The Seven Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael & Planetary Correspondences
BY NICOLE LAU
Introduction to the Seven Archangels
The Seven Archangels stand before the throne of God as the chief messengers and executors of divine will. While technically part of the eighth choir in the celestial hierarchy, these seven transcend the normal angelic orders, serving as God's primary agents in creation. Each archangel governs a specific domain, corresponds to a planet, and embodies particular divine qualities. Understanding and working with the archangels provides access to powerful spiritual allies and cosmic forces.
This comprehensive guide explores all seven archangels, their attributes, planetary correspondences, and how to invoke their assistance in spiritual practice.
The Biblical and Traditional Sources
Biblical References
Only three archangels are named in canonical scripture:
- Michael: Daniel 10:13, Jude 1:9, Revelation 12:7
- Gabriel: Daniel 8:16, Luke 1:19, Luke 1:26
- Raphael: Book of Tobit (deuterocanonical)
The Book of Enoch
The apocryphal Book of Enoch names seven archangels: Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, Remiel (and Michael, Gabriel, Raphael). Different traditions vary on the complete seven.
The Seven Before the Throne
Revelation 8:2: 'And I saw the seven angels who stand before God.' These are understood to be the seven archangels.
The Seven Archangels
1. Michael: The Warrior Prince
Name Meaning: 'Who is like God?' (Hebrew: מִיכָאֵל)
Planet: Sun
Day: Sunday
Color: Gold, red, blue
Element: Fire
Symbol: Sword, scales, dragon underfoot
Direction: South
Attributes and Roles
- Prince of the Archangels: Leader of the heavenly host
- Warrior: Defeats Satan and demons (Revelation 12:7-9)
- Protector: Guardian of Israel and the faithful
- Psychopomp: Guides souls to judgment
- Justice: Weighs souls on scales
Invocations
- Protection from evil and negative forces
- Courage and strength in battle (spiritual or physical)
- Justice and truth
- Cutting cords and releasing attachments
- Clearing spaces of negative energy
Prayer to Michael
'Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil...'
2. Gabriel: The Divine Messenger
Name Meaning: 'God is my strength' (Hebrew: גַּבְרִיאֵל)
Planet: Moon
Day: Monday
Color: Silver, white, blue
Element: Water
Symbol: Lily, trumpet, scroll
Direction: West
Attributes and Roles
- Divine Messenger: Announces major divine events
- Annunciation: Told Mary she would bear Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
- Revelation: Explained visions to Daniel
- Communication: Governs all forms of divine communication
- Creativity: Inspires artists, writers, messengers
Invocations
- Receiving divine messages and guidance
- Communication and clear expression
- Creativity and artistic inspiration
- Fertility and conception
- Purification and new beginnings
3. Raphael: The Divine Healer
Name Meaning: 'God heals' (Hebrew: רָפָאֵל)
Planet: Mercury
Day: Wednesday
Color: Green, yellow, orange
Element: Air
Symbol: Caduceus, fish, staff
Direction: East
Attributes and Roles
- Divine Healer: Heals body, mind, and spirit
- Guide: Accompanied Tobias on his journey (Book of Tobit)
- Traveler's Protector: Ensures safe journeys
- Matchmaker: Helped Tobias find his wife
- Science and Medicine: Patron of healers and physicians
Invocations
- Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing
- Safe travel and journeys
- Finding love and healthy relationships
- Guidance in healing professions
- Mental clarity and learning
4. Uriel: The Light of God
Name Meaning: 'God is my light' or 'Fire of God' (Hebrew: אוּרִיאֵל)
Planet: Earth (or Uranus in some systems)
Day: Saturday (or Friday)
Color: Red, gold, amber
Element: Earth
Symbol: Flame, book, sun
Direction: North
Attributes and Roles
- Illumination: Brings divine light and wisdom
- Prophecy: Reveals divine mysteries
- Repentance: Leads souls to repentance
- Natural Disasters: Governs earthquakes and storms (Book of Enoch)
- Alchemy: Patron of alchemists and mystics
Invocations
- Wisdom and illumination
- Understanding divine mysteries
- Prophecy and foresight
- Grounding and stability
- Alchemical and spiritual transformation
5. Chamuel (Camael): The One Who Sees God
Name Meaning: 'He who sees God' (Hebrew: כַּמָּאֵל)
Planet: Mars (or Venus in some traditions)
Day: Tuesday (or Friday)
Color: Pink, green
Element: Fire (or Water)
Symbol: Heart, chalice
Direction: Southeast
Attributes and Roles
- Divine Love: Embodies God's love
- Relationships: Heals and strengthens relationships
- Finding: Helps find lost things (objects, people, purpose)
- Peace: Brings peace to conflicts
- Self-Love: Teaches self-acceptance and worth
Invocations
- Finding love and soulmates
- Healing relationships
- Finding lost objects or life purpose
- Self-love and acceptance
- Peace and forgiveness
6. Jophiel (Iophiel): The Beauty of God
Name Meaning: 'Beauty of God' (Hebrew: יוֹפִיאֵל)
Planet: Jupiter
Day: Thursday
Color: Yellow, gold, purple
Element: Air
Symbol: Flaming sword, book
Direction: Northeast
Attributes and Roles
- Divine Beauty: Reveals beauty in all things
- Wisdom: Illuminates the mind
- Creativity: Inspires artists and thinkers
- Guardian of Eden: Drove Adam and Eve from Paradise (some traditions)
- Positive Thinking: Transforms negative to positive thoughts
Invocations
- Seeing beauty in life
- Creative inspiration
- Positive thinking and mindset shifts
- Wisdom and learning
- Feng shui and beautifying spaces
7. Zadkiel: The Righteousness of God
Name Meaning: 'Righteousness of God' (Hebrew: צָדְקִיאֵל)
Planet: Jupiter (or Saturn)
Day: Thursday (or Saturday)
Color: Violet, purple, indigo
Element: Water
Symbol: Dagger, violet flame
Direction: Northwest
Attributes and Roles
- Mercy and Forgiveness: Embodies divine mercy
- Abraham's Angel: Stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac
- Transmutation: The violet flame of transformation
- Memory: Enhances memory and mental function
- Freedom: Liberates from bondage
Invocations
- Forgiveness (giving and receiving)
- Mercy and compassion
- Transmuting negative energy (violet flame)
- Memory and mental clarity
- Emotional healing and release
Planetary Correspondences Table
| Archangel | Planet | Day | Color | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael | Sun | Sunday | Gold/Red | Protection, courage |
| Gabriel | Moon | Monday | Silver/White | Messages, creativity |
| Raphael | Mercury | Wednesday | Green/Yellow | Healing, travel |
| Uriel | Earth/Uranus | Saturday | Red/Gold | Wisdom, illumination |
| Chamuel | Mars/Venus | Tuesday/Friday | Pink/Green | Love, relationships |
| Jophiel | Jupiter | Thursday | Yellow/Purple | Beauty, wisdom |
| Zadkiel | Jupiter/Saturn | Thursday/Saturday | Violet | Mercy, forgiveness |
Working with the Archangels
Invocation Ritual
- Choose the appropriate archangel for your need
- Work on their planetary day if possible
- Use their color in candles, clothing, or visualization
- Face their direction
- Call upon them with respect and clarity
- State your request clearly
- Thank them and release
The Four Quarters
In ceremonial magic, four archangels guard the quarters:
- East (Air): Raphael
- South (Fire): Michael
- West (Water): Gabriel
- North (Earth): Uriel
Further Study
Primary Texts:
- The Book of Enoch
- The Book of Tobit
- The Celestial Hierarchy by Pseudo-Dionysius
Conclusion
The Seven Archangels serve as powerful intermediaries between the divine and human realms, each governing specific domains and embodying particular divine qualities. By understanding their attributes, planetary correspondences, and areas of influence, you can invoke their assistance for protection, healing, guidance, love, wisdom, and transformation. These mighty beings stand ready to aid all who call upon them with sincere hearts.
May the Seven Archangels guide and protect you. May Michael defend you, Gabriel inspire you, Raphael heal you, Uriel illuminate you, Chamuel love you, Jophiel beautify you, and Zadkiel free you.
