Sandalphon
Sandalphon · Angel of Prayer — Bearer of Mortal Prayers to God
One of the highest angels in Jewish Kabbalah, twin to Metatron. He receives the prayers of humanity, weaves them into garlands, and presents them before God. One tradition holds that the prophet Elijah was transfigured after his ascent and became Sandalphon. In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life he is the angel of Malkuth (Kingdom) — paired with Metatron of Keter, forming the polarity of heaven and earth.
Origin
In the Talmud and Jewish mystical tradition, Elijah — taken up in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2) — was transfigured into Sandalphon. Where Metatron is the angel of Keter, Sandalphon is the angel of Malkuth: paired bridges between the celestial and the earthly. He is also known as the angel of music and prayer.
Features
- Vast stature reaching from earth to heaven
- Weaves scattered human prayers into garlands of flowers
- Angel of music and song — conductor of the heavenly choir
- Robes of dark hues (the dim light of Malkuth)
Stories
Invoked for the delivery of prayers, inspiration of musicians and artists. A tradition that he determines the sex of the unborn makes him invoked by expectant mothers. In Kabbalistic meditation he opens the gate of Malkuth.