Pre-Abrahamic Angels

Pre-Abrahamic Angels: Tracing the Roles of Angels Before the Rise of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam

The concept of angels as divine messengers and protectors predates the Abrahamic religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Throughout ancient cultures, pre-Abrahamic angels took on roles that were deeply intertwined with early spiritual practices, often as intermediaries between humans and the divine. In this article, we’ll explore how these celestial beings existed long before they became widely associated with these three major religions. From Mesopotamia to Egypt, Persia, and beyond, angelic beings have been part of humanity’s understanding of the cosmos for thousands of years.

Angels in Mesopotamian Beliefs: Guardians of the Sacred

Mesopotamia, often called the “cradle of civilization,” offers some of the earliest records of divine beings resembling pre-Abrahamic angels. One example is the Anunnaki, powerful deities who descended from the heavens to govern human affairs. These beings acted as divine judges or rulers, performing roles similar to those of archangels in later religious traditions.

Another protective figure is the lamassu, depicted as a hybrid creature with the body of a bull or lion, wings of an eagle, and the head of a human. Placed at city gates and temple entrances, these beings acted as spiritual guardians, protecting against malevolent forces. Although they don’t perfectly align with later depictions of angels, their guardian role foreshadowed the development of protective angels in Abrahamic faiths.

Egyptian Spiritual Guardians and Messengers of the Afterlife

In ancient Egypt, several spiritual beings played roles reminiscent of pre-Abrahamic angels. The ba, often depicted as a bird with a human head, traveled between the living world and the afterlife, ensuring safe passage for souls. These entities acted as guides, similar to how guardian angels accompany humans through spiritual transitions today.

The goddess Ma’at, embodying truth and justice, worked alongside divine messengers tasked with maintaining cosmic order. Some depictions of these messengers show them as winged beings, evoking early imagery of angelic figures.

Zoroastrian Angels: Amesha Spentas as Archangelic Beings

In ancient Persia, Zoroastrianism introduced the Amesha Spentas, a group of seven divine beings that closely resemble the archangels of later religions. These entities served as intermediaries between the supreme god Ahura Mazda and the human world. Each Amesha Spenta governed a specific domain, such as truth, health, or devotion, guiding humanity toward spiritual enlightenment.

Zoroastrian teachings emphasize angelic guardianship and protection, just as later religions assign similar roles to angels like Michael or Raphael. The Fravashi, guardian spirits in Zoroastrian belief, also bear a striking resemblance to pre-Abrahamic angels, as they assist individuals in both life and death.

Angels, Daimones, and Spirit Guides in Greek and Shamanic Traditions

In ancient Greek mythology, daimones were intermediaries between gods and humans. These beings influenced events and guided human actions, much like angels act as messengers and protectors. Winged figures like Nike, the goddess of victory, and Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods, embody traits that parallel angelic roles—delivering messages between realms and acting as divine emissaries.

In shamanic traditions, particularly those in Siberia and Mongolia, spirit guides served as mediators between the physical world and the spirit realm. These ancestral spirits and guides share commonalities with angels in how they offer protection, healing, and insight during spiritual journeys.

The Roles of Pre-Abrahamic Angels: Guardians, Messengers, and Guides

Across these cultures, pre-Abrahamic angels functioned primarily as guardians, messengers, and spiritual guides. Whether protecting sacred spaces in Mesopotamia, guiding souls in Egyptian afterlife beliefs, or supporting spiritual growth in Persia, these beings were integral to humanity’s connection with the divine. They existed beyond the confines of any single religion, evolving alongside the beliefs of different civilizations.

The Evolution of Angelic Beings: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Faiths

As human civilization advanced and religions formalized, pre-Abrahamic angels evolved into the angelic figures we recognize today. The Abrahamic religions adopted and transformed these beings into familiar forms, such as guardian angels and archangels, embedding them into sacred texts and spiritual practices.

In tracing these origins, it becomes clear that angels are not just religious symbols; they represent humanity’s universal desire to connect with higher realms, seek guidance, and feel protected. Pre-Abrahamic angels remind us that the need for hope, protection, and spiritual connection is timeless, transcending cultures and beliefs.