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Which of the angelic ranks are the highest. Angels and Archangels. Heavenly hierarchy

People have known about the existence of angels since time immemorial: all peoples and in many spiritual traditions believed in them. Holy Scripture repeatedly mentions the action of angels who fulfill the commands of God in the world and protect righteous people with their cover. In addition to Scripture, the holy fathers also left a lot of information about angels: heavenly beings appeared to them more than once and conveyed God's Will - it’s not for nothing that God sends them proclaim Their commands, and that is why they are called angels, i.e. messengers.

God endowed the angels with rich gifts. They are gifted with strength and power, with the help of which they can act on the physical plane: influence the bodies of people and the world of things. However, angels never create according to their own will, but always only fulfill God's Will.

God's angels love their Creator with all their being and abide in His unceasing praise and thanksgiving singing: they thank and glorify God for the bliss in which, by His mercy, they abide. The bliss in which angels abide cannot be compared with anything on earth: people who experience human bliss in rare moments of their human happiness can only feel a vague reflection of angelic bliss.

Although there are countless angels, there is a strict order and subordination between them - the angelic hierarchy.

Angelic heavenly hierarchy

The angelic hierarchy in Christianity includes nine faces, which include three ranks, and the Glory of God is poured out on angels from the highest faces to the lowest:

1st rank of angels - seraphim, cherubim, thrones;
2nd rank of angels - domination, strength, power;
3rd rank of angels - beginnings, archangels, angels

The angelic ranks obey one another and are in perfect harmony. And although the ranks and faces of the angels have their own names, they are all called by a common word angels.

seraphim are closest to God, their name means "fire of divine love." Seraphim are inflamed with this divine love and communicate it to other faces - such is their task and purpose.

Cherubim: This name means "the fullness of knowledge, the abundance of wisdom." Cherubim know absolutely everything that God makes known to created beings. Cherubim enlighten others: through them wisdom is sent to other beings for the knowledge of God.

Thrones spirits are called, on which God himself sits in an incomprehensible way and administers His righteous judgment. Thrones help earthly rulers, lords and judges to administer justice.

dominance manage other ranks, teach to control feelings, subdue passions, subordinate the flesh to the spirit. The Dominions have power over evil spirits.

Forces Spirits through which God works His miracles. God endowed these angels with His power and omnipotence.

Authorities they have power over the forces of evil, they can repel the attacks of the evil one, ward off misfortunes from people and drive away evil thoughts.

Beginnings God entrusted the management of the universe and the protection of all kingdoms, states, peoples, tribes and languages. Every country, every nation and tribe has a certain angel assigned to it from the rank of beginnings for guidance, protection and admonition. The beginnings are a kind of guardian angels, but not for one person, but for a certain group.

Archangels- Great evangelists. They utter prophecies, proclaim the Will of God to the lower angels, and through them to people. Archangels strengthen the faith of people and enlighten the mind. The most famous of the archangels - Michael, Gabriel, Uriel (aka Jeremiel), Selaphiel, Yehudiel and Barahiel - are actually archangels in rank, and seraphim, and the highest of all seraphim, are closest to God. They are called archangels because they are the leaders of all angelic forces. And the highest leader over all-all angels was appointed by God the archangel (ie leader, senior warrior) MICHAEL.

Angels are closest to people. Each person has his own guardian angel - patron and protector, his closest spiritual mentor, with whom the connection must be maintained and strengthened.

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What is the hierarchy of angels in Christianity? There are seraphim, cherubim, archangels... And who is behind whom in seniority?

The basis for the creation of the church doctrine of angels is the book of Dionysius the Areopagite “On the Heavenly Hierarchy”, written in the 5th century, better known in the edition of the 6th century. The nine angelic ranks are divided into three triads, each of which has a particular feature.

First triad- seraphim, cherubim and thrones - characterized by close proximity to God;

Second triad- strength, domination and power - emphasizes the divine basis of the universe and world domination;

Third triad- beginnings, archangels and angels proper - is characterized by close proximity to a person.

Dionysius summarized what had been accumulated before him. Seraphim, cherubim, powers and angels are already mentioned in the Old Testament; dominions, principalities, thrones, powers, and archangels appear in the New Testament.

According to the classification of Gregory the Theologian (4th century), the angelic hierarchy consists of angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, beginnings, forces, radiances, ascensions and understandings.

According to their position in the hierarchy, the nine angelic ranks are arranged as follows:

First hierarchy

seraphim

Cherubim

Thrones

Second hierarchy

dominance

Third hierarchy

Archangels

1. Seraphim

Seraphim are angels of love, light and fire. They occupy the highest position in the hierarchy of ranks and serve God, taking care of his throne. Seraphim express their love for God by constantly singing laudatory psalms.

2. Cherubim

The word "cherub" means "fullness of knowledge" or "outpouring of wisdom." This choir has the power to know and contemplate God and the ability to understand and communicate divine knowledge to others.

3. Thrones

The term "thrones" or "many-eyed" refers to their proximity to the throne of God. This is the rank closest to God: they receive both their divine perfection and consciousness directly from Him.

4. Dominions

The holy dominions are endowed with sufficient power to rise above and free from earthly desires and aspirations. Their duty is to distribute the duties of the angels.

5. Forces

The powers known as "brilliant or shining" are the angels of miracles, help, blessings that appear during battles in the name of faith.

The main duties of these angels are to work miracles on Earth.

They are allowed to interfere with everything that concerns the physical laws on earth, but they are also responsible for enforcing these laws. By this rank, the fifth in the Hierarchy of Angels, humanity is given valor as well as mercy.

6. Authorities

Powers are on the same level as dominions and powers, and are endowed with power and intelligence second only to God's. They provide balance to the universe.

7. Beginnings

The beginnings are legions of angels protecting religion. They constitute the seventh choir in the hierarchy of Dionysius, following immediately before the archangels. The beginnings give strength to the peoples of the Earth to find and experience their destiny. It is also believed that they are the guardians of the peoples of the world.

8. Archangels

Archangels - the word is of Greek origin and is translated as "angel chiefs", "senior angels". According to the Christian heavenly hierarchy, they rank directly above the angels. Religious tradition has seven archangels. The chief here is Michael the Archangel - the leader of the armies of angels and people in their universal battle with Satan. Michael's weapon is a flaming sword.

9. Angels

Both the Greek and Hebrew words for "angel" mean "messenger". Angels are the incorporeal helpers of God. They appear as humans with wings and a halo of light around their heads.

Good and evil angels, messengers of God or the devil, converge in the decisive battle described in the book of Revelation. Angels can be ordinary people, prophets, inspirers to good deeds, supernatural bearers of all kinds of messages or guides, and even impersonal forces, like winds, cloud pillars or fire, that led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Plague and pestilence are called evil angels. Many other phenomena, such as inspiration, sudden impulses, providences, are also attributed to angels.

According to the teachings of the church, angels are sexless invisible spirits, immortal from the day of their creation. There are many angels, which follows from the Old Testament description of God - "the Lord of hosts." They form a hierarchy of angels and archangels of the entire host of heaven.

The celebration of the Council of the Archangel Michael of God and other incorporeal Heavenly Powers was established at the beginning of the 4th century at the Local Council of Laodicea, which was several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The Council of Laodicea condemned and rejected the heretical worship of angels as the creators and rulers of the world and approved the Orthodox veneration of them. A holiday is celebrated in November - the ninth month from March (from which the year began in ancient times) - in accordance with the number of 9 ranks of the Angels. The eighth day of the month points to the future Council of all the Powers of Heaven on the day of the Last Judgment of God, which the holy fathers call “the eighth day”, for after this age, which goes by weeks of days, the “Ostom day” will come, and then “the Son of Man will come in His Glory and all the holy angels with him” (Matt. 25:31).

The Angelic ranks are divided into three hierarchies - the highest, the middle and the lowest. Each hierarchy is made up of three ranks. The higher hierarchy includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Closest to the Most Holy Trinity are the six-winged Seraphim (Flaming, Fiery) (Isaiah 6:2). They burn with love for God and incite others to it.

After the Seraphim, the Lord will have many-eyed Cherubim (Genesis 3:24). Their name means: an outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment, because through them, shining with the light of the knowledge of God and the understanding of the mysteries of God, wisdom and enlightenment are sent down for true knowledge of God.

Behind the Cherubim - God-bearing by the grace given to them for service, the Thrones (Col. 1, 16), mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God. They serve the justice of God.

The average Angelic hierarchy is made up of three ranks: Dominions, Forces and Powers.

Dominions (Col. 1, 16) rule over the subsequent ranks of Angels. They instruct earthly rulers appointed by God in wise management. Dominions are taught to control feelings, to tame sinful desires, to enslave the flesh to the spirit, to dominate one's will, to overcome temptations.

Forces (1 Pet. 3:22) fulfill the will of God. They work miracles and send down the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to the saints of God. Forces help people in bearing obediences, strengthen them in patience, bestow spiritual strength and courage.

Authorities (1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 1:16) have the power to tame the power of the devil. They repel demonic temptations from people, affirm ascetics, protect them, and help people in the fight against evil thoughts.

The lower hierarchy includes three ranks: Principals, Archangels and Angels.

The beginnings (Col. 1, 16) rule over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfillment of Divine commands. They are entrusted with managing the universe, protecting countries, peoples, tribes. The Principles instruct people to give each one the honor due to his rank. Leaders are taught to perform official duties not for the sake of personal glory and benefits, but for the honor of God and the benefit of their neighbors.

The archangels (1 Thess. 4:16) preach the great and glorious gospel, reveal the secrets of faith, prophecy and the understanding of the will of God, strengthen the holy faith in people, enlightening their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel.

Angels (1 Pet. 3:22) are closest to people. They proclaim the intentions of God, instruct people to a virtuous and holy life. They keep believers, keep from falling, raise the fallen, never leave us and are always ready to help if we wish.

All ranks of the Heavenly Forces bear the common name of Angels - in essence of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest Angels, and they, in turn, enlighten the rest.

Above all nine ranks, the Lord placed the holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew is “who is like God”) - a faithful servant of God, for he cast down from Heaven the proud day-stand with other fallen spirits. And to the rest of the Angelic Forces, he exclaimed: “Let's hear! Let us become kind before our Creator and do not think of what is displeasing to God!” According to Church tradition, captured in the service of the Archangel Michael, he took part in many Old Testament events. When the Israelites left Egypt, he led them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Through him, the Power of the Lord appeared, destroying the Egyptians and Pharaoh, who were persecuting the Israelites. Archangel Michael defended Israel in all disasters.

He appeared to Joshua and revealed the will of the Lord to take Jericho (Joshua 5:13-16). The power of the great Archangel of God appeared in the destruction of 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian king Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35), in the defeat of the wicked leader Antiochus Iliodor, and in the protection from fire of the three holy youths - Ananias, Azarias and Misail, who were thrown into the oven to be burned for refusal worship an idol. (Dan. 3, 92 - 95).

By the will of God, the Archangel transferred the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon in order to give food to Daniel, who was imprisoned in the den with lions (kontakion of the akathist, 8).

Archangel Michael forbade the devil to reveal to the Jews the body of the holy prophet Moses for deification (Jude 1:9).

The Holy Archangel Michael showed his strength when he miraculously saved a boy thrown into the sea by robbers with a stone around his neck off the coast of Athos (Paterik of Athos).

Since ancient times, the Archangel Michael in Russia has been glorified by his miracles. In the Volokolamsk Patericon, the story of the Monk Pafnuty Borovsky is given from the words of the Tatar Baskaks about the miraculous salvation of Novgorod the Great: to the New City and God and the Most Pure Mother of God covered it with the appearance of Michael the Archangel, who forbid him to go to him. He went to the Lithuanian castles and came to Kiev and saw the great Michael the Archangel written above the doors of the stone church and the prince pointed with his finger: “Forbid me to go to Veliky Novgorod.”

Intercession for the Russian cities of the Most Holy Queen of Heaven has always been carried out by Her appearances with the Host of Heaven, under the leadership of the Archangel. Grateful Russia sang the Most Pure Theotokos and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedral, palace and town churches are dedicated to the Archangel. In ancient Kyiv, immediately after the adoption of Christianity, the Archangel Cathedral was erected and a monastery was built. Archangel cathedrals stand in Smolensk, Nizhny Novgorod, Staritsa, a monastery in Veliky Ustyug (beginning of the 13th century), a cathedral in Sviyazhsk. There was no city in Russia where there would not be a temple or a chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. One of the main temples of the city of Moscow - the temple-tomb in the Kremlin - is dedicated to him. Numerous and beautiful are the icons of the Chief of the Higher Forces and his Cathedral. One of them - the icon "Blessed Host" - was painted for the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, where the holy warriors - Russian princes - are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.

The Archangels are also known from Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition: Gabriel is the fortress (strength) of God, the herald and minister of Divine omnipotence (Dan. 8, 16; Lk. 1, 26); Raphael - God's healing, healer of human ailments (Tov. 3, 16; Tov. 12, 15); Uriel - fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Ezra. 5, 20); Selaphiel is God's prayer book, inciting to prayer (3 Ezra. 5, 16); Jehudiel - glorifying God, strengthening those who work for the glory of the Lord and interceding for recompense for their deeds; Varahiel - the distributor of God's blessing for good deeds, asking people for God's mercy; Jeremiel - elevation to God (3 Ezra. 4, 36).

On the icons, the Archangels are depicted in accordance with the nature of their ministry:

Michael - tramples the devil underfoot, holds a green date branch in his left hand, in his right hand - a spear with a white banner (sometimes a flaming sword), on which a scarlet cross is inscribed.

Gabriel - with a branch of paradise, brought by him to the Blessed Virgin, or with a luminous lantern in his right hand and a jasper mirror in his left.

Raphael - holds a vessel with healing potions in his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish.

Uriel - in his raised right hand - a naked sword at chest level, in his lowered left hand - "fiery flame".

Selaphiel - in a prayer position, looking down, hands folded on his chest.

Jehudiel - in his right hand he holds a golden crown, in his coat - a scourge of three red (or black) ropes.

Barahiel - many pink flowers on his clothes.

Jeremiel - holds scales in his hand.

The basis for the creation of the church doctrine about angels is the writtenin the 5th century, the book of Dionysius the Areopagite "On the Heavenly Hierarchy" (Greek "Περί της ουρανίας", Latin "De caelesti hierarchia"), better known in the edition of the VI century. The nine angelic ranks are divided into three triads, each of which has a particular feature.

First triad – seraphim, cherubim and thrones - characterized by close proximity to God;

Second triad – strength, domination and power - emphasizes the divine basis of the universe and world domination;

Third triad – beginnings, archangels and angels proper - characterized by close proximity to man.

According to the classification of Gregory the Theologian (4th century)the angelic hierarchy consists of angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, forces, radiances, ascensions and understandings.

According to their position in the hierarchy, the ranks are arranged as follows:

seraphim - the first

cherubs - the second

thrones - third

domination - the fourth

strength - fifth

power - sixth

beginning - seventh

archangels - eighth

angels are the ninth.

Jewish hierarchical constructions differ from Christian ones, since they appeal only to the first part of the Bible - the Old Testament (Tanakh). One source lists ten ranks of angels, starting with the highest: 1. hayot; 2. ofanim; 3. arelim; 4. hashmalim; 5. seraphim; 6. malakim, actually "angels"; 7. elohim; 8. bene Elohim ("sons of God"); 9. cherubs; 10. ishim.

In "Maseket Azilut" ten angelic ranks are given in a different order:1. seraphim led by Shemuel or Yekhoel; 2. Opanim, led by Raphael and Ophaniel; 3. Cherubim, led by Cherubiel; 4. Shinanim, over whom Tzedekiel and Gabriel are placed; 5. tarshishim, whose chiefs are Tarshish and Sabriel; 6. we are with Cephaniel at the head; 7. Hashmalim, whose leader is called Hashmal; 8. malakim, led by Uzziel; 9. Bene Elohim, led by Hofniel; 10. Arelim, led by Michael himself.

The names of the elder angels (archangels) vary in different sources. Traditionally, the highest rank is attributed to Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - three angels named by name in biblical books; the fourth is usually added to them by Uriel, found in the non-canonical 3 Book of Ezra. There is a common notion that there are seven higher angels (associated with the magical properties of the number 7), attempts to list them by name have been made since the time of 1 Enoch, but there are too big discrepancies. We confine ourselves to listing the "magnificent seven" adopted in the Orthodox tradition: these are Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Yehudiel, Barachiel, Jeremiel, headed by the eighth - Michael.

Judaic tradition also assigns an extremely high position to the archangel Metatron, who in earthly life was the patriarch Enoch, but in heaven he turned into an angel. He is the vizier of the heavenly court and almost the deputy of God Himself.

1. Seraphim

In Hebrew tradition, the endless singing of the seraphim is known as"trisagion" - Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh (“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of the Powers of Heaven, the whole earth is full of his radiance”), which is considered a song of creation and celebration. Being the closest creatures to God, seraphim are also considered "fiery" because they are enveloped in the flames of eternal love.

According to the medieval mystic Jan van Ruysbrok, the three orders of seraphim, cherubs and thrones never take part in human conflicts, but are with us when we peacefully contemplate God and experience constant love in our hearts. They generate divine love in people.

St. John the Evangelist on the island of Patmos had a vision of angels: Gabriel, Metatron, Kemuel and Nathaniel among the seraphim.

Isaiah is the only prophet who mentions seraphim in the Hebrew Holy Scripture (Old Testament) when he talks about his vision of fiery angels over the Throne of the Lord: "Each had six wings: two covered the face, two covered the legs, and two were used for flight."

Another mention of the seraphim can be considered the book of Numbers (21:6), where a reference is made to "fiery serpents". According to the "Second Book of Enoch" (apocryphal), seraphim have six wings, four heads and faces.

Lucifer stepped out of the rank of seraphim. In fact, the Fallen Prince was considered an angel who overshadowed everyone else until he lost God's Grace.

seraphim – In Judaic and Christian mythologyangels, especially close to God.The prophet Isaiah describes them this way: “In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a high throne, and the edges of His robe filled the whole temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them had six wings: with two each one covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And they called to each other and said: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory / ”(Is. 6. 1-3). According to the classification of Pseudo-Dionysius, together with the cherubim and the thrones, the seraphim belong to the first triad: “... the most holy Thrones, the many-eyed and many-winged Orders, called in the language of the Jews Cherubim and Seraphim, according to the explanation of Holy Scripture, are in the greater and most immediate before the others

closeness to God ... as for the name of the Seraphim, it clearly shows their unceasing and everlasting aspiration for the Divine, their ardor and speed, their ardent, constant, unrelenting and unswerving impetuosity, also their ability to really elevate the lower to the heavenly, excite and inflame them to like heat: it also means ability, scorching and burning. thereby purify them – always open. their inextinguishable, constantly identical, light-like and enlightening power. banishing and uchichtozhayuschayu all obscuration.

2. Cherubim

Word "cherub" means "fullness of knowledge" or "outpouring of wisdom".This choir has the power to know and contemplate God and the ability to understand and communicate divine knowledge to others.

3. Thrones

Term "thrones", or "many-eyed", indicates their proximity to the throne of God.This is the rank closest to God: they receive both their divine perfection and consciousness directly from Him.

Pseudo-Dionysius reports:

“So, it is right that the highest beings are consecrated to the first of the heavenly Hierarchies, since it has the highest rank, especially because to it, as the closest to God, the first Theophany and consecrations originally belong, And they are called burning Thrones and an outpouring of wisdom.

heavenly Minds, because these names express their God-like properties ... The name of the highest Thrones means that they

completely free from any earthly attachment and, constantly rising above the valley, peacefully strive for the mountain, with all their might

immobile and firmly attached to the truly Highest being,

accepting His Divine suggestion in complete dispassion and immateriality; also means that they wear God and slavishly carry out His divine commands.

4. Dominions

The holy dominions are endowed with sufficient power to rise above and free from earthly desires and aspirations.Their duty is to distribute the duties of the angels.

According to Pseudo-Dionysius, “the significant name of the holy Dominions ... means some non-servile and free from any low attachment to the earthly exaltation to the heavenly, not in any way shaken by any violent attraction to dissimilar to them, but the dominion is constant in its freedom, standing higher any humiliating slavery, alien to any humiliation, removed from any inequality to itself, constantly striving for true Mastery and, as far as possible, holyly transforming both itself and everything subordinate to it into a perfect likeness to Him, not clinging to anything that accidentally exists, but always wholly turning to the true-existent and incessantly partaking of the sovereign God-likeness ”

5. Forces

The powers known as "brilliant or shining" are the angels of miracles, help, blessings that appear during battles in the name of faith.It is believed that David received the support of the Forces for the battle with Goliath.

The powers are also the angels from whom Abraham received his power when God told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The main duties of these angels are to work miracles on Earth.

Pseudo-Dionysius says: “The name of the holy Powers means some powerful and irresistible courage, communicated to them as far as possible, reflected in all their God-like actions in order to remove from themselves everything that could reduce and weaken the Divine illuminations bestowed by them, strongly striving for imitation of God, not remaining idle from laziness, but steadfastly looking at the highest and all-strengthening Power and, as far as possible, according to its own forces, is made in Her image, completely turned to Her as the source of Forces and God-like descending to the lower forces to impart power to them.

6. Authorities

Powers are on the same level as dominions and powers, and are endowed with power and intelligence second only to God's. They provide balance to the universe.

According to the Gospels, the authorities can be both good forces and minions of evil. Among the nine angelic ranks, the authorities close the second triad, which, in addition to them, also includes dominions and powers. As Pseudo-Dionysius says, “the name of the holy Authorities signifies equal to the Divine Dominions and Forces, slender and capable of receiving Divine illuminations, the Chin and the device of the worldly spiritual dominion, which does not use autocratically for evil the granted domineering powers, but freely and decently to the Divine as itself ascending who brings others holy to Him and, as much as possible, becomes like the Source and Giver of all power and portrays Him ... in a completely true use of his sovereign power.

7. Beginnings

The beginnings are legions of angels protecting religion.They constitute the seventh choir in the hierarchy of Dionysius, following immediately before the archangels. The beginnings give strength to the peoples of the Earth to find and experience their destiny.

It is also believed that they are the guardians of the peoples of the world. The choice of this term, as well as the term "authorities", to designate the ranks of the angels of God is somewhat doubtful, since c. In the Epistle to the Ephesians, “principalities and authorities” are called “spirits of wickedness in high places,” against whom Christians must fight (“Ephesians 6:12”).

Among those who are considered "chief" in this rank are Nisrok, an Assyrian deity who is considered by occult writings to be the main prince - a demon of hell, and Anael - one of the seven angels of creation.

The Bible says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, neither angels nor

Beginnings, no Powers, no present, no future... can separate us

from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 8:38). By

classification of Pseudo-Dionysius. beginnings are part of the third triad

along with the archangels and the angels themselves. Pseudo-Dionysius says:

“The name of the heavenly Authorities means the God-like ability to rule and govern in accordance with the sacred order, befitting the commanding Forces, both to turn to the Beginning without Beginning, and others, as it is characteristic of the Authorities, to guide Him, to imprint in oneself, as far as possible, the image of the inaccurate Beginning, etc. finally, the ability to express His premier leadership in the well-being of the ruling Forces .., The proclaiming order of the Principalities, Archangels and Angels alternately rules over the human Hierarchies, so that in order there is an ascent and conversion to God, communion and unity with Him, which also from God graciously extends to all Hierarchies, is inspired through communication and pours out in the most sacred harmonious order.

8. Archangels

Archangels - The word is of Greek origin and is translated as “angel chiefs”, “senior angels”.The term "Archangels" appears for the first time in the Greek-language Jewish literature of the pre-Christian time (Greek edition of the "Book of Enoch" 20, 7) as a transfer of expressions like ("great prince") in the application to Michael of the Old Testament texts (Dan. 12, 1); then this term is taken up by New Testament authors (Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4:16) and later Christian literature. According to the Christian heavenly hierarchy, they rank directly above the angels. Religious tradition has seven archangels. The chief here is Michael the Archangel (Greek, “supreme commander”) - the leader of the armies of angels and people in their universal battle with Satan. Michael's weapon is a flaming sword.

Archangel Gabriel - best known for his participation in the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary about the birth of Jesus Christ. As a messenger of the innermost secrets of the world, he is depicted with a flowering branch, with a mirror (reflection is also a way of knowing), and sometimes with a candle inside the lamp - the same symbol of a hidden mystery.

Archangel Raphael - known as a heavenly healer and comforter of the afflicted.

Less frequently, four other archangels are mentioned.

Uriel - this is a heavenly fire, the patron of those who have devoted themselves to the sciences and arts.

Salafiel - the name of the supreme minister, with whom prayer inspiration is associated. On the icons he is painted in a prayerful pose, with his arms folded crosswise on his chest.

Archangel Yehudiel - blesses the ascetics, protects them from the forces of evil. In his right hand he has a golden crown as a symbol of blessing, in his left - a scourge that drives away enemies.

Barahiel - the role of the distributor of the highest blessings was assigned to ordinary workers, especially farmers. He is depicted with pink flowers.

The Old Testament tradition also speaks of the seven heavenly archangels. Their ancient Iranian parallel is the seven good spirits of Amesha Spenta("immortal saints") finds a correspondence with the mythology of the Vedas.This points to the Indo-European origins of the doctrine of the seven archangels, which in turn correlates with the most ancient ideas of people about the septenary structures of being, both divine and earthly.

9. Angels

Both Greek and Hebrew words expressing the concept"angel" means "messenger". Angels often performed this role in the texts of the Bible, but its authors often give this term another meaning. Angels are the incorporeal helpers of God. They appear as humans with wings and a halo of light around their heads. They are commonly mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious texts. Angels have the appearance of a man, “only with wings and dressed in white clothes: God created them from stone”; angels and seraphim - women, cherubs - men or children)<Иваницкий, 1890>.

Good and evil angels, messengers of God or the devil, converge in the decisive battle described in the book of Revelation. Angels can be ordinary people, prophets, inspirers to good deeds, supernatural bearers of all kinds of messages or guides, and even impersonal forces, like winds, cloud pillars or fire, that led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Plague and pestilence are called evil angels. St. Paul calls his illness "the messenger of Satan." Many other phenomena, such as inspiration, sudden impulses, providences, are also attributed to angels.

Invisible and immortal. According to the teachings of the church, angels are sexless invisible spirits, immortal from the day of their creation. There are many angels, which follows from the Old Testament description of God - "the Lord of hosts." They form a hierarchy of angels and archangels of the entire host of heaven. The early church clearly divided nine types, or "ranks," of angels.

Angels served as mediators between God and his people. The Old Testament says that no one could see God and stay alive, so direct communication between the Almighty and a person is often portrayed as communication with an angel. It was the angel who prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Moses saw an angel in a burning bush, although the voice of God was heard. An angel led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. From time to time, biblical angels look just like mortals until their true nature is revealed, like the angels who came to Lot before the horrific destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Unnamed spirits. Other angels are mentioned in Scripture, such as a spirit with a fiery sword that blocked Adam's path back to Eden; cherub and seraphim, depicted as thunderclouds and lightning, which recalls the faith of the ancient Jews in the god of thunder; the messenger of God, who miraculously rescued Peter from prison, in addition, the angels who appeared to Isaiah in his vision of the heavenly court: “I saw the Lord sitting on a high and exalted throne, and the edges of His robe filled the whole temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them has six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

Hosts of angels appear several times on the pages of the Bible. Thus, a choir of angels announced the birth of Christ. Archangel Michael commanded numerous heavenly hosts in the battle against the forces of evil. The only angels in the Old and New Testaments who have their own names are Michael and Gabriel, who brought the news of the birth of Jesus to Mary. Most of the angels refused to identify themselves, reflecting the popular belief that revealing a spirit's name would diminish its power.

While collecting material for this book, I discovered several systems of angelic hierarchy. All these systems, which at first can confuse you, were born in the human imagination. Often they are so conservative and so attached to a particular religious system that their original purpose is lost. But can we ignore these works? Someone spent a lot of time creating them. We do not know what were the aspirations and intentions of these people. But should we actually rewrite the old works anew, replacing the old terms with the "correct" ones from the point of view of modern philosophy?

I thought about these questions for a long time and finally decided to stick with what is already there, but expand my knowledge in the field of magic. In my research, I suffered a number of defeats. For example, I cannot believe that God created a huge number of angels whose only task is to "praise the heavenly host." It's akin to creating your own support group. Is God really that selfish? Of course not, because selfishness is a purely human trait. Perhaps the real task of the angels is to fill the vessel with positive energy from which all levels of existence can draw.

I was also perplexed about the fact that the angels (male, in this case) were so amazed by the beauty of the daughters of men that they neglected their duties and indulged in debauchery, dooming themselves to eternal damnation and becoming fallen angels.

It's a fine plot for a novel, but it doesn't lend itself well to the smooth running of a universe in which humans, not angels, are the element of chaos. Just because some men are unable to control their lust does not mean that male beings of every other species in the universe have the same problems. *

You are probably thinking that all this does not help us understand the hierarchy of angels. But perhaps you are wrong. Understanding our own failures helps us realize that there can be problems in these systems too. It's good. We can work with that and get closer to the more important stuff. First of all, we must get rid of the feeling that we are not good enough to communicate with angels.

Remember, in chapter 2, I wrote that the angels are there to help us fulfill our purpose? In each chapter of this book, I encourage you to enter the hierarchy of the angelic worlds and try to show you that by interacting with the angels, you can improve your life and find harmony.

The most popular hierarchical system in the West is taken from a book written by Dionysius the Areopagite in the 6th century. For centuries, these angelic ranks have performed certain duties and directed the flows of energy, subject only to them. Some religions teach that many mortals, having gone through all earthly incarnations, become members of one of the Nine orders of angels. The nine orders of angels are divided into three groups, or triads:

Angels of the first triad

Seraphim Cherubim. Thrones

Angels of the second triad

Dominions of the Force of Power

Angels of the third triad

Beginnings Archangels Angels

Angels of the first triad

The first triad of angels is responsible for the Universe and manifestations of the divine in it, acting at the highest astral level. Some consider them angels of pure contemplation, but for me, contemplation means "to sit back and think about different things." Perhaps this means that they manifest their energy through pure thought. I like this idea more. These angels have the deepest knowledge of the deity, its inner workings and manifestations. The angels of the first triad are seraphim, cherubim, and thrones.

seraphim

Seraphim stand closest to the deity, they protect, guard and glorify him and are considered angels of pure love, light and fire. They provide tranquility, protect the deity from the infiltration of negative energy, and help create and carry positive energy through all orders of angels and into the physical worlds. They surround the deity in order to ensure its continued existence and give this energy to us to keep us alive. Presumably, four chiefs stand above these angels, corresponding to the four winds of the Earth, each of which beats the air with six wings. The ruler of the seraphim is Joel, Metatron or Michael. Other angels named in this order are Seraphiel, Uriel, Kemuel, and Nathanael. When studying and working with the Nine ranks of angels, you will see that several angels are assigned to different ranks, moving up and down the heavenly "service ladder" depending on the need for them in the Universe. This especially applies to the four archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel).

Seraphim (beings of pure light) shine so brightly that a mortal would die of fright when he sees a seraphim in all its splendor. Only the Lord, the Mother of God and Michael are able to fully interact with these beings. Some say that their faces are like lightning, and their clothes are dazzling, like arctic ice. They never stop moving and acting.

Magicians can access seraphim because we are so good at praying and calling power. True, one day a friend said to me: “Would you like to rise to the level of these little old women sitting in the farthest rows in the church and discussing their beds? They have more magic than many boastful adepts." I don't doubt it.

The word "seraphim" means "ardor". In other words, these angels work with all-consuming divine love and compassion. You can't just walk up to a seraph on the astral level and say, "How are you?" Mortals meet with them by invitation only. I don't mean to say that seraphim don't interact with humans at all. You can call on them and ask for their help in magical activities, but you are unlikely to ever see them. If your guardian angel belongs to the seraphim, you may be drawn into some kind of change in the world or human consciousness at the moment when you need their inspiration, divine love and power to complete your mission.

In another mythology, phoenixes were angels of the highest order, along with seraphim and cherubs. They evolved into the elements of the sun and became associated with certain planets. They had twelve wings and were depicted as birds with bright red plumage.

Communicate magically with seraphim when you want to create energy to solve problems on a human or planetary scale. They listen to group rituals. To summon the seraphim, light a white candle for the deity and a bright red one for the seraphim.

Cherubim

Cherubim are the guardians of light and stars. They also create and conduct positive energy from the deity, and their form is perfect. It is assumed that they shine more than all other angels. These creatures are Assyrian or Akkadian in origin, and their name means "contributors to reconciliation." They are powerful spirits of knowledge and boundless love. Interestingly, in the human mind, they exist as half-humans, half-animals. The ancient statues that were placed in front of the entrance to the temples to protect the holy land represent them with human faces and the bodies of bulls or lions. Initially, they were not angels at all, but over time they made their way into the heavenly hierarchy. Maybe this is an ancient race, which now functions not on the physical, but on the astral level? Cherubim are viewed by mortals as a hybrid of "beauty and the beast". Cherubim watch over all galaxies, collecting and distributing energy where necessary, and also guard the temples of any religion, from architectural masterpieces to squalid huts.

Cherubim can also act as personal guardians, fighting with fiery swords when necessary. Sometimes cherubs are depicted in a more frightening form with four faces and four wings, this must be their mystical representation, associating cherubs with four winds. They are both sacred animals and chariots of the deity. Their names are Ophaniel, Rikbeel, Cherubiel, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel and Zophiel. It is hard to imagine why in art these strong angels turned into dwarfs with baby faces. I prefer to stick to the notion of creatures with lion faces and a human body. Of course, you can represent them by others.

In magic, when you seek protection, wisdom and knowledge, look to the cherubs. Many Egyptian deities, especially Sekhmet, Bayet and Anubis, may have been cherubs.

Some archaeologists believe that the famous Sphinx (a giant sculpture with a human head and a lion's body) may not belong to the Egyptian culture, but to the culture of an undiscovered Civilization that existed before the Egyptian one. To summon the cherubs, light a white candle for the deity and a blue one for the cherub.

Thrones

Thrones are assigned to planets, so most of the planetary angels that are mentioned in this book belong to the category of thrones. They create, conduct and collect incoming and outgoing positive energy. Thrones are called "many-eyed" and are a kind of divine private investigators, as well as teachers of obedience. The name "thrones" comes from the idea that all the power of the deity rests on their strong shoulders. Justice and the administration of justice are very important to them. They can highlight injustice with their fire and send healing energy to any victim. Again, the question is who leads whom. The prince of thrones must be Orifiel, Zadkiel or Zaphkiel. Other names are given - Razzil and Jophiel. Thrones are very interested in the affairs of mortals, although they may channel energy through your guardian angel rather than interact directly with you.

In magick, invoke Thrones to help build relationships with groups of people or between two individuals. Refer to the thrones if you are in search of stability, as well as for any issues related to the planets or planetary energies. To invoke the thrones, light a white candle for the deity and a green one for the thrones.

Angels of the second triad

The angels of the second triad (domination, strength, power) govern certain planets and those angels who perform the tasks assigned to them. They themselves obey the angels of the first triad. The angels of the second triad deal with the cosmos and the relationships within it. Some theological scholars argue that the angels of the second triad are not at all worried about mortals and are too busy “cosmically; mi" problems; but I don't believe their communication system is so bad that prayers and outbursts of human energy are wasted. I also do not believe in their arrogance and arrogance towards people.

dominance

The dominions fulfill the role of divine leaders, whose efforts are aimed at uniting the material and spiritual without losing control. They carry symbols of power such as a scepter and an orb. The prince of this rank is Hashmal or Zadkiel. Interestingly, Dominion is also the name of an elder angel. Other angels who are also called princes of dominions are Muriel and Zakariel.

In magic, all matters of leadership fall under the control of dominions. They embody the law of cause and effect and precision in work. Dominations endow a person with the gift of a "natural leader" and make sure that his subordinates are healthy and happy. They disapprove of corrupt governments, politicians, ecclesiastical and political leaders who put personal interests ahead of the public. If you want to achieve divine wisdom, look to the dominions. They are excellent mediators and arbitrators. If you are starting an important project or something has stalled in current affairs, contact the dominions. To summon dominions, light a white candle for the deity and a pink one for dominions.

Forces

Forces trace the history of mankind. The angels of birth and death are of this genus. They organize world religions and send out divine energy to support their positive aspects. Their main task is to regulate chaos. Some theologians believe that the powers were created before the other angelic orders. They are seen as divine warriors who operate not through fear and hatred, but through all-encompassing love. The powers are the angels of warning; they will warn you if anyone is going to harm you. This warning can come in many ways: as a sensation, a dream, or a snippet of conversation. This means that you must learn to listen to what the angels are telling you. They work through the sixth sense of a person, forcing us to listen to them. Until now, there is a dispute about who heads this rank. According to some sources, this is Ertosi, according to others, Sammail and Kamail. Gabriel and Verhiel also belong to the angels of this rank.

In magic, they are considered warrior angels and you should call on them when you are in trouble. Forces can ferret out any secret plans, the execution of which will harm someone. These angels will protect your Home, property, children, or any group of people who call upon them for protection. To invoke powers, light a white candle for the deity and a yellow one for powers.

Authorities

The main work of the authorities is to move the spiritual energy to the level of the earth and the collective human consciousness. Known as "wonder angels", they are known for their courtesy and courage. In the planetary system of the Egyptians and alchemists, Pi-Re was the head of government. Among the ruling princes of this degree are Michael, Raphael, Barviel, Chaniel, Gamaliel, Tarshish, Peliel, Sabriel, Uzziel.
The authorities are especially supportive of those who try to achieve more than others expect from them. They love enterprising and successful positive people who try to enlighten and educate others and lead them to achieve harmony.

Authorities are the spirits of movement, work and direction of elemental natural energies that cause damage to our planet. Earth, air, weather and planetary catastrophes associated with the elements are under the auspices of the authorities. These are the angels of nature. When you work with elemental magic, it is the authorities who listen to you and help you. When you are in trouble or working for healing, contact the authorities. When you are sick or afraid, call on the authorities. To summon the authorities, light a white candle for the deity and an orange one for the authorities.

Angels of the third triad

The angels of the third triad have very complex connections with human affairs; they are considered the angels of the Earth. They are constantly intertwined with our lives and eagerly listen to what is happening with people. The third triad includes the principles, the archangels, and those who are simply called angels.

Beginnings

The beginnings are the guardians of large structures such as continents, countries, cities, and large human organizations (such as the UN). They promote global reforms. You will find them in boardrooms and brokerage houses, even in swimming pools, wherever people gather in groups for study, decision making, or just for fun. They also create and transmit positive energies from the physical to the divine and back. The patrons of religion and politics, they watch over the leaders of mankind to help them make fair decisions. The main ruling angels of this degree are Recuil, Anael, Kerviel and Nisroc. According to Egyptian beliefs, the ruler among them is Surot.

With the help of magic, you can call these angels when discrimination, destruction of animals or (God forbid!) genocide, violation of the laws by those who manage anything - from a country to a company, or if you do not have enough strength to make the necessary decisions regarding large groups of people. Human rights and economic reforms are the top priority to begin with. To invoke the beginnings, light a white candle for the deity and a red one for the beginnings.

Archangels

This is a rather strange group. They are often assigned to one of the other triads or another rank. They love to communicate with mortals, although they can not always afford it. These are the "special forces" of the angelic worlds, accustomed to dealing with different strata of society - from rulers to newborns. They also create and transmit energy in both directions. Chapter 2 and other sections of this book discuss the use of archangels in magic.
To summon the archangels, see chapter 4.

Angels

Angels are beings assigned to a specific person. They are often referred to as guardian angels. They deal with matters of human and physical manifestation and transmit energies from us to the divine and from the divine to us. Our guardian angels are assigned to us for the duration of all earthly incarnations. They are our best friends and our closest companions, accompanying us from the moment of our birth and helping us in the transition through death. They protect us in times of trouble, help us adjust to the world and fulfill our divine plan by calling on the other powers of the Nine Orders of Angels when we need them. However, many of the above they will only do at our request. Therefore, we must learn to talk about our needs and concerns. We will return to guardian angels in Chapter 7, which will be dedicated to them alone.
Our guardian angels are always in contact with all the angels of the Nine Orders. They send messages instantly, and if we ask them for help, they will convey our request to the deity and other angels. Again, I must remind you that you are never alone. Although angels often act instantly, especially if other people are involved in your problem, sometimes their action may slow down or go wrong. Turning to the angels for help, make sure that your thoughts are pure, and ask them to tell you the most acceptable solution for everyone or a good attitude towards you. But do not think that the angel will solve all your problems on his own. It will only open up new possibilities and paths for you that you could not discover on your own.
Guardian angels can come from any of the Nine orders of angels. Each angel has its own function. None of them is better or more important than the others. To summon your guardian angel, light a candle of your favorite color. Place a white candle for the deity nearby.

The ebb and flow of energy to the mortal or from the mortal to the deity is the main task of the angels. If this flow stops, all of us, including the angels, will cease to exist. All laws, cosmic and human, are governed by angels. They can change anyone's fate at any time. But an angel will never become an accomplice of evil. They seek justice with force and love, but without cruelty. Stories about "merciless angels" scare only fools.

We can magically interact with any angel from the Nine orders of angels. For example, if you want to heal the planet, you must find a special rank in charge of it. All angels are attuned to the orders of the Holy Mother and the Holy Father. Those who open their hearts to a female deity can make major changes in our society. The Virgin is almost definitely the queen of angels, and if you need her, all you have to do is summon her.

When interacting with angels, our weak point is only doubt and fear. When we doubt the power of the angels to help us, we cut off our connection with them. Unbelief or fear erects a barrier between us and the angels.

Spell for nine ranks

Glittering Seraphim, I call upon you.
Draw a circle, bring me love.
Mighty cherub, guard my gates
Take away sorrow and hatred from me.
Thrones, stand strong, make me resolute,
Help me to keep steady on land and sea.
I call for domination, whose power is beyond doubt,
To be honest in everything I do.
Forces create circles of protection
Help me, weather and storm.
Miraculous powers hover nearby,
They give me the energy of the elements.
Beginnings bring global change,
Blessing the world and every newborn.
Glorious archangels show me the way
Leading to peace and harmony of every day.
Guardian angel, powerful deity,
Bless me with your guiding light.

Appeal to the nine orders of angels

The fact that you have chosen this book and are thinking about how to do magick with angels makes you a very special person. You are probably one in a thousand. Few have the courage to practice magick with angels, as this means that you must live honestly, which is not always easy to do. Some believe that angels do not correspond to their religious beliefs. I have come to the conclusion that angels correspond to everything at any time and in any place. They are not as picky as we are.

One delightful winter morning, I hit the local department store and grocery store on business. There I suddenly began to look at people - I mean, I began to look at them for real. I realized that all the people around me were not alone, that their angels were with them. To my surprise, I realized that the ground level must be a very busy place. At that moment, the physical senses that I had trained for so long took a huge leap forward.

Looking at people, I "felt" what they were most worried about. Some people looked around helplessly as if they were alone in the world, and I really wanted to tell them that they weren't. Others were preoccupied with thoughts about their business, family, friends, etc. At first glance, I recognized those who were dishonest or those who felt empty in life despite their expensive clothes and professional make-up. I felt like I had entered the twilight zone.

I walked and felt my angels next to me. They were large and I could feel them pulsing. I have no idea how I knew this - I just knew. People looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back. This is unusual because most of the people in my area do not always benevolent to the people you meet. I understood that those who smiled broadly felt the presence of angels, but could not realize what they felt. I felt huge. I felt great. I felt that I was loved. I touched harmony.

As I was walking to my car, the idea of invoking the Nine Orders of Angels came to my mind. This is your first introduction to all types of angels, let them know that you are ready to invite them into your life and do magic with them.

You will need one white candle to represent the Virgin and one white candle to represent the Lord. You will also need candles to represent each level of the Nine Orders of Angels, so you need eleven candles. If you want, you can use candles of the colors that I recommended to you earlier.

Make sure you are not disturbed during this ritual. While talking with the angels, you should not be interrupted by phone calls, TV, guests or family members.

Go to the angelic altar and light candles or lamps. Take a deep breath while holding both white candles firmly in your hands. Whatever your religious beliefs, say a prayer or incantation, stating exactly what you want to do. I am not giving a sample prayer here because it has to come from your heart. Light both white candles, saying:

I light this candle for the Lord.
I light this candle for the Virgin.

If you are familiar with magic, then it's time to draw a magic circle. Choose which way you like to create the circle. If you don't know how to draw a magic circle, see Chapter 6 of this book; if you don't want to draw a circle, just imagine yourself surrounded by white light.

Line up the candles and start with your guardian angel's candle. Say the following:

I light this guardian angel candle and invite my guardian angel into my life. I vow to work magic with the angels and help my fellowmen and the planet with all my might. May it be so.

Relax and meditate on what you just said. Feel that your guardian angel is close to you and confirm that you will listen to the messages being conveyed to you.

Light the archangel candle and say the following:

I light this archangel candle and invite this archangel into my life. I vow to work magic with the archangels and help my fellowmen and the planet with all my might. May it be so.

As before, relax and think about the archangels and what they mean to you.

Go to the rest of the ranks, each time to one of them, lighting a candle, calling angels, pronouncing an oath. Meditate on each rank.

When you have done all this, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Open yourself to universal harmony.

At the end of the work, contact the angels that you have called. The conversion can be big or small, it doesn't matter.

Speak the appeal loudly and firmly.

Take a deep breath again and relax. Thank the angels for responding and helping you. If you. o draw a magic circle, open it.

You can join the Nine orders of angels at any time. Angels are always ready to help you.

Queen of Angels (story of St. Cztrin Labour)

I am not a Catholic and never have been, but when I first read this story, my heart raced and goosebumps ran through my body. I believe there is no better example to demonstrate the power and existence of the queen of angels, the entity we Wiccans know as the Lady.

On July 18, 1830, the nun Catherine Labourg woke up on the Rue du Bac in Paris and saw a shining angel who ordered her to quickly go to the chapel. When Catherine arrived there, she saw the queen of angels who gave her the first message. In this first message, she introduced herself to Catherine as the sacred mother of all children. She called herself the queen of angels.

After her first visit, Catherine devoted herself to deep seclusion and prayer for many months. Every morning Catherine returned to the chapel hoping to see the queen of angels again. And one fine morning, the queen returned to the chapel, standing over the ball, bathed in bright light, and dressed in sunlight. There were rings on each of her fingers. When she opened her palms, brightly burning beams of fire burst out of them and ignited the ball. The angels emitted a shimmering light as the queen spoke the following words:

The sphere you see represents the planet Earth. The rays that escape from my hands symbolize the grace given to me to pass on to those of our children who ask me about it.

Jewels that do not emit rays are favors that my children forgot to ask for. The light of angels symbolizes their power and presence on earth. Let me help you my children. Seek the light of angels.

Katherine's vision intensified. Rays from the hands of the queen lit a fire in all parts of the ball. The golden door to the Land of Summer wavered like an oval around the vision. The Queen of Angels said:

Divine will commands that a medal be made with the image of this heavenly vision, which is bestowed upon you. The medal will always be a token of my protection and the presence of angels to guide you on the paths of unconditional divine love for you. All who wear this medal with faith will be showered with graces, blessings and endowed with strength.

This medal was made and distributed among Catholics around the world. The legend says that those who wore the medal with faith and conviction witnessed many miracles and were under divine protection. It became known as the "Miracle Medal". People around the world continue to wear this medal of angelic power, a gift from the Queen Our Lady herself.

After researching this story, I decided to visit a local shop for Catholics. I felt strange, wandering among the trappings of a religion alien to me, but at the same time I was proud that my own faith was strong and could not be shaken by another belief system. I found the Miracle Medal and the card that came with it.

At home, I placed them on my angelic altar (see chapter 2), cleansed, consecrated, and energized these items. There is a prayer on the back of the card. I have compiled my own spell to suit my personal spiritual needs:

Merciful Goddess, I reunite with you in the name of Our Lady, Queen of Angels, who brought this Miraculous medal. May this medal be to me a convincing sign of your maternal affection and a constant reminder of the oath I swore to my religion. Bless me with your loving protection and protection for your Spouse. The most powerful Virgin, Mother and Foremother! Let me be with you every minute of my life, so that I, like you, can live and act in such a way as to fulfill my vow. With this medal, I will call upon angelic powers to help my fellowmen and control my own life. May it be so.

If you don't like using the Miraculous Medal, don't worry about it. I took a little time to find a medal without a cross on the back. I don't want to use cross jewelry as this sign denotes attack and has a hidden meaning to me. You are free to choose other jewelry which is more convenient for you. A Jew can use a Star of David, a Wiccan a pentacle. The symbol must be important to you and you must trust that it will work for the purpose you have identified in the dedication and prayer above.

Catholics have a prayer that they use in all difficulties. I'll bring it here, and then we'll rewrite it a bit so it's in line with alternative religious traditions. Since all gods are one god and all goddesses are one goddess, I don't think the Mother of God would mind. Legend says that this prayer was first read by the angel Gabriel.
Oh blessed Mary. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Holy Mary, Mother

God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

If you follow an alternative religion, you can pronounce it like this:
O Lady, blessed, God is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Husband and Son. Holy Goddess, Mother of the Earth, perform the sacrament for your children, now and in our hour of need. May it be so.

Queen of Angels and Magic Circle

The Queen of Angels sends seraphim to collect human prayers and deliver them to the deity. All the angels are deeply devoted to her and she has her own angel retinue. Thus, when you draw a magic circle and invoke the Lord or Lady, you also invoke the angelic host that moves with them regardless of your belief system and whether you think about them or believe in them. If you acknowledge the presence of angelic beings as you draw your circle, you will see the difference. If you don't believe me, try it and find out for yourself.

Indeed, many of us feel the presence of angels in our lives especially acutely when things are going badly. I'll give myself as an example. I pored over this angelic book, sometimes feeling tired and devastated, but thinking that my life was in order, when suddenly a professional discord overtook me in the midst of a difficult period. Feeling very unhappy and acutely aware that my whole life was going downhill, I went to my angelic altar and lit two white candles. I called on my guardian angel and asked that this transition in my life be as painless as possible and that I find out what caused it without being blinded by human emotions and selfishness. .

Once I read that mortals are conductors of spiritual energy to the material world, and angels are conductors of material energy to the spiritual world. Together we create a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. I also understood that in order to continue my work, I must get rid of negative emotions - doubts, anger, self-dissatisfaction and introspection, which boil in a terrible cauldron of endless speculation.

The first thing I did was take a shower and visualize how the water cleanses both my physical body and my soul. Then I took a glass of cold water (any drink will do) and imagined that with every sip I was filling my body with angelic and universal energies. Then I took a deep breath, imagining the healing energy entering my body. I exhaled, throwing away with him all doubts, fears or thoughts of unhappiness.

I summoned the Lady with the help of Edgar Allan P's poem about:

Morning, noon, dusk
Lady, you hear my hymn:
In joy and sorrow, in health and sickness,
Mother Goddess, be with me.
When the bright hours fly by
And there is not a cloud in the sky
My soul, no matter how idle it may be,
Your mercy leads to you.
Now that the storms of fate
Covered with darkness my present and future,
May my hope be in you
Make my future shine.

Then I reread Gabriel's prayer several times, turning it into a power-enhancing mantra:

O Lady, full of mercy, God is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Husband and Son. Holy Goddess, Mother of the Earth, perform the sacrament for your children, now and in our hour of need. May it be so.

The problem was solved within a day.

Other hierarchies

I mentioned earlier that there are several hierarchies of angels. Although I have chosen to work with the Nine Angelic Orders, I would not like to discard Jewish mysticism. The Kabbalah mentions ten Sephiroth (singular - Sephira). Each represents a world of its own that requires deep exploration through imaginary journeys, personal encounters with the divine, etc. Angels are present in each sephirah. The names of the Sephiroth are Foundation, Splendor, Eternity, Beauty, Power, Grace, Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding and Perfection (Crown). The diagram representing these forces is shaped like a tree. At the roots of this tree is the guardian angel Sandalphon, who spreads through the tree and goes into the Universe. The other angels on the tree are Safkiel, the angel of contemplation; Raphael, divine physician; Gabriel, who governs spiritual wisdom; Michael, commander-in-chief of the heavenly host. At the top is Metatron. We will be discussing all of these angels throughout the book.