Copyright © 2005 Jonathan Dee The third Archangel to be named in the Bible is Raphael. Like Gabriel, Michael and Uriel, he is a supporter of God’s throne. Raphael is the angel of healing, his name meaning “God cures”. This archangel is said to have cured Tobias of blindness and taken away the pain of circumcision from the patriarch Abraham, an ordeal to which he had submitted in old age. Raphael is the ruler of the planet Mercury, and like his classical counterpart, is often shown as a traveller, carrying a walking stick and a water bottle. He is most often depicted wearing yellow, like a pilgrim. He takes special care of travellers and once saw off the demon Asmodeus, when the infernal creature was persecuting Tobias on his long journey. He also pays attention to those who are trying to grow spiritually, and to children who are just embarking on their journey through life. Raphael is, unsurprisingly, the archangel of Air, his favourite day is Wednesday and his direction is towards the East. Unlike the dour Michael, Raphael is a happy, jovial angel who nurtures creativity and guards young people. He is said to be the supervisor of guardian angels in general and makes sure that they do their jobs properly, and do not lead their charges into sinful ways. So great was the airy Archangel’s curiosity concerning God’s new human creations in the Garden of Eden, that the friendly Raphael invited himself to dinner with Adam and Eve. Since this was just after the pair had nibbled on the fruit of knowledge, they were understandably interested in the subject of sex. Stammering with embarrassment, Raphael had to explain that angels did indeed make love, even though they all had the appearance of men. When he was asked how by an intrigued Adam, Raphael went on to state that angels had spiritual bodies and can take on the appearance of either gender, and that sex in heavenly circles is more of a matter of merging astral bodies rather than anything profane and sweaty, as is the case on earth. Since Raphael is the protector of innocence, he then warned the primal pair of the dangers of the sins of the flesh; to no avail, alas. Jewish folklore gives Raphael some of the credit for the building of Solomon’s Temple. The archangel is said to have given the wise monarch a magic ring inscribed with a six-pointed star, which could compel demons to do the wearer’s bidding. It was with this talisman that Solomon forced the legions of hell to construct his huge place of worship, and, according to the Arabian Nights, imprisoned the djinn or genies in brazen bottles, lamps and other domestic containers. Raphael is also the prince of sciences, who bears witness to the unity of truth. He is therefore the patron of researchers and scientists, as well as looking after those who travel by air. |
