Angels and Archangels symbolize spiritual perfection achieved through evolution, choice, and divine service. Rooted in Greek, Christian, Cabalistic, and Afro-Brazilian traditions, Angelology explores the hierarchy of celestial beings and God’s Seven Rays. These spiritual messengers guide humanity through love, justice, healing, and transformation. Ultimately, the journey of angels reflects our own path toward inner purification and divine closeness.
By Rita de Melo Cerqueira / Translation: Sebastian Filho
Angels represent perfected beings who completed spiritual evolution.
“Who does not have at least one virtue? We just need to find a way to smooth out the rough side. Let’s help one another by combining our qualities, to build a different world, and to remove the power of evil.”
This excerpt comes from the song “Anjos”, by Grupo Acorde, from the state of Paraíba in Northern Brazil. Through its poetic rhymes, the song invites reflection on human imperfection and collective growth. Inspired by this message, we turn our attention to the Angels closest to God: the Archangels.
The Meaning and Origin of Angels
The word angel comes from the Greek “angelos”, meaning messenger or ambassador. Over time, the term came to represent beings of a superior hierarchy inhabiting celestial realms. Although often associated with moral perfection, the word “angel” has also been used broadly to describe non-human spiritual beings, whether benevolent or malevolent.
Angels in the Spiritualist Perspective
According to the Spiritualist vision, Angels are beings who have already traveled through all levels of spiritual evolution. Some accepted their divine missions without resistance and reached perfection swiftly, while others required more time.
Angels, Archangels, and Seraphs are considered pure spirits, having reached the highest evolutionary scale. Among them, Archangels occupy leadership roles, guiding vast legions of angels in divine service.
Angelology and the Divine Hierarchy
The study of Angels is known as Angelology. This spiritual science teaches that the Divine Hierarchy is a chain of highly evolved beings through which God—often described as the Great Central Sun—expresses universal consciousness.
Position within this hierarchy depends on spiritual vibration: the higher the vibration, the closer the being is to divine perfection. Within this system, Archangels hold the highest rank among Angels.
Spiritual hierarchy is based on vibration and consciousness
God’s Seven Rays and Spiritual Light
To understand the purity of Angels and Archangels, Angelology refers to God’s Seven Rays. Just as white light refracts into seven colors through a prism, divine spiritual light manifests through seven rays, each representing a specific frequency, color, and divine quality.
These rays are subdivisions of the universal Christ consciousness, expressing different aspects of God. Regardless of color, every flame contains a white core, holding all divine attributes.
The Seven Archangels and the Rays
The Bible mentions seven Angels with seven trumpets standing before God. Each of the Seven Rays is governed by an Archangel who directs the angels serving within that vibration.
Cabalistic Angels and Spiritual Correspondences
The traditional Cabala recognizes seven Archangels, each associated with Astrology and Afro-Brazilian Orixás:
Michael – Sun – Oxalá
Gabriel – Moon – Yemanjá / Nanã
Shamael – Mars – Ogum / Iansã
Raphael – Mercury – Oxóssi
Zadkiel – Jupiter – Xangô
Hanniel – Venus – Yori / Oxum
Oriel – Saturn – Yorimá / Obaluaê
Unlike Astrology, which emphasizes fixed planetary influences, Angelology teaches that spiritual influences can be transformed through free will and conscious choice. A person is not condemned to live under a single birth influence if karmic lessons have already been overcome.
Santuário Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Recife. Photo: Letícia Lins
Free Will, Karma, and Spiritual Law
In Cabalistic Angelology, the Seven Archangels represent Divine Law, while infinite sequences of angels maintain universal order. Each human life generates a unique Angel responsible for ordaining birth, existence, and death—without interfering in personal evolution.
Archangels in Catholic Tradition
The Catholic Church formally recognizes three Archangels:
Saint Michael – Divine justice and spiritual warfare; defender against evil
Saint Gabriel – God’s messenger; announcer of the birth of Jesus
Saint Raphael – Divine healer of body, emotion, and spirit
Devotion and Miracles in Brazil
In Recife, Pernambuco, weekly Mass is held every Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the former Chapel of College Nóbrega, now the Santuário Nossa Senhora de Fátima, invoking the Archangels. Devotees report numerous miracles attributed to these prayers.
Below are some of the most heartfelt invocations shared with faith:
Prayers to the Archangels
Saint Michael Archangel: Prince of the celestial armies, conqueror of darkness, grant us humility, fortitude in suffering, and strength in trials. Stand by us before God’s tribunal.
Saint Gabriel Archangel: Messenger of incarnation, open our ears to divine inspiration. Help us obey God’s will with vigilance, humility, and readiness.
Saint Raphael Archangel: Healer of body and soul, ignite divine love in our hearts. Help us conquer all things through love and perseverance.
Powerful Angels of God, free us from attachment, selfishness, fear, and blindness to the suffering of others. Instill in us a holy longing for God and a commitment to love and service.
Final Reflection: Becoming Angels Through Love
Free will allows transformation beyond birth influences
Returning to the song “Anjos”, we are reminded that life is an opportunity to refine our imperfections and move closer to divine love—just as Angels once did.
“The Master said: be perfect.
He taught us that only love is eternal.
One day all of us will be Angels.
Let’s work and believe.”
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Angelology?
Angelology is the spiritual study of Angels, Archangels, and divine hierarchies.
2. How many Archangels exist according to Cabala?
Seven Archangels, each associated with a divine ray and spiritual quality.
3. Can spiritual influences change over time?
Yes. Angelology emphasizes free will and karmic transformation.
4. Why are Archangels important in Christianity?
They serve as messengers, protectors, and healers of humanity.
5. What is the spiritual message of angels for humans?
That growth, love, and perfection are attainable through conscious effort.
