"The archangels are very real, powerful, non-denominational angels who oversee the guardian angels. Think of them as the guardian angels' managers. Archangels are messengers from the Creator to the created, who help us with every area of our lives. They protect us and guide us, bringing about peace on Earth, one person at a time. Because they're so powerful, archangels also motivate us to take action. The archangels have no time or space restrictions, so they can simultaneously be with everyone who calls upon them. Archangels can have unique, personalized experiences and exchanges with all of us." --Doreen Virtue, Ph.D
Doreen Virtue, a clairvoyant metaphysician who works with the angelic and elemental realms in her writing and workshops, has just released a brand new deck Archangel Oracle Cards. Although I am familiar with Dr. Virtue's work with the angelic realm and have heard many glowing reviews of her other angelic oracle decks, I hadn't personally experienced them for myself until now. I wasn't sure what to expect, because I've never really been into angels. Sure, I'm familiar with Gabriel and Michael, as any student of the Bible would be. But I suppose I never saw the point of asking angels for help or guidance when I could go directly to the Boss.
In analytical "reviewer" mode, I carefully opened the clear plastic wrap encasing the box. I took out the guidebook that accompanied the deck, and went straight for the cards. What I didn't expect was to be profoundly touched by the images on the cards, the names of the angels, and the messages from each. As I slowly viewed each card, I felt a heavenly presence surround me, and it was as if the eyes of each angel were looking right through me, speaking directly to me the messages on each of the cards. As the New Testament would say, I truly felt surrounded by "a great cloud of witnesses"--a Heavenly Host.
I came to the Indigo and Crystal Children card, which shows a beautiful angel clad in seafoam green with green and pink wings. This was the Archangel Metatron, and his message was: "You have a bond with children. In particular, you can help children who are sensitive." I immediately felt a bond with this angel, and asked him to help me as I love, nurture, and guide my Crystal son. (For more information, see my article Who Are The Indigos and Crystals?)
I felt such peace and such love from these cards which features the vibrant, celestial images from nine different artists. Doreen has specifically chosen artwork that portrays the way she clairvoyantly sees each angel. Each of the 15 angels are based on traditions spanning Jewish, Cabalistic, Christian, Catholic, and Islamic spiritual practices, texts, and beliefs. There are 3 cards for each angel, for a total of 45 cards. In addition to a key word or phrase, there is a short message, as well.
The back of the cards are framed with a narrow, golden water-color border. The center of the card is a beautiful angel standing on the tip of a golden mountain, holding an emanating torch in one hand, and a lattice sphere in the other. Behind her is a sky of blues, violets, and indigos, dotted with pinprick stars with a quiet rainbow in the background.
In the 79 page booklet that accompanies the deck, further elaboration is made on each card, including an additional message from the angel, and how to work with him or her. In some cases, recommendations for specific crystals associated with the angel is given, as well as his or her aura color. The booklet also details the different ways you may use The Archangel Oracle Cards, including reading methods such as spreads, using an pendulum, and selecting cards clairvoyantly or intuitively.
Last night, I shuffled and decided to pick one card for inspiration/meditation and asked "What do I need to know right now?". A bubble of mirth arose from my belly when I picked a card bearing the kindly, wizened face of the Archangel Uriel. The message? You Know What To Do. "Trust your inner knowledge, and act upon it without delay." I couldn't help but laugh, and felt that this gentle, playful angel was laughing with me.
Whether you use these cards to read for yourself or someone else, your Archangel can be called upon to ease your troubles and guide you towards intuitive thought and empowered action. In the Greek, the word "angel" comes from a word that means "messenger", and these cards can help you connect with these Divine messengers that are sent to protect, embrance, and comfort. The Archangels are happy to help you with your concerns, and you needn't say a formal invocation, have religious training, or live a "perfect" life to get their attention.
I know that I feel more intimately connected with the angelic realm after using these cards, and I look forward to a continuing relationship with these special messengers from the Divine.
(To see 6 card images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at [...])
Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)
