Archangel Raphael

Raphael, The Healer. Raphael is the Watcher of healing, travel, the recovery of what has been lost, and the protection of those who walk in unfamiliar places. Named in 1 Enoch 9:1. The angel of the Book of Tobit, who guided Tobias and healed his father's blindness.

Scripture and tradition

"Named as one of the four archangels who saw the corruption of the earth." 1 Enoch 9:1

"I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One." Tobit 12:15

"And the fourth voice I heard fending off the impious Satans and prohibiting them to come before the Lord of Spirits to accuse them that dwell on the earth." 1 Enoch 40:9

The attributes the tradition records

Rank

Archangel

Domain

Healing, travel, science, knowledge

Day

Wednesday

Planet

Mercury

Angel number

333

Colour

Green/Gold

Sigil

Staff and fish

Stone correspondences

Emerald · Jasper · Aquamarine

Patron of

Travelers, the sick, healthcare workers, those seeking lost things, the blind, those preparing for marriage

When to call on Raphael

The tradition is specific about the kind of situation that asks for Raphael by name:

• An illness with no clear medical explanation
• Travel, especially journeys that feel weighted or significant
• Searching for something or someone lost
• Preparation for marriage or a binding commitment
• Recovery from a wound that has refused to heal

Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel

The traditional prayer of those undertaking travel, recovery, or healing.

Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you to assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the medicine of God, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor [name your request] and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What the tradition wears for Raphael

Emerald pendant or pocket stone — the stone the tradition pairs with Raphael. Worn near the throat or carried in the pocket. [Affiliate placement: Amazon search "emerald pendant"]

Raphael medal or pendant — the continuous devotional tradition. Worn on the chest. [Affiliate placement: Amazon search "raphael archangel pendant"]

Green candle — lit on Wednesday, the archangel’s day, or in the hour after the prayer. [Affiliate placement: Amazon search "raphael archangel candle"]

Common questions

Who is Archangel Raphael?

Raphael is the Watcher of healing, travel, the recovery of what has been lost, and the protection of those who walk in unfamiliar places. Named in 1 Enoch 9:1. The angel of the Book of Tobit, who guided Tobias and healed his father's blindness.

What day is Archangel Raphael’s day?

Wednesday is Raphael’s day in the traditional planetary-angel correspondence system, when the planet Mercury rules.

Which angel number does Raphael send?

Raphael is the Watcher who sends angel number 333. If you have been seeing 333 repeatedly, Raphael is reaching for your attention.

Which stone is paired with Raphael?

Emerald is the primary stone paired with Raphael. The tradition recommends carrying or wearing the paired stone for the forty-day window after calling on the archangel.

Inked: the Raphael tattoo

Religious tattoos of Raphael are among the most-requested designs in the Catholic and Christian tattoo tradition. The site treats a religious tattoo as a worn talisman in the strict sense the old books used. See Raphael tattoo design ideas, iconographic heritage, placement, and the stone to wear with the ink →