Compendium of Magical Things: Communicating with the Divine to Create the Life of Your Dreams

When it comes to spirituality, angels have always been my first love. There’s no doubt in my heart or mind that angels are real. I’ve experienced their touch in my life over and over. My earliest communication with an angel that I can remember was at age five. That’s when my primary guardian angel, Joshua, woke me from a deep sleep to warn me that the house across the street was on fire.

I’ve also encountered thousands upon thousands of other people in my travels who’ve had the same experience. In fact, most children’s “imaginary friends” are actually guardian angels. These kids just haven’t been talked out of seeing them yet.

That’s why, from my standpoint, the answer to the question “Is working with angels the right choice for you?” is a resounding yes! Yes for everyone! Because you have angels! And you have angels! And you have angels! Angels for everyone!

Really, though, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to work with angels. Yet I do know that some consider angels to be too “fluffy” or “too attached to religion.” Neither of those things are really the case—let’s see if I can win you over.

Angels are often thought of as messengers, like the grand “postal service” of the Divine. However, they do far more than just deliver heavenly mail. Angels are pure love—an endless source of unconditional support and Divine energy. Prayers to these great winged ones have brought about miracles in my life and the lives of countless others. I’m no longer surprised when magical things happen in my life and I then receive a message from the angels that they are with me. I’m no longer surprised, but I continue to be endlessly grateful when something my ego tells me I don’t deserve but that I desperately want is dropped into my lap by my angels. Stories abound of people who were helped by a stranger who was just suddenly there at the time of their need and then gone as soon as help had been provided.

Angels are also omnipresent—able to be everywhere at once. You should never worry about asking the angels for assistance. The angels want to help! You’re not keeping them from more “important” tasks; they’re of the Divine and therefore can be anywhere and everywhere at the same time. You can ask them for assistance in anything from the failing health of a loved one to the need for extra money or an excellent grade on a test.

It’s true that a lot of what we “know” about angels comes from religious texts. Many people think that they’re largely a Judeo-Christian-based belief, but belief in angels is far broader than that. The truth is that stories of their place in human lives weaves through the history of all humankind.

While the major religions of the world may fuss and feud about a whole bunch of topics, they generally seem to agree that angels exist. Some of the religions that talk about angels include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Mormonism. However, these prominent religions that mention these beings of light and love do not all call such beings by the same name. Devas, apsaras, malaikah, and ministering spirits are some of the other terms used to describe these entities with a common set of characteristics. Also interesting to note is that some of the most common names for archangels (Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, and Uriel) cross religious lines in varying forms.

Some ancient texts refer to wrathful angels and fallen angels. These texts also always portray God as quite angry, punishing, and unforgiving. To me, that makes God small and petty and not BIG and loving. For that reason, I do not believe in fallen angels. It makes no sense to me that the messengers and helpers of the Divine would just run amok. That’d mean they have egos. But angels don’t have egos. I also don’t believe in wrathful angels because what would their purpose be?

There are many kinds of angels. Levels and tiers of these helpers of mankind sent by God are outlined in ancient texts. There are three types that are the most called upon: guardian angels, archangels, and “special purpose” angels.

Guardian Angels: The information that’s been provided to me via angels, the Divine, and countless conversations with other “angelfolk” (fans of angels and people who work with angels) is that everyone is born with at least two guardian angels watching over them. (Some people have many more.) These guardian angels follow us from lifetime to lifetime; thus, they know us far better than we know ourselves. They’re quite aware of everything we’re here on earth to accomplish, even though we’re rarely conscious of that information ourselves.

Archangels: Archangels are very different from guardian angels. They’re here for all people, not just a particular person.

While there are countless archangels, 15 are the most well known: Ariel, Azrael, Chamuel, Gabriel, Haniel, Jeremiel, Jophiel, Metatron, Michael, Raguel, Raphael, Raziel, Sandalphon, Uriel, and Zadkiel. The el at the end of most of their names means “of God,” and archangels are considered to be angels of high “rank” who often supervise or watch over more common angels.

There can be all kinds of variant spelling of their names, which makes researching them a challenge. Also, sometimes one ancient text gives an archangel credit for doing something while another text gives the credit to a different archangel.

Each of the archangels have their own specialties and traits. For example, Archangel Michael is known for protection and safety, helping people with their life purpose, and dissolving away connections to people or things that aren’t good for them. Archangels also tend to radiate to particular colors. Continuing our example, Archangel Michael appears in a deep royal blue or purple color.

For more information on these amazing archangels and their specialties, check out my book How to Be Your Own Genie. I’ve outlined the whole scoop in Chapter 5 of that book.

Special Purpose Angels: Finally, there are what I call special purpose angels. Sometimes in my work, I’ll discover that someone has an additional angel hanging out with them that isn’t a guardian angel. For example, perhaps a person is struggling with a health challenge and has asked the Divine for help with that. A special purpose angel may come to assist until the health challenge has passed and then move on to someone else who is need of extra angelic support. Angelfolk often call upon romance angels for help in relationships and prosperity angels for help with financial or material needs, or even just to get help with a parking space in a very crowded city!

No, really. I do that last thing. In case you’re wondering, the parking space angel’s name is Walter.

There are several reasons why connecting with angels might work well for someone searching for a belief system. For starters, angels are a great connection for those that are extremely sensitive or new to spiritual exploration. Sensitive souls may find some of the imagery in tarot to be frightening (though certainly not in the decks I’ve created), or they may experience the puzzle-like work of astrology to be too complicated and a little cold with its focus on math. The experience of angels, however, can be quite palpable and moving and is always comforting.

For those who experienced conservative religious upbringings, or even those who were raised in very scientific households, pursuing spiritual paths can fill us with fear of reprisals from both God and peers alike. Angels, however, can be a way to start to expand one’s spiritual horizons that feels safe from possible negative feedback from people who don’t understand. Angels feel very comfortable and aren’t controversial to most people with strong religious beliefs. For example, believing in angels isn’t going to upset your Catholic Aunt Edna one tiny bit.

Angels also require very little study or academic pursuit. In fact, a belief in angels as protectors and beings of light is often instilled in us from a very early age. Once you understand the basics of communication and perhaps the differences between the 15 major archangels, you pretty much have all you need to fully immerse yourself. When compared with more complex methodologies—the I Ching, astrology, numerology, etc.—angels are very simple to work with and are easily accessible. You can talk to them anywhere! Whether it’s in your car, your home, or your office, they’re always available to you. I’m always astonished at the number of people who say they talk to their angels in the shower!

Angels are direct messengers from the Divine—pure and simple. They’re quite literally designed to communicate with us if we just ask for their help and then make the effort to receive their messages.

If and when you start to work with angels, your primary guardian angel will likely be the first to introduce themselves. Other angels may also show up right away, or they might wait months or even years to present themselves. If they do take a while to appear, it could be that it’s in your best interest to focus your attention on just one angel for now. However, others may still be standing by and actively assisting you behind the scenes.

As I mentioned in Chapter 1, people can connect with their intuitive abilities in several different ways, called the clairs. Angels lend themselves to whichever clair, or sense, a person may feel most connected with. Whether it’s sight, sound, thought, or feeling, angels are going to work with you in the way you feel most comfortable.

It’s important to understand that angels come from a place of love and support and tend to speak in such a way that you can clearly hear their messages. This can be a different experience for each person.

For example, when I was growing up, the world was a very unsafe place. I was very alone and almost constantly in a state of fear. What I wanted more than anything in the world was an older brother. Someone who’d love and protect me. It therefore makes perfect sense that, even to this day, Joshua speaks to me in just that way! Because I’m always laughing, Joshua tends to make jokes, tease me, and even lovingly make fun of me. Actually, it’s his sense of humor that’s so appealing to me. I’m still able to understand the real message he’s sending me and make the most use of it. If he were very serious and proper, that just wouldn’t be me.

I’m perfectly aware that a teasing “older brother” might be the worst thing ever for some people. It would be very difficult for some people to get a message if it were wrapped up in a joke. Have no fear. Guardian angels tailor their communication style to match the people they’re looking after.

Regardless of the tone of voice in which your personal guardian angel speaks to you, their message will come to you in a way that you perceive as one of love and compassion. Angels don’t have egos, so they won’t judge you or make you feel bad about yourself.

If you feel that you’re receiving a message from an angel, but that message is harsh, unkind, or condemning, it’s more likely your ego that you’re hearing. Or it could be your own lack of self-forgiveness making itself heard. An angel simply won’t speak to you in an unkind way.

Angels often send us signs that they are with us. Common signs from angels include seeing white butterflies, white feathers, pennies on the ground, and the number 4 over and over—most often as 444. Certain sequences of numbers hold specific meanings. Seeing 44 or 444 means “the angels are with you,” which is a message people often receive when they have forgotten we are never alone.

Signs can also include “coincidences” that are in fact synchronicities—ways in which the angels are trying to get your attention. Let’s say that you’ve learned the name of your guardian angel is Adam, but you’re unsure whether to trust this information. If you suddenly encounter the name Adam multiple times the next day, then that is your confirmation that you heard your angel’s name correctly! You might also turn on the radio to hear a song with lyrics that seem tailored to the challenges you are experiencing. The proof is around if you take a deeper look.

Here’s a hypothetical example of the way angels can send signs. Imagine a couple who had to frequently travel down the 401 highway to see one other. They decide to get married, but a few weeks before their wedding, they are fretting because they can’t find the perfect house to move into together. Just when it seems as if nothing will become available, they ask their angels to help them. Next time their real estate agent takes them to see a home, they begin to laugh, because the address is 401 Mason Lane. They know it’s a sign that this is the right house for them!

Angels live not only to serve Source but also to serve humankind. However, because of free will, you must ask for an angel’s assistance to get it. Think of angels as being on a fairly strict noninterference policy. If you don’t ask for their help, then by and large, they must sit by the sidelines and watch. The only exception is that sometimes angels can intervene in someone’s life without request in times of great emergency. We have plenty of evidence of stories where angels have done just that.

Once you request an angel’s influence in a situation in your life, they can help out. So to begin working with angels, all you have to do is ask for their help and their messages. Do it every day.

I recommend starting with your guardian angels. The simplest way to begin a dialogue with your guardian angels is to find a quiet and still place. This can be out in nature or in your home. Try to choose a time when you can relax and will not be disturbed. Once you’ve settled in, take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to completely release any stress or any concerns that you have in the moment.

Either in your mind or aloud, say, “Hello, my name is ____________. I know you’re there guarding me and watching over me. And I know you know all that there is to know about me. However, I would like to know more of you. I would like to know your name.”

If you suddenly feel that you’ve heard or sensed or just inexplicably “know” the answer, then that is your guardian angel’s name. You may even experience more than one guardian angel at a time.

To help confirm what you’ve heard, you can say, “It would be very helpful to me to have a sign from you in the next 24 hours. If you could, please just send me a message of some sort so I can know we’ve communicated.” Then be on the lookout for the common signs and synchronicities we discussed in the previous section.

If you don’t connect right away with your angels, keep trying. It’s like anything else; practice makes perfect. But definitely ask for their help every day—starting immediately. It might take some time for the communication to happen, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start to help you right away!

Once you’ve established a connection with your guardian angels, you can expand your angelic circle by reaching out to the archangels or special purpose angels that match what you want to create in your life.

Working with the angels is a great way to manifest your dreams. If you do the work to create an active relationship with your guardian angels, they can give you advice on the right actions to take. The omnipresent archangels are also always available to you, especially if you take the time to learn their names and their specialties. Angelic guidance might come through signs or synchronicities that guide your actions. Or if you establish a dialogue with your angels through meditation, automatic writing, or by developing your clairaudience, you can receive direct messages.

Don’t underestimate the ability of your angels to directly help you. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve asked my angels for a specific type of help or an outcome I had my heart set upon and they came through for me! It can be like “pennies from heaven!” I’ve also asked my angels for things that have not manifested and I was later grateful they didn’t occur.

The more you work with the angels, the easier it becomes to have a dialogue and to recognize the touch of their loving care in your life.

AN ANGEL TO THE RESCUE!

Heather Hildebrand was a somewhat overwhelmed young woman who lived near Houston, Texas. One year, as usual, her plate was very full. She was joyously planning Thanksgiving dinner at her home and looking forward to welcoming out-of-town guests who were going to stay with her.

Heather had already gotten a great start on her Christmas planning. She’d even begun wrapping presents early. However, the cost of Heather’s proactive attitude regarding the holidays was that the guest room was one huge mess. It had been a logical place to do her wrapping, but this led to the room becoming the dumping ground for all of the treasures Heather had found. There were bags scattered among neat piles of wrapped presents along the wall. Every inch of space was covered in bows, scissors, tape, and rolls of gift wrap.

With Thanksgiving closing in on her, Heather needed the room for her guests, and they would barely be able to wade through the sea of stuff. As she stood in the middle of this chaos she’d created for herself, Heather wondered how she’d muster the energy to clean all of it up. It was already way past midnight, and part of her wanted to just leave it and shut the door. But that wasn’t an option.

So Heather took a deep breath and got to work. Soon, she was actually enjoying the peacefulness that these late hours offered, with the rest of her family tucked quietly in bed. Heather was almost done when she opened the door to an old armoire that had been passed down through her husband’s family. As she reached in to hide some of the last bits of items that needed to be put away, something caught her eye.

Heather couldn’t believe it when she spotted a royal blue photo album that she’d created for her father that held approximately 20 pictures. She hadn’t seen it in years; as she pulled it out, her heart tingled. Heather’s father had died 17 years prior, and the pictures that filled these pages were some of the last photos taken of him.

The gift had been her first attempt at scrapbooking and the last Father’s Day gift she’d been able to give him. Heather flipped through the pages slowly, admiring every snapshot. Each photo had her son right there along with her father. The two of them had been the best of buddies, and Heather’s dad had worried that his grandson would never remember him. That’s why Heather created this amazing album for both grandfather and grandson.

At that moment, a thought entered Heather’s mind that made her heart sink. She began to wonder if she’d ever truly grieved his death, although she’d never doubted the family’s decision to take him off of life support. It was what he’d wanted, and God had given her peace at the time. She’d even been ready to let him go. So why was it that now she felt uncertainty when pondering if she’d truly grieved?

As Heather placed the album back into the armoire, she asked her angels, “Have I not grieved my father? Have I been avoiding the inevitable?” She asked her angels to give her a sign that she’d honored his memory through that grief process. “I know you’re always with me and I’m so grateful for your love,” Heather said. “Please help me to know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m okay. Please let me know that I’m not fooling myself.”

Heather walked into the next room to throw away the trash, and as she turned around to leave, she suddenly felt as if she’d walked into a huge wall of love. There’s absolutely no other way to describe it. There it was—her sign!

Heather was paralyzed by awe as she was presented with an enormous being of light about four feet away from her. It was a color that she couldn’t really “see,” but it “felt” golden in nature. Floating at least two feet from the floor, it was about two feet wide and three and a half feet tall.

Then suddenly, the light vanished. Gasping from shock, Heather hoped the figure might have jumped behind the wall into another room out of her sight. She wasn’t really afraid, as she could feel that the angel’s intention was to give her the answer she’d sought. She hurried around the corner, hoping to see its beauty again, but it was gone. However, the feeling of infinite love it left behind still filled the room.

Heather plopped herself down on the floor to try to enjoy every last drop of it. She felt almost drunk on this love that had been poured upon her. She considered sleeping right there, in that exact spot, in case this angel decided to show itself again. Eventually, Heather made her way downstairs to get ready for bed, but she still felt the goose bumps and amazement.

As Heather climbed into bed, she sent up the deepest prayers of gratitude her heart could gather. Her question had been answered loud and clear, and her worries had been put to rest.

“Thank you, angels,” she whispered.

The type of people that I find angels work well for are those that have a strong system of faith. It’s just naturally easier for these individuals to believe in any given spiritual discipline. People who are very openhearted and have natural psychic abilities that they’ve embraced and are willing to explore also do well with angels.

I like to call those who prefer working with angels “angelfolk.” They tend to show angelic types of personalities. They are compassionate and always trying to help others. They might tend to put other’s needs before their own. They are very loving people.

If you’re the type where “seeing is believing,” then you may have to work a bit harder to develop that faith. Looking for some of the common signs of angels in your life can help. If faith doesn’t necessarily come easy to you, and it feels more natural to connect with academic or esoteric disciplines, angels may seem too ethereal.

I know extraordinarily gifted psychics who acknowledge the presence of angels but much prefer their charts and sciencelike astrology and numerology. Like I said, getting information from winged beings of light can just seem too “fluffy” for some people.

Why do I work so much with angels? Well, as I mentioned before, angels are a great place to begin to stretch our spiritual wings. As someone raised with a Southern religious background, I had a lot of fear to overcome. I started my personal exploration with angels, and my experience with them has been powerful, moving, and very real.

My relationships with my primary guardian angel, Joshua, as well as Archangels Uriel and Gabriel are deeply important to me and have provided me with a great many insights. I’ve made important changes in my life based upon their guidance, and those midcourse corrections have always taken me to greater joy and happiness in my life. And in the end . . .