FIRE OF GOD AND ANGEL OF THE CATACLYSM
Uriel is one of the most powerful and formidable of the angelic
hosts. As an Angel of the Presence, he is able to reflect
the unimaginable brightness of the Throne. His glyph is a
lightning flash, and it was he, as Angel of the Cataclysm, who was sent
to warn Noah of the impending deluge. In Milton's - Paradise Lost
- he is described as the most eagle-eyed of all the angels.
Nevertheless, he fails to see through the disguise of Satan, who tricks
him into giving him directions to Earth and then to the Garden of
Eden. Apart from this one slip, Uriel has a reputation of
invincible power and authority. In the Sibylline Oracles, it is
he who holds the keys to Hell and is due to tear down its gates on
Judgment Day. He can be a terrifying Angel of Retribution who
punishes sinners, but he is also a dependable guide to humanity and an
interpreter of Divine Truth. In the Apoycryphal Second Book
of Esdras, he teaches the prophet the great lesson of humility by
shaming him for presuming to judge the ways of God.
ASSOCIATIONS AND SYMBOLISM
As Angel of the North, Uriel rules the element of Earth and the season
of winter. His planet is Uranus, and he shares that planet's
affinity with electricity and suddenness of action. He can
provide flashes of inspiration and insight. He is the Angel of
the Eleventh House, who can be called upon to intervene in moments of
extreme crisis. He rules Saturday (with Cassiel) and
the Sign of Aquarius. White quartz crystals, as "frozen
light" and transmitters of electrical energy, are sacred to
him. He is sometimes depicted holding a book and scroll,
symbolizing God's Law. As St.Uriel, his symbol is an open palm bearing
a Thunder and Lightning, Angel of Terror, Light of God, and Angel of
the Kabbalah. He can be envisaged as a huge figure of incredible
brightness surrounded by a rainbow corona with lightning flashing from
a crown of quartz. His face is set firm and his electric blue
eyes penetrate all.
