Archangel Raphael "He Who Heals"
Archangel Raphael is one of the seven archangels and is known as "God heals" or "Divine healer" in Hebrew. Raphael is primarily recognized as the archangel of healing, travel, and divine guidance.
Primary Attributes: Raphael is the great healer among the archangels, associated with physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. Often depicted in green robes carrying a staff or caduceus, sometimes with healing herbs or accompanied by a fish (referencing the Book of Tobit).
The Book of Tobit (Primary Story): This is Raphael's most detailed biblical narrative. Disguised as a human traveler named "Azarias," Raphael guides young Tobias on a dangerous journey to collect a debt for his blind father, Tobit. During the journey, Raphael:
Protects Tobias from a giant fish that tries to attack him
Instructs Tobias to save the fish's heart, liver, and gall bladder for medicine
Guides Tobias to his future wife, Sarah, who had been cursed (seven previous husbands died on their wedding nights)
Helps Tobias cast out the demon Asmodeus using the fish's organs
Later uses the fish's gall to heal Tobit's blindness
Reveals his true identity as Raphael before ascending to heaven
The Pool of Bethesda: Some traditions identify Raphael as the angel who periodically stirred the healing waters at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, where the sick would gather hoping to be healed.
Noah's Ark: According to some apocryphal sources, Raphael gave Noah a medical book containing knowledge of healing herbs and remedies after the flood, establishing him as the source of healing wisdom for humanity.
The Binding of Azazel: In the Book of Enoch, Raphael is commanded by God to bind the fallen angel Azazel and cast him into darkness, then to heal the earth that had been corrupted by the fallen angels' influence.
Abraham's Healing: Some traditions say Raphael was one of the three angels who visited Abraham, and that he healed Abraham after his circumcision, demonstrating his role as divine physician.
Medieval and Folk Stories:
Numerous accounts of Raphael appearing to travelers in danger, guiding them to safety
Stories of healers and doctors receiving divine inspiration and guidance from Raphael
Tales of Raphael protecting pilgrims on religious journeys
Modern Spiritual Accounts: Contemporary spiritual literature includes many testimonies of people who believe Raphael assisted with:
Miraculous healings and recovery from serious illnesses
Guidance during medical crises
Protection during dangerous travels
Helping people find the right healers or treatments
These stories consistently portray Raphael as a practical, hands-on helper who provides both spiritual guidance and tangible assistance in the physical world.
Here are various invocations and prayers for Archangel Raphael, reflecting his roles as divine healer, protector of travelers, and guide:
For Physical Healing: "Archangel Raphael, divine healer and physician of God, I call upon your healing presence. Please surround me (or [name]) with your emerald green light of restoration. Heal my body, mind, and spirit, and guide me to the treatments and remedies that will serve my highest good. Restore me to perfect health and vitality. Thank you for your powerful healing grace. Amen."
For Emotional and Mental Healing: "Beloved Raphael, healer of hearts and minds, I ask for your gentle touch upon my emotional wounds. Help me release pain, fear, and negative patterns that no longer serve me. Bring peace to my troubled thoughts and healing to my wounded heart. Fill me with your divine light and restore my inner harmony. Guide me toward wholeness and emotional well-being."
For Travel Protection: "Archangel Raphael, faithful guide and protector of travelers, I place this journey under your watchful care. Keep me safe from all harm, guide my path, and ensure my safe arrival. Protect my vehicle, my companions, and all aspects of this travel. Be my constant companion on this journey, just as you guided Tobias safely to his destination."
For Healing Others: "Divine Raphael, I ask you to extend your healing wings over [name]. Please surround them with your healing light and guide their recovery. Bless the hands and minds of their medical team with your wisdom. Bring comfort to their family and friends during this time. May your healing power restore them to perfect health."
For Healers and Medical Professionals: "Archangel Raphael, patron of healers, please guide my hands, mind, and heart as I serve others. Grant me wisdom to know the right course of action, compassion to comfort those in pain, and skill to provide the best care possible. Help me be a channel for your divine healing energy."
Simple Daily Prayer: "Raphael, divine healer, be with me today. Keep me healthy, safe, and guided by your wisdom."
For Addiction Recovery: "Archangel Raphael, healer of all ailments, I ask for your help in overcoming [addiction/harmful pattern]. Strengthen my will, heal the underlying wounds that drive this behavior, and guide me to the support and resources I need for complete recovery."
For an incense blend dedicated to Archangel Raphael, you'd want ingredients that embody healing, purification, travel protection, and divine guidance. Here are traditional components:
Primary healing herbs:
Eucalyptus - for respiratory healing and purification
Lavender - for gentle healing and peace
Rosemary - for mental clarity and healing memory
Sage - for purification and wisdom
Mint - for healing and refreshing energy
Lemon balm - for emotional healing and comfort
Powerful healing resins:
Frankincense - for spiritual healing and divine connection
Myrrh - for deep healing and spiritual purification
Copal - for cleansing and healing energy
Pine resin - for respiratory healing and protection
Travel and protection herbs:
Bay leaves - for protection during travel and victory over illness
Thyme - for courage and strength in healing
Marjoram - for comfort and protection
Chamomile - for gentle healing and peace
Divine guidance and wisdom:
Sandalwood - for spiritual connection and meditation
Cedar - for purification and grounding
Juniper berries - for cleansing and protection
Hyssop - for spiritual purification and healing
Optional powerful additions:
Angelica root - specifically for angelic connection and protection
Calendula petals - for healing and solar energy
Lemon peel - for purification and mental clarity
A few drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil
Suggested blend ratios:
25% Frankincense resin (base)
20% Eucalyptus and lavender (healing focus)
15% Rosemary and sage (purification)
15% Myrrh or copal resin
15% Bay leaves and thyme (protection)
10% Additional herbs of choice
This creates a fresh, healing-focused blend that burns cleanly and promotes both physical and spiritual well-being - perfect for Raphael's restorative energy.
Yes, timing can enhance your work with Archangel Raphael! Here are the most favorable times:
Moon Phases:
Waxing Moon - Best for healing rituals, growing strength, and recovery work
Full Moon - Maximum power for major healing work and emergency situations
New Moon - Good for starting new healing regimens or setting healing intentions
Waning Moon - Excellent for banishing illness, releasing pain, or breaking unhealthy patterns
Planetary Days:
Wednesday (Mercury's day) - Primary day for Raphael, as Mercury governs healing, communication, and travel
Sunday (Sun's day) - Also powerful for Raphael work, as the Sun represents vitality and life force
Thursday (Jupiter's day) - Good for expansion of healing energy and wisdom
Best Daily Hours:
Mercury Hour - Use planetary hour calculators to find Mercury's hours during the day
Sunrise - Powerful time for new healing beginnings
Noon - Solar peak energy for maximum healing power
Early morning (6-9 AM) - Fresh energy for healing work
Optimal Combinations:
Wednesday during waxing moon - Excellent for ongoing healing work
Sunday at sunrise during full moon - Maximum power for serious healing
Wednesday morning during new moon - Perfect for starting new health regimens
Special Considerations:
Mercury retrograde - Actually good for Raphael work focused on healing old/recurring issues
Solar eclipses - Powerful but use cautiously, good for major life healing transformations
Spring equinox - Excellent for renewal and healing energy
Emergency Healing: Remember that Raphael can be called upon any time for urgent healing needs - don't wait for perfect timing in emergencies! The angel responds to sincere need regardless of planetary positions.
The most important factor is your sincere intention and need for healing.
Archangel Raphael has several zodiac associations based on his different attributes and planetary correspondences:
Primary Association - Gemini:
Mercury rulership - Gemini is ruled by Mercury, Raphael's primary planetary correspondence
Communication - Both govern divine messages and clear communication
Travel and movement - Gemini represents journeys and movement, matching Raphael's role as travel protector
Healing through knowledge - Gemini's intellectual approach to problem-solving aligns with Raphael's practical healing guidance
Duality - Gemini's twin nature reflects Raphael's ability to work in both physical and spiritual realms
Secondary Association - Virgo:
Also Mercury-ruled - Virgo is the other sign ruled by Mercury
Healing and service - Virgo's natural inclination toward health, healing, and service to others
Practical wisdom - Virgo's methodical, practical approach matches Raphael's hands-on healing style
Attention to detail - Virgo's precision aligns with Raphael's careful guidance in healing
Earth element - Grounding healing energy into practical reality
Tertiary Associations:
Leo - Sometimes connected through solar healing energy and life force vitality
Sagittarius - Occasionally linked through the travel and journey aspects, plus higher wisdom
Seasonal Timing:
Gemini season (May 21 - June 20) - Peak time for Raphael work
Virgo season (August 23 - September 22) - Excellent for detailed healing work
Mercury retrograde periods - Good for healing old patterns and revisiting health issues
Working with These Associations:
Gemini energy - Focus on communication about healing, learning new health information, short healing journeys
Virgo energy - Detailed healing protocols, practical health improvements, service to others' healing
The Gemini connection is strongest due to the Mercury rulership and communication aspects, while Virgo adds the practical healing and service elements that define much of Raphael's work.
Key Roles:
Divine healer - offering all forms of healing and restoration
Patron of travelers - protecting those on journeys, both physical and spiritual
Guide and teacher - providing wisdom and practical guidance
Healer of relationships - mending broken bonds and communication
Guardian of health professionals - protecting doctors, nurses, and healers
Biblical and Religious Significance: Raphael features prominently in the Book of Tobit (considered canonical in Catholic and Orthodox traditions), where he guides young Tobias on a journey, helps heal his father's blindness, and assists in casting out demons. Some traditions identify Raphael as the angel who stirred the healing waters at the Pool of Bethesda.
Areas of Assistance:
Physical healing and recovery from illness
Emotional and mental health support
Healing addictions and harmful patterns
Safe travel and protection during journeys
Healing broken relationships and family dynamics
Guidance for healers and medical professionals
Environmental healing and connection to nature
Traditional Correspondences:
Colors: Green (primary), gold, blue, red
Element: Air or Earth
Direction: East
Planet: Mercury or the Sun
Day: Wednesday or Sunday
Symbols: Caduceus, fish, pilgrim's staff, healing herbs
Modern Spiritual Practice: People invoke Raphael for healing work of all kinds, before medical procedures, when traveling, and for guidance in health-related decisions. Raphael's energy is described as gentle, nurturing, and powerfully restorative.
Primary Healing Stones:
Malachite - powerful healing stone, especially for emotional and physical transformation
Green Aventurine - gentle heart healing and overall wellness
Emerald - master healing stone for the heart chakra and divine love
Amazonite - for healing communication and throat chakra work
Green Jade - for physical healing and protective travel energy
Chrysocolla - for emotional healing and peaceful communication
Travel Protection Stones:
Turquoise - traditional traveler's stone and protective amulet
Hematite - for grounding and protection during journeys
Tiger's Eye - for safe travel and clear perception
Smoky Quartz - for protection and grounding while traveling
Black Tourmaline - for protection from negative energies during travel
Communication and Divine Connection:
Lapis Lazuli - for divine communication and truth
Sodalite - for clear communication and mental healing
Blue Lace Agate - for gentle, healing communication
Celestite - for angelic communication and divine connection
Angelite - specifically for connecting with archangelic energies
Mercury Correspondence Stones:
Fluorite (especially green) - for mental clarity and healing
Citrine - for mental healing and communication
Clear Quartz - for amplifying healing intentions and divine messages
Aquamarine - for clear communication and emotional healing
Solar/Life Force Stones:
Sunstone - for vitality and life force energy
Carnelian - for physical energy and motivation to heal
Amber - for ancient healing wisdom and solar energy
Popular Combinations for Raphael Work:
Malachite + Clear Quartz - powerful healing amplification
Green Aventurine + Turquoise - healing protection for travelers
Emerald + Lapis Lazuli - divine healing communication
Amazonite + Celestite - healing angelic connection
Working with Raphael's Stones: Many practitioners create healing grids, carry stones during travel, or hold them during prayer and meditation focused on Raphael's assistance.