Barachiel

Barachiel (Heb. ברכיאל "Bārkiʼēl", blessed by God; Arabic: بُراقيل "Burāqīl") is one of the seven Archangels in Eastern Orthodox tradition.

In the Third Book of Enoch he is described as one of the angelic princes, with a myriad of some 496,000 ministering angels attending him. He is described in the Almadel of Solomon as one of the chief angels of the first and fourth chora. He is regarded as the angel of lightning.

Iconography

In iconography Barachiel is sometimes shown holding a white rose against the chest, or with rose petals scattered on the clothing particularly the cloak. The scattering of rose petals was to symbolize or represent God's sweet blessings showering down on people. In Roman Catholicism, Barachiel is depicted holding a bread basket or a staff, both of which symbolize the blessings of children that God bestows on parents.

Patronage

Barachiel's responsibilities are as varied as the blessings for which the archangel is named, Barachiel is also the chief of the guardian angels and it is written that Barachiel may be prayed to for all the benefits which the guardian angel is thought to confer if one is not praying to the guardian angel directly, but as an intercession. He is seen as an official Saint in Eastern Orthodox tradition as well as some folk Catholic traditions, in particular a patron of family and married life. He is also seen as the angel assigned by God to watch over converts (also called "adopted children of God") to assist them in their lives.

Barachiel (Dungeons & Dragons)

Barachiel the Messenger (/bɑːˈreɪ.kiː.ɛl/ bah-RAY-kee-ehl) is the ruler of Lunia, the bottommost layer of the Seven Heavens, one of seven such rulers known as the tome archons or Hebdomad, in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. He is the herald and messenger of the other archon paragons, and leader of the trumpet archons. As the ruler of the layer that borders the neighboring planes of Bytopia, Arcadia, the Outlands and the Astral Plane, it is also Barachiel's duty to guard Celestia against incursions from without, although the ocean of holy water that makes up most of the layer forms a strong defense in itself. His symbol is the lion, and his followers carry this symbol as a sign of obedience and fealty.

Publication history

Barachiel was first mentioned as one of the Hebdomad in Planes of Law (1995). He was mentioned in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).

In third edition, Barachiel appeared along with the other members of the Celestial Hebdomad in the Book of Exalted Deeds (2003).