Angels are undeniably associated with religion and more usually Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Often they are seen as supernatural beings, benevolent celestial intermediaries interposed between God, Heaven and humanity.
They are protectors, our heavenly guides, and the servants of God. They are also His Messengers. The faithful seek their blessing, their help. A visitation is a miraculous event, filled with reverence, awe and shared with the wider community as a sign that faith has reward.
Other religions also make note of angelic contributions including Sikhism and Zoroastrianism. There is also the unnerving distinction that there are 'fallen Angels' that seep dark, malevolent forces into the world. They tempt, they betray, they lead us where it is not safe to go.
But faith once more resolves the dilemma; good will overcome evil. And whether a believer or not, there is a comfort that the angels of our hearts are the ones of love, of care and compassion.
Obviously there are complications, a fact that our classic poets through the centuries, including Alexander Pope, Edmund Spenser, Radclyffe Hall and Hafiz, use as they write verse to explain, to reveal and to help us understand exactly why Angels are so prevalent amongst our thoughts.
