Cassiel

Cassiel (Hebrew קפציאל Qafsiel Kaziel) is the Latin name of an archangel in post-biblical Judeo-Christian religion, 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.

In mythology

In Jewish mysticism and Mesopotamian mythology, Cassiel is associated with the planet Saturn and the direction north. He is the controller of the moon.^[2]

In the magical text Berit Menuchah, Cassiel is associated with Kefitzat Haderech, the ability to travel quickly through space. Magic spells using his name are cast to create destruction, to scatter crowds, to cause a person to wander aimlessly, or to fall from a position of power.^[3]

Ancient Hebrew amulets bearing his name are used to drive away one's enemies. The words on the charm are written with the blood of a bird and then tied to the foot of a dove. The dove is then set to flight, taking one's enemy with it. Should the bird refuse to fly, it is a sign that one's enemies won't depart either.

In popular culture

Cassiel is the main protagonist in The Outcast Season series by Rachel Caine ^[4]
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. Nick Cave wrote Cassiel's Song as part of the music for that film.
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 CW series Supernatural, the angel "Castiel" was inspired by Cassiel^[5].
In the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode "Tough Love", Cassiel is mentioned in the holding spell Willow casts on Glory^[6]:
In the Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix, Cassiel is mentioned to be a previous, absent-minded Abhorsen. Lirael wields his bells in Lirael and Abhorsen.

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.
^ Dictionary of archangels
^ name=Gaster, (1998), The Wisdom of the Chaldeans,pp. 17-18,Holmes Pub Grou Llc, ISBN 1-55818-399-X
^ Caine, Rachel. "The Outcast Season Seires". The Outcast Season Series. ROC. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6PxX9lkDbU
^ http://www.restlessbtvs.com/trivia/hold-my-victim-as-in-tar/

External links

[1] Briggs, Constance Victoria (1997). The Encyclopedia of Angels: An A-to-Z Guide with Nearly 4,000 Entries. Plume. ISBN 0-452-27921-6.

[2] Dictionary of archangels

[3] =Gaster, (1998), The Wisdom of the Chaldeans,pp. 17-18,Holmes Pub Grou Llc, ISBN 1-55818-399-X

[4] Caine, Rachel. "The Outcast Season Seires". The Outcast Season Series. ROC. Retrieved 18 December 2011.

[5] ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6PxX9lkDbU

[6] ttp://www.restlessbtvs.com/trivia/hold-my-victim-as-in-tar/

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In mythology

In popular culture

References

Further reading

External links