Raziel

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This article is about the Judeo-Christian angel. For other uses, see Raziel (disambiguation).

Raziel (Heb. רזיאל "secret[s] [of the] Lord"), is an archangel within the teachings of Jewish mysticism (of the Kabbalah of Judaism) who is the "Keeper of Secrets" and the "Angel of Mysteries". In some teachings he is claimed to be a Cherub^[1], as well as the chief of the Ophanim and is described as having blue wings, a glowing yellow aura around his head and wearing a grey robe which appears to have liquid-like properties.

He is associated with the Sephira Chokmah in Briah, one of the four worlds of Kabbalistic theory. His famous Sefer Raziel HaMalach ("Book of Raziel the Angel") contains all secret knowledge and is considered to be a book of "magic". He stands close by God's throne, and therefore hears and writes down everything that is said and discussed^[2]. He purportedly gave the book to Adam and Eve after they ate from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which resulted in their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, so the two could find their way back "home" and better understand their God. Raziel's fellow angels were deeply disturbed by this, and as such, stole the book from Adam and threw it into the ocean. God Himself decided not to punish Raziel, but instead, retrieved the book and returned it to Adam and Eve.

According to some sources, the book was passed on through the generations to Enoch (believed to have later become the angel Metatron), who may have incorporated his own writings into the tome. From Enoch, the archangel Raphael gave it to Noah, who used the wisdom within to build Noah's Ark. The Book of Raziel was last known to be in the hands of Solomon. It has since disappeared.

[edit] The Angel Raziel in arts and popular culture

The angel Raziel is featured as a significant character in two novels by Christopher Moore: Lamb, and The Stupidest Angel.

The angel Raziel is the supporting character that offers guidance, humor, and sometimes necessary counterbalance to his friend, the archon Uriel, in John Allen's independent film, Fallen.

The lead character of the Soul Reaver series of video games is named after Raziel.