Angels

The term "angel", which is derived from the Greek word "angelos" is the equivalent of the Hebrew word "Mal'akh", meaning "messenger". They are often described as supernatural beings or messengers in various religions and spiritual traditions. We will take a look at angels from two religious perspectives viz a viz Christianity and Judaism.

In Christianity, angels are considered messengers of God, and are mentioned throughout the Bible. They serve as intermediaries between God and humans, delivering divine messages, offering guidance, or carrying out God's will. Key angels include Michael, who is seen as a protector; and Gabriel, who is known for delivering significant messages, such as his visitation to Mary to tell her of her conception of Jesus Christ, and his visitation to Elizabeth to tell her of her conception of John the Baptist.

In Jewish tradition (Judaism), angels are seen as messengers of God who execute divine will. They often act as agents of divine intervention or carry out tasks on God's behalf. They are not worshipped, but rather respected as servants of God.

TYPES OF ANGELS

1. Seraphim: This is the Hebrew word for the fiery ones. It is the plural form of Seraph. They are described by the Bible to have hands, faces, and feet. Each of them has six wings, four of which are used as a gesture of humility in the presence of God, while the other two are used for flight. They shout "Holy, Holy, Holy", and seem to always pay homage to God. They are often shown in religious artworks and are the closest to God, they surround His throne and radiate a flaming passionate light that represents His love. The Seraphim are known as fiery servants and no other celestial creatures are allowed to stare at them. They have four faces and there are only four of them.

2. Cherubim: This is the plural form of Cherub. Cherub means "to guard". The Cherubim manage celestial records and have access to the wisdom of God. They are dispatched and sent on major missions like removing humanity from the garden of Eden. Ancient artworks depict them as sphynx-like creatures having wings and human faces, instead of plump infants having wings that now adorn greeting cards and book covers. The Cherubim include Ophaniel, Rikbiel, and Zophiel. Satan was also a Cherub before he fell.

3. Thrones: Thrones are reported to look like large bright wheels with many eyes, and their look is probably the oddest of the first set. They act as God's chariot, dispensing His judgment to carry out His plans for us. Their name comes from the Hebrew word "Ophanim" which means wheels.

4. Dominions or Dominations: These are the second category of angels and can reside in a condition of transition between the heavenly and human realms. Dominions are regarded as heavenly regulators who strive to establish a balance between matter and spirit, good and evil. They are intermediate management and take commands from the Cherubim and Seraphim, and assign duties to the lower-order "worker bee" angels. They majorly function to keep the universe in order by transferring power to leaders of government and people in authority. The leader of this group of angels is called Zadkiel, also known as Hashmal.

5. Virtues: Virtues are shaped like natural light sparks, and are responsible for sustaining the natural world. They inspire living creatures in fields like Science. They take commands from the angels above them and turn them into miracles to those who deserve them. They are singers, artists, healers and scientists when they manifest in our world and operate with the forces of love as well as Physics. The two angels that appeared at the ascension of Jesus are said to embody virtues.

6. Powers: Powers manifest as vividly coloured hazy vapours in their heavenly forms, and serve as border guards between heaven and earth. They are the angels in charge of birth and death, they are also thought to rule over demons whose aim is to destroy the world. However, some people like St. Paul believe that the Powers are bad. In any event, they are a collection of professionals who act as religious, theological, and ideological consultants.

7. Principalities: Ordinary humans will have the most interaction with this third category of angels. The Principalities are at the top of this list, they resemble light beams. The Principalities, like a school principal, monitor everything. They govern our whole globe, including nations, cities, and villages. They are also in control of religion and politics. As if their plate wasn't already overflowing, they are also in charge of overseeing the terrestrial responsibilities of the angels beneath them.

8. Archangels: These, together with the angels, protect humanity and all physical things. But don't ask them to assist you personally; archangels respond best when dealing with issues that affect all humanity such as justice. This group of angels is well-known because several of the angels are referenced by name in the Bible, including Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Archangels combat demons (for example, Michael), or carry messages from God, such as when Gabriel appeared to Mary to inform her that she would be the mother of Jesus. There are only seven archangels according to popular belief.

9. Angels: These may simply be referred to as "regular angels". They are the most prevalent type of angels, and are the protectors of humanity and all things tangible. These angels are sent to humans as messengers. This category includes personal guardian angels. Angels can guard and warn mankind, as well as fight on God's behalf.