Celestial Hierarchy

Angels exist in many different cultures, with many different ranking orders. One such ranking that is well known in the Catholic religion is called the Nine Choirs of Angels. Each group of angels has a specific role in society and the Catholic religion. This rank of angels are the most widely known.

Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones are closest to God, while the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels reside closest to humans.

Seraphim
Known as the highest order of angels "burning ones". These angels are attendant guardians of God's throne and regulate the heavens. Satan was a member of this order of angels, before he fell. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their face two cover their feet, and two are used to fly.

Some Seraphim are Michael, Seraphiel, Jehoel, Uriel, Kemuel (or Shemuel), Metatron, Nathanael, and Satan (before his fall).

Cherubim
The second highest choirs of angels are helpers of God and guardians of Eden. They are closely linked to God's glory. They appear to be very manlike in appearance.

Some Cherubim are Gabriel, Cherubiel, Ophaniel, Raphael, Uriel, Zophiel, and Satan (before his fall).

Thrones
These angels represent pure humility, peace, and submission. They are the "Many Eyed Ones", for they carry out God's decisions.

Some Thrones are Orifiel, Zaphkiel, Zabkiel, Jolhiel (or Zophiel), and Raziel.

Dominions
Dominion angels represent leadership as they regulate the duties of other angels. They have to be sure that God's wishes are carried out.

Some Dominions are Zadkiel, Hashmal, Zacharael, and Muriel.

Virtues
"The brilliant" or "the Shining ones" controls the elements. They govern all nature, controlling the seasons, the starts, and the sun. These angels provide courage, grace, and miracles to human beings.

Some Virtues are Uzziel, Gabriel, Michael, Peliel, Barbiel, Sabriel, Haniel, Hamaliel, and Tarshish.


Powers
This important race of angels protects human beings from evil, for they are called the "warrior angels". They prevent fallen angels from taking over the world and keep the universe in balance.

Some Powers are Camael, Chafriel, Verchiel, and Satan (before his fall).

Principalities/Princes
These angels are a type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are hostile towards God and humans. They are guardian angels of cities, nations, and rulers, who also guard against evil.

Some Principalities are Nisroc, Naniel, Requel, Cerviel, and Amael.

Archangels
Archangels are the best known in the choir of angels, for they carry God's messages to humans during critical times in history and salvation. They are in charge of guardian angels and help to fight against the "sons of darkness" or evil.

According to the Ethiopic Enoch, the seven archangels are:
1) Uriel
2) Raphael
3) Raguel, also called Ruhiel, Ruegel, or Ruahel
4) Michael
5) Zerachiel
6) Gabriel
7) Remiel

According to the Testament of Solomon, the seven Archangels are as follows
1) Mikael
2) Gabriel
3) Uriel
4) Sabrael
5) Arael
6) Laoth
7) Adonael

Angels
These celestial beings are closer to humans then any other angel. They act as the third party between God and the human race. These angels are mostly known as guardian angels.

Some Angels are Phaleg, Adnachiel, Gabriel, and Chayyliel.

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Fallen Angels

There are about 200 angels who where cast down from heaven during "The Fall". The fall was lead by several angels, one being Semyaza. These angels descended from Heaven and begot children with mortal women. The outcome was the Anakim, or giants who stood several miles high and brought suffering to the mortal world. Also, several angels, including Lucifer were cast down and began a war against the heavens, after refusing to bow down to mortals.

Some Fallen Angels are Semyaza and Satan.
Semyaza: according to Jewish mythology, he is the leader of the fallen angels who descended into heaven and entered into unions with human women. This angel participated in teaching the women of magic, spells and herbal remedies

Satan: Also considered the leader of the fallen angels. He was seen as a "tempting angel", serving the Lord. Satan stands for "the adversary". He was appointed by God to tempt people and provide the Lord with a picture of their true faith. He was the most knowledgeable, beautiful, and beloved angel. He heads the angelic choirs of the Seraphim, Cherubim (depending on the source), and the Virtues. Satan, also known as Lucifer, had a large amount of pride; too much in fact. When God created man and commanded all the angels to bow down to humanity, Satan refused. He was the first angel to sin, to cross that barrier of obedience, for this he was cast down from Heaven.

Ahiah: A fallen angel who descended down to earth to live with human women

Araqiel/Arkiel: In the First Book of Enoch Araquiel was a fallen angel whom taught the humans knowledge that was forbidden.

Exael: This angel was mentioned in the First Book of Enoch. He descended down to earth and took human wives. He participated in teaching humans magic and incantations.