Thrones belong to the first and highest triad of the heavenly host, standing just below the Seraphim and Cherubim. This position makes them some of the most powerful angels in service to the Lord. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the Thrones have the task of pondering the disposition of divine judgments. In other words, they carry out or fulfill the divine justice of the Lord.
Like their counterparts in the first angelic triad, they come the closest of all Angels to spiritual perfection and emanate the light of God with mirrorlike goodness. They, despite their greatness, are intensely humble, an attribute that allows them to dispense justice with perfect objectivity and without fear of pride or ambition. Because they are living symbols of God's justice and authority, they are called thrones and have as one of their symbols the throne.
Characteristics
This group of Angelic Princes are often called "Wheels." It is said that they were the actual wheels of the Lord's Heavenly chariot. "The four wheels had rims and they had spokes, and their rims were full of eyes round about." They are also frequently referred to as "many-eyed ones."
Members of this Angelic Choir
Jophiel - As the angel of creative power Jophiel is the archangel of judgement, the angel of paradise, the angel of artistic people; such as artists, dancers, sculptors. painters, singers, and he assists us in our own desires from our creative dreams to manifesting into reality. His name means "Beauty of God".
Zaphkiel - Zaphkiel 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".
Orifiel - Orifiel presides over the wilderness and those who take care of it. He is the regent of the weekday Saturday and one of the 7 regents of Earth. Along with Zaphiel Orifiel preside over the planet Saturn. As the ruler of the second hour of the day he serves Hanael.
Raziel - His name means "Secret of God" and "the angel of mysteries". Raziel is the angel of secret regions and Chief of Supreme Mysteries. He is charged with All the supreme sacred mysteries of the Universe. He is also the Patron Angel of Law Makers and Lawyers.
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.
