Sharehealing
HomeReikiAromatherapyHerbalismTreatmentsArticlesCoursesContactAbout us

Archangels

What does the name archangel means?

Both the words "Arche" and "Angelos," derivate from the Greek words for "Ruler" and "Angel".
And the word Archangel means above all, "The Leading Angel" or the " Head Angel".

Powerful beings
 
Archangels are believed to be very powerful light beings, often supervising and leading the work of other angels and guardian angels, both on earth and in heaven.
Although more powerful than normal angels, experts say that we can always ask for their help, as mediators between us and God.

Speed of light

Both archangels and angels also seem to know no time and space, moving fast at the speed of light, being able to be in different places and locations simultaneously.

And despite the fact that they belong to different heavenly orders, both archangels and angels mission seem to encompass the same duties, or fall under the same disciplines.

How many groups of angels exist?

Although experts say that there are 12 major archangels, the famous "Book or Enoch" makes  mention only to seven: Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Raguel, Raphael, Saraquael and Ramiel.
And from these 12 archangels, only 4 are supposed to be standing next to God: Raphael, Michael, Phanuel and Gabriel.

Next, we will mention the 7 major archangels studied by angelogists:
Chamuel, Gabriel, Jophiel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel and Zadkiel.

Main Archangels
 

Chamuel

Name: "He who sees God"

Chamuel is believed to be both an archangel, chief of the dominations and of the powers.
Most angelogists call him the "Gate keeper of heaven", or "the one standing close to God".
As one of the "chosen" archangels to be in the presence of God, Chamuel also represents God's pure and omnipresence love.

In terms of appearance, Chamuel presents himself with a long red tunic, green wings, a shiny helmet and an armour.
His appearance also leads us to think, that this archangel is both a warrior and a visionary.

Additionally, as the ruler of Mars and the 7 planets, he also represents values like e.g. discipline, order, heavenly justice, self-preservation, incarnation, honesty, truth and strength.

Some people also believe, that this archangel has great knowledge about human karmas and karmic laws.

Chamuel rules an army of thousand angels, who protect heaven and fight evil in the entire universe.
 

Gabriel or Gabrielle

"I am Gabriel, who stands  before God"

Name: "God is my strength"

For angelogy, Gabriel is one of the most important archangels in the heavenly hierarchy (along with Michael), "sitting at the left hand of God".
Gabriel is also all viewed by angelogists, as an heavenly messenger, bringing God's announcements and revelations to mankind.
He's often referred to as "the angel of purity and birth", having announced the birth of Jesus Christ to Mary, and of John the Baptist to Zacharias.

Gabriel also relates to birth in a broader sense, being the archangel in charge of human birth, and human conception of ideas and dreams.

Gabriel appeared to Jesus before crucifixion, giving him increased strength and support, to face all physical pain (reason why many people call him the angel of resurrection).

From a religious point of view, Gabriel is considered the angel of mercy and of consolation (although he was in charge of the destruction of both Sodom and Gomorrah).

Still another role attributed to Gabriel, is of being the angel in charge of incarnation. He's believed to select all human souls supposed to incarnate on earth.

Some people also defend, that Gabriel helps, teaches and informs new-borns during 9 month about their life on earth. This preparation often takes place before birth and during conception.

In terms of appearance, Gabriel is believed to have a shiny crown and a sceptre.
And although angels are often described as two-winged beings, Gabriel is referred by many experts as having 140 pairs of wings.


Finally and according to the Islamic religion, Mohammed had many encounters with the archangel Gabriel.
This archangel is also the angel responsible for the creation of the "Koran", having inspired the prophet to write the book.

 

Jophiel

"Archangel of Paradise"

Name: "Beauty of God"

Jophiel is believed to be both an archangel and a cherubim, being one of the first angels referred in the Bible and known to men.

According to religious texts, Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden accompanied by Jophiel.

In terms of appearance, Jophiel carries a sword in flames, representing both his fearless nature and his role, as one of the guardian's of the "Tree of Life".

Jophiel not only guards God's secrets, but also stimulates humans to tap into universal secrets, being viewed by many as "the patron of all arts" and of people seeking for deep spiritual knowledge.

He has also the ability to reconnect humans to nature and their inner consciousness, granting illumination and wisdom to men.
Jophiel stands for harmony with nature, and respect for our planetary resources, potential and beauty.

Finally, Jophiel is a strong believer in our divine nature, granting people the capacity to develop mentality. And this is done by removing people's inner blockages, fear, ignorance, self-imposed limitations,  selfishness, pride, greed, envy and negativity.

And this line of work developed by Jophiel, encompasses both single individuals, corporations, governments, associations and vast groups of people.
 

Michael

"Leader of the armies of angels and fighter against the forces of evil"

"And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon... And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."  (Apocalypse 12:7 to 9:)

Name: "Who is like God"

In the old testament, Michael is also described  as "the archangel closest to God", receiving direct instructions from God.
However, as a seraphim Michael represents "God's supreme will".

This archangel is viewed by angelogists, as one of the chief princes of God, belonging to the highest angelic rank or order.

Michael holds great strength and power, ruling not only over other angelic orders, but also over the principalities and virtues.
Above all, Michael is responsible for the preservation of peace in the whole universe.

Michael is the "protector of Israel" and the "Viceroy of Heaven".
According to Christian traditions, he was in charge of conducting the armies of angels on earth, keeping and protecting the "Tree of Life" from evil, fighting Satan's malevolent deeds.


In this context, Michael holds a very important office or role in the universe e.g. "fighting Satan and rescuing human souls from the influence of evil".
And being both a warrior and a judge, Michael is also present during the final judgment hour.
Thus, for many Christians and Catholics, St. Michael will once more fight evil with fire (represented by a dragon) in the end of times - "Apocalypse" (Revelation of St. John - Apocalypse 12:7).

Interesting enough, according to Jewish and Christian traditions, Michael is both viewed as the angel of justice and of war.
In the Middle Ages, people also believed, that he could grant victory to kings in battles, reason why Michael was often called "the protector of all kingdoms, knights and crusaders".
And although a "warrior" and a "leader of destruction", Michael is often portrayed in sacred art as a "protector of men".

Despite having a fierce role in heaven and on earth, Michael still holds much of God's power, omnipresence, harmony, love, beauty and justice.

According to Christian traditions, St. Michael is in charge of four major offices or tasks:

1- To fight evil;
2- To rescue souls, specially at the hour of death;
3- To be God's viceroy on earth;
4- To bring people's souls to the final judgment.

Many people also believe, that Michael brings much faith to those in need, helping people to deliver messages of hope and strength.

In terms of appearance Michael is often referred has irradiating a "golden glow", being tall, handsome, strong, energetic, young and with "eyes of fire".
He's often represented with a golden sword, helmet, shield and scales, (representing both his bravery, power and judgment of souls in the final judgment day).

In terms of healing, Michael is normally evoked to help people needing to break cycles of fear, to get rid of negativity, inferior energies, psychic vampire attacks, malevolent influences or to cut loose chains of evil (Michael is also called to help people during exorcism).


Therefore, Michael helps all people in need, reinforcing both their faith and inner strength, by removing fear, insecurity and doubts from their hearts.
 

Raphael

"I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stands before the Lord"

Name: "God has healed"

For many angelogists, Raphael is both a member of the cherubim's, powers and dominations, which makes him a very powerful archangel.

In religious terms, Raphael is viewed as "the protector of nations, of travellers, of teachers and all sorts of "healers" (alternative or conventional healers).

According to many angelogists, Raphael also protects people in need of healing, of shelter, of food and security.

Above all, Raphael is the patron of all scientific breakthroughs, on mathematics, alternative healing, medicine and music.
He also inspires people to find new cures for human diseases, along with broadening their knowledge about the human body, DNA, genetics, quantum physics etc.

Finally, there are many biblical references to Raphael's loving presence and teachings on earth e.g. when he addressed Tobias, Abraham, Jacob, Noah and Solomon.

He also became biblically famous, by helping, guiding and teaching Tobias fighting evil through exorcism.
Along with Michael, they both commanded other armies of angels, fighting evil and fallen angels both on earth and in the universe.

 

Uriel

"Divine purity and perfection"


Name: "Fire of God" or "God is my light"

For many experts, Uriel (or Auriel), is both an archangel, seraph and a cherubim. He's also the symbol of heavenly purity and of God's peace.

This archangel is very dear, loyal and dedicated to God, revealing all his perfection, purity, love and harmony.

Uriel is often associated with the following  qualities e.g. ministration, justice, truth and perfection.
And if evil defies or destabilises "God's universal perfection", Uriel acts by seeking and fighting it back, restoring peace and harmony in the universe.
Reason why some people view him as "God's universal crusader" against evil and Satan.

As an archangel, Uriel still has the ability to transform people's pain, negative experiences and suffering into wonderful spiritual growth and soul liberation.
He not only relieves people's pain by taping into their sense of guilt, resentment, pessimism, lack of peace, fear and insecurity, but also frees humans from inner limitations and self-imposed suffering.

Thus, Uriel is both in charge of our personal transformation, self-improvement, innovation, re-invention and soul evolution.
He also brings heavenly blessings to all those people seeking to change their lives, and  be ONE with God.
In this deep process of reconnecting humans with God, Uriel guides people in the direction of the divine, of God's light, of "His" love and compassion.

It thanks to Uriel and his army of angels, that humans are safe, set free of negativity, pessimism and lack of faith.
Therefore, people can always invite Uriel to protect and guide them in this life time. People can also ask him for inner renovation, reinvention, inner strength and increased energy to conduct life changes.


Furthermore, Uriel is the archangel of true divine justice, feared by the unfair and the unjust.
Uriel brings sense of guilt to those who incur in injustices. He leads the unjust to redemption, stimulating them to restore lost harmony and justice (and this can take place during a persons life time of after death).

Uriel also rules many art forms present in the universe e.g. poetry, arts, music, acting etc.
And as an archangel of prophecy, he guides and empowers people to achieve their true potential and higher life goals.
He's also responsible for showing humans the path of the heart, of kindness and of God's purifying love. So, many people refer to him, as "Uriel the archangel of true guidance and true salvation".


In terms of appearance, Uriel is described as carrying a sword, holding the flame of love in his hand. This flame represents the love of God, filling in people's hearts with purity, light, understanding and wisdom.
This flame is also believed to change negative energy patterns, darkness into positive and divine light.

Although being one of the most venerated archangels of all, in 745 A.C. Uriel was removed from the holy texts. Back then, both archangels and angels represented a threat for many popes and the catholic church (reason why some scholars and the Pope Zacharias decided to call them "demons in disguise").

However, many people still associate Uriel with the planet Venus (planet of love), considering him the archangel who relieves people's hearts from pain, bringing peace to chaos and love to our lives.

Uriel's role on earth involves above all, restoring things back to normality e.g. solving crimes, helping people during and after facing natural disasters, earthquakes, flooding, tornados etc.
Besides restoring the situation back to normality, he also guides people to take shelter from the wrath of the elements, protecting humans in dangerous life threatening situations.

Therefore, whenever a person senses danger, he/she should ask for Uriel's aid and protection. And this is also useful, in terms of calming down people's nerves or minds when they are experiencing these dangerous situations (Uriel softens people's fears, anxieties and problems).

Hence, he brings much clarity of though to humans, leading people to find ways to cope with distress, lack of peace, lack of security, lack of harmony or to solve complicated life situations.

And Uriel's help can also be useful, when a person is suffering from injustices at work, or when a person has difficulties with relationships, family, children, clients, bosses or co-workers.

The way Uriel helps people, is often described as being straight and forward. He brings immediate clarity to one's mind, showing people real steps to follow or objective goals to achieve.

Finally, Uriel is considered as "the earth archangel", having a strong relationship with our planet and with nature.
He also makes sure people have much natural beauty around, inflating humans with love, admiration and respect for nature.
Due to his positive influence on earth, humans can learn how to reinforce their links with the planet, animals and plants, helping and preserving Earth's natural beauty.

Uriel has also a close relationship with all the elements and spirits of earth. He communicates with the planet through the elements and spirits of nature, being their holy guide.

Therefore, all people interested in studying natural or botanical sciences can ask for his help, guidance and inspiration.

 

Zadkiel

"Archangel of freedom"

Name: "Righteous of God"

For angelogists, Zadkiel is both an archangel and a chief of the dominations.

Zadkiel or "Zadakiel" is viewed by many experts as "the angel of mercy", the patron of benevolence, of true compassion, of memory and of freedom.

Some people also associate Zadkiel with the planet Jupiter, and with the following values: loyalty, fatherly love, forgiveness, sacrifice, bravery and courage.

And when entering battles and fighting evil in the universe, he always seems to follow behind Michael (along with Zophiel).

In the bible, Zadkiel is the archangel who prevents Abraham from sacrificing his beloved son Isaac to God.
Therefore, he's often depicted carrying a dagger, representing both his bravery, justice and fearless nature.

 

 

Lower Archangels

Ariel

Name: "Lion or lioness of God"

Ariel or "earths great lord", is believed to rule over our planet, being the guardian of divine wisdom. Many people also associate Ariel's character with a lion or a lioness.

In terms of appearance, he's often referred has having silver hair, a rainbow-lie aura, violet eyes, and a serious character.

Ariel is a mature archangel, courageous, brave and easily recognisable by his elegant movements.
And the qualities related to Ariel are love, action, friendship, dancing, music, fun, beauty, abundance, harmony, arts and nature.
 

Azrael

Name: "Whom God helps"

Also known by many angelogists as "Izrail", this archangel is often associated in Christian and Islamic traditions with death.

He's believed to reside in the 3rd heaven, and is the last archangel to die. He's job is to register the names of all humans who ever lived or died on earth.

Some people also say, that when someone dies the name of the person is immediately erased by Azrael from "the book of life".
And when someone is born, the name is registered on the book by this archangel.

In terms of appearance, some people believe that he has four thousand wings and four faces.
Others say, that his whole body is covered with millions of tongues and eyes, representing all inhabitants on earth.

 
Cassiel

Name: " Guardian of the Tree of Life"

For many experts, this archangel, power and prince, is one of the guardians of the "Tree of Life" and ruler of the 7th heaven.

The qualities associated with this archangel are: duality, love of nature, objectivity in what regards material matters, balance, healing of elderly and sick people, death, solitude, eternity, temperance, harmony, comfort, serenity and concentration.

Cassiel rules over the planet Saturn and has some of its characteristics.
 
Haniel

Name: "Me, the God"

For many angelogists, Haniel or "Anael", is both an archangel, a virtue and a principality, ruling over other lower orders of angels.

Haniel rules the air we breath, inflating all living beings with air and life. He's also in charge of our protection, intellectual development and material world, allowing humans to tap into their divine intelligence and capacities, materialising them into blessings.

Haniel also rules over human relationships and sexuality, reason why some people believe that he has an androgynous presence.

In terms of appearance, this archangel carries a lantern in his hand, wears a long green robe and has large silver wings.

In terms of qualities, some say that Haniel is the archangel of pure energy and of presence, representing the following ideas e.g. harmony, love, peace, grace, inspiration, friendship, beauty and wisdom.
 
Israfel

Name: "Archangel of song"

According to the Islamic tradition, Israfel is described as the "archangel of the trumpet" or the announcer of the final judgment day.

In terms of appearance, some people say that he's a very beautiful and tall archangel, having four wings.

He also represents qualities like joy, praising, singing, musical talent, renewal, courage, harmony and judgment.

Israfel is also believed to be a great musician, praising God in heaven in all his glory. He sings in a multitude of languages for other angelic orders, inspiring human beings to sing and compose joyful music.

 

Metraton

"Archangel protector of children"

Metraton for angelogy, belongs both the order of the archangels and Powers.
Once a human, Metraton was promoted to archangel by God, along with his twin brother Sandalphon.

The prophet Enoch (Metraton) was once a wise scribe on earth, continuing to perform these tasks in heaven and on God's behalf. Metraton not only is a great archangel, but also registers all heavenly happenings.

In terms of appearance, some people say that he's tall, has 36 pairs of wings, holds a scroll in his hand and irradiates an amazing bright light.

The ideas associated with Metraton are: abundance,
wisdom and sustenance.
 

Raguel

Name: "Friend of God"

Raguel is considered by experts, as both an archangel and a principality. He's role in heaven is to supervise other angels and their behaviour, reason why some people view him as a constant vigilant or watchful archangel.

And along with other archangels, Raguel was removed from catholic teachings and messes.

Some people also refer to Raguel, as the archangel who accompanied the prophet Enoch to heaven and after his death.

He also judges the "impure" and fights back evil in the universe. And although an earthly archangel, Raguel supervises many heavenly and universal affairs.
 

Raziel

Name: " God's secret" or " The one who knows the secrets and mysteries of God".

Viewed by many angelogists as "the archangel of the mysteries", secrets of the universe and the occult, he's also the chief of the thrones.

Raziel is both a cherubim and and archangel, being considered "the patron of all sciences and languages". 
As an wise and knowledgeable scribe, Raziel writes down everything God wants him to register.

And according to the Jewish and Christian tradition, Raziel is also the angel responsible for the "Book of the Universe" or "Book of the Angel Raziel".
 
This book holds great knowledge about the universe, God and mankind, being once given by Raziel to Adam and Eve.
This deed was not well received by other angels, who decided to cast the book into the sea. God ordered then Raheb (sea monster), to fish it out and return it to heaven.

At a later stage, Raziel disobeyed to God once more, giving this book to mankind.
And according to biblical references, this book was read at a certain stage by the prophet Enoch, calling it the "Book of Enoch".
Enoch passed then this book on to his son Methuselah, who gave it to his son Lamech, who also gave it to his son Noah.
And based on the knowledge contained on this book, Noah was able to built the famous arch and save all animal species in the planet.


Later on, this book was also given to Abraham, Sara, Rachel, Salomon and Elijah. And it was thanks to the book, that these people gained amazing wisdom and great knowledge during their life time.
Some people also believe, that the king Solomon used it for sorcery, to gain power and to win many battles.

Yet, this book disappeared at some stage from earth (although many believe that is was largely copied by scholars during the Middle Ages and mainly "used by sorcerers") and its not possible to trace it now.
Nonetheless, the book was reported to be very difficult or almost impossible to interpret by humans, without the aid of its creator- Raziel.

So for many people, Raziel is considered "the archangel who defied God's will".
But, the reason why Raziel defied God and allowed humans to read his heavenly notes, relates to the fact, that he believes in sharing information with people.
He also wants people to tap into their divine knowledge, learning the secrets of the universe and creation, by developing their inner potential and capacities.

In terms of character, many say that Raziel is a rebel archangel, constantly disobeying  to God and His divine order.
Yet, as a " rebel young man" he's also considered as "God's deliverer of heavenly messages to mankind".

In terms of character, Raziel also feels particularly interested in all languages and scientific developments taking place on earth.
He often shows his support and enthusiasm for new ideas, translations and every little progress mankind accomplishes in these fields.

Finally, he also provides knowledge to humans wanting or needing to develop spiritually in life, by leading them to discover some of the mysteries of the universe.
He taps then into the person's head, attuning the individual with heavenly knowledge. He provides then the person with new and much wanted/needed  information.

He also helps humans wanting to decipher codes and complex texts or books, by directing or guiding the person to find specific books, stores, people or relevant information.
 

Remiel

Name: "Mercy of God" or " God raises"

For angelology, this archangel and power, is often associated with values like human karmas, hope, "true vision", divine order and faith.

Remiel also guides human souls that await for resurrection, bringing them to the final judgment.

Furthermore, he helps to "raise all souls to heaven", guiding those people who believe and have faith in God.

Some people also say, that he was once a fallen angel and one of the heads of the Apostates.

 

Sachiel

Name: " Convening of God"

This archangel and seraph, is often regarded by angelogists as very wise and as one of the guardians the "Tree of Life".

He resides on the 1st heaven and symbolises heavenly knowledge, truth, devotion, faith and loyalty to God.

Sachiel rules over the planet Jupiter and armies of angels, deciding the faith of those who turn against God.
Thus, he's often associated with heavenly judgment, final justice, fairness and courage.

 

Samael

Name: "The blind God"

Within angelology, this archangel is also one of the guardians of the "Tree of Life", ruler over the 5th and 7th Heaven. Some people also believe, that Samael is the "angel of death".

Samael is often associated with ideas like e.g. seduction, destruction and final judgment.

For some experts, Lucifer was previously called  in heaven "Samael". Yet, based on the book of Enoch, Satan's heavenly name was "Satanail" and not Samael.

According to the Judaic tradition, this archangel attempted at some stage to seduce Eve, impregnating her with her son Cain.

Others still believe, that Samael represents ideas like: lust, wrath, luring, seduction and destruction.

In many countries, he's also viewed as the "heavenly founder of occultism" and the main source of inspiration for the occult group called the "Gnostics" (the first christians).

However, in most religious texts, Samael is viewed as the archangel who watched over Abraham and helped preventing the killing of his son.

 

Sandalphon

Name: "Brother"

The name "Sandalphon" means for some angelogists " brother", "co-brother" or "the one who wears sandals".

His name is often referred in many catholic, Christian, Judaic texts, having also a special role in the Kabbalah.

This archangel or prince, was once a human being along with his twin brother Metraton (or Enoch). On earth he was known as the prophet Elijah, elevated after his death to an archangel role.

In terms of appearance, Sandalphon is often referred has being very tall, dressing in black and surrounded by a pure bright light.

Besides being a guide to mankind, Sandalphon is also involved with deciding the sex of children in the mothers womb. Reason why, some people believe that he has both feminine and masculine energy emanating from within.

In terms of angelic qualities, Sandalphon is often associated with ideas like: mercy, glory, the power of prayer, revelation, abundance, joy and fight against evil.
 

Sariel

Name: "Command of God"

Sariel or the "angel of death" is a very special archangel in heaven. He's also believed to be both an archangel, a seraph and a Prince.

And being both referred in Judaic and Islamic texts, Sariel is also accounted for rescuing Adam and Eve from Satan, taking them from the top of a mountain to the Cave of Treasures.

Acting upon God's will and working along side with Raguel, he decides the faith of all angels who disobey, stray or turn against God.

Some people also say, that Sariel is a powerful healer like Raphael and a warrior against evil. So, the ideas and qualities associated with this archangel are similar to the qualities associated to Raphael e.g. healing, presence, judgment, knowledge and strength.

Some people also believe, that Sariel was once a fallen angel, having rebelled against God.
Others mention that he went stray from God's path, having seduced women and teached men how to become frivolous and greedy.
 

Angels of the week

SundayMichael
MondayGabriel
TuesdayChamuel
WednesdayRaphael
ThursdayZadkiel
FridayHaniel
SaturdayCassiel

 

© copyright Sharehealing 2005