Every religion that believes in one God has its own version of angel history, dealing with its organization, hierarchy and duties. Although guardian angels and archangels seem to be related more to Christianity, it was not the Christians who formed the notion of angels. They adopted much of their angel basics from other religions, particularly Judaism.

Although the various types of angels are given somewhat different names and duties, all the major religions agree on one thing - these special angels are the messengers of God and come here to guide and protect us. Another thing that they appear to agree upon is that angels were created before human beings. The higher spriritual beings, considered archangels, have never "lived" on earth in human or in any incarnate form. However earth angels (or guardian angels as we call them), spirit guides and ghosts have had at least one (and often many) incarnations here on earth.

Although they have never incarnated, archangels have the ability to... and have been known to... take on human form in order to help in an emergency or when the need is greatest. Many stories abound of "strangers" suddenly appearing to render help, only to suddenly disappear again when we aren't looking, leaving no footprints or any type of sign that they were there.

There are many, many angels and archangels in heaven, however the most notable are the seven archangels which are: Michael , Gabriel , Raphael, Uriel , Raguel, Sariel and Remiel. These seven archangels are based on the seven Essence angels. The Essences were a particularly spiritual group that practiced a more esoteric Judaism than is the norm more than 4000 years ago, and were said to still be present during the time of Christ.

If you notice, all of the archangel's names end in el, which is the title for "angel". The most detailed account of the activities of the angels is given by Enoch, who supposedly lived before the flood (and was Noah's grandfather). He was recruited by the angels to perform such duties as being a messenger and a keeper of records (scribe), between angels and men. His accounts were written down and have been passed on for thousands of years and are now contained in The Book of Enoch.

Here is a brief look at each archangel:

Michael - His name means: "Who is like God." Michael is believed to be the warrior, protector and defender of heaven and earth. He is the angel that is called upon when protection is needed.

Gabriel - Her name means "God is my strength." She is the only female archangel and is associated with conception and birth.

Raphael - His name means the "Shining One Who Heals." Raphael has the power of healing the sick. He is also considered to be the "Chief of Guardian Angels."

Uriel - His name means "Fire of God.". He has two responsibilities: the Angel of Repentance, the Angel of Music and Poetry.

Sariel (Saraqael) - Sariel's responsibilities are more related to dealing with the earth angels in the capacity of the fate of such angels who break the Laws of the Universe.

Raguel - His name means "Friend of God." Raguel looks after the earth, nature and her resources. He also is responsible for justice, equality and fairness.

Remiel - His name means "God raises up" and "Face of God." Remiel is the Angel of Hope.