Beriyah | בריאה
The archangels, majestic spiritual entities operating in the domain of Beriyah - the world of creation, of existence, and of pure qualities, bring an extraordinary dynamic to this sphere. Within Beriyah, each sefira, or divine emanation, falls under the auspices of an archangel. Etymologically, the term 'archangel' denotes the highest rank of angels, indicating a status of utmost exaltation, but it also signifies the principle or archetypal angel corresponding to a particular sefira.
The Archangels can be perceived in various ways. Some may see them as individualized and somewhat anthropomorphic entities - as concepts that embody divine qualities. Alternatively, they can be understood not as having a singular identity, but as being multiple or collective in nature. As such, they could be considered as super beings, displaying various personal manifestations, or as colossal pillars of energy.
They might also be thought of as power generators, each one producing the unique energy of their respective sefira. Alternatively, they could be seen as conduits or blissful centers of light and intelligence. Additionally, they can be interpreted as archetypal and exemplary ideas within the Divine Mind, serving as a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance.
Archangels are akin to lenses or mirrors, capturing, focusing, and reflecting the previously invisible light of the Divine Presence. In this capacity, they emerge as the tangible, radiant manifestation of the Divine Glory, which in its essence, is formless and invisible.
They are not deities or powers that should be worshipped, per se. Rather, they might be better considered as regents, princes, or ministers wielding authority within their specific domain, the sefira for which they are responsible. This distinction is important to maintain to avoid confusion between the different planes of existence.
Following the pattern established in the previous lesson, we will delve into the particular archangelic figure corresponding to each sefira. Each has its unique energy, role, and qualities, allowing us to deepen our understanding of the divine cosmos and our place within it. We will explore how these heavenly entities embody and communicate the divine qualities associated with each sefira, and how they aid in the process of spiritual growth and realization.
Kether of Beriyah:
מטטרון, Metatron.
Positioned at the pinnacle of Beriyah, the world of creation, is Kether, presided over by Metatron, an archangel of remarkable importance. Often referred to as Sarpanim, or the Prince of the Face, Metatron guides seekers towards the contemplation of the visage of the Divine, towards an intimate encounter with God's presence.
Metatron is recognized by a variety of names, each carrying a distinct significance. Among these is Achtariel, meaning 'the one who wears the Crown of God.' This title reflects Metatron's affiliation with Kether, the archangel entrusted with the crown of the divine hierarchy. Metatron is also known as the 'little YHVH,' a moniker derived from his appearance in the biblical text as 'the Angel of YHVH.' This expression, found in the episode of the burning bush, signifies the manifestation of God through the lens of Metatron, the conduit for the divine Shekhinah. As such, the messages Metatron delivers bear the unmistakable imprint of the divine.
For instance, in Exodus 23:20-21, God entrusts Metatron to guide and protect Moses, instructing Moses to heed the archangel's voice and warning against rebellion. The scripture emphasizes, "for my Name is in him." A possible interpretation of this statement is that the numerical value of Metatron is 314, identical to that of the Divine Name Shadai, implying an inherent divinity within Metatron.
As the chief archangel, Metatron holds the topmost position in the angelic hierarchy, becoming the revealer of the loftiest mysteries or secrets of the divinity. Not only is he the divine conduit, but tradition also holds that it was Metatron who transmitted the Qabalah to human beings. He symbolizes the archetypal human who descends to Earth, incarnates, and then ascends once more, transformed into a spiritual being.
Tradition also links Metatron to the patriarch Enoch, believed to have been transfigured into Metatron upon his ascension to heaven. Enoch, whose father Iered's name signifies 'descent,' embodies the journey of the soul. This journey starts with the soul's descent to Earth from its celestial home, followed by its development of innate divine potentialities, and culminating in its ascension, assuming its archetypal form as the Son of God. This narrative arc is explicitly outlined in the apocalyptic text of the Book of Enoch.
Further support for Metatron as a prototype of the initiate following a spiritual path can be found in Proverbs 22:6, which advises to "Train a lad in the way he ought to go; He will not swerve from it even in old age." The Hebrew word for "train" is Chanoch, the Hebrew name for Enoch, and holds a numerical value of 84. The term for "His way" is Darko, adding up to 230. The total value, 314, matches the numerical value of Metatron (and Shadai), reaffirming Metatron's role as a spiritual guide.
In conclusion, Metatron embodies the Divine Master's image, a personification of higher spiritual power. The Greeks referred to this power as 'nous,' while medieval philosophy named it the 'Agent Intellect.' The transformation of Enoch into Metatron prefigures the soul's transformation into the Agent Intellect, establishing a connection with the Divine Intellect itself.
Chokmah of Beriyah:
רזיאל, Raziel.
In the world of Beriyah, positioned at the height of Chokmah, is the archangel Raziel, a figure synonymous with the Divine's clandestine aspects. The very name Raziel, arising from the word 'Raz,' translates to 'secret of God.' Interestingly, the numerical equivalent of Raz (207) is identical to that of 'Ohr,' meaning light. Consequently, this Archangel is perceived as a radiant beacon, casting the Divine Light upon all creation. He is known as the Angel of Wisdom, which, although concealed, resounds and echoes throughout creation as expressed in the Book of Proverbs.
Simultaneously, the root 'Raz' carries the connotation of progression, of moving forward. The term 'Razah' translates to 'to will,' which further unfolds into 'Ratzon,' meaning will. Furthermore, 'Raz' is also symbolic of a metallic rod. Merging these interpretations gives rise to Raziel's alternative title: the Spear of God. This appellation encapsulates the Divine Will in motion, the extension of God, hence the active and dynamic aspect of Chokmah, Creation's positive pole.
Typically, an angel's name ends with 'El,' an ancient representation of God associated with Chesed, the expanding divine energy. As a rule of thumb, an angel personifies a specific divine aspect or quality, hence their name is constituted by 'the (name of the quality) of God,' where 'God' is represented as 'El' or sometimes 'Yah,' another name for the Divine. However, this norm is not always followed, as is evident with the names Metatron and his twin Sandalfon. The ending 'on' possibly indicates a Hellenistic influence.
Traditionally, wisdom is seen as an ally of humanity. There exist tales of a mysterious Book of Raziel, which according to legend was bequeathed to Adam post the Fall. This sacred text supposedly offered Adam a path towards redemption. The Book of Raziel, subsequently, was passed down through generations, from Adam to Noah, then to Abraham, followed by Moses, and ultimately reaching Solomon. As per the lore, this book was a compendium of all the secrets of the natural world, both celestial and terrestrial. Broadly interpreted, it may have contained the cryptic knowledge of the creative word, the principle that governs all creation.
In another tale, Raziel is said to stand each day at the peak of Mount Horeb, the sacred mountain, where he broadcasts the world's secrets in a resonant voice that reverberates across the Earth. Regardless of the direction we look, be it external, towards the physical world, or internal, towards the heart's depths, the voice of Wisdom can be discerned. Raziel symbolizes both the force that encourages us to seek wisdom and the wellspring of all inspiration and creativity in life. He embodies the irresistible lure of knowledge and the joyous potential of discovery and enlightenment.
Binah of Beriyah:
צפקיאל, Zafkiel.
In the realm of Beriyah, the space of Binah is presided over by Zafkiel. The name Zafkiel translates to 'The Contemplation of God,' a phrase that offers dual interpretations. On the one hand, it may be understood from a bottom-up perspective, signifying a being that contemplates, comprehends, and recognizes (a characteristic of Binah) God. On the other hand, viewed from top to bottom, it represents the Divine's contemplation of all Creation. In both cases, it is a reflection of the active, reciprocal relationship between the Divine and Creation.
In this context, Zafkiel serves as the angel of Providence, embodying the Divine Mother's attributes and acting as her representative. As the manifestation of Divine Understanding within the realm of Beriyah, Zafkiel becomes the guardian of form. He conceives form as the product of his contemplation of the Divine, maintains its existence through his providential actions, and expresses the Law that shapes it. In the end, it is Zafkiel's role to bring each form to its ultimate state of completeness and elevation.
In this dance of creation, Chokmah represents the seed time unfolding in cycles, symbolizing the depth of the beginning, while Binah embodies linear time that completes these cycles, bringing them to their perfected conclusion. Zafkiel, as the principal entity of Binah, channels all aspects of this Sefira, be it as the severe mother or the resplendent and fertile nurturer, acting as the creative intelligence behind the scenes.
Zafkiel is the operational manifestation of God's providence, simultaneously keeping vigil over created beings and supervising their evolution. At times, Zafkiel may impose boundaries and hurdles that materialize as challenging life experiences. These trials are not mere afflictions but catalysts for spiritual growth, as each being is destined to fulfill their own 'tikun' or rectification and accomplish their unique spiritual journey.
In this light, Zafkiel is the divine orchestrator steering the spiritual evolution of the Worlds of Form. He is the force behind the various conceptions of God that have made the Divine Reality more tangible and comprehendible to the human mind. Charged with generating or inspiring all those forms or structures that guide us towards the contemplation of the Divine, Zafkiel is also known as the angel of the Archetypal Temple, the heavenly Jerusalem. This title paints a symbolic image of the perfected Form, prefiguring the consummation of time and the final jubilee, the ultimate rejoicing at the end of days.
Chesed of Beriyah:
צדקיאל , Zadqiel.
At Beriyah, Chesed, under the charge of the archangel Zadqiel. His name, rich in connotations, is translated to mean "Righteousness of God", but also unfolds to reveal other profound aspects like the "Charity of God" and the "Prosperity of God". Each of these facets provides a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Zadqiel's dominion, which stretches across multiple divine powers of expansion, growth, goodness, generosity, blessing, and guidance.
In his role as the cosmic representative of 'El,' Zadqiel exercises diligent care over the evolution and well-being of all that falls under his vast sovereignty. This domain extends from the Abyss and spreads across the seven sefirot, encompassing the worlds of Yetzirah. It is a realm where Zadqiel's influence vibrates through the fabric of creation, providing not only physical sustenance but also nourishing the spiritual essence of all beings.
In Zadqiel's hands rest the scepter and the staff, symbols of his dual authority over the material and spiritual realms. The scepter is a mark of his divine task - the unfoldment of the divine plan - while the staff signifies his role as the priest channeling blessings and divine grace. Zadqiel's power and influence resonate in archetypal figures such as Melchizedek (Malki-tsedeq in Hebrew), the righteous king who was also a priest of El Elyon (God Most High), as reflected in Genesis 14:18-19.
Furthermore, Zadqiel, much like a vigilant shepherd, bears the staff of guidance, guiding his flock through the winding paths of life, providing comfort and support as elucidated in Psalm 23. In the grand court of heavenly judgment, Zadqiel stands as our advocate, tempering the severe judgment from the pillar of mercy, emphasizing our virtues and good deeds, and arguing our case with divine righteousness. He serves to remind the divine tribunal of our inherent goodness and potential, thus influencing the balance to tip in our favor.
Zadqiel perpetually seeks reasons for our salvation, extending his compassionate vision beyond the confines of a single lifetime, providing us with divine guidance and insights that allow us to extract positivity and goodness from all our experiences. His ultimate objective is to assist us in evolving into tzadiqim, righteous beings, masters of form, and collaborators in the divine work of creation, as outlined in the scripture: "The righteous (tzadiq) is the foundation of the world". Zadqiel embodies the celestial force driving us toward this noble aspiration, guiding us on our spiritual journey towards righteousness and mastery over creation.
Gevurah of Beriyah: קמואל, Qamuel.
In Beriyah, Gevurah takes center stage with the archangel Qamuel at its helm. His name unfolds into several interpretations, embodying the divine paradox. The essence of Qamuel is a fiery zeal for God, an inner flame that purifies, and the manifestation of God's destructive aspect. He also serves as God's prosecutor, the celestial accuser, acting in contrast with Zadqiel, the defender from Chesed.
Qamuel's fire symbolizes an essential negation, a denial of all that denies God's supremacy. Fire, in this context, embodies duality, possessing the potential for both destruction and purification. It holds the transformative power to return all to their original state, back to the pristine unity of creation.
Qamuel's role in the cosmic dance is to represent the restrictive, severe polarity of God within creation. His tasks are manifold and complex, marked by the striking dichotomy of his nature. He serves as the divine executor of judgement, clearing away the elements that oppose cosmic evolution, resisting change, or acting negatively towards God's grand plan. The manifestations of the "wrath of God," especially through the cleansing flames, are directed and controlled by Qamuel. However, it's crucial to understand that this is not capricious or vengeful; it is the exact and unyielding application of cosmic law. Every imbalance is corrected under his watchful eye, making Qamuel the guardian of cosmic equilibrium. In this capacity, he functions akin to a surgeon, carefully restoring balance and propelling towards the anticipated future state.
Reflecting on this divine force, we can perceive it as profoundly liberating, even if the process may be marked with pain. Qamuel rips away the veils of illusion that bind us to our lower selves. Without such a force, how could we liberate ourselves from our negative characteristics? How could we resist evil, defend justice, and protect the vulnerable and oppressed?
The divine polarities of Love and Fear are embodied in God, providing different paths for spiritual evolution. Some individuals evolve through love, while others evolve through fear. Intriguingly, Qamuel, the angel of severity, holds the numeric representation of 91. This number signifies the exaltation of unity and love (Ahavah in Hebrew, which also corresponds to the numeric value of 13, equal to Echad, denoting Unity). Fear arises when one attempts to add another unity to this divine unity (placing something before God), for 91 + 1 equals 92, the numeric value for Pachad (Terror), another name for the sefira of Gevurah.
The fear of God is thus uniquely transformative. It is the only fear we should permit within ourselves, for it is recognized as "the beginning of wisdom". The archangel Qamuel serves as the divine conduit for this form of fear, guiding souls towards wisdom and spiritual liberation.
Tiferet of Beriyah: מיכאל , Mikhael.
In Tiferet of Beriyah, radiates with the profound presence of Mikhael, one of the three archangels explicitly mentioned in the Bible. His universal renown is evident, especially in Christian traditions where his devotion is deeply entrenched within the faithful's hearts. This popularity isn't without reason; Mikhael's reputation as a staunch defender of humanity has its roots deeply embedded in creation legends and various ancient traditions.
One such narrative tells of Lucifer, the most radiant and beautiful among angelic beings, rebuking God for creating something as fragile and corruptible as man in his own divine image and likeness. Against this affront, Mikhael valiantly sided with humanity, seeing in us an immense potential for goodness. In the subsequent celestial fallout, Lucifer was cast out from heaven by Mikhael and his angelic hosts, morphing into God's adversary. Lucifer's downfall was his pride, the most quintessential sin of the solar archetype, Tiferet. He was blinded by his own luminosity, believing himself to be the source of his brilliant light.
From that pivotal moment in spiritual history, Mikhael has remained a tireless champion of mankind. His name, Mikhael, stands as a profound question and declaration, translating to "Who is like God," or alternatively, "God-like." In his solar role, Mikhael emanates the spiritual sunlight, radiating life-affirming light and centering, harmonizing, and balancing energies, befitting his association with Divine Beauty, or Tiferet.
One common depiction of Mikhael presents him with a scale in his hand, symbolizing cosmic balance. The presence of evil exposes an undercurrent of imbalance, as it signifies a force bent on receiving more than its due, violating the sacred law of equilibrium that sustains creation. By battling the chaotic Dragon, Mikhael upholds the cosmic creation's stability.
In another iconic portrayal, Mikhael, armored and with a sword or spear in hand, tramples upon the devil, dragon, or serpent, signifying the negative force's passive role. The chaotic force is an essential adversary to be used as a launchpad, not destroyed but merely constrained. Defeating the adversary simultaneously signifies respecting it, acknowledging its crucial part in the grand cosmic design. God, being the absolute master of creation, holds dominion over both light and darkness.
As Tiferet of Beriyah, Mikhael holds a pivotal position on the Tree of Life. It is said that in the Heavenly Temple, Mikhael serves as the High Priest, offering fiery sacrifices on the altar of the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence. These burning offerings symbolize human souls, transmuted after transcending the illusion of form, which is essentially the illusion of duality and separation.
Mikhael is instrumental in facilitating this transmutation of consciousness, ushering souls into the divine world by overcoming the mind's self-deceptive tendencies towards dualistic thinking. In the grand cosmic reality, there is only God, the One. Thus, Mikhael aids in eradicating ignorance of our intrinsic divine nature, guiding us towards the profound realization of our divine unity with the Absolute.
Netzach of Beriyah:
הניאל , Haniel.
In Beriyah, the world of creation, the sphere of Netzach resonates with the effervescent energy of Haniel. This Hebrew name, rooted in "Hn", unravels a constellation of meanings including 'to bring joy or pleasure', 'to adorn or beautify', but also 'to frustrate or hinder'. It also stands as the third person plural feminine pronoun, and as an affirmative particle, it suggests "yes" or serves as an interjective.
This rich array of semantic possibilities enables us to understand the name of this archangel as "Joy of God", "Adornment of God", or "Affirmation of God". As Netzach of Beriyah, Haniel symbolizes the glorious extroversion of Creation, manifesting as a multiverse of worlds, sefirot, dimensions, planes, and beings, all orchestrated by the divine laws of polarity, love, and harmony.
Haniel, the celestial maestro who interprets the divine music of the spheres, personifies the Triumphant Beauty, a profound affirmation of God. In this capacity, Haniel governs the realm of arts, embracing everything that vibrates, dances, and emanates colors - all that touches our emotions and sensations. However, our feelings, the very tools that enable us to perceive beauty, can also engender suffering. This introduces the "frustration" aspect, echoing the pain of separation and division, which only the balm of love can mend. Herein lies Haniel's connection to the divine feminine power's expression in Creation.
As Netzach, the seventh sefira, Haniel is a radiant manifestation of the Name of God, Elohim, a principle originating in Binah. Each one of the powers of the septenary asserts its unique nature in this sefira, expressing the seven rays or colors of the Rainbow metaphorically speaking, as active powers directed by the Name of God in Netzach, YHVH Tzebaot, YHVH of hosts.
In Netzach, we may not "know" God, but we profoundly feel His divine presence. This feeling can ignite the fervor of love or infatuation, which ultimately is the projection of an aspect of one's own divine nature. Such passion incites us towards an inner search for solace from the ailment of unrequited love, an ailment which only the presence and form of the beloved can cure. Haniel connects us with this spirit of beauty and poetry, where words possess a creative power, and only our selfishness can obstruct the soul's doorways to such divinity.
Through Haniel, we are invited to enter into a spiritual dance of divine aesthetics, immersing ourselves in the rhythmic vibrations of the cosmos. We learn to navigate the tumultuous seas of our emotions, understanding that the same feelings that elicit joy can also harbor potential for suffering. Haniel, in his essence, embodies the ecstatic affirmation of God's beauty, joy, and grace in the grand orchestra of Creation, serving as our guide on this divine journey.
Hod of Beriyah:
רפאל , Rafael.
In Beriyah, within the realm of Hod, resides the archangel Rafael. His name stands as a testament to divine healing, resonating with meanings such as "Healing of God", "God Heals", or "Physician of God". In the esoteric text of the Zohar, he is also occasionally referred to as Boel, embodying the concept of "God within him".
Broadly speaking, Rafael represents the power of the mind, the realm of intellect (Hod), which manifests itself in the perception and conception of form. By deciphering the symbolic meanings embedded in the letters of his name, Resh ר signifying 'head' and Fei פ standing for 'mouth', we uncover the profound analogy of thought taking shape in words. In the world of Beriyah, language becomes the very essence of beings. Rafael shares a powerful connection with the archangel of Binah, mirrored in the fact that their names both correspond to the same numerical value (311). This relationship stems from the understanding that he who comprehends the intrinsic mechanism of form holds the power to repair it, hence Rafael's designation as "Physician of God".
Moreover, the numeric value of Rafael, 311, is paralleled by the Hebrew word איש, Ish, meaning 'man'. The letters (Aleph, Yod, Shin) constituting this word contain the enigma of divinity. In the current context, these letters refer to the divine nucleus or spark in humanity (the impression of the divine seal in the soul). It is this divine essence that Rafael strives to connect us with, illuminating our minds as the conduit for the visible manifestation of the Inner Glory, the Luminescence of the Divine Presence within us.
Rafael is regarded as the master of polarity and the spiritual interpretation of the mysteries of sex. His dominion extends beyond the instinctual aspect of humanity, encompassing all seven planes and reaching the divine. This establishes a connection with Rafael's alternate name, Boel, "God in him", whose numeric sum of letters equates to 39. It becomes apparent that Rafael is a maestro of divine names, specifically the Name of God. The last two words of the Shema Israel, "YHVH Echad", translate to "the Lord is One", and intriguingly, their combined numerical value is also 39. Rafael, analogous to Boel, safeguards the secret of unification of the Name, actualized through the fusion of its masculine and feminine, active and passive elements (letters).
In the grand cosmic scheme, Rafael serves as a bridge between the mortal and the divine. He not only heals the ailments of the body and mind, but he also fosters an understanding of our divine spark, the essence that connects us with the greater universe. He exemplifies the duality inherent in existence and elucidates the spiritual nuances hidden within human sexuality. In his multiple facets, Rafael embodies the harmonious unity of the divine name, interweaving its various elements into a coherent whole.
Yesod of Beriyah:
גבריאל , Gabriel.
Situated within the realm of Beriyah, Yesod, is the formidable archangel, Gabriel. Gabriel represents the incarnate energy of Yesod, fulfilling a dual role: being feminine-receptive relative to the preceding sefirot on the Tree of Life and assuming a masculine, impregnating role in relation to Malkuth.
The etymology of Gabriel's name shares its roots, גבר, with the term Gevurah, both signifying strength or power. Furthermore, "Gevir" translates to "lord" or "master", "Gabar" encapsulates the essence of conquest and might, and "Geber" denotes masculinity and a warrior spirit. Consequently, the name Gabriel can be interpreted as "The Mighty One of God", with an underlying thread of a warrior spirit.
Symbolically, Gabriel is often associated with resurrection, frequently depicted blowing a trumpet to stir the dead from their eternal slumber. This theme reverberates not only in the spiritual realm but extends its implications to the entire cycle of life, encompassing birth, death, decomposition, and rebirth from the same elements. This cyclical nature is explicitly symbolized through the phallic imagery of Gabriel's trumpet.
In essence, Gabriel is the conduit for the Divine Spirit - the Ruach Elohim Chayim, the Life of the worlds, and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), the illuminator of worlds. Gabriel serves as the voice, the breath (Ruach), and the divine word. Embodying the Holy Spirit, Gabriel assumes the roles of the Angelic Messenger, the Angel of Vision, and the Angel of Revelation.
Interestingly, the numerical value of Gabriel's name (גבריאל) is 246, identical to that of Maréh (מראה), meaning "vision" or "appearance". This suggests a strong link between Gabriel and Metatron. The latter, known as Shadai (the Divine Name in Yesod), stands as the epitome of intellect in Beriyah, what we've termed the personification of the agent intellect, the nexus with the divine intellect itself. Gabriel is tasked with translating this divine influence for human understanding, adjusting it to fit within the perceptive capacities of human consciousness in Yetzirah.
On an individual level, Gabriel maintains a personal record for each being, penning notes that, in a mythical context, are attached to his celestial chariot. Gabriel, as the angel of the gate of Daat, dictates the readiness of an individual for the celestial journey to higher worlds, and determines when one can appear before the Throne of Glory. These personal records, akin to divine ledgers, contain the accumulation of each individual's spiritual journey, providing Gabriel with the necessary information to discern their preparedness for celestial ascension. As such, Gabriel is more than an archangel; he is a spiritual guide, a keeper of records, and a bridge between the mortal and the divine, shaping the path for humanity's journey towards enlightenment.
Malkuth of Beriyah:
סנדלפון, Sandalfon.
At the heart of Beriyah, in the realm of Malkuth, resides the archangel Sandalphon. Uniquely, Sandalphon's name deviates from the traditional nomenclature of archangels, wherein the divine suffix "El" is attached to a literal root that captures the angel's essence. This exception, akin to Metatron, insinuates a distinct, elevated status for Sandalphon.
Although Sandalphon is not overtly referenced in the scriptures, some of the earliest accounts on Sandalphon depict him as the transfigured form of the prophet Elijah, transformed and elevated to a celestial stature. Concurrently, other sources, primarily rooted in midrashic literature, delineate Sandalphon as the twin brother of Metatron. This brotherhood draws parallels with their shared human origins – Metatron as Enoch and Sandalphon as Elijah – before their transfiguration.
Sandalphon and Metatron respectively embody the realms of Malkuth and Kether, epitomizing the highest and lowest spheres of the Tree of Life within Beriyah. In this capacity, they encapsulate the essential archetypes of existence, expressing the tension and the profound unity between the highest and lowest points of the middle pillar, also known as the pillar of consciousness. This dualism is deeply ingrained within them as they are considered the two Qerubim represented in the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). Their winged depiction symbolizes the flight of consciousness capable of ascending and descending the middle pillar.
As such, Sandalphon is often referred to as the "Angel of Height". Though his feet are grounded in the earthly realm of Malkuth, his celestial reach extends to the "Throne of Glory before the Divine Presence (Kether)". In this capacity, Sandalphon bears the divine duty of presenting the prayers and petitions of humanity before the divine throne, thereby bridging all dimensions of existence.
Sandalphon is commonly associated with the Hebrew term כונה, kavanah, signifying 'intention', though the concept is more profound and less readily translated. When performing an action or uttering a prayer, embedding kavanah is a prerequisite for divine acknowledgment. It necessitates the complete immersion of thoughts and feelings into every action, every uttered word. Sandalphon provides insight into this concept, highlighting that kavanah is about complete presence, a deep connection with our "I", personified by Metatron, the twin of our divine "I".
This seemingly simple yet profound state of being fully present, or "being there", encapsulates the secret of all spiritual, magical, or religious sciences. As stated in 1 Samuel 2:30, "For those who honor me, I will honor, and those who despise will be held in low esteem." These words resonate deeply with the ethos of Sandalphon and his teachings.
Lastly, it is worth acknowledging that Sandalphon is the designated archangelic guide of Earth. He bears the monumental responsibility of guiding the planet towards its intended state as envisioned in the Divine Plan, embodying the archetype of the Kingdom of God. Overseeing all life forms populating the Earth, including humanity, Sandalphon directs them to align with the higher mental facets and connect with their spiritual archetype. For humanity, this involves transcending egoic consciousness and establishing oneself in Tiferet, or the self, thus opening the door to consciousness in Beriyah. In essence, connecting with Sandalphon sets humanity on the path towards accomplishing the Great Work, the Tikkun Olam, signifying the rectification or restoration of the world.