Angels: Angel Information Historical, traditional and spiritual information about angels...
Angels, or the belief in higher spirits - guardians from the invisible spirit world, have subsisted within many cultures since what may seem to be the beginning of time. The word "angel," in its simplest form means "messenger"; one who brings information to another. We have found that by comparing differing religious ideals, historical information, biblical references and spiritual beliefs concerning angels, there is one solid core belief that underlies varying opinions: benevolant spirits exist around all of us. This seems to be the one common thread found within all angelic lore.
Angels: Ancient & Tribal Cultures Guardian Angels, or angels in general, are widely believed within Christian theology to be assigned to every person for the duration of their life on earth, providing protection as well as guidance from the other side. Although shocking, the idea that angels exist and interact with us is not a concept unique to major religions; beliefs in wise interactive spirits can also be found within various cultures, too.
Western beliefs in angels, though spread through Christian and Hebrew theology, first originated from ancient cultures such as the Assyrians who taught about the Karabu; the Greeks who believed in the Daimones; and the Romans who told of the Genii. Karabu, from which the wordscherubimandcherubare derived, were winged protective deities.Daimoneswere divine beings who worked between gods and mankind in Greek mythology and religion; while the RomanGenii(different from the Arabicdjinn) were believed to be assigned to every person in pairs, with one being good and the other evil. Modern-day ideas of guardian angels seem to have incorporated a bit from all three of these ancient types of spirits.
Yet, these were not the only influences that shaped angelic beliefs. Primitive tribal cultures also influenced ideas concerning angels. Tribes commonly hold teachings of nature spirits and guardian spirits of different sorts, though often appearing in animal form. Like angels, these spirits are typically helpers who watch over tribe members, assisting in spiritual development while providing supernatural powers.
Angels or Spirit Guides? Angels also have commonality with spirit guides, benevolant spirits who protect, guide and provide spiritual insight to those on earth. Like angels, they are good spirits believed to be assigned to a person from birth until death, assisting him or her in their life pilgrimage. Like archangels, spirit guides may also appear in a person's life for a short period to bring special guidance and assistance for special concerns. Theseangelsare often believed to be the souls of people who once lived on the earth but have elevated in consciousness - having ascended, spiritually speaking, unto enlightened, imbued with spiritual wisdom. Many believe spirit guides can only be Native American, Chinese or Egyptian in origin, due to perceived spiritual wisdom found within those cultures; but that seems more of a stereotypcal point of view. Spirit guides have been mentioned within gnosticism, spiritualism, and other beliefs, as well as being a term used by psychics and mediums to describe spiritual counselors of all persons living in a physical body.
Guardian Angels: Origins The Christian teaching ofguardian angelscan also be traced to New Testament writings found within the Bible. The most prolific is a quote from Jesus concerning the treatment of children:"...for I tell you that in heaven, their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven."We can also read in Acts 12 about an angel who comes and wakes Peter up from sleeping while in prison. The angel then proceeds to free him from his chains and provide rescue, all after we are told Peter prayed to God without ceasing. This passage obviously also influenced the idea of angels as being guardians of the good and just.
Origins of Beliefs in Angels: The History of Angels It's a complicated history to deduce, but common beliefs in spirits, ghosts and angels certainly evolved into Western religious ideas concerning angels. About Angels People's perceptions, insights and experiences with angels point to something more personal.
Angels in Religion Angels within different religious teachings have borrowed certain ideas from one another, including angelic classes and names. Interestingly, artistic renderings of angels also shaped, over time, our beliefs of how angels look in appearance.
Angel TermsA few different traditional, religious and spiritual angelic words and ideas. Angel HeirarchySome ideas concerning angel ranking and classification, traditionally speaking. Angel NamesComprehensive list of angel names found within religion and lore. Fallen AngelsA rough synopsis of angelic lore, with a more thorough explanation of angels who are lost. Fallen Angel NamesComprehensive list of the "not-so-good" angels in history. Resurrection AngelsAmazing account of angels and humanity. Angels In Early Christian ArtHow angels were depicted in early Christian frescos before the 4th Century. Angels QuotesWe examine what others have said about angels. This might change your view of angels! Angel WingsA closer look at how wings came to be placed upon angels. Angels: AvatarsAvatars are similar to angels as divine messengers.
Spiritual Ideas of Angels We look at angels in spirituality, beyond the traditions of men and religious dogma. What are people experiencing during angelic encounters? How are angels interacting with us in everyday life?
What are Angels?Article looks at spiritual interpretion of the Bible to see an often untaught link between angels & mankind. Why Are Angels Watching Us? Is there a bigger meaning behind spirit observance? Angels & Higher ConsciousnessWhat is the purpose behind angel communicaton? Healing AngelsLearn about angel rays of light that heal. Angel AwakeningHow can we become aware of angels? Spirit GuidesWe answer the questions about guiding spirits and their likeness to angels. Beliefs in AngelsAre beliefs in angels and spirits evolving? Angels Q & AQuestions and answers about angels, from traditional beliefs to observations and facts. Angels...MessengersMore ideas concerning angels, spirits and ghosts regarding their relationship with mankind and with each other. Angels LiveWhere are angels residing? AngelophanyAngelophany is the perception of angels. AngelologyAngelology is the mystical study of angels. ArchangelIs there a hidden meaning behind these angels? AngelicCan humans be angels? We explore the idea. Elohim & AngelsWhat are elohim? Are angels & elohim the same thing? Angels...HeavenLearn how angels communicate with us from the heavenlies... Heavenly AngelsShort history and ideas concerning angels. Angels in DreamsCan angels visit us while we are sleeping? Angels...DemonsThoughts on breaking down angels & demons into messengers...both fallen and enlightened. Angels of DeathAngels seen by many while a loved one is preparing to pass from this plane of existence unto the next.
More Angel Information There are more sections on theAngels & Ghostswebsite concerning angels and enlightened spirits. You may also want to study their antithesis, demons, for some contrast and deeper understanding of the origin of Western Christian beliefs.
Angel StoriesStories of angels that were sent toAngels & Ghosts. Learn more through others' personal experiences with angel visitations. Angel EncountersWatch and listen to stories of coming face to face with angels. Angel PicturesPictures of angels sent toAngels & Ghosts. Study different images of angels to further study angelic presences. DemonsThe origin of the demonic is explored and explained. Angel T-ShirtsBuy angel t-shirts, coffee mugs and more!
Angels: Myths, Fables & Legends The following pages deal with fables, myths and lore of angels associated with certain things such as angels in charge of the hour, month or season.