As a Pagan priestess and a spiritual being having a human experience, and whether I prefer to call them spiritual guides, guardian angels, or simply angels, I do believe we all have these spiritual beings that are around us and are there to help us when we choose to ask for their help. There are many types and have many different functions. Some of these beings may have had a previous physical incarnation and others have never taken on a physical form (usually these are called angels). These beings may take many different forms from human-like to an animal form to a passed relative or friend. Some act as messengers, some act as protectors and guardians of an individual person or family. Some are more generic in function and service helping humans connect with the spiritual dimension and also to help with transporting the spiritual essence or soul of a person during a birth or during a death. Some of them help us by providing us with extra personal insight through our use of intuition and provide us with extra strength when we may need it in our lives. But the thing they all have in common is unconditional love. We can connect with them during our dreaming state in sleep, during meditation, during times of stress, during religious rites and ceremonies, and during our waking hours. We become more aware of them when we are in an altered state of consciousness. They may help us through visual means, through the quiet voice we may hear inside our head, during our dreams, or many other methods of divination. You may have one specific guide or several during your lifetime. Most of all, don't be afraid or hesitate to talk to them and ask them for help or guidance when you need it. This is what they are there to do. To help when asked. Most responses are subtle and may need interpretation or may not be what you expect, but you do receive responses. Be open to them and be aware of any and all possibilities. We all receive help, but not all of us choose not to hear it, especially if it isn't what we were hoping for. Angels and spirit guides are inter-dimensional beings linking the physical dimensions with the finer dimensions. Ask for an angel/spirit guide and you will receive one for they are here to serve. They have no ego - being a link with benign, benevolent and divine forces.
Angels and spirit guides are not the same as nature beings, for the latter have ego. A conscious being with ego is not an angel/spirit guide. It is the ego that harms - the weapon of the denser realms. Angels and spirit guides cannot harm. Angels and spirit guides are light, loving, delightful, light-hearted, gentle, sweet. They DO exist.
The American Military have scientifically trained persons using remote viewing as a technique to investigate other dimensions that co-exist with ours. The existence of other dimensions is not under question. All the teams of remote viewers in Military employment reported dimensions of those who had died - heaven/summerlands - and also dimensions in which they found loving, conscious beings which they "scientifically" termed " Midwayers". These "Midwayers" seemed to be what various religious and spiritual groups have called “Angels�? The "Midwayers" reported that their function was to assist humans. The big brass of the United States Army were somewhat thrown by these findings as "heaven/summerlands" and "angels/spirit guides" had not been on their agenda! The remote viewers were not religious or spiritual persons - simply Army personnel.
Sometimes it is difficult to feel constantly in tune with the divine (God/dess as we personally understand him/her) - especially in times of stress or pressure. Calling for the assistance of an Angel, visualizing the loving energy enfolding us, or protecting us, for some people, seems less remote - more personal, more possible.
When miracles happen around you, you will know your angels and spirit guides have logged you onto the Cosmic Internet so you can download love. These miracles will be noticed by you as "lucky breaks", coincidences, synchronizations of timing and personal moments of grace. Your angels and spiritual guides will leave traces of their work in every corner of your life.
When you choose to work with angels/spirit guides, you simply ask for one. Do this when you feel you have "lost" the God/dess of your understanding, or you feel cut off spiritually or deserted or not worthy in some way, or your life has become unmanageable. Order angels/spirit guides by the dozens if you like - one for every occasion. They will link you up once more to the God/dess of your understanding, the divine force of love - and THEY will be delighted!
http://www.moondragon.org/alternative/angelspiritguides.html