Things You Might Not Know About Archangels & Guardian Angels

Wednesday 16th March 2016 1:20 pm

Do you believe in Angels?

‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby
some have entertained angels unawares’

Hebrews 13:2 The Bible

Outside the open window
The morning air is all awash with angels.

Richard Purdy Wilbur
American Poet

Music is well said
To be the speech of angels.
It brings us near to the infinite.

Thomas Carlyle
Scottish Philosopher

To love for the sake of being loved is human,
But to love for the sake of loving is angelic.

Alphonse De Lamartine
French Poet

What are angels?

The word ‘angel’ comes from the Greek ‘angelos’ meaning messenger. The concept of such beings has its origins in the ancient religion of Mesopotamia. Convinced that there was more to reality than was obvious, the Mesopotamians believed that the divine power that created the world communicated with its inhabitants through spirit messengers, angels, who journeyed between heaven and earth.

Angels in mythology & world religions:

Angels are celebrated in classical myth and philosophy, they feature in the visions of Shamans, in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism and Islam, as well as in Judaism and Christianity. In all traditions, angels serve as messengers of the divine and are said to hover between heaven and earth. According to many traditions each person on earth has a guardian angel.

Angels, Archangels & Guardian Angels Today:

In recent times, angels have gained popularity with authors and media personalities raising awareness of their interaction within our lives. It is believed that crystals can assist in facilitating contact with the angelic realm *insert internal link Author Michael Howard’s excellent book ‘Finding Your Guardian Angel’ is highly recommended, as is the Piatkus Guide to Angels by Paul Roland who has written on this subject with insight and sensitivity.

Angels In Religion:

Angels are featured in most modern day religions, here we take an ‘at a glance’ view of how they are perceived in the following traditions:

Angels in Buddhism

The Buddhist equivalent of angels are devas or celestial beings, these are enlightened beings and protectors, composed of light and energy. They normally do not interfere in human affairs, but they have been known to reward those who perform good deeds in the world and to harass those of whose behaviour they do not approve. Kwan Yin, a Buddhist angel of compassion can be summoned by reciting her name, which in the original Sanskrit means ‘hearer of the ten thousand cries’.

Angels in Christianity

Angels are regarded as messengers and carry out God’s will. It is believed that each person has his or her own guardian. Indeed, Psalm 91:11 says: ‘For He shall give his angels charge over you in all thy ways’. These guardian angels are thought to be able to intervene in human affairs to help people, but only if invited to do so, as we have free will. In Christian belief an angel announced the birth of Christ and protected him in the wilderness. Angels are also thought to attend God’s throne in Heaven.

Angels in Hinduism

In Hinduism there are spirit beings or devas, literally ‘shining ones’, who inhabit the higher astral plane. There are also the fallen devas (asuras) who inhabit the lower astral plane, however, if they do good, they can reincarnate into devas. . It is thought that these beings can help or hinder people on their spiritual journey. Whilst heavenly nymphs (apsaras and lipika) regulate karma and preside over sacrifices.

Angels in Islam

In Islam angels (malaikah) play an essential role a messengers or intermediaries from Allah to the world, beginning with the angel Jabra’il (Gabriel) who revealed the Qur’an Islam’s holy book, to the Prophet Muhammad. It is believed that each person has two guardian angels who watch and record everything they do. Also, that the angel Israfil will sound the trumpet on the last day.

Angels in Judaism

Angels in Judaism are messengers of God who help to carry out God’s work and plans. Traditionally, Michael is a guardian of the people of Israel. Whilst Gabriel is the angel of judgement and strength, Uriel illuminates the right path and Raphael is a healer. Angels intervene in stories from the Torah, such as when an angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac.

Angels in Taoism

Within Taoism angels are honoured as healers, guardians, teachers and as being representations of love. Often pictures and states of angels are placed within the family home and treated with great respect. According to Taoist belief, angels protect the young and innocent and prayers are said to them for the good health and well being of newborn babies. Pen-Ming is the Taoist guardian spirit of the Ordained Masters, his role being to act as a messenger between the Masters and the Rulers of the Universe.

Angels in Zoroastrianism

An ancient Persian religion, it is one of the oldest monotheist religions and is still practised today, especially in Iran and India. Zoroastrianism recognises various classes of spiritual beings, besides the Supreme Being (Ahura Mazda). Zoroastrians choose a patron angel for their protection and throughout their lives are careful to observe prayers to that angel.

Have you encountered an angel?

If so and you would like to share your story with us, please do so via the Contact Us form. We will include your best angel stories on our website and for each one that is featured we will offer a complimentary Angel card reading or set of angel cards.