Meet the special angels of God

Each religion that believes in a God has its own version of the angels’ story, dealing with their organization, hierarchy, and duties. Although guardian angels and archangels seem to be more closely related to Christianity, it was not Christians who formed the notion of angels. They adopted much of their angel basics from other religions, particularly Judaism.

Although the various types of angels are given somewhat different names and duties, all major religions agree on one thing: these special angels are God’s messengers and they come here to guide and protect us. Another thing they seem to agree on is that angels were created before human beings. Higher spiritual beings, considered archangels, have never “lived” on earth in human or incarnate form. However, earth angels (or guardian angels, as we call them), spirit guides, and ghosts have had at least one (and often many) incarnations here on earth.

Although they have never been incarnated, archangels have the ability to … and are known to … take human form to assist in an emergency or when the need is greatest. Stories abound of “strangers” suddenly appearing to help, only to suddenly disappear again when we’re not looking, leaving no footprints or any sign that they were there.

There are many, many angels and archangels in heaven, however the most notable are the seven archangels who are: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and Remiel. These seven archangels are based on the seven angels of essence. The Essences were a particularly spiritual group that practiced a more esoteric Judaism than was the norm more than 4000 years ago, and were said to still be around during the time of Christ.

If you notice, all the archangels’ names end in the, which is the title of “angel.” The most detailed account of the angels’ activities is given by Enoch, who supposedly lived before the flood (and was Noah’s grandfather). He was recruited by the angels to perform tasks such as being a messenger and a record keeper (scribe), between angels and men. Their accounts were written and have been passed down for thousands of years and are now contained in The Book of Enoch.

Here’s a brief look at each archangel:

Miguel – His name means: “Who is like God”. Michael is believed to be the warrior, protector, and defender of heaven and earth. It is the angel that is invoked when protection is needed.

Gabriel – His name means “God is my strength”. She is the only female archangel and is associated with conception and birth.

Raphael – His name means “The glowing one who heals”. Rafael has the power to heal the sick. He is also considered the “Chief of the Guardian Angels”.

Uriel – His name means “Fire of God”. He has two responsibilities: the angel of repentance, the angel of music and poetry.

Sariel (Saraqael) – Sariel’s responsibilities are more related to dealing with the angels of the earth in the capacity of the destiny of those angels who violate the Laws of the Universe.

Raguel – His name means “Friend of God”. Raguel takes care of the earth, nature and its resources. It is also responsible for justice, equality and fairness.

Remiel – His name means “God rises” and “Face of God”. Remiel is the angel of hope.