Angelology: Who are the most important archangels?

Archangels, the best angels of God, are such powerful spiritual beings that they often capture people's attention and awe. While the exact amount of archangels is discussed between different faiths, seven archangels oversee angels who specialize in different types of work that help humanity and four of these are considered by many believers to be the most important archangels. They are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

Michael, who leads all the holy angels, often works in missions involving the fight against evil, the proclamation of the truth of God and the strengthening of people's faith.

Gabriel, who communicates God's most important announcements to humans, specializes in helping people understand God's messages and apply them well to their lives.

Raphael, who acts as God's main healing angel, takes care of the health of people, animals and every other part of God's creation.

Uriel, who focuses on wisdom, often works on missions to help people get to know God better, themselves and others.

Four directions and elements
Believers have grouped these four main angels into categories that correspond to their specialties on our planet: four directions (north, south, west and east) and four natural elements (air, fire, water and earth).

Michele represents the south and the fire. Like the fire angel, Michael stirs up people's desire to discover spiritual truth and pursue closer relationships with God. It also helps people burn sins from their lives while working to protect them from harm. Michael empowers people to let go of fear and live with the passion of being on fire with love for the God who loves them.
Gabriel represents west and water. Like the angel of the water, Gabriel inspires people to be receptive to God's messages. It also encourages people to reflect on their thoughts and emotions and helps them understand clearly the messages within what they think and feel. Finally, Gabriel encourages people to pursue purity to draw closer to God.
Raphael represents the east and the air. Like the angel of the air, Raphael helps people to free themselves from the burdens, to make healthy life choices, to become the people that God wants them to become and to go up to the right goals for their life.
Uriel represents the north and the earth. Like the angel of the earth, Uriel founds people in the wisdom of God and offers them concrete solutions for their problems. It also acts as a stabilizing force in people's lives, helping them to live peacefully within themselves and in relationships with God and other people.

Rays of light of different colors
Each of these higher archangels oversees a myriad of other angels who work within a ray of light with energy corresponding to specific topics. By tuning in to the energy of the angelic rays of light, people can focus their prayers based on the type of help they are seeking from the archangels.

Michael guides the blue light beam, which represents power, protection, faith, courage and strength.
Gabriel guides the white light beam, which represents purity, harmony and holiness.
Raphael leads the green light beam, which represents healing and prosperity.
Uriel guides the red light beam, which represents a wise service.
Saints and Archangels
Although most of the saints are human souls who lived as people on Earth before going to heaven, three of these main archangels are also considered saints. They answer prayers for help on some types of concerns related to their specialties.

San Michele is the patron saint of the sick and those who work in dangerous conditions, such as police officers. Help people fight challenges and emerge victoriously.
San Gabriele is the patron saint of communication. Help people send, receive and understand messages well.
San Raffaele is the patron saint of healing for the body, mind and spirit. It helps people experience the best possible health physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Uriel is not officially considered a saint, but still answers the prayers of people, especially those who seek wisdom.

Tarocchi
These four most important archangels are also present in the tarot cards, which people can use as tools to seek guidance on the future.

Michael is on the "Temperance" tarot card, which represents the concept of the spiritual and physical realms that connect.
Gabriel is on the tarot card "Judgment", which represents the concept of spiritual communication.
Raphael is on the "Lovers" tarot card, which represents the concept of romantic relationships.
Uriel (and alternatively, the Archangel Lucifer) is sometimes interpreted on the "Devil" tarot card, which represents the concept of acquiring wisdom by learning from weaknesses and mistakes and seeking God's help.