Angel Hierarchies - Part 4 - Page 2
© Virginia Marin
Virtues are the angels of grace, and as such are thought to bestow heavenly blessings on humankind. They are usually associated with heroes and with anyone who is struggling with good over evil.
Courage is given by Virtues when it is most needed. It is thought that the Virtues appeared in the Ascension of Christ and were the two angels who escorted Him to Glory. In the Book of Adam and Eve it is recorded that the Virtues served as midwives at the birth of Cain, the first baby to be born. I would say that the first woman in the history of the world to give birth did, indeed, need much courage, if only to decide whether or not she did, or did not have a belly button, or whether she did, in fact, even need one.
The Virtues, known as the bright and shining ones are said to be by name Micha-el, Gabri-el, Rapha-el, Bari-el, Tarshish-el and, before his fall, Satan-el.
The last of this group, Dominions, are sometimes described as lords and it is they who regulate the duties of all of the angels.
Some attribute to Dominions that of being channels through which divine mercy flows. Like the Principalities, the Dominions are responsible for maintaining order in the heavens. All of the angels in this triad strive to balance and reconcile opposites and promote unification.
Dominions rarely appear before humans, possibly because they are too busy governing creation on the physical plane and guarding the laws of nature and the elements.
Ruling princes of the Dominions are Hashmal, Zadkiel, Muriel, Zacharel and Yahriel.
Until next week with the third and last triad, before we meet Dante, this is Dubh Sidhe.<
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