| The Jewish word Merkaba literally means chariot. | | | | with the wings of the angel opposed to them. |
| Spiritually, this word is used as a representation in | | | | This created some kind of box, representing the |
| Ezekiel as reference to God's throne-chariot, a | | | | perimeter of the chariot. With the other two |
| vehicle with four wheels that was driven by four | | | | wings, the angels covered their own bodies. |
| chayot (a type of angels), each of them with four | | | | Lower than the body, but not attached to it, |
| wings and four faces. Each of their faces consists | | | | other angels are represented shaped like wheels. |
| of a representation of a man, an ox, a lion and an | | | | These angels, who are believed to have a shape |
| eagle. | | | | that can be described as a wheel inside a wheel, |
| Even though it is a representation of earthly | | | | are called Ophannim. The wheels are spread |
| beings, the Merkaba should not be taken literally. | | | | around the chariot, similar to the ones on a car. |
| One should look at it and assume that is | | | | A third type of angels finds its representation in |
| something that can help us understand the many | | | | the Bible later on. Being described as burning |
| ways God reveals Himself to humans, because | | | | flashes ascending and descending continuously, |
| God does not have a specific form. | | | | they mainly represent the driving force behind the |
| Early Rabinnic commentaries regarding Merkaba | | | | whole vehicle. They are called Seraphim. |
| were mainly used to explain the prophetic visions | | | | The chariot is in constant motion. It can also be |
| of God and the angels surrounding Him. Beyond | | | | considered as a classification of the angels. The |
| this community, Jewish believers engaged this | | | | first category, which is also the closest to God, is |
| type of activities. Jewish homilies were consistent | | | | the Seraphim. The following category is |
| in descriptions regarding multiple layered heavens - | | | | represented by the Chayot and the later consists |
| usually seven -, which were encircled by lightning | | | | of the Ophannim. |
| and flames and guarded by angels. | | | | The Merkaba can be represented in a geometrical |
| The biblical Merkaba, from the description of | | | | form as a three dimensional Star of David and |
| Ezekiel, allows us to view the structure of the | | | | wearing such a symbol has a lot of benefits. First |
| chariot driven by what he called "Likeness of a | | | | of all, it is considered to be a very powerful tool |
| Man". Four angels called chayot form the basic | | | | used for healing, as well protection. |
| structure of this vehicle. Their bodies are similar to | | | | The symbol is also believed to improve the |
| those of a human being, but with four faces like | | | | activities that take place between the two sides |
| the ones presented afore. Their faces also | | | | of our brain. This is a great assistance for spiritual |
| correspond to the four ways the chariot can go: | | | | growth. The Merkaba gives us the possibility to |
| east, west, north and south. | | | | feel true love and thus healing ourselves and |
| Each angel has four wings. Two of them are | | | | others. |
| spread along the length of the chariot, connecting | | | | |