Archangel Gabriel
Archangel Gabriel ("God is my strength" in Hebrew) is one of the seven principal archangels of Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition. Messenger archangel par excellence — announces the great divine messages: the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus to the Virgin Mary in Christianity; revealed the Quran to Muhammad in Islam; gave wisdom to Daniel in the Old Testament. Associated with the element water, the West and the colour blue/silver.
Origin in the three Abrahamic religions
Judaism: Gabriel appears in the books of Daniel (Old Testament) interpreting visions and giving wisdom to the prophet. Christianity: Gabriel is the angel of the Annunciation — visits the Virgin Mary to announce her divine maternity (Luke 1:26-38), and previously visits Zechariah to announce John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20). One of the central iconographic scenes of Christianity for two millennia. Islam: Gabriel (Jibreel in Arabic) is supremely venerated — he is the angel that revealed the Quran to the prophet Muhammad over 23 years (610-632 AD). Without Gabriel, no Quran.
In tradition, Gabriel is one of the seven archangels standing before the throne of God. Some traditions name only four "principal" (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel) — others list seven. His name etymologically: Gever (man) + El (God) = "God is my strength" or "warrior of God". Despite the warrior root, Gabriel is more associated with messages, revelations and announcements than with combat (which is more Michael's domain).
Symbolism and modern invocation
In modern esoteric tradition (especially Christian Kabbalah, Western ceremonial magic, contemporary angelism), Gabriel is associated with: element water, cardinal direction West, colours blue/silver, moon and Cancer/Pisces signs, archangel of the human conception (oversees the meeting between souls and incarnations in the womb). Patron of: communicators, messengers, writers, journalists, prophets, parents and pregnant mothers.
Gabriel is invoked for: 1) Announcement of important news (positive or vital). 2) Help with difficult communication (delivering tough truths, important conversations). 3) Protection of pregnancy and birth. 4) Reception of subtle prophetic messages (recurrent dreams, persistent intuitions). 5) Support for writers and creators of communication (writers in the void of the white page, journalists confronting difficult issues). 6) Help with navigation in transition periods. Recommended offerings: white or silver candles, fresh water, white flowers especially lilies (the Annunciation flower).
Also known as
- Jibreel (Arabic Islam)
- Gavriel (Hebrew)
- Angel of the Annunciation