Angels: Information on Angels    Back to: Angels

Angels, or the belief in higher spirits - guardians from the invisible spirit world, have existed within many cultures for thousands of years.  The word angel means "messenger."  We will find by comparing information concerning angels, that there are varying beliefs; yet the core belief in benevolant spirits existing around all of us is the true common thread within all angelic lore. 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 today's religious ideas concerning angels . Angels in Religion Angels within religious teachings have borrowed certain ideas from one another, including classes & names: Angel Terms A few different traditional, religious and spiritual angelic words and ideas. Angel Heirarchy Some ideas concerning angel ranking and classification, traditionally speaking. Angel Names Comprehensive list of angel names found within religion and lore Fallen Angel Names Comprehensive list of the "not-so-good" angels in history.  Spiritual Ideas of Angels What are Angels? Article looks at spiritual interpretion of the bible to see an untaught link between angels & man. Angels...Messengers More ideas concerning angels, spirits and ghosts regarding their relationship with mankind and with each other. Angels...Demons Thoughts on breaking down angels & demons into messengers...both fallen and enlightened. Angels of Death Angels seen by many while a loved one is ready to pass.  More Angel Information Angel Stories Stories of angels that were sent to Angels & Ghosts.  Learn more through others' personal experiences with angel visitations. Angel Pictures Pictures of angels sent to Angels & Ghosts.  Study different images of angels to further study angelic presences. Angel T-Shirts Buy angel t-shirts, coffee mugs and more!

Angels In Tribal Cultures? Guardian Angels, or simply angels, 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.  What may shock some is the idea of angels existing around us is not only found within certain religions, but may also find roots within various cultures, too. This idea of angels today, most likely evolved 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 words cherubim and cherub are derived, were winged protective deities.  Daimones were divine beings who worked between gods and mankind in Greek mythology and religion; while the Roman Genii (different from the Arabic djinn) 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 the 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 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 journey.  Like archangels, they may also appear in a person's life for a short period to bring special guidance and assistance for special concerns.  These angels or spirits are believed to be the souls of people who once lived on the earth, but have elevated in consciousness - having evolved unto being enlightened with spiritual wisdom.  Many believe them to be only Native American, Chinese or Egyptian, due to perceived wisdom found within those cultures, but that seems more of a stereotype.  Spirit guides have been found 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. The christian teaching of guardian angels can also be traced to new testament writings found within the bible.  The most prolific being 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 obviously also influenced the idea of angels as being guardians of the good and just.