(Image by William Mark Coulthard)
Archangels are the second phylum of angels and are the most well known among the other angel phylums especially in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They act as messengers, healers, infusers of knowledge and protectors on behalf of God to humankind. There are many archangels each with their own unique ability to help humans. Many will recognize the four archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel but I will introduce you to more archangels and help you get to know them a little better. Angels on the whole are said to be androgynous meaning that they have no need to be distinguished as male or female and physically are neither. For the purposes of appearing human to help in times of need they chose to take either the male or female form which is why some known archangels are strongly known as male or female and for the purposes of the limited human mind it is easier to grasp angels if we can relate to them and so we think of some as male and others as females. The angels however do not mind what we classify them as once they are called upon to be of service to mankind. Having said that we will take a closer look at some of the lesser known archangels as well as the four main ones mentioned above.
Archangel Ariel (means lioness of God): Associated with wind and lions. Involved in healing and protection of the environment and all animals. Helps with Environmental matters, Protecting wild animals, fish and birds.
Archangel Azrael (means whom God helps): Deals with death and grief. Helps with Crossing over, Comforting the dying or grieving.
Archangel Chamuel (means he who sees God): Protects the world from dark energies. Helps with world peace.
Archangel Gabriel (means God is my strength): Acts as a messenger. Gabriel is also involved with art, artists, writing projects, communication and is very geared towards children or child related issues.
Archangel Haniel (means glory to God): Works with astrology and astrological cycles and phases. Involved in Healing and Moon energy.
Archangel Jeremiel (means mercy of God): Involved in Prophecy, Psychic dreams and Issues relating to the future.
Archangel Jophiel (means beauty of God): Involved in Art and Beauty. Helps us see the beauty in life and helps expression of that beauty through art or creative projects.
Archangel Metatron (meaning unclear): Works with mankind on a more extensive level than the other archangels. Helps children with diseases, disorders, physical problems and children with extraordinary abilities.
Archangel Michael (means he who is like God): Known best as a warrior for God and this is more or less true. Michael works with light and is primarily involved in getting rid of negativity and fear from humans. His sword is used to symbolize this power in eliminating "evil". Helps with protection, Finding life's purpose, Courage and Motivation.
Archangel Raguel (means friend of God): Oversees the other archangels and angels. Helps with bringing order and harmony to situations as well as helping those who have been treated unfairly get justice.
Archangel Raphael (means God has healed): Primarily acts as a great healer of humans and animals alike. He helps in medicinal issues, health and recovery.
Archangel Raziel (means secret of God): Acts as a secret keeper to the cosmos, knowing about its form and function. Helps with deciphering secrets or hidden information.
Archangel Sandalphon (means brother in greek): Carries the prayers of humans to God.
Archangel Uriel (means God is light): Brings light to situations which true nature is not clearly seen. Helps solves problems or challenges faced by humans especially students.
Archangel Zadkiel (means the righteousness of God): Helps humans to be compassionate and help forgive others and themselves. Also helps students with studying.
For more information on this topic:
Doreen Virtue (author of Angels & Ascended Masters) or Sylvia Browne (author of Book of Angels).