Angels are spiritual beings that have been described in the Bible and other religious texts for centuries. Angels are part of a heavenly hierarchy that serves God, and they can influence our lives and provide guidance. Understanding the hierarchy of angels is essential to interpreting messages they may send us. Different traditions have unique views on what the hierarchy looks like.
Today we’re gonna look at the Catholic hierarchy put forth by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 5th century.
Types of Angels
Here the angels are presented in hierarchical order. Note that guardian angels are also often called just angels.
| Angelic Order | Characteristics | Rank | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seraphim | Unconditional love for all | 1st | Offering unconditional praise to God through hymns and mantras. |
| Cherubim | 4 faces | 2nd | Protecting sacred places and providing prophecies/protection. |
| Thrones | Power of judgment | 3rd | Interpreting and carrying out divine law, as well as punishing the wicked. |
| Dominions | Leadership capabilities | 4th | Imparting universal wisdom, authority, and understanding of all that is. |
| Virtues | Controls the elements | 5th | Miraculous abilities. |
| Powers | Can conquer evil. | 6th | Control cosmic forces. |
| Principalities | Protectors. | 7th | Guardianship over nations. |
| Archangels | Messengers | 8th | Delivering God’s will to humans, offering guidance and wisdom. |
| Angels | Closest to human life. | 9th | Personal messengers. |
Seraphim
Seraphim are the closest angels to God, so they are powerful and wise beings who serve as heavenly teachers. They can provide insights into difficult situations that may otherwise be hard to understand or interpret.
Cherubim
These are the guardians of God’s mercy and grace, providing comfort, solace, hope, and divine love to those who need it most. Cherubim may also appear in dreams or visions, offering messages of encouragement or warning about potential dangers ahead.
Thrones and Dominions
Thrones and dominions lay the foundation for angelic activities on Earth by helping to create order out of chaos. They act as intermediaries between higher powers like archangels and humans.
Virtues
Virtues are messengers of faith and miracles, providing guidance to those who seek it. They can also be helpful in understanding the divine mystery and transcending difficult situations.
Powers
Powers are the messengers from God and can provide guidance in difficult times. They often appear in dreams and visions offering insight, comfort, and protection to those who need it.
Principalities and Powers
These angels are responsible for overseeing human realms such as governments, churches, and organizations. They provide guidance to those in power and can be an important source of spiritual insight.
Archangels
Archangels are God’s messengers and protectors. They can provide guidance, insight, and strength to those who seek it. The most well-known archangel is Michael.
| Archangel | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Michael | Strength, courage and protection |
| Gabriel | Messenger of God, divine power and prophecy |
| Uriel | Wisdom, knowledge, and peace |
| Jophiel | Enlightenment, illumination and creativity |
| Chamuel | Compassion, divine love and mercy |
| Zadkiel | Purity, justice, benevolence and mercy |
| Metatron | Sacred scribe of God who oversees heavenly records |
| Sandalphon | Bringing down prayers to heaven on behalf of humans |
| Azrael | Angel of death who helps souls transition |
| Raphael | Healer and protector of humans |
Guardian Angels
We all have guardian angels that work with us throughout our lifetime to guide and protect us on our journey through life. These angels often appear in dreams or visions and offer guidance when we need it most.
Interpreting the Messages from Angels
When you think you may have received a message from an angel, it’s important to interpret it carefully. Pay attention to any symbols or images that may appear in your vision, and be sure to keep an open mind. Ask yourself questions like “What is this message trying to tell me?” and “How can I use this information in my life?”.
Conclusion
Angels are spiritual beings that serve God and help guide us on our journey through life. Learning about the hierarchy of angels can help us understand the messages they send us and gain insight into difficult situations we may encounter.
By asking questions and interpreting the visions, dreams, or messages we receive, we can more easily access the wisdom of these heavenly beings.