Cassiel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cassiel, (Hebrew קפציאל Kafziel) is the latin name of an angel in post-biblical Judeo-Christian mythology, particularly that of the Kabbalah. Unlike many other angels, Cassiel is known for simply watching the events of the cosmos unfold with little interference. He is the angel of solitude and tears, and is said to preside over the deaths of kings.^[1]

He is often included in lists as being one of the seven archangels and often associated with the Seventh Heaven. According to some sources, Cassiel has also been worshiped in Satanic contexts.^[2]

1 In popular culture
2 References
3 Further reading
4 External links

[edit] In popular culture

The character of Cassiel appears in Wim Wenders's film Wings of Desire, as well as the U.S. remake, City of Angels. Cassiel, played by Otto Sander in the original and Andre Braugher in the remake, watches with considerable ambivalence as his friend becomes human. In the sequel Faraway, So Close!, Cassiel himself becomes human.

In the mythology of Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy series of novels, Cassiel is one of the angels who follow the Blessed Elua in his wanderings. Unlike the other angels, Cassiel remains true to the commandments of God and does not intermingle with mortals. Instead, he remain's Elua's "Perfect Companion," devoted only to protecting and serving him in celibacy. Cassiel gives his name to the Cassiline Brotherhood, an order of celibate warrior priests, who are employed as bodyguards by the royalty and nobility of Terre d'Ange. Their motto is "Protect and Serve."

In the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode "Tough Love", Cassiel is mentioned in the holding spell Willow casts on Glory^[3]: "Kali, Hera, Kronos, Tonic; air like nectar, thick as onyx; Cassiel, by your second star, Hold my victim, as in Tar."

[edit] References

^ Briggs, Constance Victoria (1997). The Encyclopedia of Angels : An A-to-Z Guide with Nearly 4,000 Entries. Plume. ISBN 0-452-27921-6.
^ Summers, Montague (1937). A Popular History of Witchcraft. London: Kegan Paul. ISBN 0-7661-4021-0
^ http://www.restlessbtvs.com/trivia/hold-my-victim-as-in-tar/

[edit] Further reading

Bamberger, Bernard Jacob, (2006). Fallen Angels: Soldiers of Satan's Realm. Jewish Publication Society of America. ISBN 0-8276-0797-0
Bunson, Matthew, (1996). Angels A to Z : A Who's Who of the Heavenly Host. Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0-517-88537-9.
Cruz, Joan C. (1999). Angels and Devils. Tan Books & Publishers. ISBN 0-89555-638-3.
Davidson, Gustav. A Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels. Free Press. ISBN 0-02-907052-X
Graham, Billy, (1994). Angels: God's Secret Agents. W Pub Group; Minibook edition. ISBN 0-8499-5074-0
Guiley, Rosemary (1996). Encyclopedia of Angels. ISBN 0-8160-2988-1
Kreeft, Peter J. (1995). Angels and Demons: What Do We Really Know About Them? Ignatius Press. ISBN 0-89870-550-9
Lewis, James R. (1995). Angels A to Z. Visible Ink Press. ISBN 0-7876-0652-9
Melville, Francis (2001). The Book of Angels: Turn to Your Angels for Guidance, Comfort, and Inspiration. Barron's Educational Series; 1st edition. ISBN 0-7641-5403-6
Ronner, John (1993). Know Your Angels: The Angel Almanac With Biographies of 100 Prominent Angels in Legend & Folklore-And Much More! Mamre Press. ISBN 0-932945-40-6.