Saint Michael General of Heaven
Archangel Michael is one of the most prominent and widely recognized archangels across multiple religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. His name means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, which is often interpreted as a rhetorical question affirming that no one is like God.
Michael is primarily known as the warrior archangel and protector. In Christian tradition, he's often depicted leading God's army against Satan and the fallen angels, as described in the Book of Revelation. He's typically shown wearing armor and wielding a sword or spear, sometimes with his foot on a defeated demon or dragon.
Primary roles and attributes: Michael serves as a protector against evil, a guide for souls transitioning to the afterlife, and a source of courage and strength for those facing challenges. He's considered the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and others in protective roles. Many people call upon Michael for protection from physical and spiritual harm, for courage in difficult situations, and for help in overcoming fear.
Religious significance: In Jewish tradition, Michael is mentioned in the Book of Daniel as a protector of Israel. In Islamic tradition, he's known as Mikail and is considered one of the four major angels. The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael on September 29th.
Modern spiritual practices: Contemporary spiritual practitioners often invoke Michael for psychic protection, clearing negative energy, and assistance with life transitions. He's associated with the color blue, representing divine truth and protection, and is often visualized surrounded by blue or white light.
Michael is frequently called upon during times of crisis, spiritual warfare, or when someone needs strength to stand up for what's right. His energy is described as powerful, direct, and unwavering in the pursuit of divine justice and protection.
Archangel Michael appears in numerous stories across religious texts, apocryphal literature, and spiritual traditions. Here are some of the most significant narratives:
Biblical and Religious Stories:
The War in Heaven (Revelation 12:7-9): The most famous story describes Michael leading God's angels in battle against Satan and his followers. Michael defeats the dragon (Satan) and casts him out of heaven, establishing Michael as the supreme warrior of God.
Daniel's Vision (Daniel 10:13, 12:1): Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who comes to help the angel speaking to Daniel. He's described as the protector of Israel who will stand up during times of great trouble.
Jude 1:9 - Disputing over Moses' Body: Michael argues with Satan over the body of Moses, refusing to bring a slanderous accusation against the devil but saying "The Lord rebuke you!"
The Sacrifice of Isaac: Some traditions say Michael was the angel who stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, though this is more commonly attributed to an unnamed angel.
Apocryphal and Traditional Stories:
Guiding Souls: Many traditions describe Michael as psychopomp - the guide who escorts souls to the afterlife and weighs their deeds on divine scales during judgment.
The Plague of David: In some accounts, Michael is the angel who stopped the plague that struck Jerusalem during King David's reign after David conducted an unauthorized census.
Joan of Arc: The historical Joan of Arc claimed that Michael appeared to her multiple times, commanding her to drive the English from France and crown the Dauphin as king.
Islamic Traditions: In Islamic stories, Mikail (Michael) is responsible for providing nourishment and rain, and will blow the trumpet on Judgment Day alongside Israfil.
Mystical and Folk Stories:
Protection Stories: Countless accounts exist of Michael appearing to protect people in danger - from soldiers in battle to individuals facing spiritual attacks or life-threatening situations.
The Sanctuary of Monte Gargano: A famous medieval story tells of Michael appearing to a bishop in Italy, asking for a sanctuary to be built in his honor, leading to one of the most important pilgrimage sites dedicated to Michael.
These stories consistently portray Michael as God's champion, protector, and the one who intervenes in crucial moments of cosmic and human history.
There are several traditional prayers and invocations to Archangel Michael, ranging from formal liturgical prayers to personal petitions. Here are some of the most commonly used:
The Traditional St. Michael Prayer (Catholic): "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."
A General Protection Invocation: "Archangel Michael, mighty protector and warrior of God, I call upon your divine presence. Surround me with your blue light of protection and cut away all negativity from my life. Grant me courage, strength, and clarity as I face [specific challenge]. Shield me from all harm, seen and unseen, and help me walk in divine truth and justice. Thank you for your powerful protection. Amen."
For Courage and Strength: "Beloved Archangel Michael, I ask for your assistance in this moment of need. Fill me with divine courage to face my fears and challenges. Lend me your strength when I feel weak, and your unwavering faith when I doubt. Help me stand firm in truth and righteousness. Guide my actions with divine wisdom."
For Spiritual Protection: "Archangel Michael, with your flaming sword of light, please cut and dissolve all negative energies, entities, and influences around me. Create a protective shield of divine light that nothing harmful can penetrate. Clear my path of obstacles and surround me with your powerful presence."
Simple Daily Invocation: "Archangel Michael, be with me today. Protect me, guide me, and give me strength."
Many people prefer to speak spontaneously from the heart, simply asking Michael for protection, courage, or help with specific situations while visualizing his blue light surrounding them.
For an incense blend dedicated to Archangel Michael, you'd want ingredients that embody strength, protection, purification, and warrior energy. Here are traditional components:
Primary protective and strengthening herbs:
Frankincense - for spiritual protection and divine connection
Dragon's Blood resin - for power, protection, and banishing negativity
Cedar - for purification and strength
Pine - for protection and cleansing
Juniper berries - for banishing negativity and protection
Warrior and courage herbs:
Bay leaves - for victory, strength, and protection
Rosemary - for mental clarity, protection, and remembrance
Sage - for purification and wisdom
Thyme - for courage and strength
Basil - for protection and exorcism
Banishing and cleansing ingredients:
Black pepper - for banishing and protection
Clove - for protection and spiritual purification
Cinnamon - for strength and spiritual power
Garlic powder (small amount) - for protection and banishing
Divine light and purification:
Copal resin - for purification and spiritual cleansing
White sage - for clearing negative energy
Eucalyptus - for healing and protection
Hyssop - for purification and spiritual cleansing
Optional powerful additions:
Myrrh - for spiritual protection and blessing
Benzoin - for purification and blessing
Rue (use sparingly) - for breaking curses and protection
A few drops of frankincense or cedar essential oil
Suggested blend ratios:
30% Frankincense resin (base)
20% Dragon's blood resin
15% Cedar or pine
15% Bay leaves and rosemary
10% Protective spices (clove, cinnamon, black pepper)
10% Additional herbs of choice
This creates a powerful, masculine-energy blend that burns with intent for protection and spiritual strength.
Archangel Michael is associated with stones that reflect his role as the warrior of light, protector, and bringer of courage, strength, and divine justice:
Primary Protection and Strength Stones:
Blue Kyanite - for cutting through negativity and spiritual protection
Lapis Lazuli - for divine truth, courage, and spiritual strength
Sapphire (especially blue) - for divine wisdom and protection
Sodalite - for courage, truth, and clear communication
Azurite - for divine guidance and spiritual insight
Warrior and Courage Stones:
Hematite - for grounding, strength, and deflecting negativity
Black Tourmaline - for powerful protection and banishing negativity
Garnet - for courage, strength, and vitality
Carnelian - for confidence, courage, and action
Tiger's Eye - for protection, courage, and clear thinking
Divine Light and Purification:
Clear Quartz - for amplifying divine light and purification
Selenite - for cleansing and connecting to higher realms
Celestite - for angelic communication and divine peace
Angelite - specifically for connecting with archangelic energy
Leadership and Divine Will:
Amethyst - for spiritual protection and divine connection
Fluorite (especially purple) - for mental clarity and spiritual focus
Labradorite - for psychic protection and spiritual transformation
Moldavite - for powerful spiritual transformation (use carefully)
Banishing and Cleansing:
Obsidian - for cutting away negativity and protection
Smoky Quartz - for grounding and transmuting negative energy
Jet - for protection and banishing negativity
Apache Tear - for protection and emotional healing
Popular Combinations for Michael:
Lapis Lazuli + Hematite (divine truth + grounding strength)
Blue Kyanite + Clear Quartz (cutting negativity + amplifying light)
Sapphire + Black Tourmaline (divine wisdom + protection)
Michael's stones tend to be more intense and powerful compared to gentler angels, reflecting his role as the divine warrior and protector.
Archangel Michael:
Leo - Most commonly associated with Leo due to his solar, leadership, and warrior qualities
Aries - Also connected to Aries for his warrior nature, courage, and pioneering spirit
Sagittarius - Sometimes linked to Sagittarius for his role as protector of truth and justice
Michael's association with Leo comes from his solar attributes - he's often depicted with golden or fiery energy, embodies divine authority and leadership, and represents the courage and nobility associated with the Lion sign. The Leo connection also relates to his role as the "Prince of the Heavenly Host."