Myths and Legends of the World

Archangel Azrael, the angel of transformation and an angel of death in various religions, means “helper of God.” Azrael helps living people navigate changes in their lives. He helps dying people make the transition from the earth to heaven, and comforts people who are grieving the death of a loved one. Islamic tradition says that Azrael is the angel of death, although in the Qur’an, he is referred to by his role (“Malak al-Maut,” which literally means “angel of death”) rather than by his name. The Qur’an describes that the angel of death doesn’t know when it’s time for each person to die until God reveals that information to him, and at God’s command, the angel of death separates the soul from the body and returns it to God for judgment. Azrael also serves as the angel of death in Sikhism. In Sikh scriptures written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, God (Waheguru) sends Azrael only to people who are unfaithful and unrepentant for their sins. Azrael appears on Earth in human form and hits ...

Archangel Michael is the most powerful, celebrated and well-known angel in history, scripture, art and literature. He is God's enforcer of law and judgment and is the only angel specifically called an archangel in the Bible. Archangel Michael is the Lord of God's Blue Ray of Protection, Faith, and the Will of God. Working from the first ray of blue, he magnifies God's power and strength. Archangel Michael uses a warrior's strength to provide protection for mankind.  Regardless of which major faith's angelic beings are being followed, Michael ranks as the highest of the host. With Gabriel, Michael is the only angel mentioned in the Christian Bible. In the original Bible, before Martin Luther had books removed, Raphael was also named in the book of Tobit. In the Aggadah, he is seen as the guardian of Israel. He is the General of all the great warring angels who do battle against evil see Lucifer for the War in Heaven. Michael is often depicted as winged and with...