Angelomorphism and Magical Transformation in the Christian and Jewish Traditions

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of angelomorphism and magical transformation with reference to canonical and non-canonical Christian and Jewish beliefs. Magic, as loosely defined, is the attempt to engage with the world through the imagination or psyche in order to obtain some form of knowledge, benefit, or advantage, while celestial magic engages with the cosmos through stellar, planetary, or celestial symbolism, influences, or intelligences.1 Angelification of an individual is linked to the concept of resurrection, where, in the eschaton, the physical body of the righteous is transformed into a glorious new body fit for eternal life in heaven, regaining its divine likeness and becoming androgynous like an angel. The Hebrew Bible and Merkabah traditions support the possibility of the exceptional transformation of a human being into an angelic entity. Qumran liturgical texts also suggest the formation of an angelomorphic identity among the priesthood. The Christian gospels state that the redeemed will become like angels in heaven. Gnostics, however, consider that scriptural references to resurrection refer symbolically to receiving spiritual knowledge (gnosis). The paper examines concepts and practices within the respective traditions that point to a radical magical transformation of the human being that is needed to secure access to the heaven realm and the divine.