The Nine Angelic Choirs (with Tarot Spread)

In today’s article, we look at the Nine Angelic Choirs and I also share a Tarot spread based on this system to inspire your spiritual journey.

Angels, as spiritual beings, are not confined to the realms of Judeo-Christian monotheism. Various cultures and religious traditions throughout history have depicted angelic or supernatural messengers who bridge the divine and earthly realms. From the Devas in Hinduism to the Yazatas in Zoroastrianism, the concept of celestial intermediaries is a universal one.

However, the systematic categorisation of angels into a structured hierarchy is a significant contribution of Christian theology. One of the most enduring systems is the division into Nine Angelic Choirs. This angelic hierarchy has not only influenced Christian mysticism and liturgy but has also found its way into occult and esoteric literature, continuously shaping our understanding of the celestial world.

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and the Nine Angelic Choirs

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, a pivotal figure in Christian mysticism and theology, is credited with being the first to enumerate the nine angelic choirs. His contributions date back to the 5th century. Interestingly, he adopted the name of Dionysius the Areopagite, a known disciple of the Apostle St. Paul, in order to lend authority and credibility to his writings. This pseudoepigraphical approach allowed him to convey complex theological ideas with a perceived direct connection to early Christian thought.

The Nine Angelic Choirs

According to Pseudo-Dionysius, the celestial hierarchy is organised into three distinct levels, each containing three choirs. This organisation is based on their proximity to God, reflecting their varying degrees of knowledge, love, and closeness to the Divine.

The First Sphere: Closest to God

1. Seraphim: The Seraphim (aka ‘Burning Ones’ or ‘Fire Serpents) are often considered the highest angelic class, Seraphim are known for their intense love and zeal for God. They are the closest to the divine light, continually praising and worshiping God.
2. Cherubim: The Cherubim (the ‘All-knowing Ones’) are second only to the Seraphim in their closeness to God. They are depicted as full of wisdom and the knowledge of God. Their role is to act as guardians of the Divine throne. In the Catholic church their symbolism is that of protectors of the new covenant and as such their image can be found on the vessels used in the Eucharist.
3. Thrones: These angels are the bearers of God’s justice and authority. They ‘roll’ rather than fly through the cosmos, signifying their stabilising force. They are often associated with the administration of divine justice and the manifestation of God’s will in the cosmos.

The Second Sphere: Intermediaries

4. Dominions: The Dominions (aka Dominations) oversee the lower choirs of angels, ensuring the harmonious execution of God’s commands. They regulate the duties of the other angels.
5. Virtues: Virtues are charged with bestowing divine grace and blessings. They perform powerful works and miracles and are the stewards of the physical universe, governing all nature. They are sometimes referred to as the ‘lords of causality.’
6. Powers: These angels hold the courageous task of fighting against evil influences in the world. They are defenders of divine order, ensuring that the cosmos remains in harmony with God’s plan. The Powers have the ability to introduce humanity to the higher mysteries.

The Third Sphere: Closer to Humanity

7. Principalities: Principalities are the angelic guardians of nations and leaders. They guide earthly rulers and oversee the well-being of nations, promoting the fulfillment of God’s overall plan in the world.
8. Archangels: Archangels are important messengers, often delivering God’s most critical messages to humanity. Notable archangels include Michael and Gabriel, who are prominent in various religious traditions.
9. Angels: The lowest choir in the hierarchy, but closest to humanity, Angels serve as personal guardians and messengers. They are concerned with the details of human life, providing guidance, protection, and comfort to individuals.

Hierarchical Significance

The hierarchical structure devised by Pseudo-Dionysius emphasises a systematic and ordered cosmos where each angelic choir plays a specific role in maintaining the divine order and executing God’s will. The nearer an angelic choir is to God, the more profound their understanding and love of the Divine, and the greater their role in guiding the lower choirs and, by extension, humanity.

The Nine Angelic Choirs Tarot Spread

This angelic tarot spread can guide you through different levels of spiritual development. Each card represents a step towards deeper understanding and connection with the Divine.

Instructions

1. Light a candle and say a prayer for connecting with angelic wisdom.
2. Shuffle your tarot deck while focusing on your spiritual journey.
3. Lay out nine cards in a pattern that feels right to you.
4. Reflect on each card’s position, using the descriptions below to interpret your journey.

Card Positions and Meanings

1. Seraphim (Divine Love and Zeal)
   • Meaning: Your highest spiritual aspiration or the aspect of divine love you should strive to embody.
2. Cherubim (Wisdom and Knowledge)
   • Meaning: Your quest for wisdom and understanding. Consider what knowledge you need to gain to move forward.
3. Thrones (Justice and Authority)
   • Meaning: This card signifies where you need to establish balance and justice in your life. It may point to an area where you need to embrace divine authority.
4. Dominions (Regulation and Harmony)
   • Meaning: Areas of life where discipline and regulation are necessary for spiritual growth.
5. Virtues (Grace and Miracles)
   • Meaning: This card represents the divine grace and blessings available to you.
6. Powers (Defense and Order)
   • Meaning: Indicates where you need to defend against negative influences and uphold divine order in your world.
7. Principalities (Guidance for Leaders)
   • Meaning: Your leadership and influence over others. Reflect on how you can guide and inspire those around you.
8. Archangels (Critical Messages)
   • Meaning: Significant, divine messages you need to heed. Consider which archangel or divine messenger is trying to communicate with you.
9. Angels (Personal Guardians)
   • Meaning: This final card is about the personal guidance and protection granted to you. Reflect on how divine assistance is manifesting in your daily life.

Reflection

Review the cards and their meanings to gain insight into your spiritual development. Consider how each angelic choir’s attributes can assist you in navigating your spiritual journey and leading a life more aligned with divine principles.

The Nine Angelic Choirs Sample Tarot Reading

1. Seraphim (Divine Love and Zeal) – Ace of Pentacles

Meaning: The Ace of Pentacles/Grains represents new beginnings in the material world. As your highest spiritual aspiration, this card suggests that you should strive to manifest divine love and zeal into tangible forms in your life. Strive for wholeness and for being responsible with your talents and resources. This Earth Element Ace could point to a new career, project, or venture that more fully aligns with your spiritual values.

2. Cherubim (Wisdom and Knowledge) – Page of Wands

Meaning: The Page of Wands/Candles symbolises a youthful, enthusiastic quest for knowledge. In your journey, this card indicates that you should embrace curiosity and a spirit of adventure in your pursuit of wisdom. New ideas and creative thinking will help you gain the understanding you seek. Follow your bliss when doing your research.

3. Thrones (Justice and Authority) – 2 of Swords

Meaning: The 2 of Swords/Feathers signifies a need to find balance through making wise choices. As it pertains to justice and authority, this card suggests that you must navigate a situation with fairness and impartiality. Seek clarity and avoid bias to establish harmony and uphold divine justice.

4. Dominions (Regulation and Harmony) – 6 of Swords

Meaning: The 6 of Swords/Feathers represents transition and moving towards a place of greater peace. In the context of regulation and harmony, this card encourages you to leave behind chaotic, troubling or harmful situations and move towards a more harmonious and serene state of being.

5. Virtues (Grace and Miracles) – 8 of Pentacles

Meaning: The 8 of Pentacles/Grains is indicative of hard work and dedication. As it relates to divine grace and miracles, this card suggests that through diligent effort and perseverance, you can attract blessings and witness miracles in your life. Your commitment to excellence will be rewarded. It can also indicate that your current endeavour is blessed and that your financial compensation may seem like a miracle to you.

6. Powers (Defense and Order) – Strength

Meaning: The Strength card embodies courage, patience, and inner fortitude. In defending against negative influences and maintaining divine order, this card highlights the importance of inner strength and resilience. Trust in your own abilities to overcome challenges and uphold peace. Be compassionate toward self and others.

7. Principalities (Guidance for Leaders) – 7 of Wands

Meaning: The 7 of Wands/Candles signifies standing up for beliefs and overcoming opposition. As it relates to leadership and guidance, this card encourages you to remain steadfast in your principles and defend your position. Your determination and conviction will inspire and guide those around you.

8. Archangels (Critical Messages) – Ace of Wands

Meaning: The Ace of Wands/Candles is a symbol of creative inspiration, passion and decisive action. For new beginnings, this card indicates that you will experience a burst of energy that will propel you forward. When you feel that surge of inspiration, act on it because it’s divine! Pay attention to this divine message for it holds the key to your next steps.

9. Angels (Personal Guardians) – The Lovers

Meaning: The Lovers card represents relationships, harmony, and choices. Your guardian angel is present in your connections with others. It is nudging you to reflect on how your relationships are divinely guided and protected, ensuring they align with your higher purpose. Remember that you can always call on your guardian angel to help with matters of the heart!

Reflection

Reviewing these cards and their meanings offers a profound insight into your spiritual development. Each card, linked to an angelic choir, provides guidance on how the celestial attributes can assist you on your journey. Incorporate these insights to navigate your life more aligned with divine principles.

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