Thursday, April 5, 2007

Season and Angels

Gemini is a Spring Zodiac Sign (as are the Signs of Aries and Taurus). This time of the year is also known as the Vernal Equinox when the days and nights are of equal length. In the Northern Hemisphere, Spring begins on March 21, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it begins around September 23. However, for the purposes of Astrology, the Northern Hemisphere timeframe marks the beginning of this Season. Spring is the First Quarter (or Quadrant) of the yearly cycle, traditionally associated with the period of new growth and/or rebirth.

In terms of the human life cycle, Spring represents the time of birth to the age of twenty-one...the active period of development encompassing birth, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Governed by the faculty of intuition, this period represents an objective manifestation and has an unconscious orientation. In short, although objective growth is taking place in an external fashion, the internal state remains highly subjective. This is largely due to the fact that Mercury (which rules the Zodiac Sign of Gemini) is classified as an "inner" or "personal" planet, meaning it is relatively small in size as well as being close to the Earth and the Sun. This time of human life also displays an exceedingly subjective or personal orientation. The developing child perceives the world largely as an extension of himself or herself. Apprehension of life is colored by intuition and powerful unconscious drives. The ability of a child to absorb and assimilate impressions of the outside world is truly quite astonishing and, on occasion, the young person will be at the mercy of such powerful forces, not always acting in the most rational or conscious manner.

In general, individuals who fall under the jurisdiction of Spring possess a great enthusiasm for life. The energy here is prodigious in terms of initiating projects and the ability to survive and/or adapt is noteworthy. Frequently more extroverted than introverted, Spring subjects are prone to have a heavy impact on their environment. However, the capacity to dutifully or doggedly adhere to one activity is often lacking. Natives of Spring are fond of sharing their thoughts. They also like to create and produce and, more than those who fall under the jurisdiction of the other Seasons, crave relatively constant appreciation and approval for what is accomplished. A desire for freedom also characterizes many individuals born in the Spring and they may not react favorably to having restrictions imposed upon them. Subjects ruled by this Season need to grow, expand and make their mark upon the world. Spring natives often emit a childlike air their entire lives...innocence, spontaneity and impulse are all inherent traits associated with these individuals. Normally positive in outlook, the Spring individual may well be adverse to overly-serious attitudes and possess little patience for those whose orientations are negative.

Governing Angels

The Archangel presiding over the Season of Spring is Raphael. This Archangel's name means "The Shining One Who Heals" or "God Has Healed," due primarily to the fact that he is said to possess healing hands which cured the Earth when it was defiled by the sins of the Fallen Angels. Raphael is also the one credited with binding Azazel by burying this Fallen Angel beneath rocks in a desert place on Earth. This powerful being is believed to have been an early Chaldean God who came to be recognized by Jewish and Christian scholars as the Angel of Healing. His name may be Syrian in origin, possibly derived from "Rephaim," who were ancient Gods or Spirits of the Underworld and referred to as being gigantic in size. In Hebrew, the word "Rapha" means "doctor" or "healer." Raphael may also be known as Azariah, Angel of Love and Angel of Joy. This Archangel rules the Second Heaven, also known as Raquia. According to Enoch, it is within the Second Heaven that the Fallen Angels are imprisoned in complete darkness awaiting final judgment. According to some sources, Raquia was also at one time the dwelling place of John the Baptist. Raphael shares jurisdiction over the Second Heaven with the Archangel Zachariel. Often referred to a Regent of the Sun, this Archangel is credited (along with the Cherubmims) as being the Guardian of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. He is also said to have delivered to Solomon a magic ring which would subdue all demons in order to aid in the building of a temple. In addition, in Judaic lore, Raphael presented to Noah a ring of power and the knowledge necessary to build the Ark. After the flood, a medical book reputed to have been the famous "Book of the Angel Raziel" is said to have been given to Noah by this Archangel. A mystic illuminator and star traveler, Raphael is counted among the first Angels created by God out of Himself and is one of the six great Angels of Repentance, Prayer, Love, Joy and Light. Additionally, he is one of the Seven Spirits who stand before the Throne of the Lord and Chief Angel of the Order of Virtues. According to some sources, he is the Keeper of the Holy Grail and one of the Ten Sephiroth. In the Catholic religion, Raphael is Supervisor of the Guardian Angels.

By tradition, Raphael is depicted in art form wearing the garments of a traveler...something of an astral bard. He customarily sports winged sandals, a broad-brimmed hat and yellow cloak. Typically, he carries a staff adorned with serpents (the Caduceus which is the symbol of medicine) and a golden vial of balm. He also bears a sword or arrow which has been well-sharpened, symbolic of the notion of peace in spite of a troubled world and representative of cutting debris from the mortal mind. Thus, this sword is indicative of an individual's mental will to overcome and associated with protection rather than attack. According to some sources, this weapon is referenced as "the Sword of Peace which lies at the end of the Rainbow Bridge of Faith between God and Man." Occasionally, Raphael is portrayed with the image of Aquarius embroidered on his robe...an indication of insight, truth, everlasting life and the eternal belief in all humanity. This Archangel is sometimes perceived as a young man carrying a staff, a young man carrying a fish or an Angel holding a bottle or flask. Known to possess the happiest disposition of any of the Angels, Raphael is also credited with being the Angel who possesses the most well-developed sense of humor, the greatest amount of curiosity and the angelic being closest to the everyday mortal person. Blessed with a kind and gentle disposition, it is said that the physical presence of Raphael will be accompanied by sparkles or flashes of green light. With the exception of Lucifer, it is generally accepted that Raphael is the most beautiful of all the Heavenly Host. He is also counted among the best-loved of all Angels.

Raphael signifies the strength of healing through knowledge, compassion, giving and sacrifice. This Archangel is a powerful healer who assists with all forms of curative power...both of human and animals, in addition to those wounds inflicted by past lives. He can, if called upon, rapidly heal body, mind and spirit, and will respond to a plea on behalf of another. However, he cannot interfere with such an individual's free will...if the individual in question refuses spiritual treatment, then such cannot be forced. Raphael encourages exploration and connection with the world, urging those who fall within his jurisdiction to communicate and share knowledge...and to heal others by way of thoughts. Raphael spreads widsom through invention and ideas...words and messages conveyed via human messengers and teachers. It is believed that through this Archangel, humankind seeks to understand the workings of the world and all it has to offer. He issues the challenge for mortals to hold onto their souls equally as strongly as they cling to ideas, thoughts and ideals. Customarily invoked to aid in global or personal healing on any level...from disease to abuse to addictions...Raphael does not appear in the Hebrew Scriptures and, in the Septuagint, only in the Book of Tobias. Excepting the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, he is the only Archangel mentioned by name in the Bible.



RAPHAEL ASSOCIATIONS:

Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Time Of Day: Dawn
Compass Direction: East
Colors: Yellow, Gold and Blue
Celestial Retreat: Fatima in Portugal
Days: Wednesday and Saturday
Symbol: Sword
Divine Complement: Mary, Mother of Christ
Motto: Peace Through Faith
Mission: Healing, Truth and Concentration



Raphael rules over the spirits of mankind and is particularly associated with human understanding, knowledge, chemistry, medicine and the protection of travelers. Said to touch the minds and thoughts of mortals, he is also referred to as the Bringer of Faith. This Archangel governs physical bodies and also rules communication, understanding and science. In addition, he is the overseer of the evening winds and may be called upon to help those who are searching for lost pets. Raphael affords particular protection to travelers, which includes assuring that all transportation, lodging and luggage details go miraculously well. In addition, he helps with inward spiritual journeys, assisting in searches for truth and guidance. Much of this Archangel's healing work involves spirit releasement and space clearing, and he often works with the Archangel Michael to exorcise discarnate entities and escort away lower energies from people and places. Raphael's other characteristics include the ability to manifest desires, challenge relationships and create sudden chaotic endings. As Saint Raphael, his Feast Day (formerly celebrated on October 24) is now celebrated on September 29.

Those governed by Raphael have a particular affinity for clothing which is red, burgundy, brown or black in color...hues which radiate with safety and attractiveness to such individuals. They also have a tendency to be fond of rubies, silver, obsidian and jewelry fashioned from glass or clay. This Archangel works through the Fifth Ray, which is a shimmering emerald green in color, representative of Spring, rejuvenation and the healing power of nature. Indeed, surgeons wear green in operating rooms. It is the Third Eye Chakra in Eastern thought, located at the base of the skull, providing the ability to both visualize and manifest a vision of the perfect personal self. Courtesy of this Ray, Raphael helps humankind to understand science and nurture creative talents. In addition, he directs colorful healing currents of energy into homes and hospitals where healing is needed. The Fifth Ray is at its most potent on Wednesdays.

Other Names By Which Raphael Is Known Include:

- God's Blessing - God's Remedy - Healer of God - Angel of Healing - Angel of Intuition - Angel of Emotion - Angel of Laughter -

Patronages Of Raphael Include:

- Archdiocese of Dubuque in Iowa - Archdiocese of Seattle in Washington - Protection from Nightmares - Young People -
- The Innocent - Blindness - Happy Meetings - Travelers - Healing and Healers - Love and Lovers - Mental Illness -
- Shepherds and Shepherdesses - Scientists - Writers - Fields of Endeavor Related to Liberal Arts and Sciences -


The Season of Spring is also governed by the Angel Milkiel...the Ruling or
Governing Angel of Spring and all the necessary energies that create the Season.
In addition, Spring natives fall under the jurisdiction of Spugliguel, the Head of
Spring. To begin the Season, the assistance of both Milkiel and Spugliguel is
necessary. Amatiel, Carascara, Core and Commissoros are also Angels associated with
the Season of Spring, acting as its Guardians. Gemini natives share these Celestial
Governors of Spring with those individuals ruled by the other Zodiac Spring
Signs of Aries and Taurus.

http://www.novareinna.com/constellation/geminiseason.html