The 7 Archangels and Their Meanings

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Angels are interwoven within the culture of man. Regardless of religion or belief system, stories of angels are a part of our heritage, of the fabric that makes up human history. Recent surveys say that up to 85 percent of American adults believe in angels. Often references to angels refer specifically to an archangel.

Archangels are considered to very powerful spiritual beings that have captured our attention for centuries. The prefix ‘arch’ means ruling or chief in Greek. Religious texts refer to an archangel as being at a high level in the celestial hierarchy. While the exact number of archangels is unknown many traditions and faiths reference seven archangels. Who these seven are is also a source of debate varying from faith to faith. Many scriptures tell of the archangels great abilities as healers and guides, intervening with assistance in many of life’s challenging situations. Continue on to learn about seven well-known Archangels and their specialties.

Archangel Michael

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Archangel Michael, whose name means 'he who is as God', is most often thought of as the angel of protection and the most powerful of all the angels. He is considered a leader within the angelic realm and a patron angel of righteousness, mercy and justice. As such, scriptural artwork depicts him as a warrior most often carrying a sword. Archangel Michael assists situations where you are afraid, confused or concerned for your safety. He helps to release fear and doubt, and supports us in making life changes and is often said to work closely with those who perform healing work or provide spiritual teaching. He can even fix mechanical and electrical problems! Additional areas where Archangel Michael can be of assistance include courage, direction, energy and vitality, all aspects of life purpose, motivation, space clearing, spirit releasement, worthiness and self- esteem.

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael, whose name means ‘God heals’, is the archangel designated for physical and emotional healing. In Hebrew the word “rophe” means 'to heal’. Archangel Raphael not only helps in healing individuals but also helps healers in their healing practice. He can help reduce addictions and cravings and is powerful in healing other injuries and illnesses, with cures often occurring immediately. Archangel Raphael aids in restoring and maintaining harmony and peace. He is also the patron of travelers, watching over them to ensure a safe and harmonious journey. Working in conjunction with Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael helps to clear away fears and stressors that maybe adversely affecting your health.

Archangel Gabriel

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Archangel Gabriel’s name means 'God is my strength'. One of the two archangels specifically named in the Bible in both the Old and New Testament, she is often portrayed holding a trumpet and as the only female archangel. As the patron of communications, Archangel Gabriel is the messenger angel, acting as a messenger of God. She helps writers, teachers, journalists and artists to convey their message, to find motivation and confidence, and to market their skills. She also assists in overcoming issues of fear and procrastination in communication as well as in all areas related to children, helping during conception, pregnancy, childbirth and child rearing.

Archangel Jophiel

The patron saint of artists, Archangel Jophiel’s name means 'beauty of God'. She helps us to see and maintain beauty in life and supports us in thinking beautiful thoughts and in staying positive as well as in creating and manifesting beauty in our surroundings and hearts. Archangel Jophiel watches over artists supporting in creating beautiful art, assists us in slowing down and bringing calm to our lives, and heals negativity and chaos, helps to tame your ego, and to bring organization to a place or situation. When seeking wisdom or a shift in perspective Archangel Jophiel is the archangel to call in to uplift you and help you see things from a different point of view.

Archangel Ariel

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The patron saint of animals and the environment, Archangel Ariel’s name means 'lion or lioness of God'. Her role is to protect the earth, its natural resources, ecosystems and all wild life and is always available with support and guidance for any activities that involve environmentalism and protecting, healing, rejuvenating, and/or maintaining our environment. Archangel Ariel assists in healing injured animals working closely with Archangel Raphael in these endeavors. It is believed she also works to oversee the order of the physical universe including all planets, the sun, the moos and the stars. When seeking to learn more about nature or connect more deeply while hiking or exploring, she assists in providing insights and opportunities to expand your awareness and experience. Given Archangel Ariel is watching over the earth’s natural resources, she can also be especially helpful in ensuring your needs for food, water, shelter and other supplies are met.

Archangel Azrael

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Archangel Azrael's name means 'whom God helps'. However, he is often referred to as the 'Angel of Death'. Azrael meets souls and helps them in the transition of death, in addition to helping newly crossed over souls adjust. He also helps loved ones who are still on the earth plane in dealing with their grief and processing the loss. Archangel Azrael helps ministers and spiritual teachers from all belief systems and religions in their spiritual counseling and assists grief counselors to shield themselves from absorbing their clients' pain and to guide their words and actions. This archangel assists in all types of transitions and endings, not just those involving loss and death. He also helps with transitions related to relationships, career, addictions, etc., helping us to navigate as smoothly as possible through life’s changes.

Archangel Chamuel

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Archangel Chamuel's name means 'he who sees God'. This archangel and has been called by many names throughout history and therefore is sometimes confused with other angels. His mission is to bring peace to the world and as such he protects the world from fear and lowers vibrating, negative energies. He is believed to have all knowing vision seeing the interconnectedness between all things. Archangel Chamuel assists us in finding the strength and courage to face adversity when it seems we have none left. He can also help to find items that are lost, to find important parts of our lives such as life purpose, a love relationship, a new job, and supportive friendships, and to find solutions to problems. Lastly, Archangel Chamuel also helps to heal anxiety, bring peace, and to repair relationships and misunderstandings.

Various religions, cultures and belief systems have named archangels in addition to these seven, each with their own unique focus. Angels are a fascinating aspect of our history as a culture. Whether you believe in angels or are a skeptic, your archangel can assist you whenever you call on them. Angels are extensions of God, assisting us and carrying our prayers and messages back to The Source. They understand your life’s mission and want to help you to accomplish it. Many have found connecting with an archangel who specializes in the area of their life where they would like to see improvement has accelerated positive progress and changes. Incorporate a connection with the divine by connecting with the angelic realm to experience more peace and light in your life today.