It is with anticipation that we begin this new year 2016. Each year, we have the opportunity to start out fresh, to change what we feel doesn’t serve us. The resolutions we make may be small or large, but we can only accomplish our goals when we take them seriously and are willing to change. This month, I am using the Archangel Raphael Healing oracle cards, compiled by Doreen Virtue, PhD. We can call on Archangel Raphael to work with us when we are sick or in pain on some level. He is always available to help and will gladly lend a hand if we ask. I have posed the question to Archangel Raphael, “What does the beginning of the year 2016 hold for us in terms of health?” Four cards were laid down from the top of the deck: 1) Sobriety; 2) Prayer Works!; 3) Relationship; and 4) Caffeine Free!. The following is the reading for this month:
1) “Sobriety: Dear God and Archangel Raphael, thank you for adjusting my cravings in healthful directions so that I only desire life-affirming foods and beverages.” Now that the holidays are complete, it is time to get back on track. When we deliberately eat healthily, every part of us says thank you from head to toe. When we indulge in beverages moderately, our bodies work more efficiently. Our minds are clearer; our organs and muscles have a better opportunity to function as they should in order to live our lives optimally. Doreen tells us, “This card appears because your health improves as you adopt a sober lifestyle. Archangel Raphael can reduce or eliminate addictive cravings and help you adjust so that recovery is pleasant and harmonious. Raphael can also guide you to specific health-care professionals or support groups to heal the addictive cycle. A chemical-free lifestyle is beneficial … and will boost your energy, vitality, and self-esteem.” You also might be becoming increasingly sensitive to chemicals, so take steps to avoid them. This includes preservatives, pesticides, and genetic modification in foods, and cleaning substances in the home or workplace.
2) “Prayer Works!: Dear God and Archangel Raphael, thank you for hearing and answering my prayer of [ fill in your own personal health prayer].” We often times feel we have nowhere to turn for help. Yet help is very close at hand through the prayers we send to the divine and to the angels. Regardless of whether our problems are large or small, they will always be answered. That answer may not be the one we want, but rather the one we need for our greatest good. So when we pray, it is always a good idea to be grateful for what comes to us and work with it. We are told, “Archangel Raphael sends this card to inspire you to increase your prayers surrounding your health question. This may mean putting requests into prayer groups, such as those associated with churches or temples. It also calls for you to pray more personally and to ask your spiritually minded loved ones to join you. Hundreds of well-documented and carefully designed studies have supported the healing power of prayer and have ruled out the placebo effect. There’s evidence that the more people who pray for a cause, the better the result … regardless of the type or denomination of the prayer. Raphael joins you in praying for the best possible outcome as well as peace for everyone involved. And remember: the answer to your prayer is usually better and different from what you may expect. Instead of worrying, pray! Ask for help and then accept assistance when it’s offered.”
3) “Relationship: Dear Archangel Raphael, thank you for healing and guiding all of my relationships upon the path of love.” Relationships are important to each of us, whether they be family, friends, acquaintances, or lovers. When we find ourselves out of sync in one or more relationships, a prayer to Archangel Raphael can be helpful. As stated before, many times what we want and what is good for us are not always the same. Archangel Raphael can help us discern. Doreen states, “Archangel Raphael helps you with all forms of healing, including emotional healing within relationships. He sends you this card to indicate that he’s assisting you with relationship and health issues, especially when both are intertwined. Raphael can help you maintain clear and loving communication with other people, as well as resolve misunderstandings from the past. After all, the Healing Angel know the health benefits of a heart that’s filled with love, peace, and compassion. Be willing to forgive, and trust your intuition about the relationship you are asking about.”
4) “Caffeine Free!: Dear Archangel Raphael, I ask that you cut my cords of attachment to caffeine so that I may honor my body’s natural energy rhythms without chemicals.” So many of us are used to the effects of caffeine, be it coffee, tea, or other beverage. We find we need it to stay alert and get through our day. However, when the only way to get through the day is with a caffeinated beverage, we do ourselves a disservice physically, emotionally, and mentally. Doreen tells us, “You drew this card because caffeine from coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate is exacerbating the health condition you’ve inquired about. Perhaps your consumption of this substance is increasing your anxiety level, which is creating stress-induced body toxins. Anxiety can also block you from feeling safe, happy, and connected. If you are addicted to caffeine, Archangel Raphael can certainly help reduce or eliminate cravings. Recite the [beginning prayer] to call upon his Divine healing powers. Notice your tension level prior to and after consuming caffeine, and be honest with yourself about caffeine-induced anxiety. [It is also a good idea to] engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or massage.”
Although you may not identify with each aspect of this month’s reading, pay attention to those that ring true for you. Be willing to make some changes in your life with the help of Archangel Raphael. His help is available for the asking. Namaste.
