ANGELS

“For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalms 91:11

“Guardian angels are hoping that people will contact them -- and God hopes so, too. Invoke your guardian angel that he will illuminate you and will guide you. God has given him to you for this reason. Therefore use him!" Padre Pio

"Angels mend our patchwork hearts with the threads of love." Terri Guillemets “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Shakespeare’s Hamlet

”Insight is better than eyesight when it comes to seeing an angel.” Eileen Elias Freeman

Trustworthy statistics show that roughly 70-80% of Americans believe in Angels, especially ‘Guardian Angels.’ I suspect that worldwide the percentage may be just as high, as Islam has ‘al-Malaa’ikah’, Zoroastrianism has ‘fravashis,’ Buddhism and Hinduism have ‘devas’ and Shintoism, ‘kamis,’ all closely resembling the angels of Judeo-Christian belief.

From the Greek for ‘messengers of God,’ Angels are God’s creations, mostly gender-free and generally non-corporeal celestial beings who lovingly and tirelessly perform a myriad of tasks for God, for the Earth and for us. Guardian angels are true, full-time intermediaries between God and individuals, on a one to one basis.

Angels and Archangels are fiercely loyal to God and infinitely available to us. The only criteria seem to be that we believe in them and the God of us all, and that we specifically ask for their help, so that our free will is never challenged.

“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

I have always believed strongly that angels are as 'real’ as we are. Books abound about angels, with fascinating and compelling records of angels helping, soothing, healing, protecting, rescuing, mediating, guiding and otherwise supporting us. Their motto? ‘We deliver, 24/7. No job too big or too small.'

OK, I made that up.

Just make the call, comprende?

Except for God specifically dispatching our angels to rescue us from a catastrophe, angels are always on stand-by mode, ever-watchful, waiting for our prayer or request for help and support. That means that we could be stressed out, lost, confused, unhealthy, racked with pain, depressed, angry or fearful, and if we forget that help and support are available for the asking, we may remain frozen in that state, unaided, for as long as it takes for us to learn or remember to reach out for that help from a veritable army of powerful celestial beings.

Offsetting and off-putting are the ‘fallen angels,’ Lucifer and his gang, lurking like MS-13 without bodies; they’re just as real as the heavenly host of angels, and vie for our bodies and minds, our consciousness, even our souls, but with a crucial difference alluded to above: in those stressed-out, angry, confused states, these malicious fallen angels can pound us with negativity, lashing out at us with blame for our ‘sins’ with a constant barrage against God and all that is sacred, hoping to lure us to ‘the dark side.’ Without us asking for any of it!

Eileen Elias Freeman, in her inspiring book Angelic Healing, offers us abundant info on many aspects of angels; from their total love of God and all Her creations, to their ability to take human form when necessary, to working selflessly with other angels, to a willingness to help us in a thousand ways, and to their unflagging wish for each of us to inch ever-closer to God:

“Fear is the most debilitating hazard of mankind that erodes the stability of the emotions. Healing from God through His angels eliminates fear and substitutes confidence and direction. Throughout history, the salutation of an angel has been 'fear not,' for fear has to be removed to allow the message to be shared and heard. Thus, through the hands of the angels fear is dashed and healing can begin.”

“If we are not committed to seeking God, we will never be able to establish a fruitful relationship with our angels.”

Even with a solid relationship with her guardian angel Ennis, when she was diagnosed with cancer, Eileen sank into despair. She only heard voices saying "Cancer cancer cancer. You’re going to die.” Finally, Ennis broke through her gloom, saying, "don’t be afraid, Eileen,” which soothed her and allowed her to pray, to rekindle with God.

"In fact, until I heard Ennis’s loving and wise words, and until I turned my heart toward God, I couldn’t even recognize these terrible voices for what they were: the malice of those fallen angels who try, out of hate and envy, to ruin our lives with fear. They had chosen the moment when I first heard I had cancer to dump on me all the fear they could, hoping to turn my heart from God.”

We are urged to consider our role in the interplay with Spirit and Angels, especially love and forgiveness of ourselves and everyone in our lives.

On forgiveness:

“All of us, during the course of our lives in this world, are hurt by other people and hurt others. We do unloving things, we say hurtful words; or conversely, we fail to say the loving thing when we should, or we see a need we could easily meet and turn away. And no matter what you call these events – illusion, karma or sin – they cause wounds of spirit that can tear us apart, not just from each other, but from our very souls... We create disharmony, alienation, separation. What is even worse is that we accept this as a way of life."

“If we accept the fact that we are the children of God, then we must commit ourselves totally to living a life in love that is worthy of the one who created us. Not only must we strive to be at peace with ourselves and others, but we must work conscientiously at forgiving all who have hurt us, offended us, sinned against us. We cannot make compromises with deadly wounds. We do not have the misguided liberty to say, ‘I think I can live with this wound and that hurt.’ We must work to heal them all. We were meant to be whole.”

Quite the insightful observation.

Another spiritual voice, Unity minister Jack Boland, spoke of forgiving everyone who may ever have harmed us, but always starting with the most difficult one: that crappy, creepy, brother-in-law or that ex-boss who nobody could forgive. He urged us to forgive those people first and most passionately, until we actually own it. And remember that we needn’t forget the events, just forgive, and we free both forgiver and forgivee. And don’t forget the other side of the coin: pray that all those we have ever harmed forgive us fully.

Back to Ms Freeman:

"If we only acknowledge our need to forgive and be forgiven, ask God for help to understand, and work with our angels to make things right in our lives, we will be healed, and the world with us."

“When we pray for someone else’s good, because of our love for them, then many unseen wounds of spirit are healed within us, even without our knowing it. I have always felt that when we intercede for others, there is a special energy of healing that rests upon us as well. Going out of our egos to feel another’s need and offer it to God helps restore the balance of creation.”

The heavenly host, including our own guardian angels, are true, immortal beings, (in this respect, like our own souls,) who want nothing more than for each of us to call on them and make the fullest use of their considerable powers. As it is God’s wish for each of us to be happy and prosperous, the angels’ purpose, at all times, is to help us achieve those goals, and help us in closing the gap between our personalities and our souls while we are still on this side of life’s curtain. (More in the metaphysics chapters.)

I also like a little book by Doreen Virtue and her son, Grant Virtue, entitled “Angels of Abundance” and with a subtitle that effectively draws us in - and doesn’t disappoint: ‘Heaven’s 11 messages to help you manifest support, supply and every form of abundance.’

The key here is ‘every form of abundance.’ Certainly, plenty of money in the bank is nice, but true abundance in our lives is so much more. It begins with an appreciation of all the blessings in our lives – body mind and spirit - and the wondrous world around us, and with a full realization that we deserve abundance. It includes full participation in nourishing that body and keeping it fit. It includes nourishing the mind and spirit with metaphysics, meditation, kindred spirits, love of nature and feeling the presence of divinity everywhere we go. It includes complete forgiveness of ourselves and everyone in our lives. It includes non-stop fascination and inquiry into the mysteries of life, seen and unseen. It includes taming the ego and its frantic attempts to maintain a status quo of fear and competition and materialism; and most importantly, it is about letting go and letting God.

These are the life arenas that angels can support and direct us in, for achieving a greater spiritual, abundance-filled mindset; and this is where their book points us. It shows us ways to ask for help: believing we are deserving of 'all good things,’ of visualizing and affirming all of these 'abundances’ and of letting go, grateful to let God bring them into fruition. If these celestial heroes are just waiting to support us and champion our efforts to be more spiritual, why on earth, and beyond, would we not call on them?

Paraphrasing the Virtues, “Chasing after money (or success or happiness or love) means that it will continually evade you… that deep down, you’re afraid it might not happen. This fear drives you to make it happen, instead of trusting the loving energy to give it to you lovingly."

“Gratitude is magnetic in its power to draw abundance to you… the more you affirm and give thanks that you already have abundance, the more unexpected windfalls you will receive… Just say, 'thank you God, for supplying all of my needs easily and comfortably.’”

It is extremely important to know and believe that each of us deserves the happiness and abundance that is being discussed here. Limiting thoughts that if we have success, someone else must fail, or that someone else deserves it more than we do, or that money is the root of all evil, or that we’re bothering God or Angels or friends if we ask for their help, are truly false ego ploys, based on fear. Unchecked, they can do a bodacious job of blocking our road to abundance and prosperity.

The Virtues talk about balance, as well, especially for those who give freely, but have difficulty receiving equally: “Giving is a male energy, and receiving is a female energy. It’s essential that we all balance giving and receiving every day in order to balance the male and female energies within us… Allow yourself to receive and say thank you for the gifts that come your way. Allow others to help you. Accept compliments and advice.”

'The angels of abundance are fulfilling their mission by helping you to fulfill yours…They want you to be able to complete your mission and help as many people as possible.”

To fulfilling our missions.

ARCHANGELS

Greek 'arch’ (principle or chief), Archangels are way powerful beings who can multitask limitlessly and tirelessly with any and all who call upon them in God’s name.

Once again, Doreen Virtue, Angelologist extraordinaire, clairvoyant and PhD in counseling psychology: Ms Virtue has a close and ongoing relationship with a number of archangels. This is yet another dynamic book, one which attests specifically to Archangelic connections; and she brings the subject into sharp focus for us in ‘Archangels 101.’

Ms Virtue: “The archangels still work with us in conjunction with God’s will of peace. You don’t have to be saintly or be a perfectly behaved person to elicit the Archangels’ help. They look past human mistakes and see the inner goodness within us all. They want to bring peace to earth by helping us all to be peaceful. So their mission includes healing the unpeaceful people of the world. The key is that the Archangels will never violate your free will by intervening without permission, even if to do so would make you happier. They must wait until you give permission… (they) don’t care how you ask for their help, but only that you do.”

If the scope of power and availability of Archangels for individuals is new to you, you’re not alone. Though I have believed in Angels forever, I used to think that Archangels were only in charge of vast arrays, like countries, or oceans, or galaxies. The knowledge that they are truly limitless, tireless warriors for God’s loving purposes, equally geared for us individuals as well, has been a true eye-opener.

This illuminating treatise covers the subject joyfully and comprehensively, bringing us the characteristics and specialties of 15 of Ms Virtue’s 'favorite’ Archangels, form Ariel to Zadkiel. Each Archangel gets a chapter, which begins with a prayer of appreciation for one or several of their special areas of support; a prayer that we can use, tweak or replace with our own, as we align our personal needs with the most appropriate Archangels.

Then there are numerous stories of people who have had challenges in various life situations, and who have called out to the appropriate Archangels, often with life-changing results. These range from individuals being saved from imminent accidents or treated to wondrous healings, to subtler guidance to find a sensitive hygienist or unblock writer’s block, from finding a lost wedding ring to reuniting friends by healing feuds. Heart-warming stories that are like a Cosmic ‘chicken soup.’

With each archangel, there is a discussion of their special talents and powers, and prayers for all the needs they can address.

For instance, with Archangel Michael, there are prayers for Spiritual protection against lower energies, for confidence, guidance for life changes, and for ‘fixing things.'

For Archangel Raphael, prayers for healing and comfort, for finding healers, for smooth travel companionship and protection, guidance for healing careers and for healing support for loved ones.

What follows is a layout of Ms. Virtue’s 'top 15,’ each with her list of the Archangel’s specialties. I include her ‘opening’ prayers for four of the most popular Archangels: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel, to illustrate the loving nudge we’re given to communicate directly with these high-vibrating celestial superstars:

Michael. Protection, courage, confidence, safety, life-purpose guidance, fixing mechanical and electronic devices.

'Dear Archangel Michael, thank you for protecting me and my loved ones. Thank you for watching over us, our homes and our vehicles. Thank you for giving me the confidence to move forward with my Divine life purpose.’

Raphael. Healing of people and animals, guiding healers, guidance and protection of travelers, connecting you with your soul mate.

'Dear Archangel Raphael, thank you for infusing me and my family with your healing light of God’s pure love.’

Gabriel. Delivering important messages, guiding messengers – teachers, writers, actors, artists; assisting all aspects of birthing and parenting.

‘Dear Archangel Gabriel, thank you for giving me clear messages about (my life issues) and for guiding and supporting me to be a clear messenger to help others, as you do.’

Uriel. Intellectual understanding, ideas, insights, studying and test-taking, writing and speaking.

'Dear Archangel Uriel, thank you for giving me information, ideas and insights about (my life topics) and helping me to receive all the knowledge and understanding that I need.’

Chamuel. Universal and personal peace, finding what you are seeking or items you have lost.

Ariel. Connecting with nature, animals, nature spirits, guidance for careers in environmentalism or animal welfare, earthly material needs.

Metatron. Esoteric healing work, universal energies, guidance for sensitive children.

Sandalphon. Receiving and delivering prayers between God and humans, guidance for musicians.

Azrael . Healing the bereaved, assisting grief counselors, helping souls cross over.

Jophiel. Clearing clutter from your life, beautifying and uplifting your thoughts and feelings.

Haniel. Awakening and guiding intuition and clairvoyance, releasing old patterns, healing and support for women’s health issues.

Raziel. Dream interpretation, understanding secrets of the universe, remembering and healing from past lives.

Raguel. Healing arguments and misunderstandings, bringing harmony, attracting wonderful new friends.

Jeremiel. Conducting life reviews, developing spiritual visions.

Zadkiel. Strengthening memory, healing painful memories, remembering your divine spiritual origin and missions, choosing forgiveness.

The upshot is this: They are there for us all the time, our guardian Angels and all the Archangels, and we can neither ask too much of them in our hour of greatest need, nor waste their time with trivial’ requests.

Acknowledgment and appreciation of God’s everpresence in our lives (as it is always God who propels Her host to support us at every turn) as the first thought after waking and the last before retiring, assures us that we are committed, today and every day, to the spiritual path. Here’s Ms Freeman's affirmation to positively influence our sleep:

“Dear God and Archangel Michael, please enter my dreams tonight, and clear away any fears that have blocked my faith in the past. Please revive, renew and refresh my faith so that I trust in you and my inner guidance. Amen.”

We should be in touch with the Angelic Host all the time, a dialog in which asking for help or direction in a thousand choices, small and large, becomes a sacred routine. They will never steer us wrong. However and whoever we ask, it’s a totally unselfish group, always acting out of love for God and for us, Her 'other‘ children;

I highly recommend these books and any others that entice you to further appreciate Angels and Archangels, and to make them a special part of your lives; stay in touch, reap the harvest and apply liberally to your body mind spirit as a constant boost to your many-faceted quest.

We are grateful, FatherMotherGodSpirit, for Angels and Archangels, and for all the blessings in our lives.

NAMASTE