Angels and Demons

ii. of ii.

It's worthwhile to understand the nature of angels and demons, their similarities and differences.  Just as there is a hierarchy among angels, the same is true of demons.  Most of the lower orders are not named.  This is especially true when speaking of dark entities.  The higher orders of both, archangels and devils, are transcendent and very powerful.  The movie, Constantine, has the best portrayals of archangels and devils that I've ever seen.  It gave me chills.

Angels are misunderstood.  They are not fairies.  They may be altruistic, but they are also temperamental.  Altogether, angels have gotten a bad rap.  No one takes them seriously.  People think they're cartoon characters, but there's much more to them.  They are potent forces of alchemy.  Constantine did a great job of explaining how angels and demons work on the physical plane.  They are influence peddlers.  Humans are a means to an end.  It is possible for both angels and demons to take people over to serve their purposes (just not at the same time).

Although angels are good, intentionally calling them is a little like playing Russian roulette.  Not a good idea unless you know what you're doing or your need is great.  Once they (angels or demons) are more than peripherally aware of you, there is no going back.  I liked that this was one of the central themes of the movie.

There are far more darklings than angels.  Light is more powerful, but darkness is more pervasive.  Angels, by their nature, are ephemeral.  They flit in and out.  They are here, there, and everywhere.  They are too busy to stay in one place for long.  Demons, on the other hand, are much more monogamous.  They find a person or place and there they stay, sewing discord, until the structure burns to the ground.  Then, they will move on and start again.  

Despite being genderless, we tend to identify demons as male.  Angels, although neuter, tend to exhibit both feminine and masculine attributes, often at the same time.  It is uncommon to see an angel, but it does happen.  No special giftedness is required.  Sometimes, angels choose to be seen.  Many times they will take the form of a stranger.  This stranger will impart a message of some import to the reciever.  Belief can come before, but after is more common.  However, it is a mixed blessing.  Seeing an angel generally means that there is real trouble afoot.  The kind that can swindle your soul.  We cannot see white blood cells, but we know they are there to protect us.  It is the same with angels.

Demons are not commonly seen.  This is not a mixed blessing; it is just a blessing.  We see the tracks of demons in the destruction they leave in their wake.  They are not particularly subtle.  A person must possess strong spiritual gifts to see these denizens of darkness.  They do not often slip up and reveal themselves.  Their job is to make you afraid.  Madness is the most common symptom of a demonic haunting.  And it can strike anyone.

Recently, a woman drove her car into the ocean.  She was not alone; she also had her three children with her.  They barely escaped with their lives.  Why did she do it? She said it was because there were demons in her home.  In a desperate bid for escape, she loaded up the kids and took off.  Then, some strange impulse told her to drive into the ocean.  And she did it.  The investigators said that her demeanor was unusual, distant and affected.  Demons are whisperers.  They are hiders.  They are stalkers.  Worst of all, they are patient.  

In effect, this mother attempted the triple homicide of her children.  Something went terribly wrong.  I don't know if it was organic or spiritual.  In a way, it doesn't matter, the result was the same.  The damage is done.  Everyone survived, but life will never be the same.  I bet she will be run through every series of psychological tests known to man.  But I doubt anyone will show up to investigate her claims of a demonic haunting.

These days, we are spoiled.  We have forgotten how to protect ourselves.  Consequences carry no weight.  They are practically relics of a time gone by.   We rely too heavily on technology to educate, distract, and entertain us.  And it is a great thing, but it is not all things.  When the shadows begin to growl, there is no app for an exorcism. 

Peace is every step - Thanh Nhat Hanh