Archangel Raphael
The name of the Archangel Raphael means "God Heals", "Raphael" comes from the root word "rapha" in Hebrew which means "doctor" or "healer". Raphael is from the Seraphim celestial order and one of the 7 Archangels who stand in the presence of God. He is the custodian of the Tree of Life in Eden. He is Defender of the Air Element and the East. The day of the week for this Archangel is Sunday. His attuned colour is sage green.
Patronage
Patron Angel of the field of medicine, Healing Powers of the physical (humans and animals). He specialises in the healing of Mental Illness, Blindness, Apothecaries, Love, Lovers and Happy Meetings, Travellers, Young People and Nightmares. He is the Overseer of Healers and a patron of hospitals.
Memorial
29 September
In the Book of Tobit (3rd Century BCE) 5:4 to 12:22, Raphael accompanied Tobias in his travel. Along the journey, Raphael told Tobias to cut out the fish he caught, to cut its heart, liver and gall. Tobias did not know that his companion is the Archangel Raphael and queried this strange request. Raphael told him that smoke from the heart and liver would exorcise evil spirits, and the gall would restore the sight of someone with white film in his eyes. Tobias then had used the smoke from the heart and liver to exorcise Sarah, his bride. Sarah had lost before seven husbands, because the demon Asmodeus desire her for himself and killed them on her wedding night. He used the gall to restore his father's eyesight.
When Solomon prayed to God for help in the building of the Temple, God answered with the gift of a magic ring delivered by Raphael. The ring, engraved with a five-pointed star, had the power to subdue all demons. It was with this 'slave labour' of demons that Solomon was able to complete building the Temple. From this, the pentagram became one of the first medical symbols.
Archangel Raphael is one of the few archangels who appear with wings. Seeing Raphael may be a sign that it is time to let go of the physical chains that are holding you back from attaining your goals. It may also be an indication that you are in need of some deep healing or you have been called upon to heal another. If this is the case, you will find all sorts of healers and healing tools start to appear in your life. Begin with those that speak most strongly to you.
