Cassiel

Cassiel is an angel whose presence is recorded in extracanonical Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mystical and magical texts. He is often identified as one of the Seven Archangels and is strongly associated with the planet Saturn. Various spellings and phonetic translations of his name exist, including Kassiel, Qassiel, Caftsiel, Captsiel, Kasiel, and Cassael, with Arabic variations like Kasfiyail also noted.

Role in Jewish Mysticism

Within Jewish mystical literature, Cassiel appears in several significant contexts. He is invoked in ancient Hebrew charms used to determine if an enemy is fleeing. In texts like "3 Enoch" and "Hekhalot Rabbati," Cassiel is described as a guardian of the seventh heaven and the sixth palace, respectively. As a guardian, he is depicted as possessing formidable weapons, including a sword dripping with lightning, a bow, tempests, light, and powerful winds, which he employs against those deemed unworthy to approach God. He is also listed as a guardian of the second palace in "Ma'aseh Merkavah." The "Zohar" identifies Cassiel as one of two chief aides to the Archangel Gabriel, alongside Hizqiel. Furthermore, Cassiel is recognized in some Jewish traditions as an angel of death, specifically overseeing the passing of young men.

Associations in Western Occultism

Cassiel's presence extends into Western occult traditions, appearing in works such as "The Sworn Book of Honorius" and Pseudo-Pietro d'Abano's "Heptameron." These texts reiterate his role as the angel of Saturn and also identify him as the angel of the North. His inclusion in these grimoires, alongside his mention in the "Sigillum Dei," highlights his importance in ceremonial magic. Later texts like "Liber de Angelis" and various editions of "The Key of Solomon" continue to list Cassiel (or Cassael) as the angel of Saturn or Saturday. Francis Barrett's "The Magus" portrays him as a dragon-riding djinn with a beard, further solidifying his Saturnian connection.

Other Attributions and Cultural Portrayals

Beyond his planetary and guardian roles, Cassiel is sometimes referred to as the angel of tears and the angel of temperance. Some traditions, under the name Qafsiel, regard him as the ruler of the moon instead of Saturn. Islamic scholars like Averroes and Ibn Arabi also linked the archangel Kafziel to Saturn. Cassiel has also made notable appearances in popular culture, including as the central figure in Rachel Caine's "The Outcast Season" series and as a character in Wim Wenders's acclaimed films "Wings of Desire" and its sequel "Faraway, So Close!," where he explores the human condition. He is also a character in Jacqueline Carey's "Terre D'Ange" novels.