Archangel Seraphiel, Angel of Purification

Seraphiel is named for his mission as chief of the seraphim angelic choir, the order of angels that is closest to God. Alternative spelling of Seraphiel's name is Serapiel. Seraphiel is known as the angel of purification because he emanates the fire of pure devotion to God that burns away sin. As chief of the seraphim -- the highest angelic rank, which celebrates God's holiness in heaven -- Seraphiel leads these closest angels to God in constant worship.

Seraphiel works with archangels Michael and Metatron to direct the seraphim's work emanating the Creator's energies of justice and compassion outward from heaven throughout all of creation. As they do so, these passionate angels carefully balance truth and love, mindful that God calls human beings to grow in holiness but loves unconditionally. All angels work as God's messengers to people in some way, and when the seraphim communicate messages, the effect is intense because of their extreme passion. Seraphiel's way of communicating mixes both pain and pleasure simultaneously as he does his purifying work in people's souls. Seraphiel inspires people to become inflamed with God's pure love.

Seraphiel is often described as an extremely tall angel with a face that looks like that of an angel but a body that looks like that of an eagle aflame with brilliant light. His body is covered with radiant eyes, and he wears a huge sapphire stone and crown on his head.

Symbols

In art, Seraphiel is often depicted with the colors of fire, to illustrate his role as leader of the Seraphim angels, who burn with the fire of passionate love for God. Sometimes Seraphiel is also shown with many eyes covering his body, to represent how Seraphiel's eyes are constantly focused on God.

Seraphiel energy color is green.

Role in Religious Texts

The ancient Jewish and Christian apocryphal text 3 Enoch describes Seraphiel and his work leading the seraphim angelic choir. Seraphiel takes good care of each angel who serves in the seraphim. He often teaches the angels in this heavenly choir new songs to sing that will glorify God.

Under Seraphiel's direction, the Seraphim also constantly chant a phrase known as the Trisagion, which says: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." The Bible describes the prophet Isaiah's vision of seraphim chanting this in heaven.

Other Religious Roles

Believers who practice Kabbalah see Seraphiel as one of the angelic leaders of the Merkabah, the angels who guard God's throne in heaven and reveal mysteries about holiness to people during prayer or meditation. The more people learn about the process and the more they leave their egos behind, they further they can travel through the different parts of heaven, metaphysically getting closer and closer to where God himself lives. Along the way, Seraphiel and other angels test them on their spiritual knowledge.

In astrology, Seraphiel governs the planet Mercury and the day Tuesday.