Vessel

Sam as Lucifer's vessel in 5.04 The End

A Vessel is the human which an Angel possesses in order to manifest. It is unclear what characteristics make a human suitable as a vessel. There is much talk by the Angels in relation to Sam and Dean of destiny. Castiel makes reference when possessing Claire Novak that her suitability as a vessel is "in her blood".

While Demons can possess any human against their will in order to manifest, Angels must contain the consent of the human before they can enter them. However, as Zachariah's treament of Dean in attempts to get him to agree to be Michael's vessel demonstrates, this consent can be coerced.

Vessels

• Dean is chosen to be the vessel for Michael

• Sam is chosen to be the vessel for Lucifer

• Jimmy Novak is the vessel for Castiel. While he initially consented, when [[Castiel was taken back to Heaven, he was keen to resume his life. He said that being possessed was like being "tied to a Comet". After being shot by a demon possessing his wife, Castiel possesses his daughter Claire Novak. Jimmy (near death) begs to be allowed to be his vessel again. It is not stated what happens to Jimmy Novak when Raphael destroys Castiel at the end of 4.22 Lucifer Rising.

• Nick is a man grieving for his murdered wife and child who consents to be Lucifer's Vessel when Lucifer promises to help him get justice for his family. Lucifer later tells Sam that Nick is not the ideal vessel and can barely contain him.

• Donnie Finnerman is the vessel for Raphael. Castiel says there is a conenction between a vessel and an Angel, and that he can summon Raphael back to the vessel. he uses the Enochian Water Cup Ritual to do this.

Angels that don't need a human vessel

• Gabriel- It could be a possibility that Gabriel took possession over a Trickster instead of a human (Not proven in Canon)