The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Cherubim

Cherubim are a prominent group of ancient and celestial beings believed to guard the presence of God, prominently featured in various religious and mythological contexts. These entities are often associated with the guardian angels or divine beings mentioned in texts such as Ezekiel and Genesis. In the biblical narrative, Cherubim are specifically depicted guarding significant sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden, where one of them holds a flaming sword to preserve the divine garden. They are acknowledged as representatives of the divine, embodying the elements, worlds, forces, and planes emanating from the divine fiery center. These beings, often symbolically portrayed on golden artifacts like the table in the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, are also revered in Masonic traditions. In Masonic symbolism, Cherubim represent profound spiritual wisdom. The collective imagery of Cherubim underscores their role as protectors and bearers of Heaven’s wisdom, serving as symbolic guardians who maintain the presence of divinity in various sacred spaces and concepts. The Cherubim are a hierarchy of angels in Kabbalistic tradition, representing a spiritual concept.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Ark_of_the_covenantLineage

Ceremonially depicted as part of the Ark, the Cherubim symbolize divine protection and favor

Heavenly BodiesConcept

The Cherubim are associated with the movement and existence of heavenly bodies as seen in their guarding role in the Garden of Eden.

Altar Of Burnt IncenseRitual

The Altar of Burnt Incense was guarded by Cherubim, representing the presence of the Divine in the Temple

Ark Of The CovenantSubstance

The Ark of the Covenant contained the Cherubim, symbolizing the presence of the Divine and protection within the Holy of Holies

Cherubim, also known as Archangels, are part of the angelic hierarchy that leads to Ain Soph, the ultimate reality

The cherubim, or four beasts, are linked to the Alpha and Omega as spiritual guardians of the throne, representing the divine protection and guidance

TabernacleConcept

Cherubim were present in the Holy of Holies, guarding the Ark of the Covenant and representing the presence of the Divine in the Tabernacle

Mercy-seatSubstance

Cherubim guard the Mercy Seat, symbolizing divine protection and presence

OrphanimLineage

The Cherubim and Orphanim are hierarchies of angels, symbolized together in the progression

Holy Of HoliesRitual

Cherubim are believed to guard the Holy of Holies

Le MondeConcept

Cherubim appear as symbols in Le Monde

PomegranatesSubstance

Pomegranates are often depicted with Cherubim in Masonic iconography, symbolizing abundant spiritual insight

LambSubstance

The Lamb and the cherubim are linked as the Lamb takes the book from the throne, and the cherubim worship the Lamb, signifying their roles in the spiritual hierarchy and reverence for the Lamb

Stone Of The WiseConcept

The Cherubim, as guardians of the mysteries, were associated with the creation of the Stone of the Wise, a symbol of the mystical union of fire and water.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

CherubimthroughLe MondeilluminatesAstrology →
I. Cherubim & Le Monde

Cherubim appear as symbols in Le Monde

II. Le Monde & Astrology

Astrological influence is evident in the symbolism of Le Monde

CherubimthroughAin SophilluminatesKether →
I. Cherubim & Ain Soph

Cherubim, also known as Archangels, are part of the angelic hierarchy that leads to Ain Soph, the ultimate reality

II. Ain Soph & Kether

AIN SOPH, as a limitation of AIN, produces Kether as the first Sephira within the central point of the universe, illustrating a hierarchical relationship between the ultimate spiritual realm and its manifestation

CherubimthroughMercy-seatilluminatesTemple →
I. Cherubim & Mercy-seat

Cherubim guard the Mercy Seat, symbolizing divine protection and presence

II. Mercy-seat & Temple

Temple and Mercy Seat are closely linked in complex symbolic practices Mercy Seat and Temple are closely linked in complex symbolic practices

CherubimthroughMercy-seatilluminatesHigh Priest →
I. Cherubim & Mercy-seat

Cherubim guard the Mercy Seat, symbolizing divine protection and presence

II. Mercy-seat & High Priest

High Priest and Mercy Seat are closely linked in complex symbolic practices Mercy Seat and High Priest are closely linked in complex symbolic practices

CherubimthroughTabernacleilluminatesPyramid →
I. Cherubim & Tabernacle

Cherubim were present in the Holy of Holies, guarding the Ark of the Covenant and representing the presence of the Divine in the Tabernacle

II. Tabernacle & Pyramid

The Great Pyramid echoes the divisions of the Tabernacle and its spiritual architecture.

CherubimthroughAin SophilluminatesElohim
I. Cherubim & Ain Soph

Cherubim, also known as Archangels, are part of the angelic hierarchy that leads to Ain Soph, the ultimate reality

II. Ain Soph & Elohim

Elohim, also known as Principalities, are part of the angelic hierarchy that leads to Ain Soph, the ultimate reality

CherubimthroughAlpha And OmegailluminatesPhrygian Mysteries
I. Cherubim & Alpha And Omega

The cherubim, or four beasts, are linked to the Alpha and Omega as spiritual guardians of the throne, representing the divine protection and guidance

II. Alpha And Omega & Phrygian Mysteries

The hierophant of the Phrygian Mysteries is a representation of the Alpha and Omega, with power over the seven schools of the Mysteries.

CherubimthroughMercy-seatilluminatesUrim And Thummim
I. Cherubim & Mercy-seat

Cherubim guard the Mercy Seat, symbolizing divine protection and presence

II. Mercy-seat & Urim And Thummim

Ur"im and Thummim and Mercy Seat are closely linked in complex symbolic practices Mercy Seat and Ur"im and Thummim are closely linked in complex symbolic practices

CherubimthroughOrphanimilluminatesArchangels
I. Cherubim & Orphanim

The Cherubim and Orphanim are hierarchies of angels, symbolized together in the progression

II. Orphanim & Archangels

The Archangels are a subgroup within the Orphanim in the angelic hierarchy

CherubimthroughAlpha And OmegailluminatesBook
I. Cherubim & Alpha And Omega

The cherubim, or four beasts, are linked to the Alpha and Omega as spiritual guardians of the throne, representing the divine protection and guidance

II. Alpha And Omega & Book

The book held by the one on the throne is linked to the Alpha and Omega, representing the divine instructions or judgments for the lamb to open