Angels in the Tarot offer hidden insights and deeper meanings. Their presence in a reading can signify guidance, protection, and divine intervention. By paying close attention to the symbolism and messages conveyed by these celestial beings, you can uncover profound wisdom and spiritual truths.
Angels are messengers of the divine; they are also guides and enablers—powerful symbols of love, compassion and kindness.
While angels are often viewed as problem-solvers, they can also bring a certain level of disruption at times.
Their presence, though generally positive, can sometimes shake things up in unexpected ways.
Angels have been revered throughout history and are present in many different religions.
Therefore it is no surprise that angels feature in the Tarot, most notably in the Rider Waite Smith (RWS), Crowley’s Thoth and Paul Foster Case’s B.O.T.A. deck.
Once we get to know the angels in Tarot, they can offer us new insightful messages.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn derived the following correspondences from the Enochian system of Magic:
So, who are these angels and what may they tell us in a reading?
Raphael—”God Heals” is known as the Angel of Love. As the meaning of the name suggests, Raphael assists healing and is a messenger of reconciliation and unity. Raphael also helps with space clearing.
Michael—”He who is like God” is known as the Great Protector. Michael guides us to divine illumination, a fiery warrior of light and protection. Michael offers help when you feel anxious or worried.
Gabriel—”Power of God” is called the Angel of Truth and is the messenger of prophecy, revelation and resurrection. Gabriel inspires art and communication and helps those who speak out for society. Gabriel is regarded as an angel of feminine energy.
Uriel—“Light of God”, messenger of punishment and salvation. Uriel illuminates situations and gives prophetic warnings of disasters; also connected with earth healing after floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The Wheel of Fortune and The World—Additional Correspondences
Two of the associations may seem confusing—it might make more sense to connect the eagle with air and man with water. However, the following table by Paul Foster Case in his Introduction to Tarot should offer some clarification:
The Devil—What’s going on?
In the three aforementioned decks—RWS, Thoth, and B.O.T.A.—the Devil is portrayed as a demon-like figure.
This depiction emphasizes the card's themes of temptation, bondage, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Waite describes the creature in his Pictorial Key to the Tarot as “The Horned Goat of Mendes” and refers to it as a “Bathometic figure”.
Bathomet is a mythical figure, its image above was created by Eliphas Lévi, a 19th century occultist.
There is a lot of controversy about the origins and true identity of Baphomet, but this is not important here.
However, it is interesting that an evil-looking demon can be associated with Uriel, one of the archangels.
Firstly, there is a notable connection between one of the Devil’s many names—Lucifer—and the name Uriel.
Lucifer means Light Bearer, so both names are connected with light and illumination.
It suggests that the Devil is not “all bad”; perhaps it is fair to say that the Devil suggests enlightenment as a result of dark times, and everything carries the light of God/the Divine within.
When reflecting on this card in a reading, Uriel might illuminate the areas where we falter.
We are aware of the issues, but the Devil card symbolizes the obstacles that prevent us from addressing them—perhaps due to our unwillingness, complacency or refusal to acknowledge them.
Quite literally, this card can mean that the truth shows its ugly face, and Uriel can well be a call for action.
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