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Angelic Correspondences: Numerology & Major Arcana
(c) Cheryl Lynne Bradley 1999-2011


"The name Angel refers to their office, not their nature. You ask the name of this nature, it is spirit; you ask its office, it is that of an Angel, which is a messenger." St. Augustine

"An angel can illumine the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision, and by bringing within his reach some truth which the angel himself contemplates."
St. Thomas Aquinas

"Music is well said to be the speech of angels."
Thomas Carlyle

"The soul at its highest is found like God, but an angel gives a closer idea of Him. That is all an angel is: an idea of God."
Meister Eckhart

"We trust in plumed procession
For such the angels go--
Rank after Rank, with even feet--
And uniforms of Snow."

Emily Dickinson

I am merely a dabbler when it comes to Numerology but I do find it quite fascinating and can be very accurate and helpful with predicting events and compatibility in relationships. It is also extremely useful for looking into past life connections. I have always known that I have angels watching over me.

In the early religious traditions God used his angels as divine assistants to help administer the universe. The angels were variously described in the Bible as "sons of God", "morning stars", "gods" or the "hosts of heaven". They are immaterial beings made of pure spirit. We are both matter and spirit - the body and soul. In the more esoteric sense they can represent the positive and negative energies of our unconscious.

The word angel is derived from the the Greek word aggelos which means messenger, although they are much more than Gods messengers. They were created by the Grace of God and had freedom of choice between good and evil. They also perform tasks appropriate to their status in the angelic hierarchy. (Ephesians 6:10-20, is an interesting section to read in light of these insights).

It is generally accepted that there are 9 angelic hierarchies - other historical sources give up to 12 - and the order of importance may vary from source to source. According the Bible they are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions or Dominations, Virtues, Powers or Potentates, Archangels, Principalities, Angels. These are divided in groups of three, respectively, into three choirs.Other categories sometimes cited are: Aeons, Hosts, Innocents, Martyrs, Confessors.

It is generally agreed that there are 7 Archangels although from source to source the names vary:

According to Christian Gnostics they are: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel(Phanuel), Barachiel, Sealtiel, Jehudiel

In the Heirarchy of the Blessed Angels they are: Raphael, Gabriel, Chamuel, Michael, Adabiel, Haniel, Zaphiel

According to the Muslims there are only 4: Gabriel, Michael, Azrael, Israfel.

In Persian mythology "The Holy Immortal Ones" who had the nature of angels were: Justice or Truth, Right Order, Obedience, Prosperity, Piety or Wisdom, Health, Immortality. I find these to be an interesting complement to the Major Arcana as well.

The only two good angels named in the Bible are Gabriel, who reveals the future in Daniel 8-9, and Michael, who has the cosmic task to battle the forces of evil, Daniel 10-12; Jude 9; Revelations 12:10. The fallen angels Satan (Lucifer) and Abaddon (Apollyon) are also mentioned. It is interesting to note that God created good and evil, Isaiah 45:7. It is the prophecy that Michael will slay the dragon, which means evil will be destroyed. This also destroys the duality/opposition of good and evil. When something has no opposite then it is a dimension, like Time/Space. In the end of days, four angels will have the responsibility of destroying one-third of all mankind. (Rev 9:15)

The word angel is used 198 times in the bible in various forms. Angels are busy and are swift to their task, Acts 12:7. They are responsible for the transportation of departed spirits, Luke 16:22-25. Each human being has his or her own protecting angel, Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15. They have the freedom to make moral choices as they require a judicial system. The Bible records a lot of angelic rebellions, Genesis 6:1-4 (this is supported in the Dead Sea Scrolls 4Q531 Frag. 2); Psalm 82; Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28; Peter 2:4; Revelations 12:4-9. Angels are a powerful and intimidating presence, Daniel 8:7, Matthew 28:4.

An angel may have human or even superhuman qualities as well as appearing mortal, Haggai 1:13, Malachi 2:7, Hebrews 13:2. You were not to ask for the name of the angel, angels names were secret, Judges 13:18, and they refused to be worshipped Judges 13:16, Revelations 22:8-9. Angels have power to forgive sin, Exodus 23:21 & Zechariah 3:4. Angels grieve for the ills of those whom they guard. "The angels of peace shall weep bitterly.", Isaiah 33:7.

Angels only have limited knowledge, Matthew 24:36, 1 Peter 1:12; and when they appear to us they are usually described as descending from heaven, Matthew 28:2; John 1:51; Genesis 28:12. Only Cherubims and Seraphims have wings, four and six sets respectively. Other contacts with angels speak only of a man or men dressed in white, Acts 1:10-11, Matthew 28:2-3, Mark 16:5-6. Zechariah 5:9 describes female beings with wings but does not call them angels.

Angels have specific characteristics, colours, sigils, planetary aspects, dates and numbers that have become associated with them. In this article I will discuss the numbers and the influences they may have on your path.

Uriel: 12 & 17

Cassiel: 15 & 21

Sachiel: 14 & 18

Samael: 4 & 16

Anael: 3, 5 & 8

Raphael: 1, 6 & 13

Gabriel: 2, 7, 12 & 18

Michael: 11 & 19

Lumiel: 0, 9, 10 & 20

Relate the corresponding Major Arcana card associated with each angel as a further enhancement for interpretation. Uriel would relate to The Hanged Man and The Star. Cassiel to The Devil and The World. Sachiel to Temperance and The Moon. Samael to The Emperor and The Tower. Anael to The Empress, The Heirophant and Strength. Raphael to The Magician, The Lovers and Death. Gabriel to The High Priestess, The Chariot, The Hanged Man and The Moon. Michael to Justice and The Sun and Lumiel to The Fool, The Hermit, The Wheel of Fortune and Judgement.

In order to assess someone's angelic influence you take their birthdate and break it down into separate sections. 1) The Month 2) The Day 3) The Century and then break down the remainder of the birth year as two separate digits.

i.e. My birthday is January 28, 1961

1 , 2, 8, 19, 6, 1 come from the breakdown. This gives a strong influence of Raphael as well as the influence of Gabriel, Anael and Michael.

Uriel: 12 & 17

Uriel has guardianship over all unexpected happenings, good or bad. His influence causes the "eleventh hour miracles". There is sadness here as Uriel has connections with all types of separations but he can also instill inspiration. Inspiration is always necessary to get out of "impossible" situations. Magnetism and all magical powers are his attributes, everything else has to fail before he will use these powers. Uranus is the planet of influence. Uriel is the angel of the month of September. It has been said that Uriel gave us alchemy and the kabballah. His symbol is an open hand holding a flame. The combination of these two Major Arcana creates the framework for success and standing in the spotlight. These are powerful cards regarding soul mate connections.

Anael 3, 5, & 8

Anael is associated with the planet Venus, ruling love, affection, human sexuality and marriage, as well as beauty in art and relationships but has dominion over the Moon. Anyone born under his guardianship are fortunate people. He is ruler of the Friday angels. Comparing this to the Major Arcana The Empress, Hierophant and Strength, this is about love and the lessons it teaches us; our mother (nurturing), our children (sharing), our teachers (knowledge), our church (moral order) and our own inner self (will) - but most of all, the stories we listened to as children which helped form the emotional perspective we have for relationships.

Samael - 4, 16

Samael is an angel who has been regarded as both good and evil. He is one of God's angels of death and is also said to be a magician. He belongs to the order of the seraphim and is an art critic. He is widely characterized as being God's wrath (The Tower). They say dogs howl at night when Samael passes. These two Major Arcana create a powerful, potentially destructive male influence and extraordinary mental pressure. Money, power and control can become all consuming. The lesson is, things are only worth what they are worth if you have to sell them tomorrow and if it all fell apart tomorrow, what would you rebuild from.

Michael 11 & 19

Michael is associated with the Sun. His influence extends over everything concerned with official life and people in positions of power. He rules worldly ambitions, our physical development and music. He is ranked as the greatest of angels in Jewish, Christian, Islamic secular and non-secular literature. He is the angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy and sanctification. He is destined to be the conqueror of Satan - although Satan is still around. He is the angel of final reckoning and the weigher of souls so he holds a set of scales in his hand. A nice correspondence with "what goes around, comes around" and clear mental purpose as aspects of Justice and The Sun.

Lumiel 0, 9, 10 & 20

These are the Karmic numbers - if a Karmic number occurs in your birthdate you are under his guardianship. In times of trouble, Lumiel is your Guardian Angel. The Earth is his planet. He is regarded as a teacher and he can add or reduce the strength of many factors in your life. These numbers generally indicate that specific experiences and irrevocable points will occur in your life - these are generally linked to emotional experiences and they will be powerful. There will be much more complexity in interpretation of the karmic numbers. Details and other factors have to be strongly considered because of the strength of the karmic forces. Don't make foolish choices, seek truth, balance your karma and lead with your light. Faith, Wisdom, Chance and Resonance will all be required.

Gabriel - 2, 7, 12, 18

Gabriel is connected to the moon and so has influence over the changing flow of our fates and fortunes the, same way the moon's gravity controls the tides. Home, women's physical and domestic affairs are under his guardianship. Everything in his dominion is concerned with increase. He is the angel of conception and childbirth as well as those who travel by sea - this blends nicely with The Chariot and the Moon.

He is also concerned with magic and mysticism. If he is aspected in your numerology it means you have great imagination and natural clairvoyance - which tie in with The High Priestess and The Hanged Man - the ability to know without knowing and the introduction of spirituality.

Sachiel - 14, 18

Sachiel is influenced by Jupiter which concerns social expansion and prestige, which is usually connected with finances. He rules powerful business people, lawyers, judges and judicial matters. He helps during financial crises but he also rules games of chance. If he is your angelic influence you would do well to bet on 14 and 18. There is tremendous moodiness, emotional slamming around and a need to persevere while exercising patience. Radiation and sonogram technologies are also heavily influenced by these numbers.

Raphael - 1, 6, 13

Raphael is the angel of the sun and guardian of the Tree of Life, along with the Cherubims, in the Garden of Eden. He is an angel of healing, science and knowledge and is the chief of the angelic order of virtues. He gave Solomon the magic ring which enabled him to subdue all demons. He is also considered to be one of the 10 Sephiroth. He has the ability to manifest desires, challenge relationships and create sudden chaotic endings.

Cassiel - 15, 21

He is concerned with house, property, land, farms, old people, long term illnesses and aspects of poverty. He could be perceived as an upsetting influence but if he is aspected strongly it gives you a chance to view life as a challenge. Many favours will come late in life, so if you suffer in your youth, your 40's are something to look forward to. Life will never be easy but it will make you tenacious and doggedly determined to persevere. It will be hard-testing and people will be extremely dissappointing but you can make it to the top.

There are some interesting connections to the Major Arcana, I will be expanding on this further but I hope you have enjoyed this. As tarot is also a tool for personal growth, seeking our own divinity and awareness of our relationship with our Creator, I think these insights are quite helpful on the journey through self-knowledge. Just ask God to send you the good angels - "let go and let God...".

Sources

The Holy Bible
King James Version


A Dictionary of Angels
Including the fallen angels
By Gustav Davidson (c) 1967


Numerology
By Sybil Leek


The Oxford Companion to the Bible
Edited By: Bruce M. Metzger & Michael D. Coogan
1993
"Angels" by Samuel A. Meier


Lost Worlds



Bible Browser - 9 different versions of The Bible

Buddha's Trellis: Buddhism and the Tree of Life (c) Cheryl Lynne Bradley 2002-3

More Tarot for Esoteric Christians

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This page was updated 2010-06-11