Spiritual Wellness
"It is not known precisely where angels dwell whether in the air, the void, or the planets."
Voltaire tells us - "It is not known precisely where angels dwell whether in the air, the void, or the planets. It has not been God's pleasure that we should be informed of their abode."
Though this quote from Voltaire captures the fact that angels are very mysterious to us, many people and many blogs for Christian women nevertheless strive to know or somehow get in touch with them. Even Saint Francis de Sal has been quoted as saying that we should, "Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs." Though humans may find angels to be mysterious, we still seem to have a sense that they can also be great spiritual helpers.
Angels are included in the narrative of virtually every religious and cultural history known to humankind. Their nature encompasses human nature, but more so. Benevolent angels are almost pristine in nature compared to vulnerable and weak humans. Malevolent angels, often-called demons, are stronger, more devious and cunning than any mere mortal human could ever dream to be.
Angel mythology has been with humankind since we started recording our thoughts and history. Commonly, chronicled angel tales speak of them as messengers from the spirit realm, but there are also innumerable depictions of angels directly mediating in human affairs. Here is an overview of how angels are or have been viewed around the world:
Ancient Egyptian
The ancient Egyptian hierarchy of neteru were powerful beings that can be compared to later Western ideas of gods and goddesses. The neteru were the embodiment of certain natural and supernatural concepts such as light, time, change, and magic. It was believed that they assisted Egyptians in their daily activities, especially sowing and harvesting.
Hinduism
Hinduism does not traditionally make distinctions between divine beings which are considered to be gods and divine beings which are considered to be angels. Instead, Hindu's have, as the legend goes, 330 million gods of various characteristics and abilities. Some may act more like gods while some act more like angelic guides and messengers.
Buddhism
Since Buddhism stems from Hinduism, it retained a lot of Hindu belief in regards to the existence of angelic or god-like beings. The Buddhist depiction of celestial divinity is comparable to Hinduism's depiction.
Native American
Many Native American tribes and cultures spoke of spirit guides which sometimes share qualities with what we today consider to be "angels." These spirit guides were seen to be ancestors that passed on, animal spirits that took human form, or spirits of the land the tribe inhabited.
Pre-Christian Pagan Europe
Norse cosmology speaks of dark spirits called Valkyries who were usually seen as battlefield spirits of mayhem and slaughter. They decided who lived and who died a glorious death and was carried off to Valhalla, the Norse warrior heaven. Celtic mythology gave the world the term 'faeries' for angelic beings of mystical magic. The ancient Greeks also had the pantheon of gods which would be similar to the angels of Christianity.
Islam
Islam's angels, or malaikah, act as intermediaries of Allah. For example, the archangel Gabriel was responsible for dictating the Koran to the prophet Muhammad. Angels are mentioned many times throughout the Koran and still very important in Islam to this day.
Judaism
Malachim is the term used for angels in Judaism. Angels act as messengers and intermediaries for God to man. In the Torah they are sometimes depicted as relaying God's instructions to his followers, though they often disguise their heavenly identity.
Roman Catholicism
Roman Catholicism brought the concept of celestial messengers and assistants into its full glory. Catholics have an intricate hierarchy of angelic organization. These echelons are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Angels and Archangels, in that order. The first three orders are the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones, and their purpose is to attend to and ponder God. Dominions, Virtues and Powers govern the Universe; in essence, they hold the Universe together. The Principalities, Angels and Archangels serve the higher angelic realm and humankind.
How Angels Can Help You
Angel workers tell us that the only requirement for angelic aid is sincerity. A deep and heartfelt earnestness in the soul is all that is required to seek the comfort and support of the angels. No devout lifelong religious service, religious conversions, or religious recommitments are required. Angels ask for no qualifying criteria before helping you. Angels respond to the deepest yearnings of the human heart, and their motivation is love in its purest form. Many light workers say that angels are actually our higher conscious materialized, that our minds are powerful creative forces, and a mind engaged with the heart is the highest creative force of all. An engaged mind and heart can materialize anything. These materializations are not illusory, but absolutely, tangibly real and felt. When one calls on God or the angels from the depth of their being, the angels respond.
Asking for an angel's assistance does not entail eloquent prayer; sometimes it does not require any words at all. Angels only require your heartfelt, sincere, non-ego based desire and permission to intervene in your life. They will not act on your behalf unless invited. However, there are times when an angel will move you for the overall good.
Nevertheless, when asking for celestial help it is always good to call on the archangel by name. While this is not an absolute requirement, learning the archangels and their specialties enables you to identify what to ask for. Some archangels and their distinguishing traits are:
Archangel Michael - Michael is the most well-known of the archangels. Known for being the protector, Michael offers courage and confidence. You will know Michael has responded to your call by noticing your inner voice being blunter, more confident, and right to the point, but always in a loving manner. You will notice humor in ways that would have eluded you before. If Michael needs to get your attention, you will hear it in an unmistakable way.
Archangel Gabriel - Gabriel is a feminine celestial entity. Gabriel governs artists and communication. Archangel Gabriel is the messenger angel. She dictated the Koran to Muhammad and she told Mary she was pregnant with Jesus. She is guidance for parents hoping to conceive or adopt. Gabriel champions the arts; writers, musicians, dancers and actors. Artists of all kinds call on Gabriel for inspiration and guidance. You will know Gabriel is guiding you when you have an unrelenting inspiration. You will not be able to rest until you express what you receive from Gabriel.
Archangel Uriel - Uriel governs peaceful relations and alleviation of fear. Uriel manages emotions and calms trepidation. This archangel is felt most clearly in the solar plexus; this is how you will know Uriel is present. The flutter in the belly after seeking his assistance is unequivocal.
Archangel Sandalphon - Sandalphon is a feminine aspect angel. It is reputed that Sandalphon was the prophet Elijah is her earthly incarnation. Sandalphon is a leader and protector of all the archangels. She is the sustainer of earthly life and vitality. Sandalphon typifies profound, silent communication, as well as knowledge, will, and creative manifestation. It is said that Sandalphon is the tallest archangel.
Archangel Raphael - Raphael is the healer angel. His twin flame is Mother Mary. Raphael additionally aids with abundance, harmony and emotional mending. Raphael is the watcher and protector of travelers. Raphael is also the angel of justice, as he is an aspect of harmony and emotional healing.
There are many signs and signals that angels leave us to show they are walking with us. Maybe they are even imploring us to ask them for assistance. Coins on the pavement and feathers (especially white feathers) in odd places are common signs that angels are making themselves known. A flutter in your solar plexus for no obvious reason is another strong indicator that an angel is seeking your attention. Pay attention to these symbols and you will become better and better at getting in touch with your spiritual senses.
Spiritual Prayer
You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart toward You. And You have shown him great kindness in giving him a son to sit on his throne this day. Now, O Lord, my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David and I am still a little child and do not know how to go out or to come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, so numerous that they can not be numbered or counted. Give Your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge among so great a people?