At first glance, it would seem that the angel and the virgin represent the Christian faith, but both actually predate it. The virgin was known as Isis to the Egyptians, Myrrha to the Greeks and Juno to the Romans. In each incarnation she may be seen standing on the crescent moon with stars circling her head. The virgin, in whatever guise she reaches your dreams, is considered a symbol of good fortune. Pay attention to what she is holding in her hands.
If she carries a ray of sunlight, this represents spiritual progress.
If she carries a chalice of dew, this may be seen as encouragement to reform your ways, and if she is playing a lyre, this suggests a period of calmness and introspection.
Angels are another form of celestial messenger sent to guard over us. To imagine one appearing is, as with the virgin, a symbol of spiritual protection and inspiration.
If angels give you advice in a dream, what they tell you should always be taken very seriously. Nowadays, with a greater acceptance of the appearance of angelic figures, they are once again accepted as messengers of enlightenment.
If you are religious, visions of an angel in your dream may be taken as validation of belief, but if you are not religious, you can take solace in the thought that you have a spiritual protector watching over you. Another interpretation suggests that dreaming of an angel suggests you are searching for this unconditional love and support in waking life, and the dream is urging you to find these qualities within yourself.
See Also: Goddess entry in RELIGION.
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