Guardian Angel, Cocking Churchyard

It seems strange to me that there is a hierarchy in something like angels, but long ago I came across this concept:

Seraphim are the Highest order, followed by Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities or Rulers, Archangels and Angels.

The Guardian Angel, possibly the best known angel, apparently fits into the last category, an angelic being assigned to protect and guide the individual from the moment of birth until their last breath. It's a comforting thought for many and is not confined to one religion, indeed people who are not 'religious' in the formal sense [like myself] often still have a belief in a Guardian Angel.

I like the way this one is sheltering the stone as its counterpart must in life have sheltered the person buried there.

Today's blip is dedicated to anyone who will be missing someone dear to them this Christmas, and in particular to my friend Carole who died this week. We were at school together from age 5 - 16 years. And also to my old friend Elizabeth, who died 3 years ago this week, We had many interests in common and spent countless happy hours sorting out our various theories and passions. A long time ago she sent this verse about the Guardian Angel, which I have still, decorated with the bright flowers she loved.

Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path below me,
And be a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today, tonight and forever.


Today's highlight: being able to walk round the churchyard to take this photo - the back is mending:-))