Angels-ANGELS

In Dionysius the Areopagite’s hierarchical scheme the term angels is
reserved for the lowest choir, which works directly with human beings.
The word angel derives from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger,” and
bearing messages is the primary defining function of angels. Originating
in Zoroastrianism, they are found particularly in the Western family of
religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—where God is conceived of
as so elevated that he does not intervene directly in the world.
In the Western religions, angels are exclusively good beings. They
are opposed by evil spirits (devils or demons), who are sometimes
“fallen angels,” angels who revolted against God and were tossed out
of heaven. By the Middle Ages, according to Cabalistic count, the
number of angels hovering close to the earthly realm peaked at
301,655,722. From this choir emerge the beings known as guardian
angels who are assigned to watch over and protect individuals.
According to the Talmud every Jew is assigned eleven thousand
guardian angels at birth. In Christian lore, it is suggested that each
individual receives two at birth: “one for the right hand, which
inspires him to good, and one on the left, which nudges him toward
evil” (Godwin, p. 69).