By Deena Janel, Psychic Medium, Astral Whispers
Regardless of your religious affiliation, if any at all, you will find mention of Archangel Michael. Not only is he mentioned in all major religious texts, but he appears throughout history in art and literature, as well.
He represents many things to many sects. Seen as a leader, a defender, a messenger, in most depictions, he is one of four archangels. Michael is the protector against evil.
Angels are spiritual beings, with no earthly desires. They are messengers and there to bring peace, spread God’s will.
An archangel is an angel with more power. While people can call on an angel for help, they can’t call on an archangel. They are chief messengers.
Archangel Michael Through the Ages
Michael is mentioned in various forms through most religious texts. He seems to first appear in the 4th century.
Catholic:
Michael was first seen as a healing angel, and then over time as a protector and the leader of the army of God against the forces of evil.
Hebrew:
Michael appears three times in the Old Testament, in the Book of Daniel. The prophet Daniel has a vision after fasting and it is described as an angel who identifies Michael as the protector of Israel.
New Testament:
In the Book of Revelation, there is a war in heaven. Michael, as an archangel is able to defeat. Satan. After being defeated, Satan is thrown to earth along with the fallen angels, where he continues to turn the world evil.
Judaism:
Here Michael is an advocate for Israel, often seen defending princes of other nations. Samuel, Israel’s accuser, dates back to Michael first defeating Satan and his fall to earth.
Protestant:
While Michael appears along with the other three archangels, some Protestants consider Michael to be the only archangel.
Islam:
Michael appears in the Quran as an archangel of mercy. He is also recognized as one of four archangels. He provides nourishment for the body and soul. He is also considered in control of nature.
Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Here, again, Michael is recognized as the only archangel and considered to be another name for Jesus in heaven. They believe he is there in his pre-human and post-resurrection existence.
Seventh-day Adventists:
Thought of as the son of God, Michael is just one of the names applied to him. Considered the head of all other angels, and Michael and Jesus are one and the same.
Archangel Michael in Art and Literature
In artwork dating back centuries, he is often depicted as a warrior. He appears in paintings, drawings, carvings, stone, statues, and many more mediums.
Sometimes alone, sometimes with the other three archangels, he is usually dressed in armor, with helmet and shield and sword. He often appears in art slaying a serpent, often representing satan or holding a set of scales, in order to weight the souls of the departed.
Present Day Michael
The idea and imagery of Michael carry on through to modern-day art and even into current literature and movies, television and plays. The hero, the savior, the slayer of dragons is apparent throughout history and right up to today.
He is there to reassure us and is an advocate for truth and justice. He represents courage and integrity. He is there to help in a crisis and help people in times of war, upheaval and urgency.
War hero, defender of evil and satan, today he is still present and depicted in the same way with a modern touch. Characters in entertainment and modern literature who defend the populous and save the day.
Hero Worship
Superheroes, war heroes, even television characters who help like lawyers or doctors can almost always be followed back to the archangel Michael. Casting out the devil and freeing the souls of the innocent is a popular theme, regardless of how it appears.
It’s really just the same story retold to fit the current day tropes. From wings to wingtips, archangel Michael has a deep history of saving, giving, fighting and freeing. Not loud or flashy, just carrying on spreading love and peace.
The characterization of heroes today can be drawn back to St. Michael and his history throughout time. Next time you see a character selflessly defending the little people, you are seeing the archangel, Michael.
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