From The Doctrines For Spiritual Christianity
The changes of state of the affections appear to the life in the face of angels. When they are in their own society they are in their own face, but when they come into another society their faces are changed according to the affections of good and truth of that society; and yet the genuine face is as a plane, which is recognized in these changes. I have seen the successive variations according to the affections of the societies with which they were communicating, for every angel is in some province of the Grand Man, and thus communicates generally and widely with all who are in the same province, though he himself is in the part of that province to which he properly corresponds. I have seen that they varied their faces by changes from one limit of affection to another; but it was observed that the same face in general was retained, so that the ruling affection always shone forth with its variations, and thus the faces of the whole affection in its extension were shown. (Arcana Coelestia 4797)
All who form one angelic society resemble one another in countenance in a general way but not in particulars. How general resemblances and differences in particular come about can in some measure be apprehended from similar things in the world. It is well known that with every race there is a certain resemblance in the face and eyes by which it is known and distinguished from any other race. This is still more true of different families. In the heavens this is much more clearly seen because there all the interior affections appear and shine forth from the face. For, in the heavens, the face is the external and representative form of those affections. No one there can have any other face than that of his own affections. It was also shown how this general likeness is varied in particulars with the individuals of one society. A face like that of an angel appeared to me and this was varied to express such affections of good and truth as are in those who belong to a single society. These variations went on for a long time and I noticed that the same face in general remained all the while as a background, and that the rest of the faces were only derivations and propagations therefrom. Thus, by means of this face were exhibited the affections of the whole society whereby the faces of those in it are varied. For, as has been said above, the faces of angels are the forms of their own interiors, thus of the affections that are of love and faith. (Heaven and Hell 47)
All angels are affections of love in human form. Their ruling affection shines forth from their faces; and from their affection and in harmony with it are their garments appointed. Therefore it is said in heaven that every one is clothed with his own affection. (Conjugial Love 42{3})
For the interiors of man from which come the thoughts which are also interiors, are the affections; because as these are of his love, they are of his life. It is known that with those who are in innocence the affections are presented visibly in the face; and as the affections are so presented, so also are the thoughts in general, for these are the forms of the affections. Hence regarded in itself the face is nothing else than a representative image of the interiors. To the angels all faces appear thus, and not otherwise; for the angels do not see the faces of men in their material form, but in their spiritual form, that is, in the form which the affections and the derivative thoughts present. (Arcana Coelestia 5102)
Key Points From The Video
The Reflective Nature of an Angel’s Countenance: An angel’s face reflects their individual mind and the collective life sphere they share with others and is consistent whilst they are within their home community.
Adaptability Across Spiritual Spheres: An angel’s countenance changes to align with the influx of each new sphere encountered whilst still reflecting its connection to its home community’s spiritual uses.
The Unchanging Core of Angelic Identity: An angel’s original countenance remains the foundation for all modifications, with the mind’s structure being permanently shaped by its uses.
The Fluidity of Spiritual Objects: Spiritual objects, unlike physical matter, are dynamic and responsive, readily conforming to Divine impressions.
The Nature of Space and Time in the Spiritual World: Space and time are not fixed realities but are states of life created through the influx of the Lord and the perception of heavenly thought and love.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. According to Spiritual Christianity, what does an angel’s countenance reflect within their community?
a) their physical health and well-being
b) the collective spiritual sphere and their individual mind
c) their rank and status
d) their past actions
Answer b)
2. How does an angel’s countenance change when they enter a different spiritual society?
a) it remains the same regardless of the society
b) it shifts to align with the new sphere’s spiritual influx
c) it becomes unrecognisable
d) it becomes more chaotic and disordered
Answer b)
3. What serves as the underlying foundation for all modifications to an angel’s countenance?
a) their physical structure
b) their interactions in the community
c) their original countenance and uses
d) their current emotional state
Answer c)
4. How do spiritual objects differ from physical matter?
a) they are dynamic and responsive
b) they are fixed in form and structure
c) they are lifeless and inert
d) they have a static and unchanging structure
Answer a)
5. In the spiritual world, what do space and time represent?
a) fixed realities independent of the mind
b) the physical distances between objects
c) absolute units of measurement
d) states of life created through Divine influx and perception
Answer d)
Reflective Questions
1. How does the idea of an angel’s countenance changing to reflect different spiritual spheres relate to your own experiences of shifting perspectives and behaviours?
2. In what ways can you see your own ‘countenance’ or expression of ‘self’ change depending on the spiritual community you are with?
3. How can understanding the fluidity of spiritual objects inform your perception of the world around you, and the nature of what is real?
Experiential Integration
Throughout the day, become aware of how your ‘countenance’ or how you are ‘seen’ seems to shift in different social interactions. Notice the changes in your own behaviour and expression based on the community you are in at any given time.
Reflect on the underlying core of your identity and how this remains consistent regardless of those different contexts, and consider how this relates to the angelic experience.