The Archangel Zadkiel

The archangel is a top ranking angel in several religious traditions. In Judaism, the identities of these angels became an important point of interest after the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) was already established. It is believed that the interest in angels was stoked in the time of Daniel, while the people of Israel were captives of Babylon. Although the term archangel is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specific angels like Gabriel and Michael are mentioned several times. The archangels or "Angels of the Lord" as they have been called in Judaism are considered messengers of God. Seven archangels have been identified in Judaism (including Kabbalah) and each has been assigned a specific purpose (Metzger & Coogan, 54). For example, the archangel Zadkiel serves as an angel of mercy.

The archangel Zadkiel is in the angelic order Hashmallim. Representing kindness, forgiveness, and mercy, Zadkiel has been identified in numerous rabbinic texts. To some, Archangel Zadkiel holds a high rank amongst the angels of God and is considered as high ranking as the angel Gabriel is.

Some Jewish mystics and Western mystics hold that Zadkiel utilizes a "violet ray of mercy, compassion, freedom, and forgiveness" to liberate humanity from feelings of guilt and hatred (Bowyer, 23). The color violet is significant in ritual magic and Jewish mysticism because it is thought to be associated with transmutation and the spiritual aspect of the individual, allowing one to "see from world consciousness, instead of just from their own viewpoint" (Bowyer, 56). The main goal in connecting with or working with the archangel Zadkiel is to increase energy and feelings of lightness as resentment and burdens fall away.

Zadkiel is thought to possess the ability to help individuals seeking liberation from negativity to achieve freedom from hurt. In some of the Jewish mystical traditions and Western mystical traditions, Zadkiel "works tirelessly" to aid individuals attempting to break down "barriers" and "blockages" to the good things they desire (Bowyer, 57). In this belief, the archangel Zadkiel plays an active role in the lives of those who believe in his authority and power over the virtues of "mercy, kindness, and forgiveness" (Bowyer, 57). Zadkiel has the authority to intervene in the lives of people by sending certain individuals into ones life at critical moments.

In Judaism and other world religions, angels hold an important role in the link between humanity and God. Consequently, angels have come to possess personalities and purposes that are thought to be worth revering. To some mystics, the relationship between humanity and angels is so vital that communicating with angels and archangels is commonplace. In some mystical traditions, some believers hold that they can speak directly to angels and receive messages in return. Carolyn Bowyer is one such believer who, in her book, Angels of the First Heaven, recounts a conversation she had with Zadkiel who helped her develop an "angelic essence" product (Bowyer, 59). While some believe they can communicate with angels through chants, prayers, or rituals, traditional Jewish homes sing Shalom Aleichem, a song in honor of the messengers of God, "angels of peace" (Mindel, 82).

Sources

Metzger & Coogan. Oxford COmanion to the Bible, page 54. Oxford University Press, 1993.

Bowyer, Carolyn. Angels of the First Heaven: How to Work with Seven Archangels, pages 23-109. O Books, 2007.

"Judaism." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Judaism.html

Mindel, Nissan. My Prayer, Vol. 2, page 82. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 1998.