🕊️ Archangel Raphael
Archangel Raphael is known as the archangel of healing, travelers, and divine protection. His name comes from the Hebrew Rafa-El, meaning “God heals” or “Medicine of God.” He is one of the three archangels mentioned by name in the Bible, along with Michael and Gabriel.
✨ Attributes of Archangel Raphael
- Associated color: Emerald green (a symbol of healing, hope, and renewal).
- Stones and crystals: Emerald, malachite, green aventurine, jade.
- Element: Air (and sometimes water, due to its link with purification and flow).
- Traditional day: Wednesday.
- Symbols: The traveler’s staff or rod, the fish, a vial or jar of medicine, and a radiant green light.
📖 Raphael in the Book of Tobit
The story of Archangel Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, part of the Deuterocanonical texts of the Old Testament (accepted in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles).
- Tobit, a righteous man from Nineveh, becomes blind after an accident involving bird droppings.
- Sarah, a young woman, loses seven husbands on their wedding nights due to the demon Asmodeus, and she prays for death.
- God hears the prayers of both and sends Archangel Raphael to help them.
- Raphael appears disguised as a traveler named Azarias, accompanying Tobit’s son, Tobias, on a journey to recover a debt.
- During the journey, Tobias catches a fish in the Tigris River. Following Raphael’s instructions, he keeps the liver, heart, and gall, which will be used for healing and deliverance.
- With these elements, Tobias cures Sarah of the demon and later restores his father Tobit’s sight.
- Finally, Raphael reveals his true identity as one of the seven angels who stand before the throne of God, urging all to praise and thank the Lord.
🌿 Spiritual Meaning
Archangel Raphael represents the healing and compassionate presence of God. His energy is connected with:
- Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
- Protection during journeys and travels.
- Guidance and support for healers and caregivers.
- Restoration of faith, balance, and harmony.
💚 Prayer to Archangel Raphael
Beloved Archangel Raphael, medicine of God,
I call upon you now with faith and humility.
Surround my being with your emerald-green light,
and pour upon me your healing energy.
Guide my steps along the path of goodness,
protect my travels, and bless my choices.
Help me to heal the body, mind, and spirit,
and to become an instrument of health and comfort for others.
May your presence always remind me
of God’s infinite compassion and love.
Amen.