Second Hierarchy
Dominations
Function and Philosophy
Also called the dominions and the lords, Dominations are one of the nine accepted choirs of Angelic Princes, ranked fourth overall. They belonged to the second triad with the Virtues and Powers. According to Dionysus, the Dominations have the duty in the Heavenly Host of regulating the activities of the angels. Through the efforts of these spirits, the very order of the cosmos is maintained. They handle the minute details of cosmic life and existence, designating tasks to the lower orders of angels.
Characteristics
By custom Dominations are believed to wear green and gold, and their symbols are the sword and scepter. This denotes their lordship over all created things. In turn, the dominations receive their instructions from the cherubim or thrones.
Members of this Angelic Choir
Hashmal
Zadkiel
Muriel
Zacharael
Virtues
Function and Philosophy
The virtues are ranked fifth in the heavenly host out of the nine choirs of angels. They are members of the second triad with dominations and powers. As a member of this triad, they take part in the duties given to the three choirs, namely the ordering of the universe. The virtues specifically preside over the elements of the world and the process of celestial life. Thus all heavenly bodies-from the stars and planets to the galaxies themselves-are kept in their divinely appointed routes and progress. On earth the angels maintain a watch over nature, marking and guiding every facet of natural life: rain, sow, wind, etc. It has also be speculated that Virtues are in charge of miracles. As if these duties were not enough, the angels also assist humanity by stowing grace and valor within the mortal heart. They encourage humans to turn always to the good and help enhance the person's will to endure hardship and suffering and to have the personal strength to turn ever toward God. As the angels in charge of miracles, they receive their orders from the powers, but they are also closely interlaced with the saints.
Members of this Angelic Choir
Gabriel
Michael
Tarshish
Peliel
Barbiel
Uzziel
Powers
Function and Philosophy
One of the nine angelic choirs, Powers are also known as potentates, authorities, dynamics, and forces. They are placed in the second triad along with dominations and virtues, numbered sixth overall. The Powers were supposedly the very first of the angels created by God. However, this disagrees with the theory that all angels came into existence at a single moment. Powers have the task of defeating the efforts of the demons in overthrowing the world. They are declared awesome defenders of the cosmos against all evil and the maintainers of all cosmic order and equilibrium. They are the guardians of the heavenly paths, policing the routes to and from heaven to the earth. This means they concern themselves with humanity as well. The great harmonizers, they assist each soul to overcome the temptations place before it to do evil and to lean instead toward the proper action (that being to Love and worship God.)
Characteristics
Powers' colors are green and gold, and their symbol is a flaming sword.
Members of this Angelic Choir
Gabriel
Raphael
Camael
Verchiel Satan (before his fall)
