Editing Archangel (section)

==Zoroastrianism==
{{See also|Amesha Spenta|Zoroastrianism}}
An increasing number of experts in anthropology, theology and philosophy believe that [[Zoroastrianism]] contains the earliest distillation of prehistoric belief in angels.<ref name="Boyce">{{cite book|author-link=Mary Boyce|last=Boyce|first=Mary|title=A History of Zoroastrianism Volume One: The Early Period|publisher=E. J. Brill|location=Leiden|date=1975}}</ref>

The [[Amesha Spentas]] ([[Avestan]]: Aməša Spəṇta, meaning "beneficent immortals")<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/20459/amesha-spenta |title=Encyclopædia Britannica, "amesha spenta" |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |access-date=2014-03-11 }}</ref> of Zoroastrianism are likened to archangels. They individually inhabit immortal bodies that operate in the physical world to protect, guide, and inspire humanity and the spirit world. The [[Avesta]] explains the origin and nature of archangels or Amesha Spentas.<ref name="Boyce"/>

To maintain equilibrium, Ahura Mazda engaged in the first act of creation, distinguishing his Holy Spirit Spenta Mainyu, the Archangel of righteousness. Ahura Mazda also distinguished from himself six more Amesha Spentas, who, along with Spenta Mainyu, aided in the creation of the physical universe. Then he oversaw the development of sixteen lands, each imbued with a unique cultural catalyst calculated to encourage the formation of distinct human populations. The Amesha Spentas were charged with protecting these holy lands and through their emanation, also believed to align each respective population in service to God.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/zor/sbe04/sbe0428.htm|chapter=Zend Avesta FARGARD XXII|page=199|first=Mary|last=Boyce|title=A History of Zoroastrianism Volume One: The Early Period|publisher=E. J. Brill|location=Leiden|orig-year=1975|year=1989|isbn=9004088474}}</ref>

The Amesha Spentas as attributes of God are:

# Spenta Mainyu ([[Middle Persian|Pahlavi]]:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avesta.org/zglos.html|title=Glossary and Standardized spelling of Zoroastrian terms|website=avesta.org|access-date=28 September 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303210840/http://www.avesta.org:80/zglos.html|archive-date=2000-03-03}}</ref> Spenamino): lit. "Bountiful Spirit"
# Asha Vahishta (Phl. Ardwahisht): lit. "Highest Truth"
# Vohu Mano (Phl. Vohuman): lit. "Righteous Mind"
# Khshathra Vairya (Phl. Shahrewar): lit. "Desirable Dominion"
# Spenta Armaiti (Phl. Spandarmad): lit. "Holy Devotion"
# Haurvatat (Phl. Hordad): lit. "Perfection or Health"
# Ameretat (Phl. Amurdad): lit. "Immortality"