they enjoy working with humans when they can. They create and funnel energies both ways up and down the divine channel.

The confusion about the collective celestial rank of archangels and archangels arises from "the ancient Hebraic way of defining angels which was simple angel and archangel. It was not until later that the hierarchy was defined, and many of the angels previous named as simply archangels were given new posts."

Function and Philosophy

One of the accepted Orders of Angels, Archangels are ranked eleventh: above angels and below principalities. In the division of the Angelic Hierarchy into 4 Choirs of 3 Orders each, the Archangels belong to the fourth and lowest Choir. The Archangels are perhaps the most confusing of the Angelic Orders, for aside from being a distinct part of the heavenly host, their name is used frequently for virtually every angelic being superior to the ordinary angels.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"The Order of the holy Archangels is placed in the same threefold Choir as the Celestial Principalities; for, as has been said, there is one Hierarchy which includes these and the Angels. But since each Hierarchy has first, middle and last ranks, the holy Order of Archangels, through its middle position, participates in the two extremes, being joined with the most holy Principalities and with the holy Angels."

Archangels are among the few angelic beings mentioned specifically by name in the Old Testament. Even more specific are references in the New Testament, such as the Letter of Jude (1:9): "But when the Archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'"

As is clear from their appearances in Scripture, the primary duty of the Archangels is to carry out the will of God as it relates directly to humanity. They bring to the world the prayerful blessings of the Lord. It is for that reason that the Archangels - like their close counterparts the Angels - are said to intervene so regularly in the affairs of men and women.

Archangels liaises between God & Man and are in charge of Heaven's armies in their Battle against Hell. Also they oversee Guardian Angels.

Members of this Angelic Order:

The number of Archangels has long been a source of great discussion among angelologists. Traditionally there are seven Archangels although who they are and what they do has been given variously in different sources. Islam recognizes only 4 Archangels, and other customs say twelve but there are much more than these. I have compiled the list of Dionysius the Areopagite, which is the best-known list.

Gabriel
Raphael
Michael
Metatron
Uriel
Chamuel
Zadkiel
Jophiel
Barbiel
Jehudiel
Barachiel
Jeremiel (depending on reference)
Satan (before his fall)
Many more (see Archangels & Angels section)

ANGELS:
Those angels of the Twelfth Order of Angels are the messengers that commune with various life forms within the physical worlds.
These include the Guardian Angels of humankind.
They are called Angels. These are the most accessible angels to humans and other life forms.
They are constantly present. 

Large groups of them may appear at tragic events as they accompany their charges to their next level or dimensional area. They also at times inspire through thoughts and ideas.

Quote from Dionysius the
Areopagite text:

"For the Angels, as we have said, fill up and complete the lowest order of all the Choirs of the Celestial Intelligences since they are the last of the Celestial Beings possessing the angelic nature. And they, indeed, are more properly named Angels by us than are those of a higher rank because their order is more directly in contact With manifested and mundane things.

The highest Choir, as we have said, being in the foremost place near the Hidden One, must be regarded as hierarchically ordering in a bidden manner the second Choir; and the Choir of Dominions, Virtues and Powers, leads the Principalities, Archangels and Angels more manifestly, indeed, than the first Choir, but in a more hidden manner than the Choir below it; and the revealing Choir of the Principalities, Archangels and Angels presides one through the other over the human hierarchies so that their elevation and turning to God and their communion and union with Him may be in order; and moreover, that the procession from God, beneficently granted to all the Hierarchies, and visiting them all in common, may be with the most holy order.

Accordingly the Word of God has given our hierarchy into the care of Angels, for Archangel Michael is called Lord of the people of Judah, and other Archangels are assigned to other peoples. For the Most High established the boundaries of the nations according to the number of the Angels of God."

Guardians are the Angels that are assigned to a particular human being. Our own Personal Guardian Angel! They join us at birth, and help s move over into the otherworld when we part the earthly plane. They defend us when we're in trouble, guide us in the right direction according to our life plan, give us small insights into how things are, and inspire us to live better lives. Our Guardian Angels are constantly in touch with any and all of the angels in the 12 Orders. They pass messages along to the relevant parties, and if we ask for help from our Guardian Angel, they assist us, and call on other angels too to help. Guardian Angels can come from any of the 12 Orders. Each angel has his/her (or its) function. None is better or more important than the others.

Function and Philosophy

The twelfth and final order of angels belongs to the fourth and final Choir, their primary focus of their existence being the caretaker-ship of humanity and the world. While the lowest ranked of all angelic beings (if one accepts the idea of a regulated angelic organization), angels are nevertheless members of the heavenly host and thus possess the profound and beautiful attributes given to them by their Creator. They are beings of pure spirituality and exist to fulfill the tasks given to them by God. Chief among these are to act as messengers of the Lord to the earth and guardians of the human soul.

The Guardian Angel is the angelic being supposedly assigned not only to every living soul, but to places, churches, and even nations. They proclaimed the birth of Christ and spoke to Abraham, Moses, and a host of other prophets and patriarchies in the Old Testament. It is precisely the humans that the members of the twelfth Order are most often concerned with. They deliver new or word of impending destruction and woe. This is done through both physical and spiritual means. Angels also observe all of human history, perhaps recording every human act to provide a clear statement of the development of each soul.

In heaven angels provide valuable service, in proper fulfillment of their natures as purely spiritual beings and the will of the the Creator.

To reach your guardian angel, burn your favorite color candle. Add a white one beside it for Divinity.

Members of this Angelic Order:

Gabriel
Raphael
Chayyliel
Phaleg
Adnachiel (Advachief)

There are personal and group messages and scientific accomplishments attained through the messages that come through the various orders of angels. At the dawn of each new age or cycle, Angelic–messages are brought to the minds of the beings of all classes and orders. These messages for humankind at this time contain information about the messengers and their messages, purposes and what they wish to share with all humanity.

More References on the Orders' Number

ST. AMBROSE 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Dominations 4. Thrones 5. Principalities 6. Potentates (Powers) 7. Virtues 8. Archangels 9. Angels GREGORY THE GREAT 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Thrones 4. Dominations 5. Principalities 6. Powers 7. Virtues 8. Archangels 9. Angels CONSTITUTIONS OF APOSTLES 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Acons 4. Hosts 5. Powers 6. Authorities 7. Principalities 8. Thrones 9. Archangels 10. Angels 11. Dominions MOSES 1. Chaioth ha-Qadesh 2. Auphanim 3. Aralim (Erelim) 4. Chasmalim 5. Seraphim 6. Malachim 7. Elohim 8. Bene Elohim 9. Kerubim 10. Ishim MASEKET AZILUT 1. Seraphim 2. Ofanim 3. Cherubim 4. Shinnanim 5. Tarshishim 6. Ishim 7. Hashmallim 8. Malakim 9. Bene Elohim 10. Arelim BERITH MENUCHA 1. Arelim 2. Ishim 3. Bene Elohim 4. Malakim 5. Hashmallim 6. Tarshishim 7. Shinnanim 8. Cheribum 9. Ofanim 10. Seraphim BARRETT, The Magus 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Thrones 4. Dominations 5. Powers 6. Virtues 7. Principalities 8. Archangels 9. Angels 10. Innocents 11. Martyrs 12. Confessors

ST. JEROME 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Powers 4. Dominions (Dominations) 5. Thrones 6. Archangels 7. Angels DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Thrones 4. Dominations 5. Virtues 6. Powers 7. Principalities 8. Archangels 9. Angels ISIDORE OF SEVILLE 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Powers 4. Principalities 5. Virtues 6. Dominations 7. Thrones 8. Archangels 9. Angels   MAIMONIDES THE ZOHAR 1. Malachim 2. Erelim 3. Seraphim 4. Hayyoth 5. Ophanim 6. Hamshalim 7. Elim 8. Elohim 9. Bene Elohim 10. Ishim JOHN OF DAMASCUS 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Throne 4. Dominations 5. Powers 6. Authorities (Virtues) 7. Rulers (Principalities) 8. Archangels 9. Angels DANTE 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Thrones 4. Dominations 5. Virtues 6. Powers 7. Archangels 8. Principalities 9. Angels

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