Guest Author - Deanna Joseph

We have long been fascinated with stories of the angelic host. Tales of heavenly beings who travel throughout the realm of man, helping and doing the will of the Divine, are told at the fireside and in Sunday school. Guardian Angels bring solace to those seeking, and TV angels fill both heart and spirit with faith and hope of a better tomorrow.

So who are the angels? Whilst tales of divine beings predate many of the great religions, the most popular consensus (both religious and non) seems to be that angels are of divine origin, and have never incarnated in mortal form. They are here to be guardians, and they guide the natural forces behind the scenes while unknowingly we plod merrily along.

The most famous of the angels are the Archangels, Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. Michael, whose name means “who is as God,” is the chief of the archangels. He is a mighty warrior angel, shown with a flaming sword, and is known for having cast the dragon out of heaven. It is said that Michael, along with two other angels, visited Abraham and Sarah while in the guise of mortal men.

Raphael, whose name means “the Shining One who heals,” is the chief of the healing angels. Raphael is known for being one of the friendliest of angels, and enjoys good humor and the company of mortals.

Gabriel, whose name means “God is my strength,” is said to be a female angel, and is the angel who brought the message to Mary that she was carrying the Christ child. It is also said that Gabriel is in charge of the souls of those waiting to be born, and she educates them in the ways of the world.

And where it is said that angels have never incarnated into human form, humans have been known to incarnate into angel form. The biblical patriarch Enoch and the prophet Elijah were transformed into the angels Metatron and Sandalphon (who are also known for being two of the tallest angels in heaven).

Angel lore has been with us for thousands of years. The angels never cease to bring comfort and consolation, which is greatly needed during these times of upset. From the guardian angels to the great archangels, we know we are taken care of and looked after.