An angel, in virtually any culture or time period, represents benevolent spirituality. Angel tattoos sometimes take the form of innocent CHERUBS or righteous avengers, but most frequently they are illustrated as gentle guardians, guides, and personal protectors. The word itself comes from the Greek word for "messenger," and angels are most frequently described as intermediaries between the supernatural world and the world of mankind. In some religions, angels are ranked, categorized by specific characteristics, and even personally named (ARCHANGEL MICHAEL). But in general, their existence in these religious systems implies a belief in a certain spiritual order -- one in which humans have their place. Indeed, much of what angels do, even in tattoo symbolism, centers around their relationship to humans.
