Archangel Raphael
Archangel Raphael ("God heals" in Hebrew) is the healing archangel par excellence in Judeo-Christian tradition. Patron of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing; protector of travellers; healer of vision (literal and spiritual). Associated with the element air, the East and the colour green emerald.
Origin and symbolism
Raphael appears most prominently in the book of Tobit (deuterocanonical for Catholics, apocryphal for Protestants and Jews) — accompanies Tobias on a long journey, gives wisdom advice, helps cure his father's blindness, defeats demonic entities. Travel companion, healer, protector — these are his three traditional roles since this account.
In modern angelism: archangel of healing in all dimensions. Patron of doctors, nurses, therapists, alternative healers, pharmacists. Patron of travellers — invoked for safe trips. His associated colour green emerald connects with the heart chakra and the natural healing of the green nature. He is also known as patron of pilgrims, of marriages (because he arranged the loving union of Tobias and Sarah), of young people seeking direction.
Modern invocation
Raphael is invoked for: 1) Physical healing (yours or another's; complement to medical treatment). 2) Emotional healing (mourning, depressions, ancestral wounds). 3) Vision (literal and metaphorical — clarity of perception, life direction). 4) Trips and pilgrimages (protection on the road). 5) Healthy partnerships (he was who facilitated the union of Tobias). 6) Vocation of healing — health professionals invoke him for support in their work. Recommended candle colour: green emerald. His day: Wednesday. His liturgical festival: September 29 (along with Michael and Gabriel).
Working with Raphael for personal healing: 1) Light a green candle. 2) Place hand on the area to heal (or visualise the disease that needs to be healed). 3) Speak directly: "Archangel Raphael, please bring your healing light to [specific area / specific situation]". 4) Visualise emerald green light filling the area, transmuting the illness. 5) Thank in advance. Repeat daily as long as needed. Important: complement of medical treatment, not substitute.
Also known as
- Rafael (Hebrew Refael)
- Healing archangel
- Patron of travellers