Divine Hope by Jo O'Neil
Chapter Twelve
The Archangels Part Two
I led A.M. to a serene square which was positioned opposite my favourite coffee house, Giorgio’s. Despite its small size, the garden was packed with icicle ornamented trees which waited patiently for their leaves to blossom, and snow covered herbaceous borders that were lovingly tendered by kind, old gnarled hands when the weather permitted. Several conifer trees added a splash of colour to the white landscape, while two prominent pathways, which crossed in the middle of the square, gave access to the haven from four different entrances; each when exited leading to bustling, carbon dioxide filled streets.
Buildings, many of fine architecture, surrounded the square. The grime caused by the heavily trafficked streets clung to the masonry of the old constructions, turning the original white stone a shabby grey. Pure white snow rested on the elaborately crafted ledges of the regal structures, where it partially entombed the resident stone cherubs and emphasised the soot caked exteriors of the aged edifice. However, the soiled walls were softened by the mature native oaks which lined the affluent pavements, even though they were devoid of their foliage.
A.M. and I sat on one of the half dozen painstakingly elegantly decorated benches which adorned the square, although admittedly, under its thick cover of snow, one who didn’t already know would have been hard pressed to appreciate the artwork lovingly applied to the green metal frames. Our celestial bodies left no tell-tale signs to indicate the bench was occupied, leaving us to pursue our surroundings uninterrupted and in comfort; as the freezing temperature, despite the sunshine, didn’t penetrate us, unlike the occasional passerby who quickened their step under their bundle of clothes, which half heartedly sheltered them, in an anxious attempt to no doubt arrive somewhere warm.
‘This,’ I gestured with my hand as A.M. had done to give me an all-encompassing view of Banff, ‘is my special place. I come here when the weather is on more amicable terms with my human body to be at peace. It seems surreal one can find such a place in a cut throat business orientated city. I thank God that little pieces of heaven exist in this predominately concrete polluted jungle.’
‘God hears your prayers, Serena. The more soul’s who join you in thanking our Father for lush green spaces, no matter how small, allows Him to continue to protect them.’
‘It isn’t very lush and green today,’ I said as I surveyed my predominant white environment.
‘Many would criticise the snow without fully appreciating its wonders.’
‘Which are?’ I inquired as one who definitely didn’t welcome the increasing number of appearances the wet and cold white visitor seemed determined to make.
‘The snow brings a blanket of peace to an otherwise world full of frenzy. It wages war on germs which plague mankind, and by bringing purity it allows Mother Nature to regenerate once her white ally has gone.’
‘I’m going to miss you when you leave me, A.M., as you always have a positive outlook, no matter how bleak the going gets.’
‘No occasion is ever bleak, Serena, when God is invited to be present. I want you to know I will never leave you, even if you cannot physically see me; unless that is you ask me to go. The same can be said for the rest of the Archangels which I must continue to inform you of. Do you have your pen and paper to hand?’
I mentally intended to recommence note taking, and as I did so the clipboard complete with paper and my pen materialised in my hands, just as it had done in Banff, cueing A.M. to tell me Archangel Sandalphon’s blessings.
The Archangel I had been concerned I had offended when I grew weary of his opus, lovingly appeared in essence form, complete with a conductors baton in hand, as A.M. said, ‘Archangel Sandalphon graces us all, God, human, and angel alike, with music; as you may recall from your audience with God. He has helped many aspiring musicians and composers: Mozart, Bach, and Handel to name but a few. He is also responsible for organising God’s angelic choir.
‘He helps to deliver prayers from earth to God in heaven, and he can intercede on mankind’s behalf when prayers are said to be unanswered. Sometimes, for many different reasons it is easier for a human to hear God’s voice through an angel, and this is one of Archangel Sandalphon’s specialties.
‘Archangel Sandalphon retreats at the magical giant crystal cave in Guatemala, which has been used as a sacred place prior to Mayan times some two thousand years’ before our Lord Jesus Christ. The caves emit a turquoise hazel which is the colour of Archangel’s Sandalphon’s aura. In his loving aura, Archangel Sandalphon dissolves aggression and other volatile tendencies which can afflict a soul that has forsaken God. All the angels will rush to the aid of a lost soul, but can only intervene if permission is granted.
‘Archangel Metatron is sometimes referred to as Archangel Sandalphon’s twin since they are the only angels that ever walked as men on earth. In truth they are separate, but at the same time they are one; for all angels act as one voice of God.
‘Archangel Metatron retreats at Luxor in Egypt. It is from here he governs the sacred geometry which can help to clear, along with his aura of green with dark pink, light workers from toxicity. He converses with God, often scribing for the Almighty and Old Father Time. It is this connection that allows Archangel Metatron to influence time.’
‘So if I’m running late for an appointment, can I ask Archangel Metatron to assist me?’ I asked excitedly hopeful.
Archangel Metatron, whose shadowy form stood next to his baton clutching twin, silently answered my question by producing a large fob watch. Ensuring he had my full attention, he exaggeratedly displayed the gigantic hands before bringing them to a halt.
A.M. and I laughed as A.M. confirmed, ‘Yes, and as you can see from Archangel Metatron’s presentation, if your heart is pure and trusting, he will willingly help you and make certain you are on time by literally halting time if he needs to.’
‘How amazing,’ I said as I scrolled my eyes down my notes to double check my facts. ‘A.M., I’m just recapping and I’m a little confused. You said Archangel Sandalphon “can intercede on mankind’s behalf when prayers are said to be unanswered.”’
‘Yes, that is correct.’
‘Why would God choose to answer some prayers and not others?’
‘God answers all prayers without exception, for He would never forsake His children. Be that as it may, He does not always grant every wish.’
‘Then why does God grant some wishes and not others?’
‘If a soul’s request is not pure of heart, God cannot agree. If the Almighty senses a lack of belief, He cannot concede the application, nor can He go against another’s free will. There are also times when He denies a soul because He has something far more magnanimous in store for the worthy, trusting soul.’
‘A.M., what do you mean by “a lack of belief”?’
‘If the resolve of the soul who made the prayer request wanes; if frustration is experienced instead of mounting excitement; if pessimism and cynicism preside and appreciation falters, by the sacred laws God cannot grant the essence of the prayer. A prayer is strengthen by gratitude and belief. Therefore, a wise and successful prayer of petition to God would go something along the lines of, “Thank you, Father, for bestowing this great gift to me, or something even better, in your own perfect Divine Timing and for the greatest good of all concerned. And so it is.”’
‘That’s beautiful, A.M.’
I was so moved by A.M.’s prayer suggestion that a tear had formed in my right eye. I discreetly moved my gloveless hand to wipe it away as I thought how fortunate I was to be angelic like and consequently unaffected by the freezing cold, otherwise my tear would surely have frozen solid in this unseasonal climate.
Having answered my questions A.M., who was seated to my left, pressed on with my studies.
‘Archangel Uriel is among the angels who protect mankind from fallen angels, by spreading God’s Divine Light within his pale yellow aura. One such way he ac
‘His retreat is in the Tatra Mountians in Poland, where Archangel Uriel helps to transform painful memories for those who consent, and where he restores peace to the past and present.
‘Archangel Ariel is the Overseer of Nature. In this capacity she works closely with Archangel Raphael, combining her pale pink aura with his bright emerald green when an animal requires healing, or an area of outstanding natural beauty is at risk.’
Hearing his cue, Archangel Raphael became visible alongside Archangel Ariel’s solid form, upon which the two curative Archangels began to send healing to a lame pigeon that wandered the squares icy paths. As I mesmerisingly watched the golden glow that was discharged from the Archangels’ hands, A.M. brought my attention back to my coursework by gently calling my name. Once he had my full attention, he continued.
‘Archangel Ariel also ensures the safety of the elementals on planet earth, including the fairies. If you look closely you will see fairies present in this beautiful city garden.’
‘They are? I thought you said fairies shy away from the metropolis?’
‘They do, but just as you have recognised the spirituality of this place, the fairies know it too, and their presence amplifies the peace that can be felt here.’
I looked around for the timid fay. Unsuccessful in my endeavour, A.M. called for them to come out.
‘Come on, there is no need to be shy. Serena is an honorary angel who has vowed to serve our Father and uphold His love, honour, wisdom, mercy, and grace.’
I heard what sounded like a group of small children giggling, followed by a blaze of light as the commune of fairies danced joyfully, wands held alight, around us.
‘I’m honoured you grant me an audience,’ I said as I humbly bowed my head to Archangel Ariel’s charges.
The fairies continued to dance and giggle as A.M. proceeded with my lesson; it seemed by their scanty attire which matched those I had seen in heaven, they too were unaffected by the cold.
‘Archangel Ariel is the angel of earth’s natural resources, so all requests for earthy needs are directed to her.’
‘A.M., earlier in Harry’s office you said “all funds are God’s.” Are you therefore implying Archangel Ariel is God’s Angelic Banker?’
‘That’s a novel way to describe the Angel of Abundance. Nonetheless, it is remarkably apt since she is concerned with wealth.’
I underlined A.M.’s last words as I made a mental note to pass this information on to Mr. Rich, my apartment block doorman. An inane name for a man who pleaded poverty at every available opportunity, more than ever after he’d near bankrupted himself paying for his daughter’s three course wedding reception for two hundred guests. It seemed if anyone needed Archangel Ariel’s guidance, Mr. Rich did.
As I looked up to check the fairies hadn’t been scared away by the infrequent person walking by, A.M. pointed out the full moon which was set high in the mid morning sky. It glowed pearlescent, but was no less brilliant than the fiery effect of the sun.
‘God has given Archangel Haniel the very special task of protecting the moon, the brightest next to the sun of all that roam the solar system. At the birth of a new moon, Archangel Haniel can help human souls work towards their desires which can be best achieved when the moon is full. As the lunar wanes, Archangel Haniel encourages the release of negativity and any old patterns that are not serving the soul.
‘Archangel Haniel is in addition responsible for the third brightest natural object in the galaxy: the planet Venus. Venus, or the Morning Star or Evening Star which she is also known due to her powerful illumination, is the planet of love and beauty. It is Archangel Haniel’s association with Venus, coupled with the fact that she instructs the Romance Angels, which has earned her the affectionate alternative name of the Angel of Love. It is this privileged position that qualifies her to heal heartbreak by wrapping the heartbroken in her bluish white aura that is so characteristic of the moon.’
At these words I stopped scribing. I looked up once again at the moon which was beginning to turn transparent as it prepared to retire for the day until its preferred night-time appearance, when in the hands of the dark night sky it would shine magnificently. Visualising the moons night-time radiance, I sent a silent prayer to Archangel Haniel whose goddess-like-spirit floated up to her charge.
I had forgiven Hope. However, my heart still ached, even in my angelic form, whenever I thought of Rupert. As I stopped kicking my feet that failed to reach the floor under the bench, I pleaded with Archangel Haniel to free me of the stabbing pain in my heart, and to heal me so I may one day find love with my true soul mate while I envisioned myself lovingly comforted by her bluish white aura.
A.M. respectfully waited for me to finish my prayer, and he tactfully refrained from mentioning it, even though from past efforts I knew he was fully aware why I had temporarily neglected my studies. The fact that I neglected to thank him verbally was unimportant, as the smile that lit my eyes especially for him said it all.
‘Souls, such as Hope Harper, who have clairvoyant abilities, are supported by Archangel Haniel.
‘As clairvoyance are sensitive’s, God also employs Archangel Jeremiel to help them. Archangel Jeremiel assist souls in awakening their inner most dreams, providing they serve them well, and he helps them bring their worthy desires to fruition.
‘Archangel Jeremiel also has the important role of helping newly crossed over souls review their lives.’
‘He wasn’t present at my life review,’ I interjected.
‘He will be when it truly is your time, and if you ask him to, he can help you review your life in any moment so he can lovingly help you forgive by surrounding you with his violet aura which will allow positive change to bless your soul.
‘We come to Archangel Zadkiel. Archangel Zadkiel shares Archangel Jeremiel’s ability to inspire forgiveness. Both of these devoted Archangels silently supported Archangel Raphael, Archangel Raziel, and the Lords of Karma with your forgiveness issues. In addition, Archangel Zadkiel used another one of his legendary traits to help you: compassion.
‘Archangel Zadkiel is the Angel of Memories. There is nothing that makes God happier than when a soul asks for help so they may focus only on the beautiful memories and let the rest go.
‘By combining his gifts of forgiveness and memory, Archangel Zadkiel assists me in helping humans release any form of emotional pain, including the most destructive: anger. He liberates those lost in victimhood without the need to judge those they perceive wronged them.
‘Archangel Zadkiel’s aura is dark blue. Whenever a person sees flashes of dark blue light, this is Archangel Zadkiel letting his presence be known.’
A.M. paused. I looked to see what had distracted him and noted a robin had perched beside him on the snowy arm of the bench. It had plumped out its feathers against the iciness, making it appear much more substantial than its true small size. Pulling some seed from his robes, A.M. fed the little, red breasted bird that tweeted, it seemed, in thanks. As the bird moved on to A.M.’s hand to gain easier access to its meal, A.M. recommenced my teachings.
‘As for me, Archangel Michael, I am the Lords protector. Hence, the police forces throughout the world have adopted me as their patron saint.
‘I protect possessions as well as humans and animals, and anything else that helps bring peace to mankind. God appreciates how stressful it is for humans when the material world malfunctions. For this reason, if requested to I can prevent glitches and revive broken down objects, particularly if I am aiding a soul’s life purpose or providing vital protection, such as keeping a vehicle mechanically safe and sound.
‘Speaking of life purposes; I help with important life changes on an individual and mass basis, and I can he
‘Along with Jesus and Archangel Raphael, I can slay the ego’s need for fear, and bring peace and healing to any soul that asks.
‘Anyone who feels they are under psychic attack just needs to call upon me, and I will shield them.’
‘What’s a “psychic attack”, A.M.?’
‘If someone directs angry thoughts at another or is displaying jealousy, the dark emotion generated can cause actual physical pain. Usually this pain is sudden and sharp, and it can even be caused by the individual who may be thinking unloving thoughts about themselves.
‘I oversee a group of angels that preside over God’s Universe, ensuring the safety of the moon, the stars, and the sun, as well as the planets. As I have already mentioned, Archangel Haniel also governs the moon and Venus.’
A.M. tickled his feathery friend under its beak while announcing, ‘This concludes your lesson. I have given you vital information concerning the fifteen Archangels that you may call upon during your mission. In truth, to acquire anything you need just focus on your desired outcome with loving intent and an angel will assist you whether I have covered their qualities or not. But it is more powerful and respectful if you are informed and you ask the relevant angel.’
I viewed my messy notes and remembered the beautiful artistic cards which appeared after my last attempt at note taking. As I concentrated on the silky feel of the cards and the rich gold edging, much to my delight my disorganised scribal turned into cards matching the seven I had already collected.
‘Thank you, A.M. My lesson has been most informative.’
‘Now, I must give you the first task of your assignment, and then we must say farewell, for the moment at least.’
As I contemplated the journey that lay ahead of me, a dog walker passed by holding a steaming cup of coffee in a familiar blue takeaway beaker in her free from dog leashes hand. Her pack, sensing A.M.’s vibration, stopped to investigate this new, loving scent, and in doing so forcibly halted their handler in her tracks. The robin, unimpressed with the intrusion, flew to the safety of the nearest branch.
While A.M. was preoccupied with the two Golden Retrievers, a German Shepherd, a Bearded Collie, and a jacketed Jack Russell who was trying to scramble on to A.M.’s lap to warm his ice cold paws, I savoured the smell of the rich aroma of coffee. The scent released fond memories of Molly pushing open my office door as she brought me my daily fix of strong Americano if my morning had been tiresome, or skinny café latte if it had been relatively calm. She usually based her decision on how many times I had slammed my phone down or banged my desk draws shut.
Ignoring their mistress’s commands, the canines competed for A.M.’s attention, jostling each other to be the focus of angelic hands. As A.M. treated them to an angelic massage, vapour trails escaped from the hounds’ hot panting breath into the frosty air as they wriggled with ecstasy.
As the dogs reluctantly allowed themselves to be pulled away, I asked, ‘Before we say au revoir, A.M., do you think we might be able to get a cup of coffee?’
I gestured to the blue awning gently swaying in the bitter chill.
To my great joy A.M.’s reply was favourable.