Angelology

ANGELS

WORLD OF WINGS Angels as Beings Belonging to Pantheon of Spiritual Forces Involved in the Creation of the Word

ANGELS HAVE BEEN A PART OF HUMAN CULTURE AND MYTHOLOGY FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS

These celestial beings have been depicted as messengers, protectors, and agents of divine will. However, beyond their religious and spiritual significance, angels are also part of a pantheon

of

spiritual

creation of the world.

forces

that

are

involved

in

the

ASSOCIATED WITH CREATION In many ancient mythologies, angels are not the only spiritual beings that are associated with the creation of the world. Instead, they are part of a larger group of divine beings that work together to create and sustain the cosmos. These beings are often referred to as gods, goddesses, demigods, or spirits, and they are believed to have unique powers and responsibilities.

IN ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS, POMORS OFTEN[QUANTIFY] DEPICTED SIRINS AS BIRDS SITTING IN PARADISE TREES. 1710

.

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the creation of the world was attributed to a group of nine gods and goddesses, known as the Ennead. These deities included Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys, among others, and they were responsible for creating the earth, the sky, and the gods themselves. .

ODIN SACRIFICING HIMSELF UPON YGGDRASIL

NORSE MYTHOLOGY Yggdrasil (from Old Norse Yggdrasill) is an immense and central sacred tree in Norse cosmology. Around it exists all else, including the Nine Worlds.

Similarly, in Norse mythology, the creation of the world was attributed to a group of gods and goddesses, known as the Aesir and the Vanir. These deities included Odin, Thor, Freyja, and Loki, among others, and they were responsible for creating the world tree, Yggdrasil, and the nine realms of Norse cosmology.

.

In both of these examples, angels are not the only divine beings involved in the creation of the world. Instead, they are part of a larger pantheon of spiritual forces that work together to bring the cosmos into existence.

NEW AGE

The concept of angels as part of a larger pantheon of spiritual forces is also evident in many contemporary spiritual traditions. For example, in the New Age movement, angels are often associated with other spiritual beings, such as ascended masters, spirit guides, and extraterrestrial beings. These beings are believed to work together to bring about spiritual growth and transformation on a global scale.

SHAMAN

In some forms of shamanism, angels are not the only spiritual beings that are invoked for healing and protection. Instead, shamans may work with a variety of spirits, including animal spirits, nature spirits, and ancestral spirits, to bring about healing and balance in the world.

KABBALISTIC ANGELOLOGY

The Kabbalistic angelology is a complex system of beliefs and practices that seeks to understand the nature and hierarchy of angels, and their role in the spiritual world.

Kabbalistic angelology draws on the ancient Jewish mystical tradition of the Kabbalah, which views the universe as a series of emanations from God.

According to Kabbalistic teachings, angels are divine beings that serve as intermediaries between God and the physical world. They are seen as emanations of God's divine attributes, and are organized into a complex hierarchy of angels, with different levels of power and responsibility.

SEVEN ARCHANGELS

BUY NOW

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael (Собор Архистратига Михаила).

An Eastern Orthodox Church icon of the "Seven Archangels."

F r o m l e f t t o r i g h t : J e g u d i e l , G a b r i e l ( ‫ ) ַּג ְב ִר י ֵא ל‬, S e l a p h i e l , M i c h a e l , Uriel, Raphael, and Barachiel. Beneath the mandorla of Christ Emmanuel are representations of Cherubim (in blue) and Seraphim (in red).

HANIEL ONE OFTHE SEVEN ARCH ANGELS

BUY NOW

THE VIRTUE HANIEL, ENGRAVING BY CRISPIJN VAN DE PASSE, CIRCA 1575. BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL DE ESPAÑA, MADRID.

Kabbalistic angelology identifies ten sefirot, or levels of divine manifestation, each associated with a particular angelic presence. For example, the sefirah of Chesed (kindness) is associated with the angelic presence of Metatron, while the sefirah of Netzach (victory) is

METATRON

associated with the angelic presence of Haniel.

Kabbalistic texts also describe the roles and functions of various angels, such as Michael, who is associated with protection and strength, and Gabriel, who is associated with communication and revelation. Kabbalistic practitioners often invoke these angels through prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices in order to access their attributes and energies.

In Kabbalistic angelology, angels are seen as powerful spiritual beings that can assist humans in their spiritual growth and development. Through the study and practice of Kabbalah, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of angels and their role in the spiritual world, and can develop a closer relationship with the divine.

BUY NOW

GABRIEL

SPIRTUAL FORCES

In all of these examples, angels are seen as part of a larger pantheon of spiritual forces that are involved in the creation and maintenance of the world. While their specific roles and functions may vary across different cultures and traditions, they are always seen as powerful and benevolent beings that work for the greater good.

GUARDIAN ANGEL

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OLD BELIEVERS' WORKSHOP, MID 19TH CENTURY

MUGHAL CREATED 1550

BUY NOW

ANGEL IN A MUGHAL MINIATURE, IN THE STYLE OF BUKHARA, 16TH CENTURY

THE FALL OF THE REBEL ANGELS

The Fall of the Rebel Angels; left hand panel of Hieronymus Bosch's "The Haywain Triptych, c. 1500

JACOBS LADDER

THE WONDERS OF CREATION

A page from 'The Wonders of Creation and the Oddities of Existence' - Egypt/Syria c.1375-1425 AD

AKKADIAN CYLINDER SEAL DATING TO C. 2300 BC DEPICTING THE DEITIES INANNA, UTU, AND ENKI, THREE MEMBERS OF THE ANUNNAKI

Angels are not just messengers or protectors, but also part of a pantheon of spiritual forces that are involved in the creation of the world.

Whether we look to ancient mythology or contemporary spiritual traditions, it is clear that angels are not alone in their efforts to bring about healing, balance, and transformation in the world. Instead, they are part of a larger network of divine beings that work together to create and sustain the cosmos. By understanding the role that angels play within this pantheon of spiritual forces, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their significance and power in our lives.

FOUR CORNERS ANGEL WITH LION, OX, AND EAGLE

CHERUBIM

Illustration of angel with lion, ox, and eagle from ʿAjā'ib almakhlūqāt wa gharā'ib almawjūdāt circa 1650

ELEMENTS FOR CREATION EARTH, AIR, FIRE, WATER Angels in some spiritual traditions are associated with the elements of creation.

In particular, some traditions associate the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water) with different types of angels. Here are some examples:

1. Earth Angels: These angels are associated with the element of earth and are said to be responsible for grounding and stability.

They may be called upon for strength, endurance, and protection. Some traditions also associate earth angels with the physical body and the material world.

ANGEL OF AIR “Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.

Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

These angels are associated with the element of air and are said to represent intellect, communication, and freedom. They may be called upon for clarity of thought, inspiration, and guidance in matters of communication.

ANGEL WATER “In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans; in one aspect of You are found all the aspects of existence.” ― Kahlil Gibran Jr.

These angels are associated with the element of water and are said to represent emotion, intuition, and healing. They may be called upon for purification, emotional balance, and spiritual renewal.

ANGEL FIRE “Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.” – Helen Keller

These angels are associated with the element of fire and are said to represent passion, transformation, and energy. They may be called upon for courage, creativity, and motivation.

ANGELS

It's important to note that these associations are not universal and may vary depending on the spiritual or religious tradition.

Additionally, some traditions may recognize additional elements or angelic hierarchies beyond these four.

Exploration

by Karen elkins, editor of science to sage www.sciencetosage.com