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Angels have long occupied a unique space in both religious and occult traditions, serving as divine messengers, protectors, and guides. While often revered in mainstream faiths, these celestial beings also hold significant roles in various esoteric practices and folk spirituality. This blog post delves into the fascinating history of angels in occult work, focusing on the archangels Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, and others, while also exploring their associations with planetary intelligence, crystals, herbs, animals, tarot, and notable organizations. Additionally, we will discuss ways you may know that an archangel has received your prayers.
A Brief History of Angels in Occult Work and Folk Spirituality
The concept of angels transcends cultures and epochs, appearing in various religious texts, folklore, and spiritual practices. In Judeo-Christian traditions, angels are often depicted as intermediaries between God and humanity. However, their roles have evolved in occult practices and folk spirituality, where they are seen as powerful entities that can be called upon for guidance, protection, and wisdom.
Ancient Roots
The earliest references to angels can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where Sumerian and Babylonian texts mention beings resembling angels, often depicted as divine messengers. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Book of Genesis introduces angels as guardians and messengers, culminating in the rich tapestry of angelology found in later texts like the Book of Enoch. This ancient Jewish text expands upon the hierarchy of angels and their functions, providing a foundation for their use in occult rituals.
The Rise of Angelic Invocation
During the Renaissance, interest in the occult surged, leading to the practice of angelic invocation. Influential texts like the Key of Solomon and the Lesser Key of Solomon (or Lemegeton) provided detailed instructions for summoning angels for various purposes, from protection to divination. These grimoires emphasized the importance of purity, intention, and the correct ceremonial rites in invoking these celestial beings.
Angels in Folk Spirituality
Beyond formal occult practices, angels have played a significant role in folk spirituality across various cultures. In many traditions, angels are invoked in everyday life. For example, in Appalachian folk magic, practitioners often call upon angels for protection and guidance during significant life events, such as childbirth or major transitions.
In many African and Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions, angels are seen as guardians linked to ancestral spirits. Practitioners may create altars adorned with angelic symbols, flowers, and offerings to invite their presence and assistance.
In Eastern European folklore, the belief in guardian angels is prevalent. Many people believe that each person has a unique guardian angel who watches over them. Rituals might include lighting candles, reciting prayers, or performing small offerings to honor and connect with these celestial protectors.
The Archangels: Guardians and Guides
Archangel Michael
- Association: The Sun
- Crystals: Black tourmaline, tiger’s eye, and hematite for protection and strength.
- Herbs: Sage and bay leaf for purification and protection.
- Animals: Lions and eagles symbolize courage and strength.
- Tarot Association: The Strength card, representing bravery and fortitude.
- Notable Organizations: The Order of Michael, a spiritual organization focusing on protection and warrior energy.
Archangel Raphael
- Association: Mercury
- Crystals: Green aventurine, malachite, and clear quartz for healing and growth.
- Herbs: Lavender and mint for healing and emotional balance.
- Animals: Fish and the stag symbolize healing and transformation.
- Tarot Association: The Star card, representing hope and healing.
- Notable Organizations: The Healing Angels Network, which incorporates angelic healing modalities.
Archangel Gabriel
- Association: The Moon
- Crystals: Moonstone, opalite, and aquamarine to enhance intuition and communication.
- Herbs: Chamomile and lemon balm for clarity and calming energy.
- Animals: Swans and doves symbolize peace and communication.
- Tarot Association: The High Priestess card, embodying intuition and mystery.
- Notable Organizations: The Gabriel Network, which focuses on enhancing communication and creativity through angelic work.
Archangel Uriel
- Association: Saturn
- Crystals: Amber, citrine, and yellow calcite for wisdom and illumination.
- Herbs: Basil and rosemary for clarity and protection.
- Animals: Owls and hawks symbolize wisdom and insight.
- Tarot Association: The Hermit card, representing introspection and inner guidance.
- Notable Organizations: The Order of Uriel, dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
Other Notable Archangels
- Jophiel:
- Association: Venus
- Crystals: Rose quartz and citrine for beauty and inspiration.
- Herbs: Rose and jasmine for love and creativity.
- Animals: Butterflies and peacocks symbolize beauty and transformation.
- Tarot Association: The Empress card, representing fertility and creativity.
- Notable Organizations: The Jophiel Society, promoting artistic expression and beauty.
- Selaphiel:
- Association: Jupiter
- Crystals: Amethyst and lapis lazuli for spiritual connection and clarity.
- Herbs: Frankincense and myrrh for spiritual elevation.
- Animals: Elephants and whales symbolize wisdom and spiritual depth.
- Tarot Association: The Emperor card, representing authority and structure.
- Notable Organizations: The Selaphiel Fellowship, focusing on prayer and spiritual development.
- Barachiel:
- Association: Jupiter
- Crystals: Green jade and peridot for abundance and prosperity.
- Herbs: Cinnamon and clover for luck and blessings.
- Animals: Crows and sparrows symbolize blessings and good fortune.
- Tarot Association: The Wheel of Fortune card, representing cycles and abundance.
- Notable Organizations: The Barachiel Circle, dedicated to abundance and prosperity practices.
- Metatron:
- Association: Earth
- Crystals: Clear quartz and moldavite for divine connection and protection.
- Herbs: Cedar and myrrh for grounding and divine presence.
- Animals: Dragons and unicorns symbolize protection and mystical energy.
- Tarot Association: The World card, representing completion and cosmic connection.
- Notable Organizations: The Metatron Project, focusing on integrating spiritual wisdom into everyday life.
- Aniel:
- Association: Venus
- Crystals: Rhodonite and garnet for love and relationships.
- Herbs: Lavender and rose for harmony and love.
- Animals: Doves and swans symbolize love and peace.
- Tarot Association: The Lovers card, representing relationships and harmony.
- Notable Organizations: The Aniel Alliance, promoting love and relationship healing.
- Jegudiel:
- Association: The Sun
- Crystals: Sunstone and gold for responsibility and work.
- Herbs: Cinnamon and ginger for motivation and action.
- Animals: Horses and lions symbolize strength and responsibility.
- Tarot Association: The Chariot card, representing determination and victory.
- Notable Organizations: The Jegudiel Order, focusing on work ethics and responsibility.
Signs That an Archangel Has Received Your Prayers
When you invoke an archangel and seek their assistance, you may notice certain signs indicating that they have received your prayers. These signs can vary from person to person, but here are some common ways to recognize their presence or response:
1. Sudden Changes in Energy: You may feel a shift in the atmosphere around you, such as a sudden warmth, a sense of calm, or a tingling sensation. This can indicate the archangel's presence.
2. Intuitive Insights: After praying or meditating, you might receive sudden insights or clarity regarding your situation. Trust your intuition, as it could be guidance from the archangel.
3. Synchronicities: You may notice meaningful coincidences or patterns in your life that seem to align with your prayers. These synchronicities can be interpreted as signs that the archangel is responding.
4. Dreams and Visions: Archangels may communicate through dreams or visions. Pay attention to any vivid dreams that carry messages or feelings of comfort and reassurance.
5. Messages Through Symbols: You might encounter symbols associated with the archangel, such as specific colors, animals, or even numbers (like 111 or 444). These symbols can serve as reminders of their presence.
6. Increased Intuition or Creativity: If you are working with Gabriel, for instance, you might experience a surge in creative ideas or a heightened sense of intuition. This can indicate that they are guiding you.
7. Physical Signs: Some individuals report seeing flashes of light, orbs, or other physical manifestations when angels are near. These can be subtle or quite pronounced.
8. Feeling of Comfort or Protection: A sense of peace, comfort, or protection may wash over you after invoking an archangel. This feeling can be a sign that they are with you and have heard your prayers.
9. Messages from Others: Sometimes, friends or family may unexpectedly mention things related to your prayers or offer advice that resonates deeply, which can be interpreted as messages from the archangels.
10. Prayers Being Answered: Ultimately, one of the most significant signs is the manifestation of your prayers. If you notice positive changes, solutions to your problems, or healing in your life, it may indicate that the archangels have intervened.
Summoning and Working with Angels
Preparing for the Ritual
1. Create a Sacred Space: Cleanse the area with incense or salt. Arrange symbols or representations of the angels you wish to invoke.
2. Set Your Intention: Clearly define what you seek from the angelic realm. Write this down to solidify your intention.
3. Meditation and Grounding: Spend time in meditation to center yourself. Ground your energy to connect with the higher realms.
The Ritual
1. Invoke the Angel: Begin with a prayer or invocation specific to the archangel you are calling upon. For example, to invoke Michael, you might say:
"Archangel Michael, protector and warrior, I call upon you to guide and shield me in my endeavors."
2. Visualization: Picture the angel surrounding you with light, feeling their energy envelop you. Visualize your intention manifesting with their guidance.
3. Offerings: Some practitioners choose to make offerings, like lighting a candle or offering flowers, as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Closing the Ritual
1. Express Gratitude: Thank the archangel for their presence and guidance.
2. Grounding: Take a moment to ground yourself again, bringing your energy back to the present.
3. Document the Experience: Write down your feelings, insights, or any messages received during the ritual.
The use of angels in occult rituals, folk spirituality, and their associations with planetary intelligence, crystals, herbs, animals, and tarot has a rich and varied history rooted in ancient traditions and evolving through time. By understanding the roles of archangels like Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, and others, and their connections to celestial bodies, practitioners can harness their powers for protection, healing, and guidance.
As you embark on your journey of angelic invocation, remember that intention, respect, and a pure heart are essential for a meaningful connection with these celestial beings. Embrace the wisdom of the ages and let the angels illuminate your path, whether through formal rituals or the simple, heartfelt practices of folk spirituality. The celestial beings are here to guide you, offering their wisdom and support as you navigate your spiritual journey.
