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[[File:Metatron.png|300px|thumb|Archangel Metatron as depicted in the [[Angel Tarot]]]] | [[File:Metatron.png|300px|thumb|Archangel Metatron as depicted in the [[Angel Tarot]]]] | ||
'''Metatron''' (Biblical Hebrew: מֶטָטְרוֹן) is an [[angel]] in [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]] mentioned three times in the Talmud, in a few brief passages in the Aggadah, and in mystical [[Kabbalah|Kabbalistic]] texts within Rabbinic literature. The figure forms one of the traces for the presence of dualist proclivities in the otherwise monotheistic visions of both the Tanakh and later Christian doctrine. In the Jewish kabbalistic tradition, he is sometimes portrayed as serving as the celestial scribe. The name Metatron is not mentioned in the Torah or the [[Bible]] and how the name originated is a matter of debate. In Islamic tradition, he is also known as ''Mīṭaṭrūn'' (Arabic: ميططرون), the angel of the veil. | '''Metatron''' (Biblical Hebrew: מֶטָטְרוֹן) is an [[angel]] in [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]] mentioned three times in the Talmud, in a few brief passages in the Aggadah, and in mystical [[Kabbalah|Kabbalistic]] texts within Rabbinic literature. | ||
The figure forms one of the traces for the presence of dualist proclivities in the otherwise monotheistic visions of both the Tanakh and later Christian doctrine. In the Jewish kabbalistic tradition, he is sometimes portrayed as serving as the celestial scribe. The name Metatron is not mentioned in the Torah or the [[Bible]] and how the name originated is a matter of debate. In Islamic tradition, he is also known as ''Mīṭaṭrūn'' (Arabic: ميططرون), the angel of the veil. | |||
In Jewish apocrypha and early Kabbalah, 'Metatron' is the name that Enoch received after his transformation into an angel. | In Jewish apocrypha and early Kabbalah, 'Metatron' is the name that Enoch received after his transformation into an angel. | ||
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Numerous etymologies have been proposed to account for the name Metatron, but there is no consensus, and its precise origin is unknown. Some scholars, such as Philip Alexander, believe that if the name Metatron originated in Hekhalot-Merkabah texts (such as [[Book of Enoch|3 Enoch]]), then it may have been a magic word like Adiriron or Dapdapiron. | Numerous etymologies have been proposed to account for the name Metatron, but there is no consensus, and its precise origin is unknown. Some scholars, such as Philip Alexander, believe that if the name Metatron originated in Hekhalot-Merkabah texts (such as [[Book of Enoch|3 Enoch]]), then it may have been a magic word like Adiriron or Dapdapiron. | ||
Hugo Odeberg, Adolf Jellinek and Marcus Jastrow suggest the name may have originated from either ''mattara'' (מטרא, lit. 'keeper of the watch') or the verb ''memater'' (ממטר, 'to guard' or 'to protect'). An early derivation of this can be seen in ''Shimmusha Rabbah'', where Enoch is clothed in light and is the guardian of the souls ascending to heaven. Odeberg also suggested that the name Metatron might have been adopted from the Old Persian name ''Mithra''. Citing Wiesner, he drew up a number of parallels that appeared to link Mithra and Metatron based on their positions in heaven and duties. | Hugo Odeberg, Adolf Jellinek and Marcus Jastrow suggest the name may have originated from either ''mattara'' (מטרא, lit. 'keeper of the watch') or the verb ''memater'' (ממטר, 'to guard' or 'to protect'). An early derivation of this can be seen in ''Shimmusha Rabbah'', where Enoch is clothed in light and is the guardian of the souls ascending to [[heaven]]. Odeberg also suggested that the name Metatron might have been adopted from the Old Persian name ''Mithra''. Citing Wiesner, he drew up a number of parallels that appeared to link Mithra and Metatron based on their positions in heaven and duties. | ||
Other ideas include μέτρον (metron, 'a measure'). Charles Mopsik believes that the name Metatron may be related to the sentence from Genesis 5:24, "Enoch walked with God, then he was no more, because God took him." The LXX version of the Hebrew word לָקַ֥ח ("took") is μετέθηκεν. | Other ideas include μέτρον (metron, 'a measure'). Charles Mopsik believes that the name Metatron may be related to the sentence from Genesis 5:24, "Enoch walked with God, then he was no more, because [[Yahweh|God]] took him." The LXX version of the Hebrew word לָקַ֥ח ("took") is μετέθηκεν. | ||
==Textual history== | ==Textual history== | ||
[[File:Metatron Sigil.png| | [[File:Metatron Sigil.png|350px|thumb|Metatron's summoning [[sigil]]]] | ||
From Hellenistic times, mention of a second divine figure, either beside [[Yahweh|YHWH]] or beneath him, occur in a number of Jewish texts, mostly apocryphal. These Jewish traditions implying a divine dualism were most frequently associated with Enoch. In the rabbinic period they center on Metatron, often in the context of debates over the [[heresy|heretical]] doctrine of two powers in heaven. | From Hellenistic times, mention of a second divine figure, either beside [[Yahweh|YHWH]] or beneath him, occur in a number of Jewish texts, mostly apocryphal. These Jewish traditions implying a divine dualism were most frequently associated with Enoch. In the rabbinic period they center on Metatron, often in the context of debates over the [[heresy|heretical]] doctrine of two powers in heaven. | ||
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The [[Zohar]] describes Metatron as the "King of the angels" and associates the concept of Metatron with that of the divine name Shaddai. Zohar commentaries such as the ''Ohr Yakar'' by Moses ben Jacob Cordovero explain the Zohar as meaning that Metatron as the head of Yetzira. This corresponds closely with Maimonides' description of the Talmudic "Prince of the World," traditionally associated with Metatron, as the core "Active Intellect." | The [[Zohar]] describes Metatron as the "King of the angels" and associates the concept of Metatron with that of the divine name Shaddai. Zohar commentaries such as the ''Ohr Yakar'' by Moses ben Jacob Cordovero explain the Zohar as meaning that Metatron as the head of Yetzira. This corresponds closely with Maimonides' description of the Talmudic "Prince of the World," traditionally associated with Metatron, as the core "Active Intellect." | ||
In the Apocalypse of Zerubbabel, Metatron is not identified as Enoch. Instead he is identified as the [[Archangel Michael]]. The text also records that Metatron in gematria is the equivalent of Shaddai. While he also appears in other apocalyptic writings he is most prominent in the Apocalypse of Zerubbabel. In these writings he plays the role of heavenly interlocutor delivering knowledge about the coming messianic age. | In the Apocalypse of Zerubbabel, Metatron is not identified as Enoch. Instead he is identified as the [[Archangel Michael]]. The text also records that Metatron in [[gematria]] is the equivalent of Shaddai. While he also appears in other apocalyptic writings he is most prominent in the Apocalypse of Zerubbabel. In these writings he plays the role of heavenly interlocutor delivering knowledge about the coming messianic age. | ||
===Islamic texts=== | ===Islamic texts=== | ||
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The earliest account of Metatron within [[Islam]]ic scriptures might derive directly from the Quran itself. Uzair, according to Surah 9:30–31 venerated as a Son of God by Jews, is another name for the prophet Ezra, who was also identified with Metatron in Merkabah Mysticism. Islamic heresiologists repeatedly accused Jews for venerating an [[angel]] as a lesser god (or an Incarnation of God), especially for celebrating Rosh Hashanah. | The earliest account of Metatron within [[Islam]]ic scriptures might derive directly from the Quran itself. Uzair, according to Surah 9:30–31 venerated as a Son of God by Jews, is another name for the prophet Ezra, who was also identified with Metatron in Merkabah Mysticism. Islamic heresiologists repeatedly accused Jews for venerating an [[angel]] as a lesser god (or an Incarnation of God), especially for celebrating Rosh Hashanah. | ||
The name itself is attested early in Islam by Al-Kindi and Al-Masudi. In a Druze text about cosmology, he is mentioned among the canonical [[Archangel]]s in Islamic traditions. Al-Suyuti identifies him as the angel of the veil and only he knows about that which lies beyond. He is also frequently mentioned in the magical works by Ahmad al-Buni, who describes Metatron as wearing a crown and a lance, probably constituting the Staff of Moses. In other [[ritual magic|magical practices]], he is invoked to ward off evil jinn, devils, sorcerers and other magical threats. | The name itself is attested early in Islam by Al-Kindi and Al-Masudi. In a Druze text about cosmology, he is mentioned among the canonical [[Archangel]]s in Islamic traditions. Al-Suyuti identifies him as the angel of the veil and only he knows about that which lies beyond. He is also frequently mentioned in the magical works by Ahmad al-Buni, who describes Metatron as wearing a crown and a lance, probably constituting the Staff of Moses. In other [[ritual magic|magical practices]], he is invoked to ward off [[demon|evil jinn]], devils, [[magician|sorcerers]] and other magical threats. | ||
Ibn Hazm mentions that Jews, although regarding Metatron as an angel, would celebrate Metatron as a lesser god ten days each year, perhaps a reference to Rosh Hashanah in connection with Merkabah mysticism that Metatron took part on the creation of the world. | Ibn Hazm mentions that [[Judaism|Jews]], although regarding Metatron as an [[angel]], would celebrate Metatron as a lesser god ten days each year, perhaps a reference to Rosh Hashanah in connection with Merkabah mysticism that Metatron took part on the creation of the world. | ||
==Occult beliefs== | ==Occult beliefs== | ||
[[Occultist]] [[Éliphas Lévi]] believed the chiefs of the souls of the earth bear the name of Metatron Sarpanim, meaning "Metatron: prince of lights." He wrote the head of souls does not die, but is raised alive to heaven and Enoch was the first to be elevated to the rank of Metatron Sarpanim. From Lévi's perspective, Metatron was an honorific, indicating a state of enlightened existence, rather than a specific angel. He stated: "All Metatrons must have two reigns and they return to earth after having traveled through all the globes of our solar system. This is why the return of Enoch and Elijah will precede the second coming of [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]." | [[Occultist]] [[Éliphas Lévi]] believed the chiefs of the souls of the earth bear the name of Metatron Sarpanim, meaning "Metatron: prince of lights." He wrote the head of souls does not die, but is raised alive to heaven and Enoch was the first to be elevated to the rank of Metatron Sarpanim. | ||
From Lévi's perspective, Metatron was an honorific, indicating a state of enlightened existence, rather than a specific angel. He stated: "All Metatrons must have two reigns and they return to earth after having traveled through all the globes of our solar system. This is why the return of Enoch and Elijah will precede the second coming of [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]." | |||
The [[Coven of the Catta]] added Archangel Metatron at the zenith and [[Archangel Sandalphon]] at the nadir of their watchtower circle casting [[ritual magic|ritual]]. | |||
Most [[occult]] schools teach that Metatron is one of the [[Ascended Masters]]. | |||
===Abilities=== | ===Abilities=== | ||
In the [[Angel Tarot]], Metatron is described as teaching, guiding, and recording events in the Book of Life. He rules over the order of [[Seraphim]]. | In the [[Angel Tarot]], Metatron is described as teaching, guiding, and recording events in the Book of Life. He rules over the order of [[Seraphim]]. | ||
In the [[Hierarchy of angels]], Metatron rules over the [[Primum Mobile]], the highest sphere of the physical world. | |||
[[Category:Archangels]] | [[Category:Archangels]] | ||
[[Category:Angels]] | [[Category:Angels]] | ||
[[Category:Featured Articles]] | |||