angels. But in the bible they are depicted as awesome, frightening creatures. John of Patmos says they have six wings and opened eyes all over there bodies (Bloom 60). Although originally they are described as having four wings and four heads, sometimes with eyes that cover their bodies (Lang 51). The Christian Bishop of Heraclea, Theodorus, says the Cherubim are "Beasts that might terrify Adam from the entrance of paradise (Godwin 28). Gabriel and Raphael are two of the most prominent cherubim (Bloom 60). The Third Choir - Thrones: Thrones are mentioned only once in the bible in Colossians 1:16. Pseudo-Dionysius supplied the rest of the information. He wrote that thrones "carry God" they support the divine will (Lang 306). They appear to be God's chariots. They are described as great "wheels" or "many-eyed ones." The ruler of this order is thought to be Raphael. It is at this point in the hierarchy that "Heaven meets Earth and takes on substance of the flesh" and here begins the possibility of corruption (Godwin 31). The Middle Triad: The middle triad is when matter with its corruption raises tension between polarities of good and bad, and matter and soul. The orders in this triad seem to strive for a balance and to reconcile such opposites, "and all are prone to the risk of corruption in doing so" (Jeremiah 107). The Fourth Choir - Dominions: Are the oldest of original angels (Bloom 61). They are only mentioned once in the bible in Paul's letter to the Colossians. However, Paul supplied no information about them. What we know comes again from author Pseudo-Dionysius. He describes dominions as angels of freedom, influencing earthly governments to uphold God. He claimed also that they regulate angelic duties (Lang 307). The rulers are said to be Zadkiel, Hashmal, Yahriel, and Muriel (Godwin 32). The Fifth Choir - Virtues: Known as the "Brilliant or Shining Ones", Virtues are the guardian angels Jesus tal...
