Angels

What are Angels?

According to tradition, angels are spiritual beings and celestial servants of God. They are also said to act as helpers and intermediaries between God and Man and can be called upon to help us in times of need.

The popularity of angels has never been greater than it is today. They have almost become “trendy” and so many people are asking for (and believing in) the help that they can give. Many people still view them as human in form, but with the addition of wings and there are more stories of visitations than you can shake a halo at. I are not into “trendy” but I certainly do know a good thing when I see one and angels are certainly ‘good things’. Many times in our lives we will feel as if we are facing burdens that are just too great to bear; it is during these times that we ask for help – and often get it. Did you know, though, that angels are happy to help at any time?

What can Angels do for you?

Angels are here to help. There is one golden rule about their help, though. They cannot give any, unless they are asked! Although you may very well have Spirits around you that will help whenever they can (Spirits of those deceased, or Spirit Guides), Angels do not have the right to just wade in and do something if things go wrong. They have to be asked, and they will then do the best they can within the constraints of the “grand scheme of things” / God’s Will / Fate (call it what you will).

So what can you ask them? Anything. Absolutely anything at all! You may think that you should only ask for good, noble and pure things … and so you should. However, you don’t have to! Angels are not paid to think about the results of their actions, they are simply there to act. It is entirely feasible that someone could entreat the angels to ‘dispose of’ someone (an evil act, surely?), and the angels would do their best to comply with that request. This may shock you.

Aren’t angels messengers of good and helpers of God? Yes, they are. So you may well be puzzled about what I’ve said. How could an angel help to perpetrate an evil deed? The answer is simply that they are there to help you to learn – in all ways. To learn how to ask; how to have faith; how to know your limits and how to learn the difference between what is good for your life path and what is not. Therefore, they may be helping to perpetrate an evil deed if asked, but they will also be helping the person who asked to learn the consequences of their actions. One thing is for sure – there will be consequences!

What should I ask for?

So here is the rub. Angels can help you – in countless ways – however you wish. Ask them anything at all and they will move into action. However, they will not inform you of the repercussions if you get your wish. That is your problem, and it is a learning curve. So, the old adage applies: be careful what you wish for! Think of the ramifications to yourself and to others if you are lucky enough to get your wish – think also if you are asking for something that you want, rather than something that you need.

Be specific. If you say that you’d like a load of money, you may well get it. You may also find that you can’t actually spend it, or that it is stolen, or that it brings you nothing but heartache. Why not just ask for help to pay a particular bill – instead of asking for the cash? Less to go wrong!  When it comes to asking for things, the most important advice I can give you, is to warn you against asking for the angels to make a certain person love you. One of the hardest lessons in life we have to learn is that you CAN’T make a person love you. Any divine intervention on this matter will bring nothing but trouble. Don’t ask for someone specific. If you want love in your life, ask for true love and be prepared to wait. The wait IS worth it.

What can I do to get the Angels to help me?

Have a little faith! There is very little point in asking a divine Being to help you if you don’t believe in that Being in the first place! Although they won’t be offended, your own subconscious will get in the way of your request as the asking and the belief don’t match. Just open your mind a little – it doesn’t matter if you are not SURE they exist – just don’t discount them.

Be grateful. Look at all the things that you have been given already. Food in your stomach; a roof over your head; the sun by day (unless you live up here in the rainy North West of England) and the moon by night. Just take a few minutes to say thanks for what you do have – it is so important. It not only shows that you know you are helped, but it also affects you positively on a subconscious level.

Ask. If you don’t ask – you don't get. This maxim is true. Remember it and use it!

Who are the Angels?

There are thousands of angels, with thousands of names and thousands of areas of expertise. They have been chronicled in many religious works and even in literature (Dante’s Inferno being a prime example). How people found out all these names and areas, I have no idea; but it does not actually matter. If you use a name and an area of expertise it seems to work (perhaps the angels read the same books and act the roles?). So, let’s look at some of the major angelic characters, so you know where to direct your requests.

The Archangels

The four elemental Archangels are powerful denizens of the angelic realms; they are the rulers of the four elements. You can call them to protect the quarters in your spells, but you can also call them to help you with their areas of expertise.

Archangel Raphael

First and foremost, the gentle, humourous Archangel Raphael is a healer. As patron of the Element of Air he is blessed with airy qualities: clear speech, clear thinking, a sharp and clear mind and most of all: the ability to heal. Archangel Raphael is the Healer supreme, and if you have any requests for help with illnesses – this is the Angel for You! You can also ask him to help with legal matters, to protect you on your travels and to help you with study too.

Archangel Michael

Feeling a bit vulnerable? Archangel Michael can help. He is the supreme protector and can be invoked if you feel that you are unsafe in any way. He is also excellent at helping you to cut the cords between yourself and people from the past, his shining swords will sweep away both outer AND inner demons! Not only will he help to protect you, but he will help you to protect yourself by increasing your courage and giving you strength. He values the truth above all and will help you to know it and to speak it. As ruler of the element of Fire he can also be invoked to protect the quarter of the South and to attract Fiery qualities.

Archangel Gabriel

The Archangel Gabriel is an enigma. In Pagan circles and, indeed, in many New Age books on the subject of angels, Gabriel is referred to as ‘He’. Most of what you read about Gabriel will refer to him as ‘He’. And yet, the Archangel Gabriel has frequently been depicted as female in art and literature – so we have a gender –swopping* angel here! However you ‘see’ Gabriel, HE (ha, ha!) is the ruler of the element of water and will help you with matters of the heart, first and foremost.  He is an excellent help for those in the media and can inspire and coach you to greater heights. He is also the bringer of visions, and can help to clear and open your third eye.

Archangel Uriel

Uriel is the Archangel of the element of Earth and he can help you with creative insight, give prophetic insight, and come up with practical solutions for your problems. He is very wise, and as old as the Earth (if time counts for anything). He is certainly the angel to approach if you want some help with your cosmic ordering, as he is known to have the ability to manifest things from thin air. If you need help with problems arising from natural disasters (such as floods), then Uriel is your man.