The body as a map of the angels’ mind, Angels: Day 038

The body as a map of the angels’ mind, Angels: Day 038 August 28, 2016

angels_dionysius_2The body as a map of the angels’ mind

In a flight of  philosophical  fancy, Dionysius  the Areopagite uses the humabody as a symbol of the intellectual powers of the heavenly beings, and our own similar intellectual powers as well.

I think we can find fitting images of the heavenly powers in the parts of our own body.

Vision symbolizes the clear elevation toward the light of God, and the reception of enlightenment from God. The power of distinguishing smells symbolizes being able to receive, as far as possible, the sweet-smelling grace of God, and the ability to distinguish what is not God’s grace and to reject it. Hearing symbolizes consciously receiving and participating in God’s inspiration.

Taste symbolizes the intellectual nourishment that comes in plentiful streams from God. Touch symbolizes the skill of deciding what is good or harmful.

Eyelids and eyebrows symbolize guarding the conceptions that see God.

Manhood and youth symbolize the perpetual bloom and vigor of life.

Teeth symbolize dividing the nourishing perfection given to us—for each intellectual being has the ability given by God to divide and multiply the unified idea given to it by the beings above, so that it in turn can elevate the beings below.

The shoulders, elbows, and hands symbolize the power of making, doing, and accomplishing.

The heart symbolizes the Godlike life, sending its own life-giving power out to the objects of its concern, as is fitting for the good. The chest, which is placed above the heart, symbolizes the invincible protection of this life-giving distribution.

The back holds together all the productive powers of life.

The feet symbolize the swift and skillful perpetual movement toward the divine. –Dionysius the Areopagite, The Celestial Hierarchy, 15.3

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Is my own body a fitting symbol of the angelic life? Is every part ordered toward accomplishing God’s will?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, let me fulfill in my own place, as a member of your spiritual body, your holy and blessed will.

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