Angelology: 9 Choirs of Angels

Due simply to the nature of my undergraduate and master's degrees in biblical literature, theology, and ministry, the odds are that I probably have a better grasp of the biblical (and true) concept of angels than most.  I don't say that to brag, but in fact, to point out that even despite my years of theological and biblical studies, there is much more information about angels to be learned.  Recently I have engaged in a much deeper and more intense study of Angels, which is revealing a lot of very interesting information.  I have added to my resource library of books dealing with the subject of angels, and also taken a closer look at the many scriptural passages regarding them. 

Of course, some of the authors and books on the subject are far better than others.  There is a lot of information and current thought about angels that is absolutely wrong and even ludicrous in some instances.  Furthermore, as a demonologist, I feel strongly that one must become an Angelologist before you can become a true demonologist.  That's simply because demons are fallen angels, who retain much of their power and ability, as well as rank structure and hierarchy.  One must be steadfast in regarding information and facts which can be tied to scripture, directly or indirectly, as more authoritative.  There is plenty that has been written about angels that is absolutely incorrect.  In "googling" angel and looking at the images, almost none of them depict anything close to what the real thing would be like.  Angels are not fat little toddlers, nor are they female.  They do however, have wings.  One of the more interesting aspects of angels, to me, is their rank structure - known as "Choirs" - of which there are nine.  These nine choirs are further subdivided into three hierarchies, or triads. 

The first triad are those choirs of angels that surround and occupy the throne room of God.  Their work is mostly to worship and serve the throne of the Lord Himself.  The second triad consists of those choirs which seem to be a go-between, mediating between the choirs of angels that deal most closely with humans (the third triad) and the heavenly realm.  They also seem to be those angels that deal with world structure, systems, character and virtue.  Finally, the third triad are those choirs which deal most closely with humans and contact with humans.  Below is the listing of the nine choirs.  In the future I will post more information about the realm of each hierarchy, or triad, and also the basic characteristics and work of each individual choir.

First Triad or Hierarchy:
1. Seraphim
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones

Second Triad or Hierarchy:
4. Dominions (or Dominations)
5. Virtues
6. Powers

Third Triad or Hierarchy:
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels

As most people know, angel is translated literally from the original Greek of the New Testament as "messenger."  Most scholars, as well as the early Church Fathers, believe strongly that each of us has a guardian angel.  Humans can never become angels, as is popularly believed.  They are an entire other race of creature created by God.  Angels don't ever become human, humans never become angels.  Of the first two choirs - seraphim and cherubim - the "im" ending is the plural form.  So, it is incorrect to say "Seraphs" and "Cherubs."  Rather, they are seraphim and cherubim.  A single angel of these two choirs would be a seraph and cherub, respectively.  

A "Masculine" Handmade Rosary by Trendy Traditions

The Rosary

Photo at Left:  My new prized Rosary that I received handmade from Florida from Melanie (the Rosary Chick) at Trendy Traditions.  Thanks again Melanie - your work is amazing! It is specifically masculine in nature, and was personalized for my work against demonic presences in paranormal activity investigations. I love the large crucifix, and the color of the oversized beads. The Medalions and Crucifix were made in Italy.

It has a special additional medalion of St. Michael the Archangel on it, and the words at the top of the necklace (in the photo it shows "Father") on mine is "Ranger"  depicting my work as similar to Stryder in Lord of the Rings as a Ranger who protects the Shire and is a guide to Frodo the Ringbearer.

I can't say I pray the complete Rosary every day, but I try to.

The Face of Evil. The Cosmic War of Good versus Evil is Real

Evil is real.  Evil is driven by personal beings called demons.  They are led in their dark kingdom by Satan, a fallen angel.  They rebelled in heaven against God and were thrown down.  Get that - understand it fully - and live your life as if you get it.

The photo at left is not a fake, it was taken by a German journalist Michael Mannheimer, known as the bravest man to stand up to Islam.  Some of Michael Mannheimer's books can be found in stores and on the Internet, though most are in German.  He speaks out a lot about the takeover of Europe by Islamists, and paints the picture accurately, without all of the political correctness that tries to ignore the reality of what is coming (and what is obviously already here).  He has taken many photos like this at scenes of crimes against Christians.  In the second photo below - notice that the hands have been severed.  Go ahead, right click on the photos and download them to your photo editor for a close-up.  You need to see the reality of demonic evil.  That is what we all face with demonic evil, and with radical Islam (one of their strategies) if we don't all wake up.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..."  - John 10:10

Many in the West, materialists and scientific-minded purists, deny the spiritual world exists.  Some who even call themselves Christians deny that Satan exists.  They are deceived.  Many other Christians would say they believe in the afterlife, and even believe in Satan, but they live like they don't, and go about their merry way totally oblivious to the carnage and spiritual warfare that occurs everyday all around them.  With all three groups above, Satan and his demonic kingdom has succeeded.  They are oblivious to the threat, and often actually blame bad things happening to them - on God!  I'm sure the demons really love that one.  They perpetrate evil and bad things upon humans - through and by using humans whom they influence greatly; they have convinced many humans they don't exist; and so God gets blamed and many lose what little faith they have and drop out of church because they are angry at God for the bad thing that happened.  Do you see the blindness we often have to what is really happening behind the scenes?

I personally believe that the spiritual world and the material world overlap - almost entirely.  What happens in that realm has huge consequences is this realm, and we in the physical-material realm also can affect the spiritual world.  I have no doubt in my mind that Satan is real and is very active today.  I also have no doubt in my mind that what was done by humans to these women - because they were Christians - had demonic entities directly behind it tempting, driving, urging on just what was done to them.  There is a cosmic war of good and evil going on in the universe, and it is being played out in part, right here on earth as well.  I believe that the worldwide radical Islamist movement is merely one current strategy of Satan in this war, and is part of the cosmic war being played out like moving rooks and pawns on a chess set. 

Please: wake up!

"Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus."  -Revelation 12:17

St. Michael the Archangel Prayer (Latin & English)

Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude. Amen.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

How To Diagnose Whether Paranormal Activity Is Demonic

The intent of this post is to give you a very comprehensive list of things to check for if you suspect demonic attachment, influence, oppression or control on some level.

Last updated: October 31, 2011

Please be aware that any one of these things by themselves is not a sure sign, but just things to be on the lookout for, and to first check physiological, psychological, and environmental causes before you leap to a demonic causation. At the same time, don't be naive either. Sometimes BOTH can be present, and often are, such as severe demonic oppression can be accompanied by psychological disorders. I will add to this list as I expand it, both by my experience and the experience of others.

Below is a list of phenomena that I use to help me determine whether a case is caused by inhuman, demonic entities.  Some of these, taken individually, would not cause me to make a definitive determination immediately - such as paralysis, foul odors or shadow figures.  However, other single phenomena would - such as major levitation or clear, unequivocal Xenoglossy. Naturally, several of these together make for a much stronger likelihood of it being an authentic demonic case.  Be acutely aware of possible mental illness, but frankly, as Father Gabriel Amorth says, "Some symptoms, however, are so inconsistent with known illnesses that they point with certainty to their evil origins."  This is something no amateur should go into alone, in trying to diagnose.  I wish I had this list when I first started.  Hopefully, you will find it helpful:

The Big Three (according to the Roman Catholic Church):
Abnormal Strength
Ability to speak or understand a previously unknown language
Knowledge of hidden things (with no way to have known them)


Other Important Factors to be considered:
Knocks or Rapping in 3's or multiples of 3's
Foul Odors (especially sulfur like smells)
Phantomania (paralysis) - be careful this isn't sleep paralysis but paralysis caused by demons
Levitation of people or objects (especially heavier objects)
Vomiting of objects such as glass or nails, even small animals such as a frog
Spontaneous combustion
Counterclockwise motion or rotation
Activity regularly happening around 3:00AM
Dark shadow men or figures (these can be human spirit activity - so don't judge too quickly)
Desecration of crosses, crucifixes or other Christian symbols & objects
Scratching, claw marks or biting (especially scratches in threes)
Violent Attack: Shoving, Pushing & Hitting
Intense Sensation of Evil (especially by people with gift of discernment) 
Extreme Sense of Evil & Fear (especially by several people independently)
Apparitions of Evil Entities
Assault Sexually by an unseen force
Growling, Hissing & Other Threatening Sounds
History of occult involvement, Ouija, tarot cards, seances, Wicca, witchcraft, spells, psychics, mediums, palm readers, etc
Knowledge of a curse
Involvement with Hoodoo, Voodoo, Sanetria, Palo, etc.

Added Summer of 2011:
The inability to pray or recite a rosary
The inability to take Holy Communion (the Eucharist)
The inability to go to Mass or to Church worship servicesIt is also very important to note also, just because a person can do some of the things listed above that it does not mean the absence of a demonic influence either.  For example, sometimes strong demons can allow a person to take Holy Communion, pray or say the Name of Christ.  It is the sustained "assault" on the demon of such things that eventually will wear it down and the demon will manifest - like a boxer tiring in the late rounds of a fight.

Knowledge of supernatural

Going about naked

Unable to hear, speak

Seizures

Blindness

Use of “different” type of voice

Presence of distinct personalities      

Bizarre behavior

Fierce, violent behavior

Unusual behavior/attitudes (e.g., vicious toward self)

Feeling of overpowering evil

Self-report of demonic influence

Added 10/31/2011 based upon recent cases and experiences:

Confusion
Syncretism (mixing in with Christianity outside beliefs and practices)
Consorting with syncretic or wholly other practitioners for demonology solutions for advice and solutions

Depression (severe, ongoing)
Obstinacy, refusal to follow advice or do what you are asking them to do which are entirely reasonable
Hopelessness or fatalism
Reclusiveness or extreme isolation
No local Church home or membership, or extreme aversion to organized religion
No local pastor, priest, or clergy to turn to
No accountability
No regular reception of sacraments such as the Eucharist, no baptism, etc.
No regular reception of sacramentals such as Holy Water, rosary, prayers, creeds, crucifixes, scapulars, etc.
Poor or non-existent prayer life
Poor or non-existent scriptural reading/study
No devotional life
No social life, friends, family, etc.
Extreme obsession with paranormal activities and interests to the exclusion of other endeavors & interests; obsessed with the paranormal or aspects of it

Other Evidence or Manifestations to Consider:
Other things to consider and pay close attention to are things such as:

Aversion to Christian religious objects, such as cringing in the sight of a Crucifix

The inability to say prayers or say the name "Jesus" or "Jesus Christ" or to praise God

The inability to go to Church or be around a priest, clergy, or a very righteous person

Strange bizarre behavior of animals or children that seem to be reacting to evil

External physical pain that is caused by Satan

Involuntary action and words (especially very foul and vile language)

Seizures (again, must be extremely careful to eliminate physiological and psychological causes first by examination by professionals)

Consistent health, job, relationship problems that seem extraordinarily unusual

Consistent diabolical dreams

Obsessive thoughts and/or habits

Attempts at suicide, thoughts of suicide that seem to come from nowhere

Fascination with the occult and/or occult practices





Note: The pentacle shown above (with the pentagram turned upside down - a classic symbol of satanic worship) is not something we normally post.  It is a powerful symbol of evil and capable of drawing evil entities to it (the Law of Recognition).  We show it only as an educational aid and tool.  We show it here because we feel strongly that such symbols should be known to the discerning Christian so he or she can recognize it when they see it. The symbol used in the illustration has been prayed over and annulled (sealed) in the Name of Jesus Christ so that no demonic, evil spirit(s) will be drawn to it or this post and those reading it. Exploring and studying such topics and symbols should be taken seriously, and done prayerfully and responsibly.