The Nine Choirs of Angels: Celestial Hierarchy from Seraphim to Angels
BY NICOLE LAU
Introduction to the Celestial Hierarchy
The Nine Choirs of Angels represent the complete hierarchy of celestial beings, organized into three triads descending from the throne of God to humanity. This system, codified by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 5th-6th century CE, describes how divine light and will flow from the highest spiritual realms through increasingly material levels until reaching the human world. Understanding this hierarchy provides insight into the structure of spiritual reality, the nature of angelic beings, and how to work with these celestial forces.
This comprehensive guide explores all nine choirs, their functions, attributes, and how they relate to spiritual practice and Western mysticism.
The Source: Pseudo-Dionysius
The Celestial Hierarchy
Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite wrote The Celestial Hierarchy (De Coelesti Hierarchia), systematizing angelic orders based on biblical sources, particularly Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Paul's epistles. This became the standard Christian angelology, influencing theology, art, and Western esotericism for over 1,500 years.
The Three Triads
The nine choirs are organized into three triads of three:
- First Triad (Highest): Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones—closest to God
- Second Triad (Middle): Dominions, Virtues, Powers—cosmic governance
- Third Triad (Lowest): Principalities, Archangels, Angels—interaction with humanity
The First Triad: The Counselors
1. Seraphim: The Burning Ones
Name Meaning: 'Burning Ones' or 'Fiery Serpents' (Hebrew: שְׂרָפִים)
Position: Highest choir, closest to God
Appearance: Six wings (two covering face, two covering feet, two for flying)
Element: Fire
Function: Continuous worship and love of God
Biblical Source
Isaiah 6:2-3: 'Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'
Attributes
- Pure love and adoration of the Divine
- Burning with divine fire
- Purification through fire
- Singing the Trisagion ('Holy, Holy, Holy')
- So close to God they burn with His light
In Mysticism
- Represent the highest spiritual aspiration
- Pure devotion and love
- The fire of divine love that purifies
- Associated with the Kabbalistic Sephirah Kether (Crown)
2. Cherubim: The Guardians of Divine Mysteries
Name Meaning: 'Fullness of Knowledge' (Hebrew: כְּרוּבִים)
Position: Second highest choir
Appearance: Four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle), four wings, wheels within wheels
Element: Air/Spirit
Function: Guardians of divine glory and sacred knowledge
Biblical Sources
- Genesis 3:24: Guard the Garden of Eden with flaming sword
- Ezekiel 1 & 10: The four living creatures with wheels (Merkabah)
- Ark of the Covenant: Two cherubim on the mercy seat
Attributes
- Guardians of sacred spaces and divine mysteries
- Possess fullness of divine knowledge
- Four faces represent all creation (human, wild beast, domestic animal, bird)
- The wheels (Ophanim) are sometimes considered part of the Cherubim
In Mysticism
- Guardians of the threshold
- Divine wisdom and gnosis
- The Merkabah (divine chariot) in Jewish mysticism
- Associated with Chokmah (Wisdom) on the Tree of Life
3. Thrones: The Wheels of Justice
Name Meaning: 'Seats' or 'Wheels' (Greek: Thronoi; Hebrew: Ophanim)
Position: Third of the first triad
Appearance: Wheels covered with eyes, burning with fire
Element: Earth (as foundation) or Fire
Function: God's throne, divine justice and judgment
Biblical Source
Ezekiel 1:15-21: The wheels beside the cherubim, full of eyes, moving with the living creatures.
Attributes
- God's throne and chariot
- Divine justice and judgment
- Stability and foundation of divine order
- Covered with eyes—all-seeing divine awareness
- Bring God's justice to the cosmos
In Mysticism
- Divine judgment and karma
- The foundation of spiritual reality
- Associated with Binah (Understanding) on the Tree of Life
The Second Triad: The Governors
4. Dominions: The Lords of Order
Name Meaning: 'Lordships' (Greek: Kyriotetes; Latin: Dominationes)
Position: First of the second triad
Appearance: Crowned, holding scepters or orbs
Function: Regulate angelic duties, maintain cosmic order
Attributes
- Govern the lower choirs of angels
- Maintain divine order in the universe
- Rarely interact directly with humans
- Ensure God's will is executed
- Represent divine authority and sovereignty
In Mysticism
- Divine law and cosmic order
- The organizing principle of reality
- Associated with Chesed (Mercy) on the Tree of Life
5. Virtues: The Miracle Workers
Name Meaning: 'Strengths' or 'Powers' (Greek: Dynameis)
Position: Second of the second triad
Appearance: Radiant beings of light
Function: Perform miracles, bestow grace, govern nature
Attributes
- Bestow blessings and grace
- Perform miracles and wonders
- Govern the movements of celestial bodies
- Control the elements and natural laws
- Strengthen the faithful
In Mysticism
- Divine grace and miracles
- The power to transcend natural law
- Associated with Geburah (Strength) on the Tree of Life
6. Powers: The Warrior Angels
Name Meaning: 'Authorities' (Greek: Exousiai)
Position: Third of the second triad
Appearance: Warrior angels with armor and weapons
Function: Fight evil, protect the cosmos from demons
Attributes
- Warriors against evil and darkness
- Protect the boundary between heaven and earth
- Fight demons and fallen angels
- Maintain the balance between good and evil
- Guard the souls of the faithful
In Mysticism
- Spiritual warfare
- Protection from evil
- Associated with Tiferet (Beauty/Harmony) on the Tree of Life
The Third Triad: The Messengers
7. Principalities: The Guardians of Nations
Name Meaning: 'Rulers' or 'Princes' (Greek: Archai)
Position: First of the third triad
Appearance: Crowned, carrying scepters
Function: Guard nations, cities, and groups; inspire leaders
Attributes
- Protect nations and large groups
- Inspire leaders and rulers
- Oversee the rise and fall of kingdoms
- Guide collective human endeavors
- Each nation has a Principality as guardian
In Mysticism
- Collective consciousness and egregores
- National and cultural spirits
- Associated with Netzach (Victory) on the Tree of Life
8. Archangels: The Great Messengers
Name Meaning: 'Chief Angels' (Greek: Archangeloi)
Position: Second of the third triad
Appearance: Powerful warriors with armor, swords, and wings
Function: Deliver important messages, lead angelic armies
The Seven Archangels
While Archangels are the second-lowest choir, the seven great Archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, etc.) are considered to transcend the hierarchy, serving as God's chief messengers.
Attributes
- Deliver major divine messages
- Lead angelic hosts in battle
- Oversee large-scale divine missions
- Interact directly with humanity
- Each has specific domain and function
In Mysticism
- Divine messengers and guides
- Planetary rulers in magic
- Associated with Hod (Glory) on the Tree of Life
9. Angels: The Messengers
Name Meaning: 'Messengers' (Greek: Angeloi)
Position: Lowest choir, closest to humanity
Appearance: Human-like with wings
Function: Guardian angels, deliver messages, assist humans
Attributes
- Most numerous choir
- Closest to humanity
- Guardian angels assigned to individuals
- Deliver everyday divine messages
- Assist in daily life and spiritual growth
- Most commonly encountered by humans
In Mysticism
- Personal guides and guardians
- Daily divine assistance
- Associated with Yesod (Foundation) on the Tree of Life
The Hierarchy Table
| Triad | Choir | Function | Sephirah |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (Highest) | Seraphim | Worship, love | Kether |
| Cherubim | Knowledge, guardians | Chokmah | |
| Thrones | Justice, judgment | Binah | |
| Second (Middle) | Dominions | Order, authority | Chesed |
| Virtues | Miracles, grace | Geburah | |
| Powers | Warfare, protection | Tiferet | |
| Third (Lowest) | Principalities | Nations, groups | Netzach |
| Archangels | Major messages | Hod | |
| Angels | Guardians, helpers | Yesod |
Working with the Angelic Hierarchy
Invocation and Prayer
- Angels: For daily guidance and protection
- Archangels: For major life issues and spiritual warfare
- Higher Choirs: For spiritual development and divine connection
Meditation on the Hierarchy
Contemplate the descent of divine light through the nine choirs, from pure spirit to material assistance.
Further Study
Primary Texts:
- The Celestial Hierarchy by Pseudo-Dionysius
- Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas (on angels)
Conclusion
The Nine Choirs of Angels reveal the complete structure of celestial reality, showing how divine will and light descend from the highest spiritual realms through increasingly material levels until reaching humanity. From the Seraphim burning with divine love to the Angels guiding our daily lives, this hierarchy provides a map of spiritual reality and a framework for understanding and working with angelic forces.
May you know the celestial hierarchy. May the angels guide your path. May divine light descend through all nine choirs to illuminate your soul.
