Angels

There is a need for a deeper understanding of the Spiritual in astrological practice. This Study addresses that need by examining a
"concept" that is known to a great many yet understood by only a few astrologers. Yet it lies at the root of spiritual understanding and
is essential for the proper practice of astrology. While this and its sister paper Guardian Angels and Astrology is addressed to the
astrologer it should be of value to anyone who wishes to better understand the spiritual world in which we all live.

The Study begins by defining the Angel and uncovering the commonality of the Ancient Pagan and Jewish, and Medieval Christian
teachings about the Guardian Angel or Peculiar Daemon (as it is otherwise known). In this regard particular attention is given to
demonstrating how these philosophical and religious teachings are elucidated by the Medieval documents dealing with astrology and
magic.

If such things as Guardian Angels exist (and this Study asserts that they do), then they must be attested to in ancient pre-Christian
literature, contemporary religious life and mystical experience throughout the ages and across all cultural boundaries.

The role of Guardian Angels in human affairs is addressed comparing the teachings about such angels with astrological and magical
teachings. The conclusion that the subject is far greater than it appears to be in either Theological, Philosophical, Astrological or
Magical texts is considered. Indeed, for us to fully appreciate the reality and importance of the Guardian Angel we must unite the
insights received from each of these four great reservoirs with our own first hand experience.

But it is from a consideration of these several traditions that we are able, with practice to identify the actions of the Guardian Angel in
our lives and to understand its place in the divine hierarchy. With this end in mind, exercises are given within the Study which lead first
to a close intellectual approximation of the nature and mission of the Guardian Angel as it relates to each of us individually. And
eventually, to a direct experience of our own Angel, or at least the Guardian Angel that is particular to ourselves. If you are a skeptic in
these matters you could do no better than to attempt to gain a first hand knowledge of this subject rather than to rely on secondary
intellectual or academic reservations.

Astrologically, the significance of the Angel is simply put in a paraphrase attributed to the philosopher Porphyry originating from
Iamblichus "He is happy who having learned the scheme of his nativity (Natal Horoscope), and knowing his Guardian Angel, becomes
liberated from Fate." The power of these words which echo down the millennia to us here today will be immediately apparent to the
astrologer and layperson alike who is versed in these matters. To others it should alert them that this is a subject worthy of careful
attention and proper regard.

TEXTS CITED IN THE MAIN BODY OF THE STUDY:

(This only lists the principle texts referred to and is not exhaustive)

Periphyseon sive de divisione naturae,Opera Omnia, John Scotus Eriugena, ed. Migne inPatrologiae cursus completus series
latina

The Celestial Hierarchies, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, in The Complete Works, New York, 1987

Elements of Theology, Proclus, ed. Dodds, Oxford, 1963

On the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldaean and Assyrians, Iamblichus, translated by Thomas Taylor, Prometheus Trust,
Frome, 1999

De occulta philosophia in Opera, Henry Cornelius Agrippa, New York, 1970

Biblia Vulgata The Holy Bible King James Version

Liber nativitatum, Abraham ibn Ezra, Venice, 1507

Picatrix Latinus, Pingree ed. London 1986