Angels

Angelology and Angelolatry

Today in the West the word angel is usually associated with the Christian or Jewish religions. However the basic concept of the divine or supernatural spirit is found in most religions. The word "angel" is thought to derive from the Greek angeloi, or messenger.

Today we usually think of an angel as being of great beauty flying on birdlike wings, often with a halo above its head. Some people consider this to be the literal appearance of an angel, others to be a metaphor for heavenly messanger.

In some religions no distinction is made between "good" and "bad" spirits, in others the distinction is vital. In Christianity the "good" spirits are servants of God - angels - whilst the "bad" spirits are demons. However there is also the concept of the fallen angel, of which Lucifer is the most well-known example.

The modern appeal of angels appears to fall into two broad categories. The first is the concept of the angel guide. In this system, every human is assigned at birth an angel who will watch over them for life. This is not an article of faith however it is a commonly held belief. The concept of guardian angel is found in various forms in many religions and mythologies - at its simplest it is the basis of the fairy godmother tale.

The second approach to angels is what is known as angel magic. This often involves communicating directly with angels - either by invocation or evocation - in order to harness their power. Some consider such use of magic to be wrong.

A "third way" has emerged in angel studies. That is to use meditation to attempt to contact one's own personal angel guide and to then ask that guide for advice or - in extreme circumstances - for intervention. In many ways this is simply a more personal form of prayer.