CELESTIAL: Global study believed to be the first to reveal people’s belief in angels in addition to angelic experiences – and South Africa had the highest percentage of believers, followed closely by the United States, India and United Kingdom…

By WSAM Correspondent

A global study has revealed people’s belief in the existence of angels as well as the types of angelic encounters among believers.

It included 800 participants from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and India and found that 75% of its respondents reported a belief in angels. In addition, research showed that 36% of those who believe in angels also claim to have had experiences with these celestial beings, indicating that angelic occurrences are common.

Global study reveals 75% of its respondents believe in angels and of those, 36% claim to have had experiences with angels. The most common types of angelic encounters reported by participants were:

• Having vivid or recurring dreams that felt different than regular dreams (15.5%);
• Experiencing a strong sense to change action or direction (12.3%);
• Hearing one’s name called when no one was around (12.3%);
• Smelling scents that weren’t physically there, such as flowers or perfume (10.3%);
• Seeing repeating number patterns or sequences (10.3%);
• Seeing an animal or inset repeatedly, such as a butterfly, bird or other (7.6%);
• Hearing a song or seeing a quote repeatedly (7.2%); and
• Seeing sparkling lights or orbs (not due to a medical condition) (7.2%).:

Other types of reported angelic encounters included hearing high-pitched ringing (not due to a medical condition), seeing items regularly like coins or feathers, having a near-death experience (NDE) and an angel was present, doing automatic writing, seeing an angel face to face in human form, experiencing an angelic presence through other people, and feeling protected from a guardian angel.

“This study marks the first research conducted on people’s encounters with angels, including data on participants’ beliefs, experiences, and perceptions of these celestial beings,” said Dr Scott Guerin, co-author of Angels: A Guide To Understanding and Connecting With Angels. “The findings shed light on the nature of angelic encounters, provide a deeper understanding of this intriguing phenomenon, and emphasise the need for further research.”

Data also revealed that angelic encounters were not isolated incidents for most participants. While some people reported experiencing angels a few times over the years, many encountered them several times a year, and some even experienced angels on a weekly or monthly basis.

During these experiences, most respondents reported feeling peaceful, calm, and protected. Other physical sensations reported included body chills, tingling skin, twitching, a breeze, or a warm hug. It is worth noting that a small percentage of respondents felt frightened or confused during their encounters.

The statistical data collected in the study provides insights into the belief in angels across different regions with South Africa having the highest percentage of believers at 24.9%, followed closely by the United States at 24.7%. India and the United Kingdom also had significant percentages of believers, with 22.4% and 13.9% respectively.

The study also included respondents from the Philippines and Zimbabwe, though in smaller numbers. Participant demographics were evenly split between females and males, with the majority falling within the age range of 18 to 40 years.

“By providing a glimpse into the beliefs and experiences of people from various cultures and backgrounds it highlights the widespread belief in angels and the prevalence of personal encounters, opening the door to further exploration of angelic experiences overall,” concluded Nichole Bigley, co-author of Angels: A Guide To Understanding and Connecting With Angels.

Both conducted the study online through Testable (testable.org), which offered participants the opportunity to share their beliefs and encounters with angels.

Testable is known for its extensive participant pool of over 65 000 individuals from around the world. With a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, Testable facilitates research across various fields and provides valuable insights into human behaviour and beliefs.

The book shares the history of angels through religion, science, and psychology. Through true stories, data and insights, and expert tips, the book is an invaluable tool and guide for anyone interested in learning more about these divine beings as well as how to connect and communicate with them. For more information, visit lookingforangelsbook.com.

For more information on the study and its findings, please visit lookingforangelsbook.com. If you believe in angels and have had an experience, take the separate online poll.

SMALL BOOK PACKS awesome PUNCH

ORIENTATION: Compelling African tale about two family members whose lives experience upheavals triggered by gender stereotypes…

By Amanda Ngudle

This is the smallest book and yet one of the most colourful reads I have had the pleasure of reading in over 10 years.

It is also so simple, yet so compelling you will be left in awe, especially considering that the book was translated from Spanish. The author, a professor in the faculty of Literature and Social Science in the National University of the Equatorial Guinea, weaves a typical African tale of an orphan growing up with a longing to know her father whom everyone, especially her grandmother, remembers with disdain for having fathered a la bastarda.

As almost all teens sometimes do, Okomo yearns for him especially after she has been caught swimming against the tide by her grand parents. She knows her fate might as well be death for kissing a girl and falling in love with her because her own uncle has been banished from the village for always, cooking, cleaning and smiling.

But, more especially, his treason is refusing to give his cousin’s wife a baby as is his duty. But, because he is a “woman-man”, he chooses exile over carrying out what is expected of him.

Soon, Okomo follows him into the jungle because as a “man-woman” she would rather die than continue to make appearances by wearing makeup and growing her hair. Lucky for her, no one rapes her as atonement. And she does meet her dear father eventually and the ending is quite unexpected. Bravo to this new author for she has penned a book I would be very proud of.

Her introduction of characters and the homestead set-up with stories behind stories is something to learn from. There was absolutely no overkill with the cultural drama although there was a speech by a local politician who visited the village and basically was a bastard about it. The overkill was necessary according to me. It’s high time that writers use fiction to paint the truth as it comes to them. A beautiful book, through and through.

• La Bastarda by Trifonia Melibea Obono-Modjadji Books R220