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If you like the topic of angels, here are two titles you should enjoy. The two take such different approaches that they’re sure to appeal to different readers; each is a pleasure to page through and learn from. Discover the Guardians, Messengers, and Heavenly Companions in Your Life by M. J. ABADIE Adams Media Corporation $12.95 (softcover)
Part two looks at how angels are perceived, at the hierarchy of the heavens and the archangels, and even at the fallen angels. Although the seven archangels are listed from three perspectives, only four are actually described in detail, and I admit to expecting and wishing for more of a dictionary in this one section of the book, only so that the book was more complete unto itself. Still, let me not suggest that this takes away too much, and for those with other reference sources, this won’t matter at all. The chapter on fallen angels includes some interesting points, including how Lucifer became synonymous with Satan, as well as a story about how some early fallen angels (called "the Watchers" by Enoch) mated with human women and brought them knowledge — and thus the wrath of God. Over time, this material took form in different books that slowly made this exchange of knowledge a positive thing, and today of course we are grateful for the knowledge. Strange that Lucifer, "the Light Bearer," has indeed been thought of as Satan, and yet it is knowledge that our culture so strongly admires! From Milton and Blake to Steiner, Swedenborg, and more, many of the great writers on angels are discussed; we get to look at angelic functions and music, and finally, human interactions with angels today. I should point out that the book’s design makes it easy to read, as it is punctuated throughout with asides: definitions, stories, biographies, quotes, and histories. The book is simply organized, making it easy to scan, easy to search. It is packed with various concepts of angels, and is an interesting overall look into the subject. Healing through Angelic Meditation by AMBIKA WAUTERS Hearst Books $25 (hardcover)
It breaks the calendar first into seasons, then into zodiac signs, and finally into weeks. The seasons are each given a well-known archangel, and each of these is described. But where this book seems to become most subjective is when it looks at the angels of each zodiac sign and week: the reader is not given known angels to learn of and meditate on for healing, but rather is given angels of various traits. For example, the sign of Aries is ruled over by "the Angel of Renewal," and the weeks of this month are ruled by the angels of Rebirth, Faith, Hope, and Trust. That isn’t necessarily a bad trait to the title; it certainly keeps one from setting up specific graven images! Consider it fair warning for those more bent toward the classical approach. In a sense, this look at angels helps one to learn some basic traits of each of the zodiac signs, and to focus on healing or growing in that area during the appropriate time of year. If it seems overwhelming to think of all the life aspects a person needs to work on, it doesn’t seem a bad idea to have a different virtue each week to give some focus! And, as the book fits the generic solar calendar, rather than just one specific year, the reader can give focus to each of these virtues every year by following along in the book. I should also mention that the book does not merely discuss the qualities ruling each week, but offers meditations to bring these into one’s life as well. Even among those interested in angels, everyone is interested in different facets of the topic. These two titles offer healing and learning aspects, and I hope that if you take a look at either, you will find a tool to help you along your path. |
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The Everything Angels Book is everything but another angel dictionary, which at this point are so numerous. Instead of simply listing off angels and describing them, the author takes the reader on a trip through much of the general knowledge on angels. Beginning with angels in history, one can read about such ancient perspectives as those of Akhenaton, Zoroaster, and shamanism; then on to biblical views on angels; and finally on to medieval and non-Christian approaches.
While the former title takes a more objective look at angels by considering many traditions and teachers, this one seems more subjective, and is used for personal healing. The Angelic Year views angels from the Jewish and Christian perspectives, considering the festivals of these traditions and the calendar overall, and suggesting which angels rule over various parts of the year.