Celebration of Michaelmas Day - September 29th

September 29th, Michaelmas Day, is in honor of Archangel Michael and the mighty Archangels.  Archangel Michael is considered the greatest of all angels in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions. He is known as Holder of the Keys of Heaven, Chief of the Archangels, and Angelic Prince of Israel. He is Commander-in-Chief of the Heavenly armies, and fights for justice.  St. Michael has been honored from the earliest times in many countries.  

 

The Emperor Constantine, grateful for victories gained over his enemies, which he attributed to Archangel Michael, built a magnificent church near Constantinople in honor of the Archangel that he called Michaelion.  It became a place of pilgrimage, and many sick and infirm were cured in it by the intercession of the Archangel.  Constantine's successors erected 15 churches in Constantinople itself to St. Michael.

 

In Rome churches were built and dedicated to St. Michael dating back to 494.

 

In France, he appeared on Mont St. Michel where there still exists a famous sanctuary consecrated to the Archangel.

 

In Egypt, the Christians dedicated their food-giving river, the Nile, to St. Michael, and on the 12th of every month they held a celebration in his honor.

 

St. Michael has appeared at different times to those who needed help and invoked his aid.  He assisted St. Joan of Arc in the extraordinary mission given her by God of aiding the French King to restore peace and prosperity to his kingdom and expel his enemies.  

Lord Michael is associated with the element of fire, which symbolizes the burning away of negativity. Michael is the warrior whose light is triumphant over darkness. Often he is depicted with a sword of Light to cut away whatever is obstructing our life's purpose. He can help us face those aspects of ourselves that we have ignored or pretended didn't exist. He is the bringer of patience and happiness.

The Sleeping Prophet, Edgar Cayce, when asked, "What is the relationship between Michael, the lord of the Way, and the Christ Way?"

The Source replied:

"Michael is the archangel that stands before the Throne of the Father. The Christ is the Son, the Way to the Father, and one that came into the earth as a man, the Son of man, that man might have the access to the Father; hence the Way. Michael is the lord or the guard of the change that comes in every soul that seeks the Way..."

When my spiritual journey began in my late thirties, Archangel Michael helped me face my shadow. Within a short time, my life completely changed direction in an amazing way.  

 

 

Synchronicity is the language of angels.  During a trip to England, while walking the grounds of the Glastonbury Abbey, an angel thought, encouraged to go climb the 500-ft. Tor, and visit the ruins of St. Michael's church. Winded, when Elliot and I arrived on top of the Tor, we entered the tower. To our surprise, a small church group had gathered in honor of St. Michael. The timing was perfect as we were included in the celebration of Michaelmas Day, singing hymns to the Archangels! 

 

Thank you, glorious Archangel Michael for all that you do.  It's a great day to celebrate and give thanks to Archangel Michael and all the Archangels, and angels who tirelessly serve humankind by quickening our spiritual awareness and helping us to be true to our divine purpose.

Peace and love,

Rae Karen

Autumn Reflections: Angel Rocks

                           
What we think...we attract...  The angels drove home a lesson about our thoughts last week.

I'd been thinking about autumn in Alaska, and feeling homesick for the beautiful golden trees. Later that day, this U-Haul moving truck crossed my path in our small Floridian town. The timing was amusing, as hawk is my angel nature messenger and Alaska had been on my mind.   Thoughts are creative things.

 

Then, with the focus on autumn and the advice to draw closer to nature for guidance, a few days later, I attracted this fall photo of Angel Rocks in Fairbanks, Alaska.   Thoughts are creative things.

 

 

Gazing at the golden leaves, the angels took me on a journey way back in time.

 

In the early 1970's, I didn't know about the presence of angels in everyday life. They were waiting in the wings, just as Angel Rocks had been at that time.

 

But looking back,  I could now see how angels had been watching over me.  1971 was a record-breaking winter, with 165 inches of snow, and many days with -40 below and much colder temperatures.  

 

On my way to work one frozen morning, I was plowing along Airport Road in my 1968 verde green Pontiac. Metal tire chains clanked on the wheel rim of the Firebird, as the heavy links dug into the many layers of  hard-packed snow.  A glance at the temperature on the local bank registered -40 below.  Brrrr... And, my heater, set on High blasted slightly warm air. Frost-free  protective shields on the rear and side windows helped with visibility.  But, to my surprise, my driving eyeglasses began to frost up. 

 

I laughed, nervously having an aha moment, in which I questioned my sanity as to how I got there. A series of events had led to the move way up north.

 

What a sight I must have been -- bundled in a heavy parka, the big furry hood covering my head was zipped up over my mouth and nose.  Only a pair of frosted glasses glued to the road, stuck out from the ruff trimmed hood.  Even the insulated Mukluk boots on my feet were beginning to feel like blocks of ice. 

 

It was quite a ride.    

Not far from the Institute of Northern Forestry where I worked, the Firebird's side-view mirror snapped off like a twig.  

 

With the help of unseen angels, I managed to drive the car up the hill, on four squared-tires. And rolled into victory. A power-post parking spot, the last one, closest to work, was waiting for me to plug in and warm the car during the day.   

Near the Arctic Circle, a power post  is a necessity.  Power posts were accessible downtown, home on the military base, etc.  No one could afford to go anywhere for longer than 2 hours without restarting the car or getting an electrical post recharge. Otherwise the circulating system would ice up and you'd be stuck in the deep-freeze.  

Today, I'm so thankful to know that we have angel companions. The more we honor and pay attention to these celestial visitants, the more visible will be our evidence of their loving presence.   Make friends with your guardian angels. They know you better than you know yourself.  

 

 In looking back, you can probably recall amazing events in which a glimpse of your unseen friends is suddenly revealed in astonishing and unforgettable ways.    

 
The winter experience in Alaska got me to thinking about those power posts.  What if we each remembered to plug in to our angel network every two hours throughout the day. No telling what miracles may happen.

 

An angel charge would safely guide, protect, and comfort us along the road each day making life's ride smoother.  Knowingly we would be driving under the influence of angels.  :-D   

  

One last thing... 

 

Synchronicity was at play last week.  On youtube, I happened to take a spectacular ride and saw the glorious autumn hills turning to gold in Fairbanks, Alaska in the fall of 2021.   Thoughts are things.

 

As I said, lately the angels have been driving a lesson home on the power of our thoughts. We entertain 50,000 plus thoughts each day, how many are positive. 

 

One of my favorite definitions of angels is:  "God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality..." 

 

 Enjoy your day, and why not plug in and charge it with powerful angelic energy of love, harmony, peace, and light.

 
Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

(Angel Rocks, Chena River State Recreation Area, Fairbanks, AK
                                  photo Wikimedia Commons)

Happy Autumn Equinox! Welcome Archangel Michael!

                                Archangel Michael - Wikimedia Commons

Autumn is a season to reap a bountiful harvest from the hard work done over the summer. Archangel Michael, the governor of the season, brings a higher shift in consciousness. 

 

His name means "Who is as God". A fierce warrior, he  comes with his mighty sword of Truth to slay the "dragons" of our lower ego mind.  His powerful light triumphs over negativity. Often called the Dragon Slayer, he will remove obstacles on our path; he will set us free so we can make new decisions and plant the necessary seeds for next year's harvest.  

 

With his help, self-doubt and fear will be conquered.  He provides the courage and strength to face any extreme difficulty with great determination. 

As the Archangel of transformation, Michael comes to assist all who have chosen to follow the spiritual path.  The Prince of Light, he brings the gift of patience and understanding. He is also called the Prince of Splendor and Wisdom, a powerful force for imparting divine consciousness to humanity.  

Fall is a testing time of the soul, a willingness to give up that which is most cherished.   It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the quest for inner freedom; strong spiritual support is available as we go through our trials and initiations.  During this time of year, guidance is strong through contact with nature, so time spent outdoors enhances soul growth. Enjoy the beautiful trees as they loosen their colorful autumn leaves and let go of the past to prepare for a new spring. 

Autumn is a season to:

--Harvest what has passed and let it go.
--Purify and transmute the lower self
--Overcome cherished obstacles that block our path
--Sow new seeds for next year's harvest
--Gain protection and guidance from Archangel Michael in order to advance

Welcome, Archangel Michael, and thank you for your tireless service to assist us in any situation where we may feel overwhelmed or alone, in need of guidance and support.  Help us to conquer our negativity and to open up to the eternal. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Out of the Mist: An Angel Message

 

Out of the mist this morning, what a surprise! A little tree frog gripped the sun-room window, his tiny green fingers splayed in a joyful embrace.  No bigger than a dime, his presence brought a smile as he peered through the foggy glass.  His timing was perfect as I'd been praying for a friend who is grieving over the unexpected loss of a dear younger brother. 

And, when I opened my eyes, there was this comforting message to Fully Rely On God.  (F.R.O.G.)

Many years ago, when my grandmother passed on, her friend published this comforting prayer in the newspaper. I changed the "she" to "he" in honor of the beautiful soul that recently departed.   

The Traveler

He has put on invisibility.
Dear Lord, I cannot see—
But this I know, although the road
     ascends
And passes from my sight,
That there will be no night;
That You will take him gently by the
     hand
And lead him on
Along the road of life that never ends,
And he will find it is not death but
     dawn.
I do not doubt that You are there as
     here,
And You will hold him dear.

Our life did not begin with birth,
It is not of the earth;
And this that we call death, it is no
     more
Than the opening and closing of a
     door—
And in Your house how many rooms
     must be
Beyond this one where we rest
     momently.
Dear Lord, I thank You for the faith
     that frees,
The love that knows it cannot lose its
     own;
The love that, looking through the
     shadows, sees
That You and he and I are ever one!

---By James Dillet Freeman

As you go through your day, how comforting to know that no one is ever truly alone.  Our guardian angel is always with us no matter where we go. When invited to come long, you will feel the loving presence of that one enfold you and comfort you, giving you protection, guidance, love and peace. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Let It Be: An Angel Message

Recently while out shopping, a favorite Beatles' tune played on the sound system. Browsing a book rack, I smiled, thinking of the lyrics to Let It Be... 

"When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me/Speaking words of wisdom/ "Let it be/ Let it be."

Often times, to "let it be"is one of the hardest things to practice, especially if you like being in control.   A lesson on letting it be came from the garden.  I love orchids, and, yet houseplants and our cat Hei-Hei are incompatible.  So a few years ago, when our prized orchid shared its last beautiful blossom rather than pitch out the plant, I took it outdoors to give nature an opportunity to work a miracle.  Not every gardener has the humility and attentiveness to care for orchids.

With very little faith that it would bloom again, the straggly stick-of-a-plant was placed on the bottom shelf of a weathered wrought iron plant stand. And, completely forgotten, under the palm trees.  No fertilizer, no water, no shading from the sun. Strictly HANDS-off -- Let it be.  

Yesterday morning, an angel message prompted, check on the orchid plant. I didn't expect much.

But when I bent down to look on the lower shelf, a burst of joy energized me. 

Nature had done its job.  The lifeless plant had been more than fruitful.  

Two BEAUTIFUL exotic white blooms, tinged with soft violet rays!  And, four sealed pods, bearing a promise of more buds in the future. 

Filled with gratitude, I brought the amazing gift inside, and set it on the vanity in the bathroom, (shut away from the cat). Sheepishly, I smiled, recognizing I was at it again... 

Sometimes the best thing we can do is to let go, and let it be.  It  helps when surrendering to accept that all circumstances are helpful, designed for our spiritual growth.  Everything we need is already within us, waiting to bloom at the right time.  So maybe what  appears as a lost cause or hopeless in the physical, is actually a work in progress.  A reminder to let go, trust in a higher power, and surrender the outcome to the Holy Spirit.

An on-line search revealed more about these exotic and wild flowers.  I didn't know there is a Holy Spirit Dove orchid.  Orchids are the largest family in the plant kingdom with over 20,000 species.  

"Whenever these ornate blooms appear as messengers, they alert us to an important 2-4 week period at hand."  Control and balance your energies. Don't become overly involved in managing details.  Let it be as it is for now.  

Maybe there is a longstanding issue that you've been trying to handle alone.  Ask God for guidance and then follow through, and let it be.  You'll be happy that you did...

Now, to find a safe place for the lovely plant... It needs sunlight and a spot where its beauty can be appreciated daily, without the attention of friendly cat paws...

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Expect the happy things of God to come your way today. God loves you.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

(Ref. Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews on orchid)

The Law of Gratitude: An Angel Message

 Something amusing confirmed my thinking earlier today.  Thoughts are things...they hold creative energy.  Maybe you've noticed lately how you may entertain a thought about something, and, the next thing you know, it has manifested in form. 

That's what happened today.  I had just started to blog about The Law of Gratitude when my kitchen stove timer buzzed.  The timing was good because that's when I noticed two wild turkeys gobbling out on the lawn.  Angel messengers of GRATITUDE and THANKSGIVING. I smiled, grateful for the companion photo for the angel blog.

Another nature message appeared on the driveway.  Recent heavy rains had drenched a fallen leaf, leaving an outline of a rustic heart on the concrete.  Although the leaf was long gone, it had made a lasting impression.  Whatever you do, stay wholehearted in Love.  I was happy to see the whole heart in tact, and not divided by the crack in the cement.  

I've been reading about how The Law of Gratitude holds creative power.  The more gratefully and wholeheartedly we fix our thoughts on the Supreme when good things come to us, the more good things we will be open to receive, and the more rapidly they will come.  The mental attitude of gratitude draws our mind into closer alignment with the Source from which all blessings come. In this way, the Law of Gratitude helps builds faith.  "Draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh unto you."

Faith is born of gratitude.  A grateful mind continually expects good, and expectation becomes faith.A reaction of gratitude upon one's own mind produces faith; and every outgoing wave of grateful thanksgiving increases faith. 

The angels encourage us to cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes, and give thanks continuously.  You may want to make a gratitude list.

In closing, my gratitude scale was tested sorely.  The first blog when ready to be published, somehow got whisked away.  Nothing but a blank.  Anyway, I made the choice to be grateful to have the time, the energy, and the tools to do it again.  

May you enjoy your day with the Angels of Gratitude and Thanksgiving.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

(Ref. Law of  Gratitude notes from Wallace Wattles, The Science of Growing Rich)

A Slippery Climb for the Inner Child: An Angel Message

 When angel messages from nature come to you, look for unusual and out-of-the-ordinary behavior. What were you doing at the time?  What were you thinking about?  What have you been focusing on the last 24 hours?

This morning I noticed a strange object stuck on the back-screen-door as I went outside.  

 At first, it appeared a misguided mud dauber had built a conical clay nest on the back door.  A most unwise foundation choice for the future, with all of our daily comings and goings. 

But a closer look revealed something new and different. 

 A small snail carrying a  sand colored conical shell on her back had climbed the screen door, and fastened herself to the metal mesh.   

How did she do it?

A streak of silvery substance marked her trail along the upward way. The slippery slime had made it easy to move her foot muscle along a self-made path. 

The little snail had stopped, waiting to greet me at eye-level, before I went outdoors. In the past, my mollusk experience had been limited to common round shells called Roman snails creeping along the ground. 

This was something else.   The unusual behavior, and beautiful, coiled shell with its point, fit the description of an angel message.  

But what did it mean? What was the point? 

She was oddly out of place...in her beautiful shell, a reminder of the sea.

I stared at the fascinating little life form, wondering, How could she maintain her balance while carrying such a heavy shell? Or,  manage to stay securely fastened to the screen door? 

Wanting to commune, I spoke to her, hoping to go deeper, but she had sealed herself in her hard shell with a "door" of dried slime. Later, I learned this condition is called estivation and will last until the dry spell ends.   So, she had perhaps stopped by to slow down and rest awhile.  Take it at her own pace. 

 

Curious to know more about the little visitor, a search revealed the spiritual symbolism.  

Snails teach us to protect the inner child, the Holy Child within us.  Maybe early in life our childlike sensitivities and energies were often discouraged or ridiculed.  Thus a shell was built to protect our sensitive and tender hearts.  Snails, as messengers, remind us that the Holy Child still lives within us.  And, when a snail appears, it often serves as a reminder that it is time to bring that child out once more.

Look at the walls and shells we have built around ourselves.  Are we being too closed in?  Are we exposing our vulnerability too much?  Are we being too sensitive?  Do we need to protect ourselves a little more?  Remember that all is possible to the Holy Child within.  Are we going to keep it hidden away or bring it out to experience the miracles of life?

What a comforting message to remember the Holy Child resides within each of us.  All is possible with God. I'm so thankful for these loving angel touches that come with Love.

What angel nature messengers are coming to you today?  Expect the unexpected. And remember, God Loves You.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Ref. Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews

Nature Calling: An Angel Message

Ever felt an angel’s breath in the gentle breeze?

 A teardrop in the falling rain? 

Hear a whisper amongst the rustle of leaves? 

Or been kissed by a lone snowflake? 

 Nature is an angel’s favorite hiding place. 

          --Carrie Latet

Early Saturday morning, before the sun heated up, I was inspired to exercise a little creativity in the yard.  In no time, I had worked up a sweat, hauling concrete stepping stones for a new path to the birdbath.  In the shade of the tall palm trees, large empty clay pots were pushed in new directions, and filled with flowers in the little make-shift garden. 

While re-potting the yellow buttercup plant, closer inspection revealed a longstanding problem!  Its tender green leafy branches were bound, round and round by an invasive, almost invisible, long thread of vine.

Buttercups are symbols of faith; a low-maintenance flower, hardy and eager to grow wherever planted in the garden.  But, even the most adaptable plant can't make progress or bloom if tied up by an overly aggressive tacky weed.

Eagerly snipping the inexhaustible supply of menacing thread, I personally recalled similar situations of my own.  How little negative thoughts or actions may appear to be harmless, at first...  But, when left unattended, they eventually take over and stifle the beauty of blossoming in spiritual growth.   

"Meet the little interferers head-on, before they become overpowering" was the angel nature message. Weed out any negativity before it takes over and snarls any chance of success.   

Perhaps this sudden urge to create anew in the garden has been inspired by the birds.  Cranes are majestic birds of creativity, and a loving sandhill crane couple has been stopping by to visit. 

 

These tall stick-legged waders always bring joy.  

Yesterday, the harmonious pair came by late in the afternoon. They made themselves at home, nestling down on the lawn to rest in the cool shade of the palms. A picture of serenity.  Curious, Hei-Hei, our tabby stretched out like a sphinx, peacefully watching the enormous birds from the sun-room window, with a dose of respectful curiosity.   

 Then, an ordinary moment became extraordinary. 

During dinner, the glass-topped table by the sliding glass door, created a play of light. 

Hei-Hei's reflection in the glass door somehow was superimposed on the body of one red-headed crane.

 The two merged into one image in the glass. 

Hei is the Hebrew alphabet letter H, and is symbolized by a window. And, Hei-Hei  could mean "double window".  Anyway, it was a remarkable instant of Oneness that brought a smile of gratitude for the kinship and unity of All in the Circle of Life. 

Today, nature delivered another unexpected message.  

A little tree-frog tapped at the bedroom window pane. Laughing, I got a picture, thanking him for the visit.  When the pic was uploaded, I noticed the dolphins-and-Earth stained glass panel.   Dolphins can open new creation and dimensions to a great degree.  The dolphin was a symbol of salvation to the early Christians.  When dolphin appears, it is time to breathe in some new life into yourself.  Get out in the fresh air, play, explore, and most of all breathe.

F.R.O.G.  IT... (F)ully (R)ely (o)n (G)od.

 

What nature messages from the angels are coming to you?

Love and peace,

Rae Karen