| Subject: Re:The Archangels |
Author:
Penny
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Date Posted: Sun, Nov 02 2003, 12:46:14
In reply to:
Penny
's message, "Angels" on Sat, Nov 01 2003, 19:54:23
The Great Archangels include the best-loved personalities in the angelic realms, but there is some confusion in angelology as to who they really are and what their roles are. This problem stems from the very term Archangel, which can refer to any angel above the lowest-ranking choir. Thus, in a sense, the mighty Cherubim and Seraphim are archangels, but the Choir of Archangels in Dionysius's hierarchy is the second-lowest ranking of the nine.
Further, how can Archangel Michael be a member of the Choir of Archangels and also a prince of the Seraphim, as some authorities state? This apparent inconsistency may stem from the possibility that the archangels are the most radiant beings that appear to humanity. an angel of any greater light than, say, Michael would be too bright for mortals to behold without being blinded. When the angelic hierarchies were formulated by Christian mystics like Dionysius, therefore, it was assumed that Michael must belong to one of the highest choirs, because he appeared to receive his orders direct from God. Also, as the vanquisher of Satan, Michael must surely be the most powerful angel of light in Heaven, given that Satan was supposed to have been a serious rival of the Most High. As for how many archangels there are, the consensus is seven, although the Christian churches recognize just two. Occult angelology elevates four archangels above the rest as the Angels of the Four Winds and the Four Elements. This forms the basis for the angelic equivalent of a "Wheel of Power," or Native American Medicine Wheel, probably the most fundamental ritual known to man, and integral to traditions the world over. A further three archangels make up the "Planetary Angels." There are many different lists of the seven archangels, but they all include Michael and Gabriel, the majority include Raphael, and the next most popular choice is Uriel. These are termed here as the Four Great Archangels.
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