Archangel Raphael, the archangelic ruler of Mercury and Wednesdays, is associated with healing, protection, and travel. He is the patron saint of travellers, physicians, anyone in search of a spouse and those suffering from illness. The name Raphael comes from Hebrew and means ‘God heals’ or ‘God has healed.’ It’s derived from the roots רָפָא (rafa’) meaning ‘to heal’ and אֵל (‘el) meaning ‘God.’
In the Christian tradition, Archangel Raphael is not explicitly named in canonical Scripture. However, he is a prominent figure in the apocryphal/deuterocanonical Book of Tobit.
In the Book of Tobit, Raphael is disguised as Azariah, the son of Hananiah the elder, who accompanies Tobias, the main character, on a journey to collect a debt. Along the way, Raphael assists Tobias in various ways, including healing his father’s blindness and finding a wife whom he delivers from the demon Asmodeus. Raphael is later revealed to be an angel sent by God to protect and guide Tobias.
The story of Raphael and Tobias is often seen as a testament to the power of divine intervention and the importance of faith. It also highlights Raphael’s role as a healer, protector, and guide.
Jump to the ‘God Has Healed’ Archangel Raphael Tarot Spread
Archangel Raphael Correspondences
The correspondences below can be used in various practices such as meditation, prayer, rituals, or creating an altar to connect with Archangel Raphael.
- Element: Air
- Direction: East
- Season: Spring
- Day: Wednesday
- Tarot Arcanum: The Magician
- Sephira: Hod
Colours:
- Green
- Yellow
Flowers/Plants:
- Caraway
- Clary Sage
- Clover
- Elecampane
- Lily of the Valley
- Lavender
- Pimpernel
Incense/Essential Oils:
- Hyssop
- Lavender
- Noble Laurel
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
Zodiac signs:
- Gemini
- Virgo
Crystals:
- Emerald
- Malachite
- Jade
- Aventurine
- Citrine
- Peridot
- Green Fluorite
- Yellow Calcite
Other associations:
- Mercury
- The symbol of the head of a bird (think Thoth)
- A fish (from the story about Tobias)
- Science
- Commerce
- Matchmaking
Reasons to invoke:
- Emotional Healing
- Physical Healing
- Mental Health
- Protection
- Clear and Effective Communication
- Attracting Customers
- Problem Resolution
- Finding a Spouse
A Wednesday Morning Prayer to Invoke Archangel Raphael
Blessed and Beloved Archangel Raphael, whose name means ‘God Has Healed,’ Radiant Angel of Healing and Harmonious Communication, Guardian of the East and the Element of Air, Fill me with the healing breath of life and the power of Divine Light so that I may move through my day with perfect clarity. I also ask for help with ________________.
Amen and so it is!
The ‘God Has Healed’ Archangel Raphael Tarot Spread
- The Healing Light
What is the core issue that needs healing? - Mind’s Remedy
How can I heal my thoughts and mental patterns? - Body’s Restoration
What does my physical body need for healing? - Spirit’s Renewal
How can I nurture my spiritual well-being? - Emotional Balance
What emotions need attention and healing? - Divine Guidance
What message does Raphael have for my healing journey? (You can use an Angel Oracle Card here) - Healing Action
What practical steps can I take to support my healing?
To use this spread:
- Find a quiet space and center yourself. You might light a green or yellow candle and burn some frankincense.
- As you shuffle the cards, focus on connecting with Archangel Raphael’s healing energy. You can repeat his name quietly or focus on your issue(s) while quietly chanting ‘God Has Healed.’
- Draw seven cards and place them in the positions shown above.
- Reflect on each card’s meaning in relation to its position in the spread. Consider how the cards interact to form a cohesive message about your healing journey.
- After interpreting the spread, take some time to journal about your insights or meditate on the guidance received, focusing on how you can apply these lessons to in order to find wholeness.
Sample ‘God Has Healed’ Tarot Reading
1. The Healing Light – XIII Death
What is the core issue that needs healing?
Death indicates that the core issue requiring healing is a profound transformation or ending in your life. There could be the need to let go of old patterns, relationships, or beliefs. Alternatively, there is a deep-seated fear of change and transformation. This fear may be hindering your personal growth and preventing you from embracing new opportunities. The healing process involves embracing change and allowing something to end so that new growth can begin.
2. Mind’s Remedy – The Star
How can I heal my thoughts and mental patterns?
The Star suggests that healing your thoughts involves cultivating hope, faith, and optimism. It encourages you to open your mind to new possibilities and trust in the universe. Meditation, positive affirmations, and connecting with nature can help restore balance to your mental state. Allow yourself to dream and envision a brighter future. Remember that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of hope.
3. Body’s Restoration – 3 of Wands
What does my physical body need for healing?
The 3 of Wands indicates that your body needs expansion and exploration. This could mean trying new forms of exercise, exploring alternative healing modalities, or even considering travel for health purposes. It suggests that taking a broader view of your health and being open to new approaches will be beneficial. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and that connects you with other people.
4. Spirit’s Renewal – XV The Devil
How can I nurture my spiritual well-being?
The Devil card in this position suggests that spiritual renewal comes through confronting and releasing unhealthy attachments or limiting beliefs. It’s time to break free from self-imposed restrictions and face your shadows. Recognise the power of your thoughts and choose to focus on positive affirmations. Seek out spiritual practices that resonate with you, such as meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature. This process, while challenging, will lead to greater spiritual freedom and authenticity.
5. Emotional Balance – Ace of Swords
What emotions need attention and healing?
The Ace of Swords indicates that the emotions that need attention and healing are related to clarity, truth, and mental sharpness. You may be feeling overwhelmed by conflicting thoughts or struggling to make decisions. Take time for introspection and seek clarity through meditation or journaling. Addressing feelings of confusion or uncertainty is crucial. Healing may come through honest communication, both with yourself and others, and cutting through emotional fog to see situations clearly.
6. Divine Guidance – King of Cups
What message does Raphael have for my healing journey?
Raphael’s message, represented by the King of Cups, is to embrace emotional maturity and compassion in your healing process. Lead with your heart, practice empathy (including self-compassion), and maintain emotional balance even in challenging situations. Raphael encourages you to trust your intuition and follow your heart. Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions, and seek comfort and support from loved ones.
7. Healing Action – The Hermit
What practical steps can I take to support my healing?
The Hermit advises taking time for solitude and introspection. Practical steps include engaging in self-reflection, perhaps through journaling or meditation. Seeking wisdom from experienced healers or mentors could also be beneficial. This card suggests that the answers you seek are within you, waiting to be discovered through quiet contemplation.
Summary
Overall, this reading indicates a profound period of transformation and self-discovery in your healing journey. It emphasises the importance of mental clarity, emotional maturity, and spiritual freedom. The path forward involves embracing change, cultivating hope, exploring new approaches to health, confronting limitations, seeking truth, leading with compassion, and taking time for introspection.
Additionally, please always seek expert medical advice if you are struggling with any physical or mental condition. You deserve to receive the very best help possible both from Spirit and the world around you!
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