In the Christian Bible, Michael is said to be the Angel who told the Virgin Mary of her approaching death.
According to Muslims, Michael's body is covered with fine hairs and each one, like a tongue, implores the Mercy of Allah on behalf of sinners.
As the Archangel of battle and defender of Heaven, Michael is said to be the Patron Saint of policemen. Additionally, because it is said in the Book of Revelations that Michael will lead God's troops against the dragon and his angels at the final battle, many people seek the aid of Michael against wrong-doers on Earth and all people in need of protection from crime or from physical or spiritual enemies may petition the Archangel for help -- and many have reported benefits from keeping an Angel Michael novena candle burning in the home.
The picture of the Angel Michael at the upper left on this page is taken from a Lucky Mojo brand Catholic novena candle label. The picture at lower right is from an Italian Catholic holy card in which the Archangel is referred to as "Saint Michael Archangel," a typical example of Catholic appropriation of Jewish angelology. Both images are based on a famous painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Guido Reni. They depict the powerful spirit-being Michael Archangel as an armed and battle-ready defender of Heaven and Earth against the eternal enmity of the Adversary.
Because of Michael's eminent position, holy cards, religious chromo prints, pewter holy medals and aluminum wallet cards, candles, and anointing oils bearing the likeness of this archangel have long been available in the marketplace. These are used by spiritual practitioners who wish to keep the image of Michael before them as a simple adjunct to their prayers and devotions. It is said that those who light a novena candle to the Archangel Michael and recite the 91st Psalm will be under his protection as long as the candle burns.
There are a total of seven Archangels according to ancient Jewish beliefs -- one for each day of the week. The four best known are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel (Oriel) -- and in African American hoodoo folk magic or rootwork, two of them are associated with a powerful natural curio called Angelica Root or Archangel Root. Archangel Michael, the eldest, is used with Angelica Root as a defender of women. Archangel Gabriel who is concerned with the announcements of pregnancy, is allied with this root in its role as an herbal tonic for women's reproductive health.
Here is a short excerpt from my book Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic in which help is sought from the Archangels:
BAY LEAF For Victory: The LAUREL wreath was an ancient symbol of triumph, and so folks brew Bay LAUREL tea into which they dissolve Crown of Success Bath Crystals. This spiritual bath is poured over the heads of supplicants while praying for victory in sports, politics, and war. Folks also say that if you take three fresh BAY leaves and with ink write the Names of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, one on each leaf, then wrap and tie the Name- Leaves in white cloth and carry them, you will win in sports contests. (Why the fourth Archangel, Oriel (Uriel), is left off, i do not know, except perhaps because he was not among the Archangels who appeared to Abraham.)
Also from the book Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic comes this old-time conjuration of Saint Michael Archangel for protection from evil:
Home Protection Packets: In New Orleans, conjures used to sew small cloth packets filled with GRAINS OF PARADISE and glue or crochet a holy card of Michael the Archangel to them. These were sold in pairs, one to be placed at the front door and one at the back door, for the protection of the home.
It is my hope that the following prayer to the Archangel Michael will be of use to all, and will find service among those who request the intercession of this great and powerful heavenly being.
For Protetction from Evil
When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Michael, Who is Like God, Bulwark of Heaven is generally depicted as the protector of the weak, it is considered appropriate to make a contribution to your local police force or community watch program, or to a shelter for the victims of violent crime, as a thank-offering.Great Archangel Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.May God rebuke our enemies, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell the Adversary and all other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.
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