For the modern mind, the notion of heavenly beings or 'angels' is an enigmatic and fascinating phenomenon. When I begin to work with angels I was impressed with their intellectual energy the way it made my mind soar. I was curious to know more about these energies. The more I worked with the energy I was guided to read books or information would just enter my mind I would just know things, later I would be intuitively led to information to help understand their energy.
In the Ancient Near Eastern world and in the Hebrew Bible the word for 'angel', namely mal' āk, is widely attested and refers to both human and supernatural emissaries. The notion and function of angels as messenger-beings are evident. In the Israelite faith and their confession of a sole monotheistic God, Yahweh, several questions arise regarding these 'angels': who were these human and supernatural entities?
In addition, the Hebrew Bible also recorded 'other' 'angel'-like beings, such as Seraphim and Cherubim. Then there was the 'angel' of Yahweh! Who was this figure, and what role did he play in the portrayal of the theologies of the Hebrew Bible? Were there fallen angels? And what has the Hebrew Bible to say about Satan?
Ultimately, perspectives on 'angels' in the Hebrew Bible are brought into relation with realities of the 'seen' and the 'unseen' in or from Africa in perspectives of the worldview of African Traditional Religions (ATR). Various categories and agents in African Traditional Religions and their belief systems are apparent. These include the Supreme Being (God), divinities, and spirits.
The Role of Divinities and Spirits
The relationship between the Supreme Being and the other categories describe the character, nature and function of all these entities. Primary and minor divinities are distinguished. They are created, are derivations of God, receive functions to perform in the universe. Furthermore, they serve intermediatory functions between the Supreme Being (the 'unseen') and humankind (the 'seen'). Spirits are similarly 'created' entities. In many African narratives they are portrayed in human form, activities and personalities (a change from the 'unseen' into the 'seen').
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Distribution of African Traditional Religions
Ancient Roots and Transformations
The history of angels and spirit guides can be traced first to the ancient mysteries of Egypt, Sumerian, Babylonian, and Persian cultures. Auset mother of Horus and wife of Ausar is depicted as the manifestation of an angel. Orishas, Lwa, and the Neteru are primordial beings or energy which has undergone transformations by Eurocentrics into Gaia, Archangels or another form of European paganism.
Let me be clear paganism has never left religion or mainstream society Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, and Jesus are yet another form of paganism from Eurocentric culture vultures. Please keep in mind all other cultures learned from Africans who were the first beings on the planet.
The more I studied metaphysical science and researched more on spirit guides, angels, and ancestors I recognized the connections and links. I observed that through the centuries African spirituality went through various transformation in patriarchal religion and European pagan traditions. The gods of the ancient mysteries were completely whitewashed out of their authentic form. What was wrong with the authentic forms of these ancient deities?
Connecting with African Culture and Ancestors
When Africans need to connect spiritually it is imperative to first connect with African culture research African history most importantly honor your ancestors. The ancestors help us understand ourselves and protect and guide us when we are working with other energies or deities. The most beautiful thing about African shamanism it is diverse no African tribe is the exactly the same but all have a common thread of the belief of one God over all.
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Guardian Spirits in African Tradition
Several guardian spirits play a significant role in African traditions:
- Osar (Asar, Ausar, Osiris): The Lord of the Dead is the guardian spirit of peace, wisdom, purity, knowledge and fertility.
- Oset (Aset, Ast, Auset, Isis): The Mother of Revolution is the guardian spirit of positive change and motherhood.
- Hru (Hra, Heru, Horus): The Heir of Osar is the guardian spirit of victory, success and triumph.
- Djahuti (Tahuti, Tehuti, Thoth): The Lord of Change is the guardian spirit of divination.
- Nebhet (Nephtys): Lady of the House is the guardian spirit love, beauty, pleasure, money and peace.
- Sokar (Sokher, Seker): Lord of the Cemetery is the guardian spirit of resurrection, renewal and illness.
- Npu (Anpu, Enpu, Anubis): The Messenger/Traveler between the Living and Dead, is the guardian spirit of guidance.
- Maat: The Gatekeeper of Life/Death is the guardian spirit of balance, righteousness and sanity.
- Hruaakhuti (Ra-Hor-kahuti, Bedhuty, Herukhuti): Lord of the Double Horizon, is the guardian spirit of justice.
- Anhur (Anhert, Onouris, Ounuris): A warrior who was invoked against both human and animal enemies; the personification of War.
Other notable figures include:
- Anubis (Anpu): The jackal head God.
- Aten, Atum, Auf, Efu, Ra: A sun-god under Pharoah Akhenaten, the evening aspect of the sun Ra.
Ancient Egyptian Deities
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