Day of the Holy Archangel Michael (Michaelmas)
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The name Michael means he who is “like unto El” or God. In the Gnostic Tradition Archangels are forces emanating from the One working in all the aeons to bring all things back into the Pleroma. As the Archangel of Divine Justice, Michael is therefore one of the countless rays which form part of the Great Light of God’s Holy Love.
The first mention of this spiritual being by name seems to be in the Book of Daniel. The prophet Daniel experiences a vision of the Angel after having undergone a long period of fasting. In that vision Michael is described as the protector of Israel and Daniel is informed that Michael will arise during the "time of the end.” In the New Testament, Michael leads God's armies against Satan's forces in the Book of Revelation, where during the war in heaven he defeats Satan. In the Epistle of Jude Michael is specifically referred to as "the archangel Michael". A reference to an "archangel" also appears in the First Epistle to the Thessalonians and this archangel is said to herald the second coming of Christ, and though not named, is often associated with Michael. |
Records show that Christian sanctuaries to Michael appeared in the 4th century but were likely a lot older and Michael would seem to have first been prayed to as a healing angel (probably as the defeater of the archons which caused disease) and then over time more as the great protector and leader of the armies of God against the forces of evil. By the 6th century, devotions to the Archangel Michael were widespread both in the Eastern and Western Churches.
However, possibly Michael's highest position is that of one of the Angels of Presence, also known as the Princes of Presence. A Prince of the Presence is an Angel who is allowed to enter the very presence of God. The other Princes of the Presence include the Angels: Suriel, Jehoel, Zagagel, Akatriel, Metatron, Yefefiah, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Nathanel (Zathael).
In the Christian Esoteric Tradition, Michael is known as one of the Four Great Archangels and Guardians of the Quarters. He is the ruler of the Element of Fire and Guardian of the South, he wears robes of red and green, and carries a sword or spear. He is also the Archangel associated with the sixth Sephira of Tiphareth in the Christian Kabbalah or God’s Beauty, and is the regent of the planet of the Sun. He can also be understood as the “lesser and wondrous countenance of God.”
In Eastern Orthodox Churches, Michael is commemorated together with the other Archangels during the feast day of the "Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers" on November 8, honoring him along with the rest of the "Bodiless Powers of Heaven" as their Supreme Commander. In the Roman Catholic Calendar, his feast day is also celebrated in the fall on Michaelmas Day, September 29.
Restoring the esoteric significance of the Feasts of the Archangels by placing them at the Equinoxes and Solstices, the Gnostic Church celebrates Michael on the Autumn Equinox (around September 21-22). The Autumn Equinox is an equal point between day and night and after it the night will outgrow the day. It is therefore fitting that we invoke the Archangel the General of the Armies of Heaven to protect us from evil during the dark half of the year.
The following prayer is drawn from Theurgical sources and is recommended for Gnostic use:
O Michael the Archangel, Regent of the Sun, Lord of the Power of Fire and Guardian of the South, prince of the heavenly hosts, Divine General, who is rightfully called he who is like unto God, defend us with your sword of flames against all our enemies visible and invisible and prevent us from falling under their cruel tyranny. Amen.
However, possibly Michael's highest position is that of one of the Angels of Presence, also known as the Princes of Presence. A Prince of the Presence is an Angel who is allowed to enter the very presence of God. The other Princes of the Presence include the Angels: Suriel, Jehoel, Zagagel, Akatriel, Metatron, Yefefiah, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Nathanel (Zathael).
In the Christian Esoteric Tradition, Michael is known as one of the Four Great Archangels and Guardians of the Quarters. He is the ruler of the Element of Fire and Guardian of the South, he wears robes of red and green, and carries a sword or spear. He is also the Archangel associated with the sixth Sephira of Tiphareth in the Christian Kabbalah or God’s Beauty, and is the regent of the planet of the Sun. He can also be understood as the “lesser and wondrous countenance of God.”
In Eastern Orthodox Churches, Michael is commemorated together with the other Archangels during the feast day of the "Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers" on November 8, honoring him along with the rest of the "Bodiless Powers of Heaven" as their Supreme Commander. In the Roman Catholic Calendar, his feast day is also celebrated in the fall on Michaelmas Day, September 29.
Restoring the esoteric significance of the Feasts of the Archangels by placing them at the Equinoxes and Solstices, the Gnostic Church celebrates Michael on the Autumn Equinox (around September 21-22). The Autumn Equinox is an equal point between day and night and after it the night will outgrow the day. It is therefore fitting that we invoke the Archangel the General of the Armies of Heaven to protect us from evil during the dark half of the year.
The following prayer is drawn from Theurgical sources and is recommended for Gnostic use:
O Michael the Archangel, Regent of the Sun, Lord of the Power of Fire and Guardian of the South, prince of the heavenly hosts, Divine General, who is rightfully called he who is like unto God, defend us with your sword of flames against all our enemies visible and invisible and prevent us from falling under their cruel tyranny. Amen.