What is an angel?Meaning, origin and why they are still by our side.
An angel is a messenger: a being of light, without a physical body, who conveys love, wisdom and guidance. Here we explain where the word comes from, what history tells us and how you can begin to relate to them.
What the word “angel” means
“Angel” comes from the Latin angelus, which in turn comes from the Greek ángelos: messenger. That is why, in the great religious traditions, angels appear as bearers of divine messages.
Today the word has left the temples and appears in books, films and everyday conversation. But its essence has not changed: an angel is a being of light. Unlike us, it does not incarnate or have a body; it is energy. And that energy is wisdom, light and love.
Winged beings for thousands of years
Long before the religions we know, different cultures were already depicting winged figures that linked heaven and earth.
Mesopotamia
On the clay tablets and reliefs of ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of writing, there are creatures with great wings descending from the heavens. Some consider them gods; others, the first forerunners of angels.
Egypt and Greece
In Egypt, the goddess Isis is depicted with large colourful wings. In Greece, Iris, the messenger of the rainbow, and Hermes, the messenger of the gods, play roles very similar to those of angels.
Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Angels appear in the Kabbalah and the Tree of Life, in the Bible and in the Quran. They have reached us mainly through Christianity, present in its main sacred texts.
What is the difference between an angel and an archangel?
Angels are closest to humanity: they look after everyday matters and walk with you day by day. Among them is the guardian angel, the best known of all.
Archangels are, so to speak, heaven’s specialists. They take on more specific missions and are called upon when you need particular help.
Christian tradition arranges them in nine choirs: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels and angels.
Archangel Michael
Protection, strength and courage to cut ties with what harms you.
Archangel Raphael
Healing of the body, the emotions and relationships.
Archangel Gabriel
Good news, communication and inspiration. The messenger par excellence.
Archangel Uriel
Connection with the soul, inner clarity and peace.
How to begin relating to your angel
- 1
Ask
Angels respect your free will. For them to act, you need to ask with a clear intention.
- 2
Create a space
A small altar or angel portal at home helps you set aside a moment each day for that connection.
- 3
Listen
Meditate, notice the signs and pay attention to what you feel. Answers usually arrive simply.
- 4
Give thanks
Saying thank you closes the circle and keeps your relationship with your guides alive.
More about the world of angels
Practical guide
Angel portal
What you need and which steps to follow to prepare your altar and invite the angels into your home.
How to open a portal
Spirituality today
Angels in the New Age
Why angels are so present again and what the Age of Aquarius has to do with it.
Read more
For you, today
Message from the angels
Choose a card and receive the message the angels have for you right now.
Receive your messageCommon questions about angels
What is an angel, in a few words?
A being of light without a physical body whose role is to be a messenger between the divine and people. Its energy is love, wisdom and guidance.
What is the difference between an angel and an archangel?
Angels are closer to everyday life and accompany us day by day. Archangels take on more specific missions: Michael protects, Raphael heals, Gabriel brings messages and inspiration, and Uriel connects us with the soul.
Do we all have a guardian angel?
Many traditions say so, and that is how we experience it: every person is accompanied by an angel from birth. Learning its name and message is one of the most common reasons for our consultations.
Do I need to be religious to connect with the angels?
No. We work without dogma and with respect for every belief. All you need is to open yourself to the experience and ask with intention.
How can I find out which angel is with me?
You can start with meditation and an angel portal at home. If you want to know its name and message, channelling your angel is the most direct way.