When you think of angels, do you think of Charlie’s Angels, Hell’s Angels or angel investors? Perhaps you think of the cute little cherub figurines, or the angel atop the Christmas tree. These days, angels seem to be a form of decoration, without much thought given to their symbolism. Where did the idea of angels come from and do they have relevance in modern day life?

Origin and Popular Depiction of Angels

Angels have been found in art pre-dating the birth of Christ and although no one can say when and how they originated, they exist in many religions throughout the world. Christianity, Islam and Judaism have many texts on angels, while even Hinduism has the deva, a form of celestial being. These sparks of divinity are oftentimes depicted in artwork with grand wings, halos of light around their heads and an all-loving quality. Angels are thought to live in an unseen spiritual realm that exists beyond the human eye. They are generally thought to be the protectors of humans, delivering messages from the divine.

Archangels and Guardian Angels

Archangels are thought to be superior, high-ranking angels that oversee most other angels. In Christianity, there are thought to be thousands of archangels, but only three are often named, and only seven have been named at all. These are Michael, Gabriel and Raphael and sometimes Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel. Each archangel is thought to have special assignments or powers. Guardian angels are most popular in modern day times and are thought to be assigned to an individual in the Earth realm. It is common to hear people say, ‘My guardian angel was watching over me’, when they have had a brush with death or somehow missed a terrible fate. The idea of guardian angels dates back to the Old Testament and even Ancient Greek philosophy.

Angels in Modern Day

Today it is still common to hear of angel encounters. Angels are thought to be working behind the scenes of many miracles and acts of good fortune. It is not uncommon to hear of angel visions or dreams involving angels. There are websites dedicated to stories of angels working their magic today, poems of angels, beautiful illustrated books on angels, angel cards, angel calendars and ‘pocket angels’ for good luck and inspiration.