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Metatron (Hebrew מטטרון or מיטטרון, alternate spellings Metraton and the Latin Metator) is the name of an angel in Judaism, some branches of Christianity and Islamic-tradition witchcraft. However, there are no references to him in the Jewish Tanakh (Old Testament), the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) or any Islamic source. There is no consensus as to his genesis or the role that he plays in the hierarchy of Heaven and Hell. A mysterious figure, Metatron is identified with the term "lesser YHVH", which is the Lesser Tetragrammaton, in a Talmudic version read by the Karaite scholar Kirkisani. The word 'Metatron' is numerically equivalent to Shaddai in Hebrew gematria; therefore he is said to have a "Name like his Master".

The Talmud records an incident in which Elisha ben Abuyah, also called Aher ("another", as he was an apostate), entered Paradise and saw Metatron sitting down (an action that in heaven is permissible only to God Himself). Elishah ben Abuyah therefore looked to Metatron as a Deity and said heretically, "There are indeed two powers in heaven!" The rabbis explain that Metatron was allowed to sit because of his function as the Heavenly Scribe, writing down the deeds of Israel (Babylonian Talmud, Hagiga 15a). The Babylonian Talmud mentions Metatron in two other places: Sanhedrin 38b and Avodah Zarah 3b. Yevamot 16b describes in the amoraic period the dutys of 'prince of the world' being transfered from Michael to Metatron.

"... the Talmud states, it was proved to Elisha that Metatron could not be a second deity by the fact that Metatron received 60 'strokes with fiery rods' to demonstrate that Metatron was not a god, but an angel, and could be punished." -

Metatron is also mentioned in the Pseudepigrapha, most prominently in the Hebrew Book of Enoch (also called 3rd Enoch), in which his grand title "the lesser YHVH" resurfaces.Metatron says, "He Holy One… called me, 'The lesser YHVH' in the presence of his whole household in the height, as it is written, 'My name is in him.'" (12:5, Alexander's translation). The narrator of this book, supposedly Rabbi Ishmael, tells how Metatron guided him through Heaven and explained its wonders. Here Metatron is described in two ways: as a primordial angel (9:2–13:2) and as the transformation of Enoch after he was assumed into Heaven.Enoch as Metatron and conversion of Moses from flesh to fire - JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY - 1893 . ISBN 0-385-09630-5 ("Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." —Genesis 5:24 NIV.) However, this latter viewpoint is not shared by many Talmudic authorities. There also seem to be two Metatrons, one spelled with six letters, and one spelled with seven. The former may be the transformed Enoch; the latter, the Primordial Metatron.

According to Johann Andreas Eisenmenger, Metatron transmits the daily orders of God to the angels Gabriel and Sammael. Metatron is often identified as being the twin brother to Sandalphon, who is said to have been the prophet Elijah.

The Zohar calls Metatron "the Youth" (a title previously used in 3 Enoch, where it appears to mean "servant"), identifies him as the angel that led the people of Israel through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, and describes him as a heavenly priest.

Metatron's Cube

The Flower of Life has thirteen circles. If each circle's centre is considered a "node", and each node is connected to each other node with a single line, a total of seventy-eight lines are created. Within this cube, many other shapes can be found, including two-dimensionally flattened versions of the five platonic solids.

In early kabbalist scriptures, Metatron supposedly forms the cube from his soul. This cube can later be seen in Christian art, where it appears on his chest or floating behind him. Metatron's cube is also considered a holy glyph, and was often drawn around an object or person to ward off demons and satanic powers. This idea is also present in alchemy, in which the cube was favoured as a containment circle or creation circle.

The simplest means of constructing Metatron's Cube is to begin with a cube flattened along a diagonal that passes through its centre, such that it becomes a 2D figure, equivalent to a regular hexagon divided via its own diagonals into six equilateral triangles. The vertices of this 2D figure are then connected with additional lines. Several steps later, the full Metatron's Cube figure is formed.Metatron's Cube from Cubic Awareness Online, accessed July 6, 2006

Metatron in popular culture

  • In the anime series Akihabara Dennou Gumi (also known as Cyberteam in Akihabara), a Rosicrucian-based mythological plot involves a boy genius who flees the Earth in a spaceship after World War I. He establishes himself in a hidden orbital castle while back on Earth his former tutor awaits his return, worshipping him as Metatron.
  • In the anime series "Angel Sanctuary", Metatron is a small angel referred to as the 'Voice' of God. He is infatuated with dolls and the water angel Jibril. Within Metatron is sealed Sandalphon, who communicates with him through his Rabbit doll.
  • In the manga series Shaman King, Metatron is the guardian spirit of Venstar, one of the X-Laws.
  • In Peter David's Supergirl series, Metatron makes an appearance in issue #73 as the angel guarding the original Garden of Eden. The demon Buzz describes him as a "big bloke with a bigger sword," but even he is surprised when Metatron is over one mile tall. Lilith, however, has turned him to stone.
  • Todd McFarlane's Angela miniseries features a female entity named Metatron who comments about the forces of Hell violating the realm of the Angels.
  • In Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's novel Good Omens, the Metatron appears as the voice of God. An explanatory footnote likens his role to a Presidential Press Secretary.
  • Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow also features Metatron.
  • Maurice Dantec's Cosmos Incorporated features Metatron as the main angel with whom the hero, Sergueï Plotkine, has to deal.
  • In Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, Metatron is a malevolent angel and Regent of the Kingdom of Heaven with the Authority (God) incapacitated, having once been his enforcer, and now seeking to supplant him.
  • Metatron appears as a major character in Kevin Smith's film Dogma, where he is played by Alan Rickman. Here he is the angel which calls upon the last Scion (last bloodline of Christ) to fulfill her destiny. He is the voice of God, who cannot speak directly to a human, because the voice of God is too powerful for a human being to withstand. "Their chest would cave in and their head would explode. We went through five Adams before we figured that one out," he drolly comments.
  • In his extensive review of Donnie Darko, Lawrence Person suggests that the character of Frank may in fact be the Metatron.
  • The musician Carlos Santana claims that the revitalization of his career in the 21st century is due to Metatron. Santana claims that Metatron visits him while he meditates and describes it as a white, bearded angel.
  • The Austrian goth metal band Darkwell has an album called Metatron.
  • Metatron is the name of a 1990 album by the UK dub group Mark Stewart and the Maffia, on the On-U Sound label.
  • Metatron is the name of an album by Praxis. The lineup of that incarnation of the band was Buckethead, Bill Laswell, and Brain.
  • In the videogame series Silent Hill, a recurring symbol is eventually revealed to be a talisman of Metatron, with the power to dispel evil. Metatron appears as a protective force, opposed to the work of Samael.
  • In the video game Warriors Rage, one version of the character named Asura has a move named after Metatron (spelled in reverse, as Nortatem). This causes the character to become much more powerful, at the expense of gradually draining life energy.
  • In Hideo Kojima's cult videogame series Zone of the Enders, metatron is a new chemical element found on Jupiter's moon, Callisto. It has unique space-warping properties, capable of compressing and releasing space. This forms the basis of many new technologies, including power generation, locomotion, extra-dimensional storage, and computers. When used to create computers, it serves functions similar to those of silicon in conventional computers, forming computer chips, but thanks to its ability to opperate in dimentions beyond normal, is much more advanced and is capable of creating completely self-aware artificial intelligence.
  • In Xenogears, Metatron is one of the four spheres orbiting Deus in the final dungeon.
  • In Armageddon, the Metatron is the final boss whom Spawn has to defeat.
  • In the popular text-based online game Archspace, Metatron is a leading council.
  • In the video game Nocturne, the Metatron is the final boss of the Labyrinth of Amala that fights the Demi-Fiend if pursuing the True Demon Ending.
  • In the videogame Shadow Hearts the metatron is the name given to the god that the characters fight at the conclusion of the game. Albert Simon describes the metatron as a being that is not a god in a traditional sense, but is more a god to us as we are gods to ants.

List of Alternate Names

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Metatron goes by a number of different names including (but not exclusive to) the following. Those listed under Sefer Ha-Heshek are collectively known as the 'aspects' of Metatron. The book Sefer sha`ar ha-heshek (The Book of the Gate of Desire) is written by Johanan Allemanno, ca. 1435-ca. 1504.

  1. Adadiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  2. Adhar - Possibly relating to passages in the Qur'an Adhar in the Qur'an
  3. Adrigon - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  4. Akhnookh - Akhnookh is an ancient Egyption name for EnochProphet Idris
  5. Alaliayh - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  6. Alaliayah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  7. Alaliyah - Possible mistake of Alaliayah
  8. Amisiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  9. Asasiah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  10. Atarniel - An angelic guard stationed at the 7th heavenly hall, in the 3rd book of Enoch it is said that when the angel prince Atrugiel beholds Na'Aririel YHWH he removes his crown and fall prostrate.
  11. Atatiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek, may also be Michael
  12. Atmon - Egyptian belief of a being named Atmon who was the beginning of life.
  13. Atrapatos - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  14. Atrigiel - See Atarniel
  15. Atrugiel - See Atarniel
  16. Atrugniel - See Atarniel
  17. Auzhaya
  18. Avtsangosh - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  19. Avzhia - See Auzhaya
  20. Baskabas - A secret name of the angel Metatron
  21. Batsran - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  22. Bibiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  23. Bizbul - Possibly a corruption of "in zebul"
  24. Chanoch - Another name for Enoch "Noach's great grandfather Chanoch"Righteous Purity, Fallen Angels, Sex and World Destruction By Dr. Akiva Belk
  25. Chasdiel ("My god is gracious") - Hebrew for "My god is gracious" in apocalyptic lore this is a name for metatron "when Metatron does kindness to the world".
  26. Duvdeviyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  27. Dynamis - In hechaloth lore this is a secret name of Metatron.
  28. Ebed - This name means servant or slave.
  29. Emekmiyahu - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  30. Enoch
  31. Estes - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  32. Eved - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  33. Gale Raziya - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  34. Galiel - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  35. Geviriyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  36. Giatiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  37. Giatyah
  38. Gippuyel
  39. Hadariel ("majesty of God")
  40. Hadarniel ("majesty of God")
  41. Hadraniel ("majesty of God") - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  42. Hadriel ("majesty of God")
  43. Henoch - Another name for Enoch
  44. Hajahm
  45. Hakham - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  46. Halwaya - A secret name for the angel metatron
  47. Hasdiel - See Chasdiel
  48. Hashesiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  49. Hasmiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  50. Hatspatsiel - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  51. Havhaviyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  52. Havhavuviyah - Most likely another version of Havhaviyah
  53. Haviyahu - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  54. Hayah - The name of god given to Moses on the mount when he asked the name of god; god replies "'Hayah is 'Hayah."
  55. Hayat - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  56. Hoveh Hayah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  57. Idris - Egyption name for Enoch the Prophet Idris
  58. Inzebul - Originally ’izebūl, Where is Zebul' or 'Zebul exists', where Zebul is another name for Ball. Possibly repointed to ’îzebūl (Zebul is not), Repointed to ’îzebel (heap of dung) Another name for Jezebel. Unsure how this relates to Metatron.
  59. Isaiah - Metatron is said to have composed composed Isaiah 24:16
  60. Itatiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  61. Itmon - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  62. Ized - Possible however maybe separate entity
  63. Jael - Of the order of Cherubim on the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant, the other cherub being Zarall. He watched over Abraham now in the service of Faith, and Requel the Mercurian Angel of Counsel who is now in the service of Yves. See Yahoel for info on Metatrons relation to Abraham. Jael maybe a servant of Metatron rather than Metatron himself.
  64. Jah-el - See Jael
  65. Jaoel - See Yahoel
  66. Jehoel - See Yahoel
  67. Jehuel - See Yahoel
  68. Joel - See Yahoel
  69. Kalkelmiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  70. Kasbak - A secret name of the angel Metatron
  71. Kemos - May also be Michael
  72. Kimos - May also be Michael
  73. Lad - "Tender Age"
  74. Lao
  75. Lesaia - See Iesaia
  76. Lesser YHVH - Lesser Tetragrammaton or "lesser (yod) ה (heh) ו (vav) ה (heh) or יהוה (YHVH) the name of GOD.
  77. Little Iao - Mentioned in Gnostic texts
  78. Great Iao - See Little IaoLittle Iao
  79. Little Lao
  80. Magirkon - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  81. Malchut - Possibly name for Soul of the Messiah
  82. Malkuth - Possibly name for Soul of the Messiah
  83. Malmeliyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  84. Margash - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  85. Margesiel
  86. Matrona shachan - see Shekinah
  87. Matsmetsiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  88. Meetatron
  89. Mekhapperyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  90. Melkout - Possibly name for Soul of the Messiah
  91. Merraton
  92. Metaraon
  93. Metatdon
  94. Metatron
  95. Metatetron
  96. Metathronon
  97. Metattron
  98. Metdatton
  99. Methattron
  100. Methratton
  101. Metratton
  102. Meta Thronon
  103. Metratton
  104. Michael II
  105. Midrash - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  106. Migon
  107. Mihir - Possible however maybe separate entity
  108. Mitatron
  109. Mitattiron - Mitat-Tiron meaning Youth and Death
  110. Mithra - Possible however maybe separate entity
  111. Miton - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  112. Mitra - Possible however maybe separate entity
  113. Mitron
  114. Mitspad - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  115. Mittdon
  116. Mittron
  117. Mivon - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  118. Na'ar ('youth') - "One can, thus, detect different aspects of Metatron's functions. In one place he is described as serving before the heavenly throne and ministering to its needs, while in another he appears as the servitor (na'ar, 'youth') in his own special tabernacle or in the heavenly Temple. The title na'ar in the sense of servant is based on biblical usage." -
  119. Naaririel - See Na'ar
  120. Ootmon - Merkabah lore: "when he seals the guilty in Israel."
  121. Ozah - See Uzza
  122. Pa’aziel - 3 Enoch
  123. Palpeltiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  124. Panaion - Rabbi Ishmael: "Panaion the Archon, one of the highest servants, and he stands before the throne of glory." this is believed to be another name for Metatron by Jewish Mysticism and Talmudic Tradition.
  125. Parshiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  126. Patspetsiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  127. Pbuh
  128. Periel
  129. Pihon (Pi Hon) - "when opening the doors through which prayers of men are admitted into the celestial abode."
  130. Pisgon
  131. Pisqon
  132. Qangiel Yah - 3 Enoch
  133. Rasesiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  134. Raziya
  135. Ruah Piskonit - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  136. Ruhiel - "when they encounter Metatron, tremble before him and prostrate themselves."
  137. Safkas - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  138. Sagansagel - see Sasnigiel
  139. Sagmagigrin - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  140. Saktas - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  141. Sar ha-Olam - "prince of the world", "prince of the face" maybe Michael, Jehoel, Metatron or Satan. The Talmud says Sar ha-Olam "bears God's name within him". Some evidence that may point to this being Metatron is Sar ha-Olam is said to have composed Psalms 37:25 and Isaiah 24:16 as has Metatron. Also Metatron "bears god's name"; see Lesser YHVH
  142. Sasnesagiel - see Sasnigiel
  143. Sasniel - see Sasnigiel
  144. Sasnigiel - Described in 3 Enoch as "prince of wisdom", "prince of the world", "prince of the presence", "prince of the face" and the seraphim "appointed over peace". See Sar ha-Olam
  145. Schechinah - see Shekinah
  146. Shaddai
  147. Shaftiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  148. Sharshiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  149. Shekinah - Sometimes described as the female aspect of God or as the female aspect of Metatron. If this is another name for Metatron then in Jewish lore (s)he would be responsible for leading the tribes through the wilderness.
  150. Shemuel
  151. Shosoriyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  152. Sithriel - "when he hides the children of the world under his wings to preserve them from the angels of destruction."
  153. Sigron - "when closeing the doors through which prayers of men are admitted into the celestial abode."
  154. Sktas
  155. Surya
  156. Tabkiel
  157. Taftefiah - Possible misspelling of Taftefieh
  158. Taftefieh - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  159. Tagriel - See Atarniel
  160. Tahsasiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  161. Tamtemiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  162. Tatriel - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  163. Tavtavel - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  164. Tetrasiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  165. Tishbash - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  166. Tishgash - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  167. Titmon
  168. Tsaftefiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  169. Tsaftsefiah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  170. Tsaftsefiel - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  171. Tsahtsehiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  172. Tsalteliyah
  173. Tsaltselim - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  174. Tsaltseliyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  175. Tsavniyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  176. Tsavtsiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  177. Usah
  178. Usiah - See Uzza
  179. Uvayah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  180. Uzah - See Uzza
  181. Uzza - listed in Sefer ha-Heshek as a name of Metatron
  182. Vehofnehu - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  183. Veruah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  184. Yaho - See Yahoel
  185. Yahoel - Yahoel was the being that tought Abraham the Torah and was his earthly and heavenly guide. In the Apocalypse of Abraham Yahoel says "I am called Yahoel a power by the virtue of the ineffable name dwelling in me." He is equated with Jehoel; a leader of angelic choirs.
  186. Yahsiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  187. Yefefiah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  188. Yahvah Hayah
  189. Yahvah Vehayah
  190. Yehovah Vehayah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  191. Yeshayah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  192. Yoel - See Yahoel
  193. Zaqen
  194. Zerahiayah
  195. Zerahiyah - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  196. Zerahyahu - Sefer Ha-Heshek
  197. Zevriyahu
  198. Zevtiyahu - Sefer Ha-Heshek

See also

References

Angels in Judaism | Angels in Christianity | מיטטרון | Metatron | Metatrón | Metatron | Metatrón | 메타트론 | メタトロン | Metatron | Metatron

 

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