Working With Angels, First steps... Options

I am assuming that this is the right section to post in, but if it is not, could it please be moved by a moderator.

To put this thread simply, I want to know the first steps I can take in order to begin working with angels.

I recently read an article in a local magazine about a man who claimed to have a long, in depth conversation with his guardian angel which he nicknamed Theo (IMG:style_emoticons/default/13.gif) . This man said that he communicated with "Theo" through what he calls "Active meditation".

There is a link to an online version of this article here:http://www.antesianprayerteam.org/faq/faq.htm

Now this is all well and good, but I would prefer a much more ritual based, or another way other then meditation. Meditation fails for me when I try to meditate with intent on doing something, i.e. in this case meditating to communicate with my guardian angel would result in me not switching off because I'm thinking about my task too much.

It's not just my guardian angel I would like to talk with, I wish to be able to communicate with any and all angels.

I'm guessing one of the ways to do so is to perform a summoning ritual of some sort to call forth an angel.

If anyone has a link for me or simple exercises that would be helpful.
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Lastly I want to sort fact from fiction.
1) I read here on one of the forums in a thread about demons that angels can be as vicious as demons if not treated with respect. Would performing a summoning ritual be considered disrespectful?

2) Would I need to work on my clairvoyance abilities and other astral senses to be able to see, hear and talk with said spirits? Or are these only needed for when I visit the astral plane?

Thanks guys.
Dgd

Not to encourage you into an enourmous world of potential conflict and contridiction, but . . .

There are some excellent books about this kind of work; Lon Milo Duquette is one. You might want to, for breadth and insight opportunities, check the Keys of Solomon (greater and lesser) as well as Abramelin. Though mideveal ceremonial purist works, they are much of the base for all modern work. Bardon is worthwhile too.

As Nero suggested, I might push further. Make your approach all (or very) inclusive. Write to your selected angel, write about him/her. Dedicate your important actions (eating, bathing, work. . . . ) to them in your preparatory meditations. Make them important in that period of your life. Make contacting them the point of something important for you, not just to see if they will really "appear".
Like Altpath indicated, don't expect there to be thunder and disco-lights and then a giant birdman-liking guy in front of you. Some of us take weeks and months to have a single conversation through syncronicities and life-movements. Expect the longer you work with a particular angel (and angels or any entities in general) you will develop more concise and conversational abilities . . . like pendulum or I-Ching . . . some can produce full manifestation that can provide "verbal" interaction.

Patience and practice are key . . . IMO

This post has been edited by palindroem: Oct 2 2007, 12:43 PM

I have had some success in working with Enochian angels. They are indeed like blind forces but those mainly are the lower or minor angels. The higher ones respond successfully if you are specific with 1. Direction 2. Evocation 3. Command 4. Dismissal
Attention must be given to that route so that they are aware that you are in control and have your wits about you. Otherwise they can become rather menacing.

But Nero is right to suggest that you stick to the Archs as they are more benevolent and rewarding, but again be aware of the corectness of your approach and demeanor. Try and get rest before working with them as their presence is very intense. I am surprised that Raphael was recalcatrant, but it is my Arch and so I am used to its presence without summonsing.