ANGELS The role of the Angel is elaborated more fully in the religions based on revelation, such as the Zoroastrainism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These religions emphasize the distance between mortals and the divine so therefore have the greatest need for an intermediary between the two. The line between angels and gods in polytheistic religions, especially those of ancient Egypt was a thin one, and the representation of winged figures was common. There did exist, however, a spiritual being similar to Angels, who helped individuals achieve a proper rapport with the gods and spirits. The belief in Angels is generally found in some form in all religions and it is believed that this conviction finds some basis in the concern of man with the relationship between mortals and the spiritual realm. Many of the ancient religions believe that Angels could function as a protective guardian, a heavenly warrior, and sometimes even as a cosmic power. There are some religions, however, that never mention a personal Guardian Angel. In the Middle Ages this was a common belief. The concept of a "guardian angel" is also popular in modern Western culture. The distinction between a good Angel and a bad Angel (demon) is not always clear.

ANGEL CLIPART ANGEL (TINY) CLIPART MYTHICAL CHARACTERS

Angels are usually viewed as emanations of a supreme divine being, sent to do the tasks of that being. Ideas vary as to whether angels have free will or are merely extensions of the supreme being's will. While the appearance of angels also varies, many views of angels give them a human shape.

The word "Angel" comes from the Greek work angelos, which through Hebrew translation means "messenger." Therefore, they are generally envisioned as a messenger or intermediary between mortals and the Divine.

Here is a partial list of Angels:
 

	CHRISTIANITY: The Christian religion sees Angels as the messengers and ministries between mortals and the Divine.
	EGYPTIAN: When Goddess Isis manifests herself in angel form, it is usually with feathered wings that are spread to enfold her worshipers in unity. She presents herself this way when she is acting in her role as the angel of death.
	GREEK: The word "Angel" comes from the Greek work angelos.
	ISLAM: Emphasizes the distance between mortals and the divine, the angel is an intermediary between the two.
	JUDAISM (HEBREW): The Hebrew religion, like Christianity, sees Angels as the messengers and ministries between mortals and the Divine. The Jewish Qunran believed that every mortal has at his side two Angels. One to record the good deeds and the other to record the bad deeds.
	ZOROASTRAINISM: Angels praise and serve the Divine. They reveal the Divine truth, and act as extensions of the Divine's will, rewarding the good and punishing the wicked. They help mortals understand the Divine and they conduct the souls of the righteous to heaven. This is a belief shared by the Hebrew religion.

Although it is agreed that Angels are spiritual beings, opinions vary greatly as to whether they bodies they assumed are material or simply gave the illusion of being so. During the pre-Christian Judaism, there existed the convection that Angels were spiritual beings without bodies. That as such they were only visible to man as apparitions and did not appear in material bodies. They were said not to have a body of flesh, which did not mean that they had no body of any kind. This was not to say that they were totally without form, but rather that they had an immaterial body corresponding to their nature. During this period their bodies were considered to be in some form vaporous or fire-like. The concept of Angels existing in a vaporous form was quickly replaced with the concept that an Angel existed in an ethereal body that was proper for it. In any case, so it was said, an Angel never showed himself in a body of flesh, nor in his true form, but in a special form suited to the apparition. While all religions see Angels as spirits, the beliefs of their appearance later changed to state that an Angel does have the power to assume the form of human bodies in order to make their presence visible to the senses of man.

While all beliefs of the Angels and their functions center on the concept of Angels being spiritual messengers from the Divine. Sent to carry out the duties of the Divine, their functions are not totally seen as that of ministering spirits, sent for the service of those who shall inherit salvation. The Angels are subject to the divine, and their primary role is to minister to the Divine and the Divine Kingdom. They also serve the Divine by offering praise and honoring the Divine. Through this offering of praise may be found the basis for the beliefs of Angel voices. While there are mentions in the Christian scriptures of Angels speaking to mortals as they carry out their duties for the Divine. The image of sweetness, joyfulness, and happiness of Angel voices may also find basis in the belief that music is the ultimate vehicle of praise. Throughout history, there have been poems, songs, and stories written about the wonders of Angel voices. Along with this, there have been testimonies upon testimonies given by mortals who have proclaimed to have heard Angel voices during near death experiences and during death.

Variants: Angelos (Greek), Angelus (Latin), Malach (Hebrew), Malak (Arabic).

There are those who believe,
so the story is told,
That at birth you receive
your own Angel to hold.
You come into this world
on a wing and a prayer,
And throughout your lifetime,
she'll always be there.
A Guardian Angel
who will guide what you do,
Her pure essence of love
sent to watch over you.

Author Unknown