Sister Bridget's Blog

Chief of the Guardian Angels!

Barachiel is an archangel known as the angel of blessings and this angel is also the chief of all of the guardian angels. Barachiel (who is also often known as "Barakiel") means "God's blessings." Other spellings include Barchiel, Baraqiel, Barkiel, Barbiel, Barakel, Baraqel, Pachriel, and Varachiel.

Barachiel intercedes in prayer before God for people in need, asking God to give them blessings in all areas of their lives, from their relationships with family and friends to their work. People ask for Barachiel's help in achieving success in their pursuits. Since Barachiel is also the chief of all guardian angels, people sometimes ask for Barachiel's help delivering a blessing through one of their personal guardian angels. 

In art, Barachiel is usually depicted scattering rose petals that represent God's sweet blessings showering down on people, or holding a white rose (which also symbolizes blessings) to his chest. However, sometimes images of Barachiel show him holding either a basket that's overflowing with bread or a staff, both of which symbolize the blessings of producing children that God bestows on parents. 

Barachiel sometimes appears in feminine form in paintings that emphasize Barachiel's nurturing work delivering blessings. Like all archangels, Barachiel doesn't have a specific gender and can manifest as either a male or a female, according to what works best in a given situation.

Green is the angel color for Barachiel. It represents healing and prosperity and is also associated with Archangel Raphael.

The Third Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish text, describes archangel Barachiel as one of the angels who serve as great and honored angelic princes in heaven. The text mentions that Barachiel leads 496,000 other angels who work with him. Barachiel is part of the seraphim rank of angels who guard God's throne, as well as the leader of all the guardian angels who work with humans during their earthly lifetimes. 

Barachiel is an official saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and he is also venerated as a saint by some members of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic tradition says that Barachiel is the patron saint of marriage and family life. He may be shown carrying a book representing the Bible and Papal encyclicals that direct the faithful on how to conduct their marital and family life. He also traditionally has dominion over lightning and storms and also sees to the needs of converts.

Barachiel is one of the few angels that made it into the Lutheran liturgical calendar.

In astrology, Barachiel rules the planet Jupiter and is linked to the Pisces and Scorpio zodiacal signs. Barachiel is traditionally said to inspire a sense of humor in people who encounter God's blessings through him.

Barachiel is mentioned in the Almadel of Solomon, a book dating from the Middle Ages on how to contact angels by means of a wax tablet. 

Source:Learnreligions.com

Saint Roch Patron Saint of Dogs!

Saint Roch Patron Saint of Dogs Feast Day August 16th.  The story of how St. Roch became the patron saint of dogs is a tale rooted in compassion, selflessness, and a deep connection with both humans and animals. St. Roch, also known as San Rocco or Saint Roche, lived during the 14th century in Montpellier, France. Roch was born into a noble family and was orphaned at a young age. He inherited a considerable fortune and chose to dedicate his life to serving those in need. When a plague swept through his town, Roch's heart went out to the suffering and he selflessly tended to the sick and dying, providing comfort and care to those who were abandoned by others. During his travels, Roch contracted the plague himself. He retreated to a nearby forest to isolate himself, so as not to spread the disease further. It's during this period of isolation that a miraculous event occurred, solidifying his connection to dogs and earning him the title of the patron saint of dogs. Legend has it that while Roch was in the forest, a dog belonging to a local lord discovered him and began bringing him food, licking his wounds, and providing companionship. This loyal dog, acting as a sort of guardian angel, sustained Roch throughout his illness and aided in his recovery. The dog's devotion and care were instrumental in saving Roch's life. When Roch finally recovered, he returned to his town to find it ravaged by the plague. He resumed his work of caring for the sick and healing the afflicted. His identity, however, remained concealed, as he did not want recognition for his noble actions. One day, as he was caring for ailing patients, Roch was arrested under suspicion of being a spy due to his concealed identity. He was imprisoned and eventually died in captivity. It was only after his death that his true identity was revealed, and the people of the town recognized him as a selfless servant of humanity. Roch's connection with dogs during his time of illness, along with his unwavering compassion for both humans and animals, led to his association with dogs as their patron saint. His story spread across different cultures, and over time, he became known as the protector and guardian of dogs, as well as someone to turn to for healing and protection against diseases. The veneration of St. Roch as the patron saint of dogs became especially prominent during times of disease outbreaks when people sought intercession for the health and well-being of their beloved pets. His feast day, August 16th, is celebrated by many communities around the world with blessings for dogs and other animals, as well as prayers for protection against illnesses. The story of St. Roch's journey from a compassionate caretaker of the sick to the patron saint of dogs exemplifies the profound impact that empathy and kindness can have on both humans and the animals we share our lives with.

Happy Fet Ghede!

The Archangel of Music!

The Archangel Sandalphon is known as the angel of music. He rules over music in heaven and helps people on Earth use music to communicate with God in prayer. Sandalphon means "co-brother," which refers to Sandalphon's status as the spiritual brother of the archangel Metatron. The ending of -on indicates that he ascended to his position as an angel after first having lived a human life, believed by some to be the prophet Elijah, who ascended to heaven on a horse-drawn chariot of fire and light. Other spellings of his name include Sandalfon and Ophan (Hebrew for "wheel").

Sandalphon also receives the prayers of people on Earth when they arrive in heaven, and he then weaves the prayers into spiritual flower garlands to present to God, according to the liturgy for the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles.

People sometimes ask for Sandalphon's help to deliver their prayers and songs of praise to God, and to learn how to use their God-given talents to make the world a better place. Sandalphon is said to have lived on Earth as the prophet Elijah before ascending to heaven and becoming an archangel, just as his spiritual brother, Archangel Metatron, lived on Earth as the prophet Enoch before becoming a heavenly archangel. Some people also credit Sandalphon with leading the guardian angels; others say that Archangel Barachiel leads the guardian angels.

 In art, Sandalphon is often depicted playing music, to illustrate his role as the patron angel of music. Sometimes Sandalphon is also shown as an extremely tall figure since Jewish tradition says that the prophet Moses had a vision of heaven in which he saw Sandalphon, whom Moses described as being very tall.  The angel color of red is associated with Archangel Sandalphon. It is also associated with Archangel Uriel.

Sandalphon rules one of the seven levels of heaven, according to religious texts, but they don't agree on which level. The ancient Jewish and Christian non-canonical Book of Enoch says that Sandalphon rules over the third heaven. The Islamic Hadith says that Sandalphon is in charge of the fourth heaven. The Zohar (a sacred text for Kabbalah) names the seventh heaven as the place where Sandalphon leads other angels. Sandalphon presides over the exit from the spheres of the Kabbalah's Tree of Life.

Sandalphon is said to join the angelic armies that archangel Michael leads to fight Satan and his evil forces in the spiritual realm. Sandalphon is a leader among the seraphim class of angels, who surround God's throne in heaven.

In astrology, Sandalphon is the angel in charge of planet Earth. Some people believe that Sandalphon helps differentiate the gender of children before they're born.

Source: Learnreligios.com Feb. 8, 2021

St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day!

Hello!

Below is a short video about St. Francis. He is quite near and dear to our hearts hear at Spellmaker, due to our love of animals! The video is short but informative! I hope you enjoy it. 

Love,

Sister Bridget

PS - Did you know St. Francis was canonized just TWO years after his passing? Now you do! 

Fast Facts: St. Francis of Assisi

• Known For: Patron saint of animals
• Also Known As: Francesco (or Giovanni) di Pietro di Bernardone
• Born: c. 1181 in Assisi, Italy
• Parents: Pietro di Bernardone, Pica de Bourlemont
• Died: Oct. 3, 1226 in Assisi, Italy
• Notable Quote: "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

 

Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi, for Our Pets:

Good St. Francis, you loved all of God's creatures. To you they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness. St. Francis, Patron Saint of animals, watch over my pet and keep my companion safe and healthy. Amen.

 

 

Feast of the Guardian Angels October 2nd!

Feast of the Guardian Angels October 2nd

From the moment we are born, each and every one of us has an Guardian Angel. Those of you reading this who were at the Albuquerque Voodoo Convention in 2007 each received some extra special knowledge about your guardian angel from Mambo Sam.

Do something special today to thank your own guardian angel ;-) Bake an angel food cake, or some angel hair pasta, or some angel wing cookies. Acknowledge and thank you guardian angel! They are always on duty, keeping us safe from harm.

Light and Love
Sister Bridget

 

From the moment we are born, each and every one of us has an Guardian Angel. Those of you reading this who were at the Albuquerque Voodoo Convention in 2007 each received some extra special knowledge about your guardian angel from Mambo Sam.

Do something special today to thank your own guardian angel ;-) Bake an angel food cake, or some angel hair pasta, or some angel wing cookies. Acknowledge and thank you guardian angel! They are always on duty, keeping us safe from harm.

Light and Love
Sister Bridget

 

Saint Gabriel the Archangel~

Saint Gabriel the Archangel~

 

Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength”.

~

 

Gabriel helps people whose life purpose involves communication, including teachers, writers, actors, photographers, speakers, etc.

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This archangel is a messenger who whispers in our ear of coming events, changes, and opportunities for new experiences. Gabriel always brings good news !

~

 

He restores life and light into stagnant areas of your life such as relationships, businesses, households, etc. Ask Gabriel to resurrect any blocked areas of your life and fill you with the remembrance of your divine purpose and destiny. You will receive creative ideas and opportunities to help you get moving again.

~

 

Call on Gabriel for assistance with a career or a problem that involves putting forth your ideas and perceptions to others. Definitely ask Gabriel to be with you when you are going on a job interview or asking for a raise or promotion at work.

~

 

Because of Gabriel's role as a communicator and mediator between Heaven and Earth, Catholics hold the Archangel to be a Patron Saint of broadcasters, telecommunications workers, diplomats, messengers, postal workers, and stamp collectors.

~

 

Because Gabriel helped the prophet Daniel interpret his dreams, those seeking similar aid with their own dream work may petition the Archangel for help.

~

Mentally call for Gabriel by saying, “Beloved Gabriel, please come to me now and help me express myself in the best Light. Thank you.”

~

 

Correspondences:

Gabriel’s colors are white and indigo

Gabriel guards the day of Monday

Gabriel is associated with the second (sacral) chakra

Gabriel’s special number is nine.

Crystals associated with Gabriel are Orange Calcite, Topaz, Moonstone, and pearls.

Lillies are very special to Gabriel.

 

 

Prayer to Saint 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 and redemption through Christ Our Lord.

May we sing the praise of God our Savior with the angels and saints in heaven forever and ever. Amen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger of God, is generally depicted with white lilies or a trumpet horn, it is considered appropriate to make an offering of white flowers or to play music before an altar a thank-offering.

"If you seek an angel with an open heart...

You shall always find one."

- Anonymous

 

 

 

Archangel Raphael!

Archangel Raphael

 

Raphael’s name means “God heals” or “God has healed” which tells us a lot about his responsibilities to Earth and her inhabitants. Raphael is a very powerful healer of both humans and animals. Raphael is very connected to all animals, both domestic and wild. He can be called to help find lost pets.

~

 

Ask Raphael for help when you are in any kind of pain, whether it be physical, emotional romantic, intellectual or spiritual. He will somehow inspire you with sudden ideas and thoughts giving you just the right information to help the healing. Pay attention to and then follow these angelic answers to your prayers.

~

 

You can call on Raphael on behalf of someone else who is in need of healing. He is also associated with the healing of addictions. The person must want the help, and be accepting of it for it to occur. Angels can not interfere with a person’s free will.

~

 

When asked for healing assistance, Raphael surrounds and nurtures people with the emerald green light of his halo. Green is the color of healing and clairvoyant people may see emerald green sparkles when Raphael is around. 

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Raphael is connected to eyesight – both physical and non-physical. If you or a friend are going in for eye surgery, ask Raphael to oversee things. If you are needing help connecting with your intuition, he can help with that as well.

~

 

Raphael oversees travelers, helping them arrive at their destination safely. Infact, he is the patron saint of travelers.

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Raphael is also very connected to doctors, nurses, and other health care workers.

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Raphael's loving personality outshines his physical characteristics; he is often described as being friendly, amusing, gentle and kind. These qualities also make him the Archangel best suited to overseeing the host of guardian angels.

~

 

Correspondences:

Green Aventurine is very special to him. Carry a small piece of this crystal in your pocket and hold it in your hand when you need to call on him. . Also other crystals such as emerald, jade and rose quartz are special to him.

The Heart Chakra is specifically associated with Raphael.

People often see flashes or sparkles of emerald-green light when calling on him.

His colors are emerald green and deep pink – both colors of the heart.

His special number is eight.~

 

A prayer to Saint Raphael

Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel

We beseech thee to help us in all our needs and trials of this life,

as thou, through the power of God, didst restore sight and

give guidance to young Tobit.

We humbly seek thine aid and intercession,

that our souls may be healed,

our bodies protected from all ills,

and that through divine grace we may be made fit

to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A prayer to  St. Raphael for  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.

~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Another Prayer to Saint Raphael the  Archangel

Glorious Archangel Saint 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, 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 {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

September 29th The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

September 29th  The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

 

Make yourself familiar with the angels

and behold them frequently in spirit;

for without being seen, they are present with you.

~~St. Francis De Sales

 

The feast of Saint Michael , also known as Michaelmas, is a Christian feast derived from the old pagan Autumn Equinox celebrations. It is the most ancient of all the angel festivals. Michaelmas became the fixed date for the feast otherwise associated with Autumn Equinox or the harvest. As early as 1014, the laws of Ethelred in England prescribe a three day fast for all Christians before the feast. Servants weren't allowed to work during these days.

Michaelmas was a time when rents were due, and rents were often paid in food. The traditional rent for Michaelmas was a goose. Eating something rich like goose at this turning point of the year brings good luck. In Nottingham they say "If you eat roast goose on Michaelmas day, you will never want money all year." In Norfolk , they say, "if you don't baste the goose on Michaelmas Day, you will want money all year." Roast goose is the traditional meal served even now for the holiday. A flower, a wildflower, a white aster with many small star-like flowers, that blooms in late September, known as the Michaelmas daisy.

Archangels Gabriel and Raphael are also honored on this day.

Sainted Angels, like Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, are not like the other saints on the Church's calendar who were all once human beings. Angels are celestial beings created on a higher order than man. They are completely spiritual beings; they have intelligence and will; they are personal and immortal creatures. Angels are the servants and messengers of God -- in fact, this is what the word "angel" means. Several different kinds (or ranks) of angels are mentioned in the Bible: angels, archangels, cherubim, seraphim, thrones, choirs, dominions, principalities, and powers. The Archangels want you to call on them for help. Don’t worry that you are overburdening them—Archangels can help many people simultaneously.

 

"Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed.

In fact angels have no religion as we know it ...

their existence precedes every religious system

that has ever existed on earth."

~~St. Thomas Aquinas

 

 

Archangel Michael

Michael’s name means “he who looks like God” or “he who is like God”. Michael is the leader of the Archangels. He is very tall and handsome. His energy feels warm and reassuring, like having a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you. His main purpose is to rid the earth of fear --- no small task! Call on him when you are feeling scared physically or emotionally and he will help you. Ask for courage and you will have it! (He is often pictured swinging a sword and with his foot planted on the devil.)He is the Patron Saint of Police Officers. Archangel Michael is also the angel in command of Lightworkers! He is also especially good with fixing mechanical and electrical devices ( a handy guy to have around!)

Whenever you feel afraid or uneasy, mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please protect and calm me now.” If you are in an unsafe place or neighborhood, ask Archangel Michael to be your angelic bodyguard--to escort, guide and protect. In fact, you can ask Michael to be permanently stationed by your side so you’ll always be safe under his powerful protection. Just mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please be my guardian angel in all directions of time. Thank you.” And it is so!

If you sometimes feel like you need protection from negativity, then each morning upon wakening ask for Archangel Michael to envelope you in a thick eggshell of white protective light to shield you from negative people and situations you come into contact with (in all situations). This is especially useful for very empathic people who tend to pick up on the emotions of people around them (positive and negative).

 

Correspondences:

Special colors – Blue and Gold

Protector of the day Wednesdays

Associated with the Third and Fifth Chakras

Associated with the number 6

Special crystals which are blue: sapphire, blue topaz : for peacefulness, and healing

Special crystals which are yellow/gold : yellow topaz , citrine: to initiate positive action improve communications.

 

Prayer to Saint 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.

~~By Pope Leo XIII

 

 

Prayer to Saint Michael Powerful Aid

Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and victor over rebellious spirits, be mindful of me who am so weak and sinful and yet so prone to pride and ambition. Lend me, I pray, thy powerful aid in every temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.

Police Officer's Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force. Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment. Take us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.  You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.  And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Michael is generally depicted as the protector of the weak, it is considered appropriate to make a contribution to your local police force or community watch program, or to a shelter for the victims of violent crime, as a thank you offering.

Archangel Michael is your friend and protector, call on him often, daily if desired – he is waiting for your call.  Call on him for protection, for peace, for freedom.  He is with you always.

 

September 27th ~~ St. Vincent de Paul!

September 27th ~~ St. Vincent de Paul

One of my favorite Saints, EVER! Why? Partly because of the quotes at  the bottom of this post, and he did great works for the poor, and is the patron Saint of Charities,  but also, because, well, he was known to be a grouch! Granted, a grouch who was extremely sensitive to the needs of others, but also human as well, with his own frailties.  I have not ever read about a Saint before where they were quite described in this manner, and it brings to the fore for me that we can all do good work, and sometimes, just sometimes, not feel very "Saintly" Anyway, if you would like to read more about St Vincent De Paul, please look here!

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

"Strive to live content in the midst of those things that cause your discontent. Free your mind from all that troubles you, God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this [choice] without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires" (St. Vincent de Paul, Letters).    

 "Love is inventive to the point of infinity"

 

One of my favorite Saints, EVER! Why? Partly because of the quotes at  the bottom of this post, and he did great works for the poor, and is the patron Saint of Charities,  but also, because, well, he was known to be a grouch! Granted, a grouch who was extremely sensitive to the needs of others, but also human as well, with his own frailties.  I have not ever read about a Saint before where they were quite described in this manner, and it brings to the fore for me that we can all do good work, and sometimes, just sometimes, not feel very "Saintly" Anyway, if you would like to read more about St Vincent De Paul, please look here!

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

"Strive to live content in the midst of those things that cause your discontent. Free your mind from all that troubles you, God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this [choice] without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires" (St. Vincent de Paul, Letters).    

 "Love is inventive to the point of infinity"

 

Happy Birthday, Marie Laveau!!!

 

Happy Birthday, Marie Laveau! 
by Sister Bridget

Marie Laveau was born 9/10/1801 - which would make today her ......well, it's not polite to state a lady's age!  Marie Laveau is the most well known American voodoo priestess to have lived to date. She is buried at St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans and is credited with almost single-handedly being responsible for the flourish of Voodoo in America today. Her unique powers caused her to be sought out by women and men of wealth and power in New Orleans, seeking her special brand of Voodoo magick. Today, her tomb is a focal point of special wishes and offerings by New Orleanians swearing that she still grants her favors even today. She is most famous for granting love wishes.So much has been written about Mistress Marie, there is little we can say here that will do her contribution to New Orleans Voodoo justice. We do wish her a Happy Birthday and much gratitude from the bottom of our hearts. Another way we honor Mistress Marie is to produce several products and articles in her honor! 

Marie Laveau Clean Sweep House Blessing Kit! 

Mistress Marie Love Magnet Oil

Marie Laveau Hoodoo Love Incense

Marie Laveau Hoodoo Love Herb Pack

Make a Love Wish on Marie Laveau's Tomb

Presentation from Online Voodoo Convention