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Merkaba in different religions

By: Ron Mark

The Jewish word Merkaba literally means chariot. Spiritually, this word is used as a representation in Ezekiel as reference to God’s throne-chariot, a vehicle with four wheels that was driven by four chayot (a type of angels), each of them with four wings and four faces. Each of their faces consists of a representation of a man, an ox, a lion and an eagle.

Even though it is a representation of earthly beings, the Merkaba should not be taken literally. One should look at it and assume that is something that can help us understand the many ways God reveals Himself to humans, because God does not have a specific form.

Early Rabinnic commentaries regarding Merkaba were mainly used to explain the prophetic visions of God and the angels surrounding Him. Beyond this community, Jewish believers engaged this type of activities. Jewish homilies were consistent in descriptions regarding multiple layered heavens – usually seven –, which were encircled by lightning and flames and guarded by angels.

The biblical Merkaba, from the description of Ezekiel, allows us to view the structure of the chariot driven by what he called “Likeness of a Man”. Four angels called chayot form the basic structure of this vehicle. Their bodies are similar to those of a human being, but with four faces like the ones presented afore. Their faces also correspond to the four ways the chariot can go: east, west, north and south.

Each angel has four wings. Two of them are spread along the length of the chariot, connecting with the wings of the angel opposed to them. This created some kind of box, representing the perimeter of the chariot. With the other two wings, the angels covered their own bodies.

Lower than the body, but not attached to it, other angels are represented shaped like wheels. These angels, who are believed to have a shape that can be described as a wheel inside a wheel, are called Ophannim. The wheels are spread around the chariot, similar to the ones on a car.

A third type of angels finds its representation in the Bible later on. Being described as burning flashes ascending and descending continuously, they mainly represent the driving force behind the whole vehicle. They are called Seraphim.

The chariot is in constant motion. It can also be considered as a classification of the angels. The first category, which is also the closest to God, is the Seraphim. The following category is represented by the Chayot and the later consists of the Ophannim.

The Merkaba can be represented in a geometrical form as a three dimensional Star of David and wearing such a symbol has a lot of benefits. First of all, it is considered to be a very powerful tool used for healing, as well protection.

The symbol is also believed to improve the activities that take place between the two sides of our brain. This is a great assistance for spiritual growth. The Merkaba gives us the possibility to feel true love and thus healing ourselves and others.

Article Source: http://ezine-articles-planet.com

The Merkaba is one of those symbols that holds great significance to it. Due to its great power and characteristics, everybody should find a way to wear it. Having a pendant shaped this way enables you to improve your energy flows and spiritual growth.

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