Revelation – St John: the four living creatures

In the Book of Revelation, St John tells how he was transported in spirit before the Throne of God. ‘In the centre, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back: the first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.’
These four living beings are the Seraphim, whose place is before the Throne of God. They represent the four principles of matter, the four elements: fire (the lion), earth (the ox), air (man), and water (the eagle).* The Seraphim are the angels of the four elements. Therefore, we could say that the very roots of matter lie in God, within the highest sephirah, Kether. But do not be misled by words, because at this degree of purity, matter is almost indistinguishable from spirit.

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov

* Related reading: The Fruits of the Tree of Life – The Cabbalistic Tradition, Complete Works, Vol. 32, Chap. VII.