Concerning higher consciousness, it is our hope to convey the idea that angels do not necessariy have to be beings that exist external from humanity. Oftentimes, the word "angels," especially in religious writings, is used as a metaphor representing higher thoughts traveling through the "heavens" of our mind, revealing an elevated state of awareness.
Higher consciousness is often described as being a developed state of mind that is improved or refined. We suggest viewing the idea of higher consciousness as our higher self at work healing our mind, enabling us to comprehend the greater truth of our existence. In other words, there is an eternal truth about our existence that is unchanging, and all of us have different ideas of what that truth may be; but our different perceptions will one day change, and ultimately, merge into one understanding as we collectively comprehend more of what lies beyond our current grasp. We prefer to think of this process as simply an awakening to something greater.
Angels & Our Perceptions
Many of us have heard of angels visiting people in-person, often appearing as strangers. Angels have also been encountered through visions and dreams. Yet, our minds often perceive angels as being something separate from ourselves - other beings, if you will.
Although angels may indeed be entities that come and speak to us, it is also possible that we unwittingly produce some angels within our mind in order to communicate with ourselves. The core of our being may be crying out, asking us to listen; but have we silenced its voice due to being too externally focused on things taking place around us? Within is our heart of true existence and a real loving guide through life; for it is who we truly are. It just may be that, at times, we may lose sight of our true self and need a messenger to reach us. That angel just may be another spirit, or perhaps even our own higher conscience working to awaken us from within our very being.
It really is no concern whether or not angels can originate from within us, or if they are only external messengers; for all of us are connected to one another and one energy we call spirit. What is most important is the message and our ability to hear it.
Angels, Allegories, & Enlightenment
To touch further upon the idea of angels and higher consciousness, we would like to share a parable from the Bible that we read was spoken by the man many know as “Jesus.” A parable is a simple story that conveys a hidden, enlightening message. The following verses can be found in Matthew 13:40-43:
"As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."
Upon first reading this, the above verse sounds quite frightening when taken literally. Please remember, this is a parable. In order to understand this passage, we must first know where the kingdom (mentioned two times) is located. Jesus is said to have proclaimed that “the kingdom of God is within you.” Upon hearing the passage of the kingdom being cleansed, one might initially become frightened if he or she believes the kingdom to be something outward and physical. But, that is not what the hidden message of this teaching is expressing.
Within us there are two people; and metaphorically a war is ensuing between the Devil and his fallen angels and the angels of the Divine. Many an artist, a movie or a book have depicted such enemies as being external expressions of this inward truth, but these are simply allegories for the battle that is waging within the mind of all of humanity. Although we may view it happening individually, it is really happening corporately throughout humanity. All of us are truly connected as “one” within the whole that we may call “God.”
The Devil is a metaphor that represents the ego within mankind that is focused outwardly, only capable of seeing things as being disconnected and thus fearful. It is something false that we created and unwittingly empower. Therefore, once we understand this, its reign within us is imminent. In contrast, the Divine Spirit which encompasses all that is, including mankind and every living thing, is within everyone; and everything is within that source. Some may call this “God,” while others might view it as being the life-giving energy – all that is and is real. However one wishes to interpret it, the fact remains this eternal energy is you. You, me, and everyone are important pieces of it.
Getting back to the parable I cited from Matthew 13, the real you, the “Son of Man” is sending forth messengers (angels) of truth to vanquish things false within the kingdom – which represents our mind. The message of truth is erasing the message of the false, like light shining into darkness. The time of this process may temporarily be painful to some, especially if we haven't a clue as to our spiritual being, having built our lives only upon what the ego has falsely taught us to be true. This is the fire, or trial of purification mentioned in the parable. Fire is a metaphor for purification, healing; such a testing will come upon every one's mind in order to undo false ideas about who we are and our place within the whole that we deem as being God. We will shine brighter than the sun, as who we already are – truly beings of light and love – eternal spirits that are one spirit.
Through this process of enlightenment, it is important to note that our higher consciousness, the real you, the Son of Man (as in the parable), the eternal spirit, is at work within each and everyone in order to awaken us to the truth. This higher consciousness is who we are collectively and is enlightening and elevating the whole of humanity as one being. One might say we are indeed rescuing ourselves, sending forth the messages we need to hear and creating the scenarios we need to see in order to heal the split-mind of humanity.
Our point for you to consider is this: We are the source of our own angels no matter what form they may take, beings of light and truth. They are a part of us - nothing is disconnected, whether we think so, or not.