Different types of angels and their hierarchy
Angels are supernatural beings found in various religions and mythologies. In most instances, they are portrayed as benevolent celestial creatures who act as go-betweens between God and humans. There are different types of angels with varying authorities, tasks, and appearances.
Source: UGC
How many angels are there? Here is all you need to know about the various classifications.
What are the different ranks of angels?
Here is a look at the hierarchy of angels, including a list of angels in every sphere of authority.
First sphere
This is the highest level of divine beings in the celestial hierarchy. Angels in this sphere are known as celestial advisors and are known to be closest to God and farthest from human beings. Here are the different types of angels in the first sphere.
1. Seraphim
Seraphim angels are described in Biblical texts as having a passion for God that causes them to burn with a fiery love. In one of the Jewish Kabbalah texts, Seraphim are said to live close to the throne of God in a place known as Beriyah which emits fiery energy.
Here is a look at some of the divine beings who are part of the Seraphim.
- Seraphiel: Resides in heaven and is in charge of leading others in constant praise.
- Michael: Travels frequently between heaven and earth and is tasked with fighting evil throughout the universe. He is also part of another rank of divine beings known as archangels.
- Metatron: He is heaven’s official record keeper. He supervises and records every detail that anyone in time ever thought, wrote, said, or did.
Religious texts describe the Seraphim as glorious celestial creatures with six wings grouped into three pairs. The first pair covers their faces, the second pair covers their feet, and the third pair is for flight.
These angels are also said to have eyes on all sides of their bodies to view God’s deeds continually.
Source: UGC
Those in this rank never stop serving and worshipping God. In the book of Revelation, John speaks of them
2. Cherubim
In Christianity, the Cherubim are tasked with guarding the Garden of Eden, attending to God, and bearing his throne.
3. Thrones
Thrones complete the list of beings in the first celestial sphere. In Christianity, they are said to be under the control of Jesus Christ.
They are said to have four wings and four faces. Thrones are the angels that represent humility, submission, and peace.
These beings are also responsible for dispensing justice without being clouded by ambition or pride. Thrones are said to be spiritually near-perfect and often emanate Godly light full of goodness. These angels are associated with judgment and counselors to angels in lower ranks.
The Biblical prophet, Ezekiel, described Thrones as wheels with eyes. These wheels are supposedly angelic spirits tasked with moving God’s chariot forward. The eyes symbolize God’s all-seeing and all-knowing wisdom.
Second sphere
Those in this hierarchy are referred to as celestial governors. They are tasked with support activities concerning the throne of God. How many angels are there in the second celestial sphere? Here is a look at the three groups.
1. Dominions
Dominions are strong celestial beings tasked with governing the universe. The presence of these angels is said to be often human-invoked through situations, conflicts, and emergencies that call for immediate resolution. Dominions are also the rulers of all ranks below them.
Source: UGC
Dominions are below Cherubim, Seraphim, and Thrones in the angelic hierarchy. However, as the overall rulers, Dominions have authority over divine beings in higher ranks such as Cherubim.
Dominions rarely come into direct contact with human beings, although they are constantly involved with their realities.
The leader of the Dominions is known as Tsadkiel. He often helps in emergencies, helps people achieve objectives and has great incentive power.
The other Dominions are Lecabel, Omael, Reyel, Sehelah, Lerathel, Haaiah, Nith-Haiah, and Vasariah.
2. Virtues
Virtues are responsible for the maintenance of order in the universe. They often emanate divine energy and remove the evil influences that steer humans away from the path of righteousness. Virtues are known for their royalty, purity, and association with miracles.
Virtues are also responsible for helping human beings realize their God-given purpose, guiding them towards achieving it and guarding their souls and bodies. The prince of the Virtues is known as Raphael. He possesses divine healing power capable of relieving humans of any pain.
The other Virtues are Mikael, Asaliah, Ariel, Sealiah, Yelaiah, Veuliah, Mikael, and Hahahel. These beings are often said to protect meditative, organized, pragmatic, realistic, systematic, and critical people.
3. Powers
Powers are tasked with restraining the powers of demons and help people overcome the temptations brought about by these evil beings. Powers also ensure that demons do not get their way in inflicting harm upon humans.
Powers also help those struggling with vices and evil passions by helping cast out unholy thoughts.
Third sphere
Angels in this sphere are known as celestial messengers. They are basically in charge of justice and authority. Here is a look at the names of angels in this category.
Source: UGC
1. Principalities
What are Principalities angels? These are the celestial beings who watch over institutions and large groups such as churches, cities, and countries.
Principalities also have the authority of lower-ranked angels in ensuring the fulfillment of God’s divine will.
Like other angels in the third sphere, Principalities protect, guide and deliver messages to humans. Angels in the third sphere are the closest to humans and farthest to God, which makes it easier for them to communicate directly with humans.
2. Archangels
Archangels are portrayed in religion and mythology as powerful beings in the celestial order despite being among the lower ranks. The exact number of archangels is not known, although most religions mention seven.
Here is a look at the different types of angels and their roles in this group.
- Michael: His name means ‘he who is as God’ and is often depicted as the most powerful of all angels. Within the celestial hierarchy, Michael is portrayed as a leader and is often depicted as a sword-bearing warrior in works of art. Michael helps those seeking vitality, energy, courage, direction, and motivation.
- Jophiel: The name Jophiel means ‘beauty of God’ in Christianity. Jophiel is the patron saints of earthly artists. She helps them develop and maintain beautiful and inspiring thoughts as well as manifest them for others to see. She is also in charge of instilling unique points of view in talented people.
- Chamuel: The name Chamuel means ‘he who sees God’ in Christianity. He is responsible for maintaining world peace by reducing negative energy. Chamuel helps humans find the courage and strength to overcome life’s adversities. He also helps mend broken relationships.
- Raphael: He is tasked with emotional and physical healing. He is also the head of the Virtues. Besides healing humans, he also assists healers in carrying out their practices. Some of his other tasks include watching over travelers, maintaining general harmony, and clearing stress and fear.
- Gabriel: This is one of the few angels who are mentioned by name in both testaments of the Bible. He is tasked with communication and often acts as God’s messenger. Gabriel also helps artists, journalists, teachers, and writers get their messages across.
- Ariel: The name means ‘lion of God’ in Christianity. Archangel Ariel is the patron saint of the environment and animals and helps protect the earth, wildlife, and natural resources. She is said to work closely with Raphael to heal injured animals. She also oversees the order of planets, stars, and the moon.
- Azrael: He is widely regarded as the angel of death in certain religions. He is tasked with helping souls transition from life on earth as well as comforting those who lose their loved ones. Azrael also assists grief counselors in dealing with the pain of those who seek help from them.
Source: UGC
3. Guardian angels
Guardian angels are the divine beings closest to human beings and farthest from God. This makes it possible for guardian angels to communicate with humans in the most direct manner possible. These angels communicate the will of God in people’s lives and also protect humans from unpleasant situations.
One of the most exciting subjects in mythology and religion involves angels. For ages, these mysterious celestial beings have been part of humans’ beliefs, prayers, and at times, wishes. The different types of angels make up a hierarchy commonly known as the nine choirs of angels.
Source: Legit.ng
