Angels 101

The word "angel" is derived from the Greek word "angelos" which means messenger. These beings have been described in almost every known culture since the beginning of recorded human history. Some of these celestial beings have been clearly described with wings and others with simply an ethereal glow about them. They are known as "God's messengers" and act as benevolent intermediaries between heaven and earth.

Although most people in today's world would describe an angel as appearing in human form with wings, this description is mainly so that we can identify them based on our own personal training. It is also for our benefit in that it is easier to identify with a being that looks like us. We are more amenable to them helping us and this image is an easy visual concept for us.

The appearance of wings also serves a purpose in that we naturally associate them with a physically higher level than us. Wings would allow them to fly over us and cross into what we perceive as heaven above us; thus lending credibility of their divineness.

Angels are actually beautiful and indescribable white light beings whose energy is unlimited. They have powers that are simply beyond our comprehension. These astonishing ethereal beings are with each of us all the time to guide us in our spiritual progression.

Let me explain. I believe that our soul is eternal and reincarnates into human form as many times as necessary until that soul reaches a perfect enlightenment. After that, the soul may continue to reincarnate to teach others their path to enlightenment or may work from the other side in various projects.

It is worth mentioning here that enlightenment and attaining a higher level of consciousness have various definitions and meanings. For the sake of this book, I will refer to this as "having gained advanced spiritual knowledge that allows one to be free from fear and realize that limitations are only within the mind."

Enlightened beings live their lives in a blessed state and are optimistic and full of positivity; live without fear and worry; and trust in a Universal Energy Source to take care of their earthly needs. Once they become enlightened, they understand the need to help others attain the same level of peace and happiness. By doing this, they are assisting mankind towards achieving complete peace and harmony.

Angelic guidance is always available but normally we have to request their help. There are times when they will communicate and intercede without the request but I have not been given details on when and why this happens. For the most part, people need to reach out and have the desire to grow spiritually before they can become really involved.

I think it is important to note here that another reason for them to want us to ask for their help is that it spurs us to look and listen for a response. If you are having a conversation with someone, you may not hear what they are entirely saying unless you are asking a question. It is your desire at that point to obtain a response and you normally pay more attention.

I believe that angels are here to help us with our divine encounters in a personal manner. They can present as male or female; and also with various personalities to assist us in what we need at the time. Many of you will understand this as you get to know your angels and will consider them to be your best of friends!

Each of us has a minimum of two assigned angels, although many people have more than that. One angel is what we consider our "guardian angel" and stays with us for our lifetime while on earth. I believe that this angel can change during our lifetime if circumstances warrant it.

One such circumstance is when a person's spiritual level rises and they become enlightened or "awakened to their divine gifts". I then believe that it is possible that a higher ranking angel steps in to become their guardian. Some enlightened ones are also considered lightworkers who have progressed to a higher level of spirituality.

It is their job to teach and perform healing work during their lifetime on earth. The healing work is done to help others to advance to a higher level of consciousness. In order to carry out these duties, these lightworkers need the assistance of these higher ranking angels. Many of them (if not all) have what we know as archangels as their guardian angels.

I might add that lightworkers are all healers, but not all healers are considered lightworkers. Some that are doing healing work still retain negativity within their lives and have a degree of egocentricity that impedes their progress. These folks have desire to help others but have a few issues to work out for themselves.

I have personally run into a few of these people myself. I recently met a lady that ran a healing shop that included holistic medicinal treatments. She was very pushy in her attempt to have me sample one of her recipes and became downright rude after I declined it. Although she would consider herself a healer, she was too caught up in her own ego to be considered a lightworker.

I am elaborating on this so that you will know that there are various degrees of healers out there. Please remember that in this respect, don't allow one bad apple to spoil the entire bunch. Many healers operate fully within love and light. They are full of loving messages without criticism or condemnation.

As I mentioned before, our guardian angel stays with us during our lifetime on earth. They are typically viewed as those angels that provide protection and comfort and may present as a "grandmotherly-type" presence. Many don't call upon them unless they are in an emotional or physical crisis, although they are here for all of our other needs as well. It is not necessary to request help from a particular angel although many people like this concept.

Most folks also want to know more about their guardian angel, including their name. If this appeals to you, just simply ask her or him to reveal what they would like for you to call them. Then, simply pay attention over the next few days and notice if a name keeps reappearing.

You may read the name somewhere or you may hear it repeatedly in person or over the radio or television. Pay attention to derivatives of the name as well. For example, if you hear the name "Isadora" one day and hear "Dora", "Dory", or "Izzy" a few more times over the next few days, you can be sure that you have the right name!

If it's important enough and the name is uncommon, someone could even say a word that rhymes with the name that they are trying to communicate to you. For example, the angels are trying to convey the name "Isadora" to you and you are at the grocery store. You hear the word "dizzy" yet you thought they said "Izzy" or someone mentions the word "door" yet you thought they said "Dora". This would be another way of clarification on what your angel would like you to call them.

The second assigned angel that each of us has is what I have been told is our "soul angel". This angel remains with our soul for all of eternity. I am speculating here, but feel that the reasoning behind having two angels is mainly for our emotional benefit. One angel is very capable of taking care of all our needs but I believe that most of us like the idea of having an angel on each side of us.

I also believe that the connection with a soul angel is also to introduce us to a different type of angel that is available to meet our daily needs. Our soul angel is there to provide daily advice and guidance that can greatly enhance our quality of life. With that being said, there are also archangels available to us for similar purposes and we can connect with them as well.

I believe that soul angels typically present with a more lighthearted personality than our guardian angels. I know that my own soul angel, Isabella, presents as a cheerful, loving female angel. She can help lift my mood with a few corny jokes as well as help me stay focused and motivated. Having a connection with your soul angel is like having a personal coach available to you at all times!

You can also request your soul angel to reveal his or her name by going through the same process as above. Just ask for them to reveal what they would like you to know them by and wait for a name to be revealed!

Guardian angels as well as soul angels can also be assisted by deceased loved ones or other deceased spirits that we may or may not have known. These spirits may have been assigned for this particular duty or they may have petitioned for the assignment.

I have been told that there is not a limit on how many deceased spirits can help us at any given time. These spirits are also allowed to help several people simultaneously. This lends credibility to how a deceased grandmother can be there for all of her children and grandchildren at the same time.

Other spirits that are allowed to assist us are known as "spirit guides" and "ascended masters". They are normally believed to have walked on earth in human form. Spirit guides were typically associated to be those spirits that assisted psychics with their work although this concept is changing. They can help all types of healers, including angel intuitives, energy healers, psychics, etc. They usually are described as being some sort of elder within their community with an important or noteworthy position.

They usually "present" themselves in full regalia that is typical of their culture. An example would be an Indian chief wearing a full ceremonial outfit including a headdress and other noticeable accessories. The adornment is what catches the attention of a psychic/ intuitive/reader so that they are easily recognized.

Spirit guides can also present with some unusual physical characteristic that is unique. An example of this type of spirit guide would be the presentation of a hunched back person walking with the assistance of a tall stick or cane. Although he has minimal accessories, his unusual body shape and mannerisms (hobbling, etc.) will catch your attention.

Ascended masters are also allowed to help us here on earth. These spirit guides were also once human and were considered great healers, prophets or teachers of spiritual enlightenment while living. It is believed that they completed their Divine Plan here on earth and continue to do healing work from the realms of the spirit world.

Ascended masters include Jesus, the Virgin Mary (or Mother Mary), Buddha, as well as many other important spiritual beings. They come from many different cultures and can be from ancient or more modern times. In the beginning, you will probably make a connection with the ascended master that you would be most familiar with. As you progress, the divine world may introduce you to other beings that can help you in your journey.

Getting to know your guardian and/or soul angel (as well as any of the spirit guides) is important in that it gives you the comfort of knowing that you are never alone and establishes a very personal connection. It is very likely that you will also communicate with other types of angels, including the archangels.

There are many reference sources available about the archangels and the information is not all consistent. Don't be too concerned about how many there are or how to spell their names as this is not that important. You will be guided into a few sources of information at some point and just do your best to study what is available.

As they work with you, they will reveal who they are and what they want to teach you. I have included a chapter towards the end of this book on the archangels that I have studied and what I learned about them. Keep in mind that their connection and manner of presentation to you may be a little different than mine. They will build a personal connection with you in a way that you will understand.

There are many other types of angels with various duties but it can get quite complicated to go into them here. Some of you may advance into learning about these beings as well. For now, I recommend just asking to communicate in general and waiting to see who answers. The angels and/or other divine beings that you need the most will always be the ones that respond!

Why Communicate?

Angels are here to assist us in living a life that is rewarding and full of love. They can also assist us in our daily lives with guidance and inspiration so that our life is happier. In doing this, they teach us how to heal our mind, body and soul by releasing all negativity and believing that all things are possible.

For some of you, they will even show you how you can make a positive difference in the world around you. Don't ever discount the power of your influence when your intention is based on love and healing!

Although the rest of this chapter gives an overview of the benefits of angelic communication, the healing aspect is quite complex. I will be elaborating on how the angels can help us heal in my next book, tentatively titled "Healing with Angel Talk – How communication with angels can heal your mind, body and soul!" I'm super excited about this one! I have been given great detail on how to teach others to heal from a variety of issues, including common ones such as muscle tension and headaches as well as complex issues surrounding post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Many people on our planet have experienced emotional pain in some form or fashion. Angels are here to help us deal with this pain. Veterans, abuse victims and those who have suffered from any other kind of trauma can benefit from angelic communication. "We can help you overcome traumatic issues, no matter what the source!"

Generally, we tend to hold on to that pain and it creates problems for us (including health issues) during our life. Our angels can help us understand the circumstances on why that pain was experienced (if this is important) and what lessons were learned as a result. Many times, that pain becomes self-inflicted as we continue to dwell on it.

The angels have taught me that it is not in our best interest to focus on the negativity of an event or situation as then we can't move past it. Letting go of it is of utmost importance in our healing. Often times, the letting go or releasing of the pain is complicated because of emotions that are involved. Guilt, anger and resentment (grudges) are a few of the biggest culprits that hold us back from our emotional healing.

I wasn't going to go into detail about this but I am being guided to briefly discuss grudges. Holding a grudge against someone is never in our best interest. Our angels encourage us to offer forgiveness to all that have offended us, no matter how big the offense. Forgiveness is not about condoning or excusing the offense, but simply letting it go. By offering this forgiveness, we free ourselves of the cumbersome burden of a grudge and allow our hearts to be filled with love.

Negative thinking in general is also not good for us and our angels want us to change it. The negative thought process creates frustration and adds to our disappointment. Frustration can turn into anger and disappointment can develop into depression. Our entire outlook can go sour and we may feel that life has no meaning and no purpose. This is absolutely not true as we all have a purpose when we enter this earth.

Negative thinking also contributes to poor health by creating negative chemicals for our body and impairing the good ones that are trying to keep us healthy. Our angels are here to help us develop a positive outlook so that we are physically healthier. Just remember that the mind and body are closely connected!

They also would like us to take good care of our bodies and can guide us into what we need. Many have difficulties with poor eating habits. The angels can assist us by guiding us into good foods and away from harmful ones. Cravings for medicinal foods can spontaneously occur and unhealthy foods can suddenly become less palatable.

Exercise is always encouraged by the angelic realm as this is in everyone's best interest. They have the utmost compassion for us and understand that this can be difficult to achieve with a busy schedule. They assist us with this by helping us "stumble" into a class that we would enjoy or gently remind us to take the stairs when possible. Many times they will help us get additional exercise without our even being aware of it!

Angels also want us to communicate with them so that we can heal our soul. They are trying to teach us about them and their role in our lives. They want us to learn about their unconditional love and how to improve our spiritual connection.

Many have encountered some form of religious indoctrination that they felt was too conditional or hypocritical so they turned away. Angels are here to help us heal this disconnect into a more rewarding relationship with the spirit world.

They also want us to have faith in them and the loving Universal Energy Source that created them. He has been known by a multitude of names; depending on location, language and time period; and is not picky about how you refer to Him. Throughout my writings, though, I also refer to this supernatural being as God, The Maker and Supreme Being as these are the names that I have learned.