Michaelmas: A Day for the Angels.

 

Michaelmas: A Day for the Angels

September 29th is Michaelmas — the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. It's one of the oldest angel feasts there is, actually built on top of even older Autumn Equinox celebrations. For centuries it marked a turning point in the year: rents came due, harvests wrapped up, and in England a roast goose on the table was considered good luck for the whole year ahead. ("If you don't baste the goose on Michaelmas Day, you will want money all year," as the old Norfolk saying goes.)

Underneath the folklore, though, Michaelmas has always really been about the angels — Michael especially, along with Raphael and Gabriel. So this feels like the right day to get reacquainted with all three.

A quick reminder before we do: angels aren't former humans the way most saints are. They're their own kind of being — pure spirit, intelligent, immortal, and entirely devoted to serving as messengers between us and the divine. And they want to be called on. You're not bothering them, and you're never in line behind someone else's need. Ask.

Archangel Michael

Michael's name means "he who is like God," and he's traditionally the leader of the Archangels. His energy is often described as warm and steadying — less like a warrior standing guard, more like being wrapped in a heavy blanket. His main work is driving out fear, so this is who to call on when you feel scared, unsafe, or just shaken.

If you want a simple daily practice, try this: each morning, ask Michael to wrap you in a shell of protective white light for the day. It's a small thing, but it adds up.

Quick Facts

Colors: Blue and gold

Day: Wednesday

Number: 6

Stones: Sapphire and blue topaz for peace and healing; citrine, amber, and tiger's eye for confidence and clear communication

A Prayer to St. Michael

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Archangel Raphael

Raphael's name means "God heals," and healing is exactly his domain — physical, emotional, and spiritual, for people and animals alike. He's the one to call on for pain of any kind, for help finding a lost pet, or for support with addiction and recovery. He's also the patron of travelers, so he's a good one to ask before a trip: safe roads, safe skies, safe return.

You can call on Raphael for someone else who needs healing too, as long as they're open to receiving it — angels work with free will, not around it.

Quick Facts

Colors: Emerald green and deep pink

Number: 8

Stones: Green aventurine, emerald, jade, rose quartz

A Prayer Before a Journey

Dear Saint Raphael, Angel of travelers, be with me and guide me on this journey. Protect me from sickness and danger and guard those I leave behind. Let your wings enfold me while I am away and return me safely home. Amen.

Archangel Gabriel

Gabriel's name means "God is my strength," and he's the messenger — the one who whispers about what's coming, who nudges stagnant situations back into motion. If your work involves writing, speaking, teaching, or putting your ideas in front of other people, Gabriel is worth knowing. Job interviews, asking for a raise, a hard conversation you've been avoiding — this is his territory.

Quick Facts

Colors: White and indigo

Day: Monday

Number: 9

Stones: Moonstone, topaz, pearl

A Prayer to St. Gabriel

Blessed Saint Gabriel, Archangel, we beseech thee to intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy. As thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers may we receive strength of faith and courage of spirit, and thus find favor with God. Amen.

A Note for Our House

For those of us walking a Voodoo path alongside these Catholic traditions, Michaelmas has a little extra resonance. Michael's imagery — armored, sword in hand, standing firm against darkness — echoes the warrior energy of the Ogou family of lwa, General Ogoun among them. Our House keeps Ogoun's main feast on St. James's Day in July, but Michael's day is a fitting moment to honor that same protective, courageous spirit again as the season turns.

However you mark the day — a roast dinner, a quiet prayer, or just a moment asking Michael to walk a little closer with you this week — we hope it brings you some steadiness as autumn settles in.

With gratitude,

Sister Bridget