by Linda Paul

Created on: March 23, 2008

The word Angel is one of many words which humankind has used to describe more advanced spiritual beings which give us guidance throughout our lives. Over the course of history, different religions and cultures have held their own particular beliefs concerning angelic beings. Angels weave their way throughout human history, appearing in the artwork, sacred texts, and literature of almost every civilization.

Angels are a part of Judaic, Christian, Islamic and Zorastrian belief. The word angel comes from the Latin word angelus, derived from the Greek word aggelos, which is a translation of the Hebrew word mal'akh, which means a messenger. Angels in these more formal types of religions are commonly regarded as intermediaries between God and humankind.

However, belief in angels in not confined to religious teachings. In fact, belief in angels can be traced as far back in history as early Egypt, Babylonia, Persia, and Sumeria, one of the oldest known civilizations in the world.

In early Rome, angels were called Lares, protective guardians of the household. In Viking tradition, they were called Valkyries, beautiful females which came down from the heavens to retrieve the souls of slain warriors and carry them to the afterworld of Valhalla. The Buddhists call them Devas, the Muslims call them Malaikah, and the Mormons recognize them as ministering spirits. In Thailand they are known as Devas, who are said to approve of meditation, but to harass the people who they feel are behaving badly.

To the Hindus, angels are seen as more evolved spirits whose messages are integral to the life process. They are often found in the company of many of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They are known as Devas, Asparas, and Angiras.

Angels in Asia are seen as helpers to humankind, but usually are not portrayed as having wings.

During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, biblical angels, such as Seraphim and Cherubim were fused with ancient angel beliefs. This is apparent in the beautiful artwork of those time periods. Leonardo Da Vinci portrayed both male and female angels with magnificent wings and flowing gowns.

St. Thomas Aquinas (circa 1100-1200 A.D.) taught that angels were necessary were the link between God and humankind. His thought was the countless numbers of angels existed as immortals. They knew everything about humankind, except for those things that depended upon human free will, and they also were privy to things that were known only to God.

The concept of angels with human like bodies and wings actually came about in the Old Testament. According to later religious tradition, there are nine orders of angels. Seraphim rank the highest, followed by cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, and angels.

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