Ranks of the Cherubim Angels
For an indepth psychic reading channeled by three angels, click the angel
Function and Philosophy
The Cherubim Choir is the second of the nine accepted choirs of angels, placed second as well in the first triad of the angelic hierarchy(with the seraphim and thrones). They are some of the most powerful and awe-inspiring of all angels, standing below only the seraphim in direct closeness to God. Their illuminative knowledge and wisdom are thus so great as to be utterly incomprehensible to the mortal mind, blinding the blessed human who has the honor of actually beholding them in this world.
In Islamic lore, the Cherubim was allegedly created out of the tears shed by the archangel Michael for all the sins of humanity. They are the first angels to be encountered in the Old Testament, being posted in the Book of Genesis in the east of Eden to ensure that no one entered after the expulsion of Adam and Eve.
Their chief task in the celestial hierarchy is to sing the praises of God, but they are also declared in occult lore to have the responsibility of driving the chariot of the Lord, a key symbol of heaven. The Cherubim are also given the task of maintaining the records of heaven and seeing to the details necessary to keep order in the Heavenly Host.
Characteristics
Cherubim had the bodies of a winged bull, an eagle, or a sphinx and the faces of men or lions. As is clear from Ezekiel's encounter, the cherubim possess four wings and four faces, symbolizing their eternal vigilance and knowledge, which reaches every direction of Creation. They are also often presented with peacock feathers bearing a host of eyes, again in reference to their all-seeing omniscience.
Members of this Angelic Choir
Cherubiel - The choir of Cherubim is named after Cherubiel, who is one of their reigning chiefs; Gabriel is the other reigning chief.
Gabriel - This archangel is a primary messenger of God, bringing divine announcements and revelations to humankind. Acting as an intermediary between heaven and earth, he helps us to interpret our dreams and our visions. Gabriel grants wishes and hopes to mortals, as well as joy, mercy, understanding of mysteries, truth, justice, miracles and love. His name means "hero of God" and he is the angel of resurrection. Essene prayer: "Gabriel, Angel of Life, enter my limbs and give strength to my whole body". He also presides over the Moon, those born under the sun sign of Aquarius, in the month of January, and those born on a Monday.
Ophaniel - According to Enoch this angel has sixteen faces, one hundred pairs of wings, and 8,466 eyes. He is regent and namesake of the Ofanim, who governs the Moon as "the angel of the wheel of the moon." His task is to follow through with the orders from the Powers.
Raphael - This archangel is extremely healing to all living beings; so much so that his name means "God Heals". Raphael grants joy, healing, love, miracles and grace. He inspires humankind to pray and is also protective of travelers, guarding and guiding those who take outward or inward journeys. Raphael also grants courage and encourages scientific breakthroughs and knowledge in general. He is also the angel of hell, which certainly needs his healing. Essene prayer: "Raphael, Angel of Sun, enter my solar center and give the fire of life to my whole body". Also, Raphael presides over those born on Wednesday and they can pray to him for protection and light. In addition, Raphael presides over the planet, Mercury, which entails all humans communications.
Uriel - A patron angel of literature and music, he also is the angel of peace, salvation, transformation, and ministration. His name translated means "God's fire". Uriel bestows upon us the gift of creative fire, as well as the power of prophecy and presides over the planet Mars. We appeal to him for foresight into the future and for help in developing our psychic abilities. Uriel is the regent of the Sun, the flame of God and presides over Hades and those us born under the sun sign Libra or born in the month of September. If you are a Libra or born in September you can pray to Uriel for special protection and bright blessings.
Zaphiel - Zaphiel along with Orifiel presides over the planet Saturn. Along with 8 other angels he rules over Heaven. And it is said he is the angel of the third sephira of the Tree of Life. The spelling of his name through the millenniums has been translated in numerous ways: Zaphiel, Zaphchial, Zaphehiel, and Zophiel, but the meaning has stayed the same "God's knowledge".
I send you love.
Background & some graphics by Enchantress
All info on these angels pages gleaned from:
1- To Ride A Silver Broomstick - Silver RavenWolf
2- The Magus, A Complete System of Occult Philosophy, Book 1&2 - Francis Barrett
3- Ask Your Angels - Alma Daniel, Timothy Wyllie & Andrew Ramer
4- Dictionary of Angels - Gustav Davidson
5- The Sacred Magic of the Angels - David Goddard
6- What I've learned from my angels and the angels I work with.