Angels and the Near-Death Experience

This site uses affiliate links to Amazon.com Books for which IANDS can earn an affiliate commission if you click on those links and make purchases through them.

1. Introduction to Angels and NDEs

People having near-death experiences (NDEs) often report encounters with radiant beings of love, guidance, and protection – often recognized as angels. These luminous beings appear in many forms: robed figures of light, winged messengers, spheres of energy, or beings with no fixed form whose essence radiates peace and compassion. While their appearance may vary by culture or faith, their purpose is universal – to comfort, guide, and assist the soul during its transition between worlds.

NDErs frequently describe these angels as beings who greet them upon death, escort them through tunnels of light, or stand beside them during the life review. Many report hearing their voices as music or feeling their presence as pure love. The encounter is so intimate and overwhelming that it transforms the NDEr’s understanding of reality, life, and God.

According to NDEr and NDE researcher, P.M.H. Atwater, over 70% of children’s NDEs involve angels. She says many adult NDEs claim this, more like 40% although adults often use terms like “light beings” or “bright ones” as if they were describing angels. In her research, Atwater found that angels, with or without wings, frequently play the role of the NDErs’ initial “greeter.”

2. Angels as Messengers of Love and Light

Angels are described as extensions of divine will – embodied frequencies of God’s love and intelligence. They do not judge but help the soul understand its choices and potential. In NDE testimonies, luminous angels are described as presences of love, peace, and intelligence, who provide heavenly messages, guide, comfort, and protect souls as they journey into the afterlife. While their form varies – sometimes winged, sometimes pure light, sometimes indistinguishable from the Being of Light itself – their essence remains constant: God’s love in action. In the presence of angels, fear dissolves, memory awakens, and the soul remembers its eternal home.

During Dr. Dianne Morrissey‘s life review, she felt as if God and the angels were honoring her for performing these deeds. Love and joy surrounded and ran through her. She felt as though she was being hugged by God. While reviewing this scene, Dianne was filled with indescribable feelings of love, which seemed to be directed at her from the angels.

Timothy P. met with angels who gave him an important message: “I went to Heaven through the tunnel and spoke with Angels that told me my work on Earth here is not complete and that I must go back. They told me that life is a mission that we must all complete before we can go to the Heavenly Kingdom.”

An angel also told Patty a similar message: “I saw an angel pass me. I was ready go to the light. Suddenly, the voices said, ‘It is not your time. Go back. I’ve got work for you to do.’ I went back.”

During actor Gary Busey’s NDE, he states that the balls of light surrounding him were angels; but they “didn’t appear in the form people see on Christmas cards. These angels floated around me and carried nothing but love and warmth – and this love is unconditional.”

In Dr. Raymond Moody and Paul Perry‘s 1988 book, The Light Beyond, they present the first case of a childhood NDE, a 9 year old boy was met on the Other Side by a group of angels whom he described as having no wings, glowing, and seeming to love him very much.

NDE researcher Nora Spurgin answers the question: Are angels different from spirits of people who have lived on Earth? Her answer is the following: “An angel is a spiritual being who lives in the spiritual realm and, yes, is different from the spirits of people who have lived on the Earth… The Bible and other scriptures speak of angels as spiritual beings who serve as messengers or helpers to men and women on the Earth. Without our spiritual senses, we are not aware of their daily presence in our lives. Have you heard of guardian angels? It is said that we all have at least two. The angels of God are beautiful, radiant beings of light, similar in form to humans, often beautifully clothed, with the ability to speak, act and fully communicate.”

3. Angels as Spirit Guides

Angels often escort the soul to higher realms, introducing them to deceased loved ones, Councils of Elders, or divine beings. They also accompany the soul back to the body when told it is “not your time.”

Each time Dr. Dianne Morrissey emerged from the tunnel, she was met by a radiant angelic being who stood before her, smiling: She says, “The angelic being was still there, waiting for me to truly decide about my life, waiting for me to decide about death, waiting for me to decide about my future.”

In Betty Eadie‘s 1992 book, Embraced by the Light, she describes angels who escorted her through realms of learning and love. Angels are often the first beings NDErs encounter after leaving their bodies. They stand at the threshold between worlds, radiating peace and reassurance. Her book is one of the most influential NDE autobiographies; detailed descriptions of angelic guides escorting her through heavenly realms: “Three angels stood beside my bed. Their presence filled the room with light, and I felt their joy pour into me like warm sunlight. I knew they had been with me all my life, guiding and watching over me… One angel told me he had been with me since my birth, that we all have guardians assigned to us.”

Edgar Cayce referred to angelic beings and planetary sojourns; later linked by researchers to NDE cosmology. In one instance, Cayce met the “Angel of Death.” While preparing to undergo one of his otherworldly journeys, Cayce lost consciousness and had a dream. Usually, he would travel through a tunnel toward the light. But in this instance, he met the so-called “Angel of Death”: “As I went out, I realized that I had contacted Death, as a personality, as an individual or as a being. Realizing this, I remarked to Death: ‘You are not as ordinarily pictured – with a black mask or hood, or as a skeleton, or like Father Time with the sickle. Instead, you are fair, rose-cheeked, robust – and you have a pair of shears or scissors.’ In fact, I had to look twice at the feet or limbs, or even at the body to see it take shape. He replied: ‘Yes, Death is not what many seem to think. It’s not the horrible thing which is often pictured. Just a change – just a visit.'”

Some ancient religions refer to angels and planetary sojourns. According to classical, medieval and renaissance Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and later Rosicrucian and Theosophist thought, the astral body is an intermediate body of light linking the soul to the physical body while the astral plane is an intermediate world of light between heaven and Earth, composed of invisible astral realms which are physically represented by the planets. These astral realms are believed to be populated by angels and spirits. These concepts agree with the cosmology revealed by Edgar Cayce.

Donna Gatti was escorted by angels during her NDE: “The farther up I went, the brighter the Light became. Two cherubs appeared, one on either side of me, and we slowly drifted to the corner of the ceiling. We communicated through mental telepathy, which is faster and more efficient than mere words. They told me they were Escort Angels and had come to take me Home.” Donna was given the following insight: “The world is changing. Soon, everybody will be in direct communication with his or her angels and guides.”

Sandra Rogers was led to the light by an angelic spirit guide: “During my NDE, I followed my angel guide into the light. The angel was absorbed by the light and so was I. While in the light I learned that everything in existence was created from the essence of God, the light.”

David Oakford received insights from spirit guides: “I could see many spirits leave Earth with guides and could see spirits returning to Earth without guides. The being told me that some of the spirits passing were the ones that were doing the work with humans on Earth. I could make out the type of spirits that were doing the work and the spirits that were coming to the great city [of light] to become replenished to eventually go back to Earth to experience and further evolve.”

Karen Schaeffer also received insights from spirit guides: “I was feeling lighter all the time. But wait… my son. I couldn’t leave my son! Babies need their mommies. I needed to be his mommy. I couldn’t let go. So much patience was shown to me – so much love. My guides explained that the feelings I was having were still a connection to my human side. Once my human-ness wore off, I would feel light as air, utter happiness, and extreme love… At a time when I felt the closest to accepting my death, I experienced a resurge of sorrow and pain, longing for my son, for my life. I couldn’t let go of my human life. My guides tried their hardest. They never gave up. They never became discouraged. It is unbelievable the amount of patience and love they exuded. Finally, my hysteria was calmed by a higher spirit who seemed to envelop me in love. My guides were instructed to allow me to return. Despite their pleas to allow them more time, they were told that at this point, my spirit would not rest. It was best to let me return, to settle my spirit, learn further lessons.”

Cassandra A. described her encounter with spirit guides: “I felt love and peace like I had never, ever felt before. Everything was the most beautiful golden light. I knew who I was with – they didn’t have faces but they had auras and I could feel their presence and could absolutely feel their love. I greeted them there and looked around in awe. I knew they were the spirit guides of the universe; I knew they created it.”

Wade R. described his encounter with spirit guides: “I met many beings. Some were new to me but others were from eternities before. The three spirit guides were with me most of the time. They came to me as if they were stars and then developed into those who I have known all my life.”

Tim V.Z. described his encounter with a spirit guide: “I wasn’t alone in this celestial passage. Beside me, there was a presence, gentle and reassuring. It was my spirit guide, a being who had journeyed with me throughout my life, offering guidance and protection in ways I had scarcely comprehended. In this timeless place of light and love, my spirit guide wordlessly conveyed a sense of purpose and guidance. We moved together through the tunnel of light, leaving behind the confines of the physical world and entering a realm of pure spiritual energy.”

David N. was taken to a heavenly temple by an angelic spirit guide: “From there the Angel took me to what I call ‘The Grand Building’ or ‘Grand TEMPLE.’ I am not sure of the name of this place, but it was brilliant white like a Palace. The Angel took me inside this building, which was amazing to see from the front. It had a large beautiful garden in the front with beautiful pond-lakes.”

In Dr. Raymond Moody‘s groundbreaking 1975 book, Life After Life and later works, he provides the earliest systematic documentation of “beings of light” and their angelic spirit guides in NDEs: “A being, sometimes accompanied by other luminous entities – identified as angels or guides – meets the person and helps him adjust to the new environment.” Dr. Moody’s foundational research recorded multiple cases where “angelic presences” or “spirit guides” appeared immediately after clinical death.

In Dr. Kenneth Ring‘s books, Heading Toward Omega (1985) and Lessons from the Light (2000), he explores angelic guides accompanying experiencers through the tunnel and life review.

IANDS‘ Journal of Near-Death Studies (1982–present) provides numerous peer-reviewed articles discussing “spirit guides” and “angelic presences” across decades of research.

In Dr. Craig Lundahl‘s 1992 article in the Journal of Near-Death Studies entitled “Angels in NDEs,” he identifies angels in NDEs and describe their functions in the NDE based on published NDE testimonies. He concludes that “angels are personages with whom the NDEr does not usually recall having previous acquaintance. Angels serve as guides, messengers, or escorts in the NDE.”

Also in Dr. Craig Lundahl‘s article, “Angels in NDEs,” he described an NDEr who had a life review where she saw her life before she was born when angels guided her from heaven to the Earth and to her body as a baby. During her NDE, she states, “I saw someone coming toward me, with many other people behind him. He was an angel who had come to get me. I don’t know who he was, but he was someone who had always helped me. We had been familiar with one another for a very long time, and it would have been ridiculous to make an introduction at this point.” In Dr. Lundahl’s commentary he suggests that the major task of this angel was to give the NDEr a message about her promises and commitments to do some work.

In Dr. Melvin Morse and Paul Perry‘s 1990 book, Closer to the Light, they described children who encountered angels in their NDEs, including Dean, who was guided to heaven by an angel or someone whom he described as about seven feet tall with golden hair and wearing a long white gown with a simple belt tied at the waist; and Kurt, a 7 year old who saw angels in his NDE.

NDE testimonies show that spirit guides are not far away from us. They are intimate companions committed to our free will, spiritual growth, and return to the Light. These NDEs suggest that their guidance is universal yet personalized. It can arrive as a whisper of intuition, a dream visitation, sudden moral clarity, or the right person at the right moment. Spiritual development continues on both sides of the veil; both teaching and learning, and roles rotate as we mature – student, helper, mentor – always in service of greater unity with Love. As Betty Eadie’s NDE underscores, our strength is found in our love: we recognize the Light within every person – including ourselves – and we act accordingly. If the NDE literature is telling us anything, it is that none of us is walking alone. We are accompanied – patiently, respectfully, lovingly – by spirit guides who work with, not over, our free will. Their message is steady and clear: Remember who you are, remember why you came, and let love be your teacher.

More information about Spirit Guides and NDEs.

4. Angels as Teachers of Spirit

In some NDE testimonies, angels show the NDEr scenes of their life or reveal universal truths about creation, love, and interconnectedness. Many NDErs find themselves in realms of learning where angels act as teachers, healers, and transmitters of divine wisdom.

Dannion Brinkley was instructed by thirteen beings – identified as angels – who revealed future world changes and personal lessons in love.

Mellen-Thomas Benedict met a “huge golden angel” representing his Higher Self: “The light came to me and turned into a huge golden angel. I said, ‘Are you the angel of death?’ It expressed to me that it was my oversoul, my Higher Self matrix, a super-ancient part of ourselves.”

May Eulitt received teachings from her spirit guides, “The guides taught us that doctrine and creed and race meant nothing. No matter what we believed we were all children joined under one God, and that the only rule was God’s true law – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We should treat all people as if they were a part of our soul because they are. All living things in the universe were connected to one another. They said that soon humanity would mature enough to assume a higher place in the universal scheme of things, but until then we must learn acceptance and tolerance and love for each other. They said there would come a new age when people would not be able to endure seeing others homeless and hungry. We would realize that only by helping each other could we truly help ourselves.”

Diego Valencia was taught by spirit guides: “The guides told me I was in the threshold of death… The guides that accompanied me were kind, tactful and very compliant, but impenetrable when certain questions were asked, and when they did, they answered with only a smile. The communication was by telepathy and they knew instantly what I was thinking, but their answers were essential, concise and certain. My guides were very calmed, unadorned and with a tender sense of humor.”

Betty Eadie‘s spirit guides taught her a valuable lesson concerning judging others: “The minute we judge others for their faults or shortcomings, we are displaying a similar shortcoming in ourselves. We don’t have the knowledge to judge people accurately here. As if to illustrate this principle for me, the heavens scrolled back, and I saw the Earth again. This time my vision focused on a street corner in a large city. There, I saw a man lying in a drunken stupor on the sidewalk near a building. One of my guides said, ‘What do you see?’ ‘Why, a drunken bum lying in his wallow,’ I said, not understanding why I had to see this. My guides became excited. They said, ‘Now we will show you who he really is.’ His spirit was revealed to me, and I saw a magnificent man, full of light. Love emanated from his being, and I understood that he was greatly admired in the heavens. This great being came to Earth as a teacher to help a friend that he had spiritually bonded with.”

Sylvia Browne learned how spirit guides teach us after death: “Once we have fully evaluated our lives, we are debriefed in an orientation process. This is when we discuss the lifetime previously lived and reviewed in the scanning machine. We meet with guides who are trained orientators who discuss ways of amending for previous mistakes. We receive help if we were unprepared for our crossing over into the spirit realm.”

David learned the following from a spirit guide: “Then he showed me a man in white calling him towards a tunnel. This was [my] spirit guide. He told me that death is a lie men tell themselves. We never truly die. You leave this Earth once you’ve learned all you can, and then you return to the spirit world.”

Elane Durham received visions of the future of the U.S. by an angel: “As the angel pointed in front of me a wide view of land and water opened up, so that at first I thought I was seeing two countries. Instantly it was made known to me that I as looking at a vastly changed portion of North America, which was completely divided by a large body of water, and which had lost a large part of both eastern and western shorelines. As I saw this I was given a total understanding of the natural and man-made disasters that would need to occur to make these changes, and I was informed that these might or might not come to pass according to our choices as a people – according to my choices as an individual.”

In P.M.H. Atwater’s NDE research, she describes how angels transform themselves to prevent NDErs from anxiety: “Similarly, in every case I have investigated, if the NDEr asked what appeared to be God or a light being or an angel if that was what that heavenly host really looked like, the image would immediately dissolve into a burst of radiant light. The individual would then be told that shapes familiar to him or her were used to quell fear and anxiety, that the reality of light worlds was beyond human comprehension.”

Across time, these NDE testimonies converge on a single revelation: angels embody divine intelligence made visible.

5. Angels as Helpers in Hellish Realms

Even in hellish or negative Void experiences, angels may appear as rescuers – radiating light into darkness and leading the soul toward safety. Souls trapped in despair or confusion often report being lifted from these lower realms by radiant beings after calling for help.

In Howard Storm‘s 2000 book, My Descent into Death, he describes being rescued from hell by beings of light identified as angels who guided him to the presence of Jesus Christ. Storm’s book also includes theological interpretation of angelic compassion: “Beings of light came rushing toward me. They surrounded me with warmth and love, lifting me away from the darkness. Later I understood them to be angels sent by God.” Howard Storm’s rescue from hell parallels numerous NDEs where angelic beings intervene in lower realms when the soul calls out in love or repentance. These guides often escort souls through the tunnel of light, explaining the nature of spiritual realms and helping them adjust to the expanded awareness of life beyond the body.

An 18th century NDE by Dr. George de Benneville described angels rescuing souls from hell showing hell’s temporary nature. Dr. George de Benneville died of a consumptive-like illness and revived 42 hours later at his wake. During his tour of heaven and hell, he saw angels taking people out of hell and into heaven when they repented.

Meister Eckhart (1260-1328 AD) was a German Catholic mystic who described angels helping people out of hell: “The only thing that burns in hell is the part of you that won’t let go of your life: your memories, your attachments. They burn them all away, but they’re not punishing you, they’re freeing your soul. If you’re frightened of dying and you’re holding on, you’ll see devils tearing your life away. If you’ve made your peace, then the devils are really angels freeing you from the Earth.”

In Nancy Evans Bush‘s 2012 book, Dancing Past the Dark, she describes being rescued from a hellish Void by a Being of Light. She found this theme is common among “distressing NDEs.” In her book, she includes case studies of angelic rescue in “dark” or hellish NDEs. She states, “Even in the most terrifying NDEs, subjects later recall a luminous figure – sometimes interpreted as an angel – appearing at the moment they surrender to divine love.” Bush’s research reframes angels as agents of transformation in the soul’s confrontation with what Carl Jung defined as the “Shadow” archetype. Her testimony echoes the mystical tradition of angels as beings whose essence is harmony. These rescues reflect an essential truth reported across testimonies: no soul is ever abandoned.

NDE researcher Nora Spurgin answers the question about “demonic angels“: “There is, therefore, evil and darkness in the spirit world. The darkness may be a result of ignorance and lack of understanding. Spiritual guides will enlighten willing souls and offer growth opportunities to lead the spirit into the light and warmth of higher realms. Some accounts inform us that ignorance of the need to seek growth may keep someone in a state of darkness for a long period of time.”

More information about Hell and the NDE.

6. Angels as Healers

Many NDErs recall angels healing their pain, fear, or trauma with light and music. Their presence restores emotional harmony and spiritual balance.

Linda G. saw angelic beings as souls helping with medical discoveries: “I also saw souls who I would called Angels or higher beings they were helping Earthlings with many problems even medical discoveries.”

During Dr. George Ritchie’s NDE, Jesus took Ritchie to another realm and is shown a kind of “receiving station” where souls would arrive in a deep hypnotic sleep because of a particular religious belief they held to be true. Here there were angels trying to arouse them and help them realize, “God is truly a God of the living and that they did not have to lie around sleeping until Gabriel or someone came along blowing on a horn.” These were the souls of people who believed they must sleep in their grave until the second coming of Christ – soul sleep.

During her NDE, Laura experienced a heated battle between the doctors who were trying to save her and the angels who were trying to bring her over to spirit. During the struggle, an angel finally said, ‘They’re stronger than we are,’ and Laura was sucked back into her body.

In Dr. Bruce Greyson‘s 2021 book, After: A Doctor Explores What NDEs Reveal about Life and Beyond, he provides case analyses of non-human beings of light consistent with angelic archetypes. He describes them as presences of healing, protection, and guidance: “Several patients reported that a luminous being they identified as an angel intervened to prevent their death or pain, acting as a barrier between them and suffering.” Dr. Greyson notes consistent clinical reports of protective presences even when no religious framework was held by the patient. Even NDErs with no prior religious belief describe angelic intervention as unmistakably real and benevolent.

In Dr. Kenneth Ring‘s article in Dr. Craig Lundahl‘s 1982 book, A Collection of Near-Death Research Readings, he cited the NDE of a man who came close to dying as a result of being ill during a tooth extraction, and took a trip to heaven where he saw angels. In Dr. Craig Lundahl’s article, “Angels in NDEs,” he described an NDEr who was healed by an angelic spirit guide. When told he must return to life, the NDEr replied, “Yes, but my lungs are gone.” The NDEr was told, “It is easy to grow new lungs in a man; if you will go your [spirit] guide will attend to this.” Upon return, his angelic guide touched the NDEr’s body. The NDEr stated, “[My] spirit entered my body at that instant, the blood commenced to circulate warmly through my veins, and in a few minutes I felt my lungs expanding.” When the NDEr asked the angel who he was, he answered that he was one of many guardian angels with the responsibility to bring the dead to the other world.

In Dr. Liz Dale’s research, she states that NDErs “can see God sending multitudes of angels to Earth to assist in answering all of the countless, millions of prayers being offered up at that single moment.”

7. Angels as a Heavenly Choir

NDErs describe vast hosts of angels – choirs or “armies” of light – whose harmonic singing fills the heavens. Their voices are said to produce colors, geometry, and living energy patterns.

Lynnclaire Dennis experienced a heavenly choir of angels: “And then I heard the MUSIC. It was a tone so sublimely perfect that remembering it still brings me to tears. I knew then, and know now, that I was hearing the symphony of angels, the song of the universe, what some have called the ‘Music of the Spheres‘. All thoughts melted in its melody and everything else ceased to be of any importance. I closed my eyes and began to dance, moving to the resonant vibration that coursed through my essence. The melody seemed to issue from a single point and was composed of one verse, a song whose mystical tone my entire being knew and sang. I bathed in its melody as utter joy filled my being, and as the sound washed over my spirit, I felt all confusion purged from my consciousness.”

Jan Price heard heavenly music during her NDE: “We’ve heard the expression ‘Music of the Spheres.’ I wasn’t sure what that meant until my visit to the Other Side. There I heard the music divine, sometimes sounding like chants of angels, playing in the background.”

Dr. Richard Eby experienced angelic music: “Music surrounded me. It came from all directions. Its harmonic beauty unlike earthly vocal or instrumental sounds was totally undistorted. It flowed unobtrusively like a glassy river, quietly worshipful, excitingly edifying, and totally comforting. It provided a reassuring type of comfort much like a protective blanket that whispered peace and love. I had never sensed anything like it. Perhaps angelic would describe it.”

When Betty Eadie agreed to return to life during her NDE, thousands of angels appeared and sang her farewell.

Dr. Eben Alexander experienced angelic choirs: “I was rescued by a slowly spinning clear white light associated with a musical melody, that served as a portal up into rich and ultrareal realms. The Gateway Valley was filled with many Earth-like and spiritual features… angelic choirs emanating chants and anthems that thundered through my awareness… The chants and hymns thundering down from those angelic choirs provided yet another portal to higher realms.”

During an anonymous gay man’s NDE, he described a heavenly choir of angels: “Then the light became even brighter, and suddenly there were angels everywhere, playing the most transcendentally beautiful music, and singing ‘Hosanna!’ and hymns of praise to God.”

Betty Malz heard angelic voices in chorus: “Then I realized I was not walking alone. To the left, and a little behind me, strode a tall, masculine-looking figure in a robe. I wondered if he were an angel and tried to see if he had wings. But he was facing me and I could not see his back… As we walked toward it, I heard voices. They were melodious, harmonious, blending in chorus… The voices not only burst forth in more than four parts, but they were in different languages.”

In Anita Moorjani‘s 2012 book, Dying to Be Me, she experienced enveloping presences of loving energy, interpreted as angelic. She describes immersion in a realm of loving, formless presences she later called angels: “I saw hosts of angels singing. Their song was light. The music had colors, and the colors had voices. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.”

In Jayne Smith’s NDE, she experienced a heavenly choir of angels whose music manifests as color and light: “I saw hosts of angels singing. Their song was light. The music had colors, and the colors had voices. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Tiffany Snow described hearing angelic music: “Then, just on the outside of my understanding, I faintly heard voices singing the most beautiful melody I had ever heard in my whole life. I felt a ‘knowing’ that these were the blessed voices of angels and those joined with God, and came from His Swirling Presence.”

In Dr. Kenneth Ring‘s books, Heading Toward Omega (1985) and Lessons from the Light (2000), he analyzed the archetypal symbolism of angelic beings, choirs of light, and harmonic realms. He interpreted these descriptions as glimpses into the harmonic order of higher dimensions – where light and sound merge into one unified vibration of divine intelligence. He writes: “A number of subjects described entering regions filled with harmonious sound and choirs of luminous beings – what they spontaneously identified as angelic choirs.” Dr. Ring links angelic music to NDE reports of “vibrational frequencies” where light and sound merge.”

Dr. Allen Kellehear describes the following NDE angelic choir: “This time we were audience to a choir of angels singing. Angels were totally outside my reality at the time, yet somehow I knew these beautiful beings to be angelic. They sang the most lovely and extraordinary music I had ever heard. They were identical, each equally beautiful.”

More information about Music and the NDE.

8. Angels as Guardian Angels

Some NDErs recognize these beings as personal guardian angels who have been with them throughout life, protecting them in times of danger and urging them toward spiritual growth. Guardian angels often appear with wings while angelic spirit guides do not have wings. Howard Storm, for example, saw “angels with wings of light” descending to help him after calling out to Jesus. Betty Eadie described her guardian angels as “winged beings of light whose wings shimmered with every color of the rainbow.” Dr. George Ritchie also reported radiant, winged presences during his guided tour of spiritual realms. Concerning wingless spirit guides, Mellen-Thomas Benedict and Dannion Brinkley both spoke of “guides of light” who had no wings.

Randy Gehling’s NDE began with an angelic encounter: “But then this beautiful angel appeared beside me. She was really pretty. She looked like a movie star with wings.” She said to Randy, “I would never leave your side. I have been with you ever since you were born. In fact, I was there at your mother’s side when you were born. I am your guardian angel.” Randy asked her what her name was. “We don’t have names in the manner that you mean,” she said, “but if it makes you feel better to call me something, you may call me, Areo (ah-ree-o).” Areo and Randy then entered the light and became one with it which he described as an explosion “in a nice way.”

During Betty Eadie’s NDE, three hooded monk-like beings appeared whom she identified to be her guardian angels. They told her that they have been with her for “eternities” and that she died prematurely. Eadie wrote: “One angel told me he had been with me since my birth, that we all have guardians assigned to us.” During her NDE, Eadie saw angels standing near human beings, waiting to assist them, rejoicing in their accomplishments and joys. She also saw angels rushing around answering the prayers of the living.

Sarah Powell experienced her guardian angel named George during an NDE. George was a tall man in a white suit and white top hat who spoke in a British accent. He told her, “I am going to be with you for a long time. I’ve known you all your life and I’ve been your guardian angel all of your life.” Sarah states, “I think everybody has their own personal guardian angel. It’s really amazing to think that there’s someone just for me – someone that God sent just for me. That’s what I always think whenever I feel down.”

Christian Andreason learned how many angels each one of us has: “As many as we need. Some need one, but I understand that most have two or even three. These angels mostly come in the form of guides. However, winged guardian angels are never far away and always have a watchful eye on us to make sure nothing prevents us from accomplishing our divine purpose… Our guides are what I call our wingless angels. They are our most cherished friends and supporters in heaven. They never leave our side.”

The Being of Light revealed itself to be Linda B.’s guardian angel – a divine messenger who had always been by her side, offering love, guidance, and support, serving as a link between her and God.

Dr. Alexander’s NDE is quite remarkable; especially because his NDE includes a veridical perception of his birth sister Betsy, who died before he discovered his birth family existed. After his NDE he received a photo of her and realized Betsy was the “guardian angel” who guided him through heaven.

During an anonymous gay man’s NDE, Jesus told the man that he will send “guardian angels” to aid the man in healing. When he woke from his NDE, there were two gay men helping the man.

Christian Andreason witnessed angels in heaven: “Angels were everywhere, however; though angels are very important to my mission, they were not always the focal point of my experience. Of course, the ones with wings were always somewhere in the background, watching and lovingly serving in any way they possibly could. One of my greatest memories was when I found myself standing in the highest heaven, in the area I know to be the Throne Room. As I looked up, I saw the most awesome celestial event of dark purple and blue. I also saw thousands of angels with many eyes and wings shining through and looking down on me. These beings were interconnected and formed a gigantic circle and I knew that they were of great importance to God. I saw these beings as the keepers and guardians of all knowledge. These beings were gigantic and I had a knowing that they could instantly evaporate anything (that has been formed from fear and darkness) with a single thought. But as they looked upon me, I felt such tenderness, compassion, safety and LOVE. Their greatest concern was always for my happiness and that I be pleased with what I was being told and shown.”

During his NDE, Rev. Howard Pittman saw human souls on their way to heaven through the tunnel. Each of these souls had at least one guardian angel while some others had a whole host of angels with them. The angels told Pittman that all who enter the third heaven must remain there until brought back to Earth by Christ himself.”

During Berkley Carter Mills’ NDE, he looked up, there were two angels replete with robes, wings, bare feet, and streaming hair – no color but opaque white – and no particular gender. When asked what’s going on, they answered, “We’ve come to take you to God.”

The 18th century NDEr Dr. George de Benneville described his guardian angels: “In this place I found that I had two guardians, one at my right hand and the other at my left, exceeding beautiful beyond expression, whose boundless friendship and love seemed to penetrate through all my inward parts… They had wings and resembled angels, having shining bodies and white garments.”

Denny B. was helped by guardian angels: “[Guardian angels] helped me across a long white bridge. To my left about halfway across the bridge was a large city made of light. The colors were silver blue, white, and silver. It looked like crystal light.”

During Chris B.’s suicide-related NDE, he found himself suspended in midair, flanked by two guardian angels radiating peace. In that moment, he knew with certainty that the afterlife was real and felt the overwhelming presence of God’s love. God communicated a single, powerful message: He loves everyone – unconditionally. There was no doctrine, only love. Before sending Chris back, God emphasized His deep patience and desire for no soul to be lost. Chris returned profoundly changed, carrying a message of divine love, mercy, and long-suffering.

In Dr. Craig Lundahl‘s 1982 book, A Collection of Near-Death Research Readings, he cited the NDE of a man who recognized his guardian angel: “My spirit left the body, and I could see it lying under the derrick, and at that moment my guardian angel, my mother, and my sister Ann were beside me. My mother died January 31, 1918, and my sister at the age of four years.” In Dr. Craig Lundahl’s 1992 article in the Journal of Near-Death Studies entitled “Angels in NDEs,” he describes an NDEr who saw his guardian angel after leaving his body. When he asked the angel who he was, the angel replied, “I am your guardian angel; I have been following you constantly while on Earth.” When the NDEr asked the angel what he was going to do now, the angel replied, “I am to report your presence, and you will remain here until I return.” Upon returning, the angel informed him that they should wait there because his deceased sister desired to see him, but she was busy just at that time.

In Dr. Melvin Morse and Paul Perry‘s 1990 book, Closer to the Light, they describe an NDE of Katie, a 9 year-old girl, met her “guardian angel” named Elizabeth who entered a tunnel that opened. Katie described the angel as tall and nice with bright, golden hair. The angel accompanied Katie up the tunnel, where she saw deceased loved ones. Later in her NDE, the angel took Katie to meet God and Jesus. In Dr. Melvin Morse’s 1994 book, Parting Visions, he describes the following angel encounter with another doctor named Dr. Frank Oski. Morse stated, “In my own research I have found angels to be an integral part of visions of all kinds. At least 50 percent of the children in my studies see ‘guardian angels’ as a part of their NDE. I have also found that guardian angels lend their help at other times of crisis, when a person needs answers to bolster his or her flagging spirit.” Dr. Frank Oski, a professor of pediatrics under whom Dr. Morse trained at Johns Hopkins University, described his encounter. Dr. Oski was frustrated by the fact that children die of congenital defects that are beyond anyone’s control. One night Dr. Oski went to bed pondering the fate of a dying child. Although he was doing his best, the child was not improving. About an hour after falling asleep, Dr. Oski was awakened by a bright light, one that shone in his room like a private sun. Dr. Oski could make out the form of a woman in the glow of the intense light. She had wings on her back and was approximately twenty years old.

Dr. Oski stated: “The angel (I don’t know what else to call her) said that life is an endless cycle of improvements and that humans are not perfect yet. She said that most people have this secret revealed to them when they die, but that handicapped children often know this and endure their problems without complaining because they know that their burdens will pass. Some of these children, she said, have even been given the challenge of teaching the rest of us how to love. It stretches our own humanity to love a child who is less than perfect,” said the angel. “And that is an important lesson for us.”

9. Angels as Archangels

In Judaism, the oldest text coming from the Book of Enoch, the highest ranking angels such as Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel, are usually referred to as archangels. Archangels are the second-lowest rank of angel in the Catholic hierarchy of angels.

During Dr. Rajiv Parti’s NDE, he recognized the archangels Michael and Raphael as guides. They moved Dr. Parti out of the hellish realm and into successively cleaner, brighter spaces. They framed what he is about to see so he understands it as instruction, not punishment.

Lou Famoso met archangels during his NDE: “As I looked at the two gigantic, magnificent beings dressed in Brilliant capes just off to It’s side, IT said, ‘That is Michael and Gabriel. Michael has chosen you as his and Gabriel shall teach you the ways.” The Archangel Micheal revealed to Lou Famoso the life on other planets: “I watched as millions of orbs systematically entered the many planets before me. They appeared as bees flitting from flower to flower, pollinating each, one after another. [Archangel] Michael took me closer and I could now see that so many of these planets had life on them.” Famoso’s encounter with the Being of Light and the archangels Michael and Gabriel included visions of the future concerning the constellation of Orion. The archangel Gabriel told Famoso to look to the constellation of Orion as a “sign” to know when the new world will come upon them. Famoso learned that Michael’s role is to choose souls to be soldiers for God. Gabriel teaches souls the ways of the soldier for God. Gabriel told Famoso of future Earth changes and a “rapture-like” event happening before it: “All will be lifted. Some will be lifted higher then others and no longer enjoy the physical plane, while some will be left on the Earth to replenish and rebuild the physical. They too will be of a higher elevation then any that are living there now!”

In Dannion Brinkley‘s 1994 book, Saved by the Light, he reports meeting thirteen radiant beings of light who function like archangels delivering universal instruction and communicating through colored light: “Thirteen beings of light stood around me. They looked like angels, powerful and magnificent. They didn’t have wings, yet their light shimmered with colors I’d never seen before.” Brinkley’s description aligns with archetypal “orders of angels,” communicating telepathically and transmitting visions of universal compassion: “Each of the beings taught me lessons about love, service, and human destiny. Their presence was electrifying yet gentle beyond words.”

Ned Dougherty was told by the Archangel Michael, “Every act of destruction of God’s environment on Earth multiplies into destructive forces of nature – earthquakes, floods, pestilence, nuclear destruction and nuclear waste.” According to the archangel Michael, God’s “army of angels” is visiting humanity with a life force of energy, a spiritual energy radiated by the Creator to all humanity.

Jennifer B. saw the Being of Light to be the Archangel Michael: Jennifer saw a massive, radiant Being of Light speeding toward her and instantly recognized it as Archangel Michael. His powerful energy pulled her out of both her body and the car.

10. Angels as Beings of Light

There are many “Beings of Light” appearing in NDEs. The Bible declares that God is light (1 John 1:5). People in the higher spirit realms emanate this light that is God. A “Being of Light” in NDEs can be literally anyone: an angel, Jesus, Buddha, the Hindu god of death, or even a deceased loved one for example. It usually depends on the person’s religious and cultural background. NDEs reveal that God’s light is manifested within everything in the spirit realm. Whether seen as an angel or a projection of consciousness, the Being of Light remains a cornerstone of NDE testimonies, raising questions about the nature of life, death, and what lies beyond that science and spirituality continue to explore. Many NDErs describe angels as radiant presences composed entirely of light. They emanate colors beyond earthly comprehension – gold, white, violet, or blue – and communicate telepathically through waves of love.

Sandi T. asked the Being of Light what it was. The Being replied that she could call it whatever felt right – names like “angel,” “guide,” or “God” were common but merely reflected personal beliefs.

Mellen-Thomas Benedict encountered angelic intelligences as part of a collective light consciousness: “I met beings of light – angels in every sense – who showed me that all life is connected through luminous networks of consciousness.” Benedict interprets angels as manifestations of cosmic intelligence rather than separate personalities.

In Anita Moorjani‘s 2012 book, Dying to Be Me, she describes meeting “beings of light”: “I felt myself surrounded by beings of light. I knew they were watching over me with immense love – angels, perhaps, though they had no human shape.” Anita Moorjani’s description points to formless angelic intelligences beyond anthropomorphic imagery.

During Natacha P.’s NDE, she saw the Being of Light transform into an angelic being: Natacha sensed a Being of Light and asked, “Are you my guardian angel?” To her amazement, the Being transformed into a radiant, indescribably beautiful angel, its wings lifted skyward and gaze filled with pure love, embodying divine perfection.

Francis McG. encountered an angelic Being of Light who identified as “the light”: Francis encountered a radiant Being of Light with an angelic presence. When asked if it was God, the Being replied, “No, follow me.” Bathed in love and kindness, he asked if the Being was Jesus, Buddha, or Mohammed. The Being answered, “I am the light.”

Katrina believed the Being of Light to be an angel. She described encountering a Being of Light that appeared pure white and stood approximately eight to nine feet tall. In the presence of this radiant figure, Katrina experienced a profound sense of peace and love. She believed that this luminous presence was an angel.

An angel revealed itself to Laurie L. as a Being of Light: “One of the three angels revealed himself as a Being of Light that had known my soul since I was created and would continue to be with me for eternity.”

Jamie N. described the Being of Light as a male angel: Jamie recalled meeting a radiant, male angelic Being of Light who calmly assured him that he would survive the crisis and go on to live a long, pleasant life.

Renate encountered a radiant Being of Light, likely angelic, standing at the end of a tunnel. With a defined, beautiful face and a robe of shimmering white light, the Being radiated love, kindness, wisdom, and an all-powerful presence. Renate felt deep awe and a joyful recognition, as if reunited with someone who had known her forever.

May Eulitt and her two companions, James and Rashad, where all struck by lightning and experienced a “Group NDE.” When a Being of Light appeared before them, Eulitt reports: “A pure white being began to materialize. I saw an angel with a strong, bright face, but not like you’d usually imagine. She was closer to a strong, Viking Valkyrie. I knew she was the special angel that watches over the women of my family, and I perceived her name to be Hellena. James saw this same being as his late father, a career Naval officer, in a white dress uniform. Rashad perceived the being to be the Enlightened One, or Buddha.”

In Dr. Raymond Moody‘s 1975 book, Life After Life, he describes angels as “beings of light.” He writes that the Being of Light is the most incredible common element in the NDErs he studied. However, he stated that the identification of these beings seemed to vary with the NDEr’s religious background. For example, Moody stated, a Jewish person might identify the Being of Light as an angel, whereas a Christian person might identify the being as Jesus.

In Dr. Jeffrey Long and Paul Perry’s 2010 book, Evidence of the Afterlife, they provide a statistical compilation of thousands of NDEs, with sections on beings of light and angelic presences.

In Mark Fox’s 2003 book, Religion, Spirituality, and the NDE, he provides an academic analysis of religious imagery in NDEs, including appearances of angelic or beings of light.

IANDS‘ Journal of Near-Death Studies (1982–present) provides numerous peer-reviewed articles discussing “beings of light” and “angelic presences” across decades of research.=

More information about the Being of Light as an angel.

11. Angels in the Bible

In the Hebrew Bible and the Christian New Testament as well as in much of the religious literature outside the Judeo-Christian tradition, angels played important roles and ministered to many people. In the Bible, the archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she was pregnant with Jesus. Among the many angels in Judaism, one is believed to have brought the traditional mourning prayer, the Kaddish, to Earth from heaven.

Angels in the Hebrew Bible

In the Book of Genesis (Genesis 28:12), Jacob had a dream of a heavenly “stairway” on the Earth which extended into heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. Jacob’s description of this stairway could be a crude description of the NDE tunnel.

In the Bible, the “Angel of the Lord” (in Hebrew “Messenger of Yahweh”) is an entity appearing 65 times in the Old Testament on behalf of God (Yahweh). In some instances it is made clear that the reference is to an appearance of Yahweh himself rather than a separate entity acting on his behalf. The Angel of the Lord is identified by the early Church Fathers, such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian, as the pre-incarnate Christ whose appearance is recorded in the Old Testament. Zechariah’s prophecy suggests it will be a reincarnation of the “house of David” (David himself) – the Angel of the Lord (Jesus), the one who was pierced, who will save Israel in the latter days.

In the Hebrew Bible, Melchizedek is mentioned as an angelic being “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God” (Hebrews 7:3). the “king of Salem” and “priest of the most high God” who shares bread and wine with Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20. He is also mentioned both in the Dead Sea Scrolls (11QMelch) and the Melchizedek in the Nag Hammadi codex where he appears as a cosmic angelic figure. Edgar Cayce revealed Melchizedek to be a past life of Jesus Christ. Some early Christians, most notably Origen (184–253 AD), believed Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ – a divine manifestation foreshadowing Jesus’ eternal priesthood. Origen mentions this is his “Homilies on Genesis and Exodus.”

The Book of Genesis describes angels in the Sodom and Gomorrah story. Historically, the Sodom and Gomorrah story has instead been misinterpreted by the Church as God’s judgment and punishment of homosexuals specifically because of this misinterpretation of scripture – that the men of Sodom wanted to rape the stranger-angels who were visiting Lot. So the Hebrew prophets condemned Sodom, not for homosexuality, but because of their “lack of charity” towards the angels of whom the men of Sodom believed were visiting strangers.

The Hebrew prophets, Ezekiel and Isaiah, had prophetic visions of an angelic chariot and divine throne.

The pseudepigraphal “Book of Enoch” describes the fall of the angelic “Watchers” into materiality and Enoch’s heavenly sojourns as well as his transfiguration into the angel Metatron. It is revealed to him the future up to the time of the Messiah as well. Enoch also learns about the hierarchy of the angelic realm and the divine “throne-chariot” of Ezekiel. The Book of Enoch introduces a messianic figure referred to as the “Son of Man.” In the New Testament, Enoch is mentioned in Hebrews 11:5 and Jude 14-15. The passage in Jude quotes directly from the Book of Enoch which shows the author of the Epistle of Jude, the brother of Jesus, considered the Book of Enoch to be sacred scripture.

In Jewish Kabbalah mysticism, God’s entire creation is composed of 10 emanations of Light from the 10 utterances of God “Let there be” to create the world by the perfect order of 10 along with a hierarchy of 10 angelic realms and the law of the 10 commandments.

Angels in the Christian New Testament

There are Bible verses which specifically refers to human beings as angels and vice versa: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2). In the Book of Acts, Peter “knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, ‘Peter is at the door!’ ‘You’re out of your mind,’ they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, ‘It must be his angel.‘” (Acts 12:13-15). In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these [children]. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10). In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus equates human souls with angels: “Those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.” (Luke 20:27-38) In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul mentions that human beings will “judge angels.” (1 Corinthians 6:1-3). Because the NDE life review reveals people judge themselves, rather than God or Jesus judging people, Paul’s reference of people judging themselves as “angels” is true. This supports the early Christian Gnostic cosmology of humans as spirit beings who fell from heaven as angels before the creation of the universe who are imprisoned in flesh and in lower afterlife realms who are subjected to reincarnation with the goal of attaining the highest heaven and oneness with God as it was in the beginning.

Concerning the biblical concept of Satan as a fallen angel, the NDEr Arthur Yensen explains, “There is no devil. But if there is one, he would have to be an insane angel who was crazy enough to fight with God, which would be as futile as for us to try to stop the sunrise. The devil is a mythological character invented by humans and used for a scapegoat. Grown people with immature minds like to blame the devil for their misdeeds instead of acting like people and taking the blame themselves. However, there may be earthbound spirits of low vibrations, whom we may regard as devils because they annoy us through mental telepathy. These demons tune in on us through our low vibrations of hate, fear and greed. They can be tuned out with unselfish love, or if necessary be chased away by the stronger spirit of Jesus Christ.”

In the Book of Revelation, the “fall of the angels” from heaven to Earth is described: “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the Earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9). Edgar Cayce revealed “fallen angels” were human souls who left heaven for Earth in the beginning. He mentioned that “Satan” was “a force” rather than a single individual entity or angel. Cayce revealed how the human body descended from apes, the human mind was created with the stars, and the human spirit existed before the universe began as the Biblical fallen angels who became “imprisoned” in bodies of flesh.

The Christian Gnostic gospel, the Apocalypse of Paul, describes the Apostle Paul‘s NDE where he witnessed the judgment and punishment of a soul who murdered three people. Paul saw angels whipping the murderer. Paul wondered what sin he has committed. The ‘gatekeeper’ brings forth three of his murder victims. The soul was then cast down to the world to be reincarnated.

Concerning “demonic angels,” the Bible and NDEs describe spirit entities who can best be described as horrible. NDErs have seen such entities with grotesque bodies having such features as rotting flesh, melting faces, or a dark countenance with very unpleasant personalities. It is generally assumed by NDErs that these entities were once human beings. These souls can be encountered in the hell realms. Earthbound souls haunting the living have been mistaken for “demons“. However, God has not abandoned these souls according to many NDEs. Rather, their condition is a temporary one caused by their refusal to enter into the Light because of the fear their “darkness” will be revealed (John 3:19-21). God has a plan for every one of these miserable souls to attain liberation. Eventually, all souls will eventually see the light and progress higher. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, God allows such souls to have the spiritual “time-out” they desire as long as necessary.

12. Angels in Other Cultures and Religions

Zoroastrianism’s Angelic Influence on Other Religions

The Zoroastrian religion is the origin of religious concepts such as the Resurrection of the Dead, the belief in angels including that of Satan, the afterlife, rewards and punishments, the soul’s immortality, and the Last Judgment.

Dr. Ken Vincent describes Zoroastrianism’s origin of angelic beings: “In the religion of the Magi, the Archangels, called the “Bounteous Immortals” – are very powerful… Interestingly, half are male and half are female. They were created by God and with the angels serve as a link of communication between humanity and God. Additionally, they are manifestations of the characteristics present in men and women of good will – those that each of us needs to integrate into our lives in order to serve God. For instance, good men and women manifest the characteristics of the Archangel of the ‘Good Mind,’ while evil people are beset with the ‘Evil Mind.’ Some scholars maintain that Zoroaster’s original conception was that of highly abstract Archangels which represent mere aspects of God. Tradition and, more importantly, followers of the modern Zoroastrian religion interpret them literally as Archangels. The Magi also believed that there were ‘Earth Angels’ of which the prophet Zoroaster was one. [There are] parallels between the Christian angel Michael and the Zoroastrian angel Mithra, as well as between the Christian angel Gabriel and the Zoroastrian angel Sraosha.”

Emanuel Swedenborg’s Angel Testimony

Emanuel Swedenborg‘s early mystical experiences parallels modern NDE descriptions of radiant angelic guides. So much so, that Dr. Raymond Moody devotes an entire chapter defining these parallels in his groundbreaking 1975 book “Life After Life.”

In Emanuel Swedenborg’s 1758 book, Heaven and Hell, he presents an early systematic description of angelic hierarchies encountered in out-of-body states, often cited by modern researchers for its parallels with NDE reports: “Angels are human beings who have received divine truth more fully; they radiate light because light and wisdom are one.” Swedenborg also wrote, “Every single spirit who is raised into heaven and becomes an angel is taken to the community where his or her desire is, and once there they are where they belong, so to speak – as though they were at home, where they were born. An angel senses this and makes close friends with others like themselves.”

According to Swedenborg, “The third stage of the soul after death is a state of instruction. This stage is for people who are entering heaven and in the process of becoming angels… They are dressed in angelic clothes – most of which are white as though made of linen. Once dressed, they are brought to a path that heads up toward heaven and are committed to angel guardians there. Then they are accepted by other angels and introduced into communities where there are many forms of happiness.” Also according to Swedenborg, “People who are thinking about divine matters while they are active on Earth are in touch with angels of heaven. It is a life of love, a life of behaving honestly and fairly in every task, that leads to a heavenly life. This life is not hard.”

Swedenborg’s revelation of humans as angels agrees with the revelations of Edgar Cayce that the human soul was once an angel that “fell” from heaven before the universe was created giving rise to the biblical legend of the “fall of the angels.”

Angels in Islam

According to the Islamic legend called “Miraj,” the Prophet Muhammad had an experience with the archangel Gabriel. Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven to visit the seven heavens; and, in some accounts, the fires of hell, in the company of the archangel Gabriel. Islamic sources state this happened “in the spirit,” his body remaining behind. In this legend, Muhammad is prepared for his meeting with God by the archangels Jibril and Mikail one evening while he is asleep.

A 21-year old Muslim woman encountered an angel during her NDE: “I became a pure, white, transparent spirit, ascending towards heaven. All around me were other intense white lights. The lights seemed to serve as a barrier between me and God. I was accompanied by a luminous angel at my side. There was strong light everywhere around me as well as light coming from behind God.”

Angelic Beings in Eastern Religions

While Western NDErs may call them “angels,” similar beings appear in other spiritual traditions: In Dr. Janice Holden et al’s 2009 book, The Handbook of Near-Death Experiences, they summarize consistent descriptions of “luminous helpers or messengers” across Christian, Hindu, and Indigenous reports consistent with angelic descriptions. These beings share the angelic traits of love, light, and guidance.

Sandra Rogers learned about angels in other faiths: “The gods of one faith are the angels, saints, or supernatural beings of other faiths” and that “angels only need to be asked to intervene in your life.”

According to Dr. Ken Vincent’s research: “It is important to realize that the angels, saints, and jinn of the West are the “gods” of the East because they perform the same functions.”

In Carol Zaleski‘s 1987 book, Otherworld Journeys, she provides a historical analysis of angelic figures and psychopomps in medieval Catholic visionary literature compared to modern NDEs.

In Dr. Allan Kellehear‘s 1996 book, Experiences Near Death, he discusses cultural interpretations of angelic and guiding spirits across societies.

In Hinduism, the devas – literally “shining ones” are celestial beings of light who serve as divine intermediaries between the Supreme Reality (Brahman) and the material world, much like angels in Western religious traditions. Each deva embodies a particular aspect of cosmic order and divine intelligence – such as Indra (lord of the heavens), Agni (fire), Varuna (cosmic law), and Surya (sun) – guiding both the natural forces of creation and the moral evolution of souls. Just as angels act as messengers and guardians of divine will in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, devas in Hindu cosmology sustain universal harmony (dharma), assist humans in their spiritual progress, and participate in the eternal struggle between light and ignorance. Though they are radiant and powerful, devas are not ultimate gods but beings on higher planes of consciousness – spiritual helpers who reflect divine light rather than originate it.

In Mahāyāna Buddhism, a “bodhisattva” refers to anyone who has generated a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings performing roles similar to Western “angels.” Spiritually advanced bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, and Manjushri are also widely venerated across the Mahāyāna Buddhist world and are believed to possess great magical power, which they employ to help all living beings.

This universality of angelic beings in major religions suggests that they are manifestations of divine consciousness transcending any single religion. In every religion, these angelic beings express the same qualities: love, wisdom, and service to the divine plan.

13. Angels and Their Transformative Aftereffects

Encounters with angels leave NDErs profoundly changed. Common aftereffects include:

Increased love and empathy
A sense of divine protection in everyday life
A sense of divine purpose or mission
Loss of fear of death
Heightened intuition and a desire to serve others
Ongoing communication or awareness of angelic presences

Many NDErs return with the conviction that angels accompany every soul, visible or invisible, throughout life. Many are convinced that angels walk among us, unseen but ever attentive, working through people.

As Dr. Raymond Moody first recorded in his 1975 book, Life After Life, “a being, sometimes accompanied by other luminous entities, identified as angels or guides, meets the person and helps him adjust to the new environment.” Modern research confirms that these encounters are among the most transformative elements of the NDE.

In Dr. Kenneth Ring and Evelyn Elsaesser Valarino‘s 2000 book, Lessons from the Light, they examine the psychological and spiritual transformation after encounters with angelic beings.

More information about Aftereffects and the NDE.

14. Conclusion: Angels as Eternal Companions of the Soul

NDE testimonies of angels reaffirm the ancient belief that unseen helpers stand beside us throughout our life and after death. They appear as radiant beings of light, harmonic choirs, and inner voices of love and comfort. They remind us that God’s love is always present and that God is guiding humanity home through light, love, and remembrance of our heavenly origins. NDE testimonies reveal angels as beings of radiant love whose role is to guide, teach, protect, and enlighten the soul. Their message is the same: You are loved, you are not alone, and life continues after death. They tell us that humans need to awaken to their own angelic potential – to love, to serve, and to bring heaven into the world.