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Two of my primary focuses of study in occult knowledge and magical theory are angelology and demonology. I think it is especially important to establish strong foundations in these areas, since angels and demons area very popular today but with little consistency in identifying and describing exactly who and what these beings are. Furthermore, outside an orthodox Christian understanding of these beings, there is hardly any notion of the functional and ontological (referring to being or existence) differences between them that I have seen, which are what I will attempt to discuss here.

First, the theoretical differences must be established. The word "angel" means "messenger." Now, not all angels function as messengers, but this is the function by which they are most often identified in the Scriptures and in Tradition. It is also appropriate to call them messengers because they by and large act as those who go in-between God and humanity. They are also servants, as the author of Hebrews says: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 ESV). As for demons, they are often described as being of the same substance as angels. Hence, why demons are sometimes referred to as fallen angels. If you work within a Christian framework, the Pagan deities are demonic entities (for example, see 1 Corinthians 10:19-21).

Now regarding at the functional differences between them, I think we can get a good idea of these differences when we look at the invocation of these beings (for example, in prayer to them). When we pray to angels, they will often lift your prayers up to God, as is seen in the book of Revelation: "and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel" (Revelation 8:4 ESV). Also, they will answer your prayers according to the will of God.

Demons, on the other hand, will not necessarily answer prayers according to the will of God. Because of this, one can make covenants or deals with them. They can also reveal knowledge that would otherwise be kept hidden, which is why demons are important in occult studies and learning. This can also lead into other practices, such as divination or in my case, the interpretation of dreams.