La Jerarquía Celeste

Cuaderno de un simbólogo: Ritos, Mitos y Leyendas

Introduction to Symbolism

• The speaker expresses joy in exploring symbolism with the audience, emphasizing the importance of understanding symbols as a connection between higher and lower realms.

• The concept of angels is introduced as mediators between these worlds, sparking curiosity about their nature and significance.

Understanding Angels

• The speaker highlights well-known angels like Gabriel, who serves as a messenger in both Christian and Islamic traditions, illustrating their roles in divine communication.

• There is an acknowledgment that while general knowledge exists about angels, deeper exploration reveals complexities regarding their hierarchy and functions within religious contexts.

Challenges in Angelology

• The field of angelology lacks comprehensive literature; existing resources often lean towards New Age interpretations rather than traditional theological studies.

• The speaker aims to address these gaps by referencing significant historical figures in theology who have contributed to the understanding of angels.

Introducing Dionisio Areopajita

• Dionisio Areopajita is presented as a pivotal figure from the 5th or 6th century whose works systematized angelological studies and provided insights into celestial hierarchies.

• His pseudonymous identity suggests an intention to lend credibility to his teachings by associating them with St. Paul’s legacy, enhancing the perceived authority of his writings.

Philosophical Perspectives on God

• Dionisio's approach contrasts with Western views by advocating for apophatic theology—understanding God through negation rather than affirmation—leading to a profound contemplation of divine mystery.

• This perspective emphasizes God's transcendence and ineffability, suggesting that true knowledge comes from recognizing what God is not rather than what He is.

What is the Concept of Hierarchy According to Dionysius Areopagite?

Understanding Hierarchy as a Sacred Order

• The term "hierarchy" derives from Greek, meaning "sacred order," which contrasts with its traditional uses in military or political contexts. This suggests a deeper spiritual significance rather than mere authority.

• Dionysius interprets hierarchy as an order aimed at achieving similarity and union with God, emphasizing that God serves as the ultimate model for all sacred actions and contemplation.

• Members of the hierarchy are described as mirrors reflecting God's divine light, transmitting this illumination downwards through a structured system of mediation rather than domination.

The Structure of Celestial Hierarchy

• The celestial hierarchy consists of nine angelic orders divided into three triads, each representing different aspects of divine interaction and proximity to God. The highest triad includes Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones.

• Seraphim: Positioned closest to God, they embody intense love and divine fire; their name means "to burn" in Hebrew, symbolizing their radiant closeness to the divine essence. They possess six wings that signify readiness to serve God’s will.

• Cherubim: Representing divine wisdom and knowledge, they are characterized by four wings adorned with eyes—symbolizing insight and understanding beyond human comprehension. Their role is to illuminate intellectual truths about the divine mysteries.

The Role of Thrones in Divine Justice

• Thrones: These entities symbolize receptivity to God's presence and represent pure justice; they have been completely purified from personal desires to become vessels for divine judgment and serenity in God's will. Their depiction often includes wheels filled with eyes, indicating perfect observation of divine order.

• Thrones facilitate communication between higher celestial orders and lower beings by embodying equity within God's governance over creation; their characteristics inspire reverence for the structure of heavenly authority.

Exploring the Celestial Hierarchies

The Complexity of Celestial Bodies

• The discussion begins with a reflection on the complexity of celestial bodies, particularly those "seeded with eyes," suggesting a future exploration of this fascinating topic.

Introduction to the Second Circle

• Transitioning to the second circle, the speaker highlights insights gained from examining Neoplatonic Christian works, emphasizing how understanding specific elements like the Ark of the Covenant enhances comprehension.

Understanding Dominations

• Dominations represent divine authority and freedom, embodying harmony rather than servitude. They symbolize rational governance over passions and divine order without violence.

Insights on Virtues

• Virtues (or forces) manifest divine power and miracles in the world. They are associated with constancy and strength, sustaining universal order and providing stability to creation.

Role of Potestades

• Potestades maintain spiritual order by discerning between divine will and disorder. They act as guardians of cosmic balance, mediating just divine judgment.

Symbolism in Divine Governance

• The triad—Dominations (authority), Virtues (executive force), and Potestades (wisdom)—symbolizes God's governance: authority orders, force executes, wisdom preserves order.

The Third Circle: Principados, Arcángeles y Ángeles

Principados' Function

• Principados oversee communities and nations, ensuring each fulfills its historical mission or Dharma within their respective contexts.

Role of Arcángeles

• Arcángeles serve as superior messengers delivering significant divine announcements. Figures like Gabriel and Michael exemplify this role within sacred texts.

Angels as Mediators

• Angels act as intermediaries between higher hierarchies and humanity. Their role is to convey God's will in personal matters rather than broader societal issues.

Mission of Angels

• Angels guide individuals towards God through inspiration and protection. They represent a direct connection from divinity to human experience in daily life.

Conclusion: A Symbolic Universe

Dionysius Areopagita's Vision

• Dionysius presents a symbolic view of the universe where love, wisdom, and justice flow from transcendence into creation through beings that embody spiritual virtues.

Invitation for Further Exploration

• The speaker encourages deeper investigation into Dionysius Areopagita's work and its theological implications that resonate even today among serious scholars.