Identified in various sources as an
archangel, a
fallen angel, a
seraph. The name "Sariel" means "God's command." Variations of the name are Suriel, Suriyel, Zerachiel, Saraquel and even
Uriel.
The earliest references to
Sariel are in the Qumrun literature, in which he is mentioned along with the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. His name sometimes is confused with that of
Uriel.
Sariel is not found in works of the Apochrypha or Pseudepigrapha, and receives only a few mentions in
rabbinic
literature, usually as overseer in the sixth
heaven.
Sariel sometimes is identified as the Lord's "
Angel of Death" and as the angel who taught
Moses all his knowledge.
Sariel also delivered instructions of
hygiene and
cleanliness to Rabbi
Ishmael, and is credited with being an angel of healing, like
Raphael. Sarial is one of the "Angels of Presence", according to ancient texts.
The prophet
Enoch said that Sariel was one of the seven archangels (ranking fifth in line), but one of the fallen host as well.
Sarial is among the "Sons of God", and taught the course of the moon to humanity. He also governs the zodiac sign of
Aries, and figures in ceremonial magic and protection against the
evil eye.
sources for additional information:
Barrett, Francis. The Magus. Secaucus, N.J.: The Citadel Press, 1967. First published 1801.
Godwin, Malcolm. Angels: An Endangered Species. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990.