The Sphere Of Angels

All angel writers would agree that there are many different kinds of heavenly beings that bridge the spiritual and physical realms. There are numerous opinions as to how many categories exist, what they are named, or what the functions are of each one. The system of organization most commonly followed in the Western world comes from a book that appeared in the sixth century. It was supposedly written by Dionysius the Areopagite, a disciple of Saint Paul. In it there are three categories, or spheres of angels, with three orders in each one.

The word 'angel' itself is used both as a generic term to refer to all heavenly beings, and as a specific term to refer to the members of the third sphere, those closest to the physical. So, too, the 'archangel' is often used as a generic term to refer to all the high orders of heavenly beings, although they are in fact but one of the higher orders.

THE FIRST SPHERE
angels who serve as heavenly counselors:

Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones

THE SECOND SPHERE
angels who work as heavenly governors:

Dominions
Virtues
Powers

THE THIRD SPHERE
angels who function as heavenly messengers:

Principalities
Archangels
Angels

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