The ShinsungHwa of Saint Michael Archangel (2019): Visualizing Divine Energy
The ShinsungHwa of Archangel Michael
While most ShinsungHwa fit comfortably on a single sheet of paper, his energy demanded more space—a second page appeared, as if the spiritual realm itself was expanding the canvas. This isn’t something I decide; my hand simply follows where the energy leads, moving of its own accord, checking and rechecking until the image feels complete.
What emerged was a mandorla—that almond-shaped aureole you see in medieval art—but this one had ten distinct layers, each one more luminous than the last. Michael’s mandorla doesn’t sit quietly on the page. Instead, it reaches upward, forming a magnificent symbol of spiral energy that seems to tower above everything else. There’s something almost overwhelming about it—the kind of presence that makes you straighten your shoulders without thinking.
But what strikes me most is what happens at the bottom of the image. There, beneath Michael’s feet, you can see his role as messenger made visible—light streaming down into the material world, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. It’s the kind of detail that makes you pause and remember that even archangels, for all their power, are ultimately here to serve.
Quote
“Saint Michael the 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, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
— Traditional Catholic Prayer
“Who is like God?”
— The meaning of the name “Michael” in Hebrew, often cited in reference to his role as a defender of God’s sovereignty.
“The Lord rebuke you!”
— Spoken by Michael to the devil during their dispute over the body of Moses (Jude 1:9).
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.”
— Book of Revelation 12:7.
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise.”
— Book of Daniel 12:1.
“Whenever a mighty deed is in question, Michael is assigned, so that by his actions and name, which means ‘Who is like God?’ it may be made known that no-one can do what God can do.”
— St. Gregory the Great.
“The archangel Michael took supreme command. He reassured their minds by his serenity. His countenance, wherein his soul was visible, expressed contempt for danger.”
— Anatole France, The Revolt of the Angels.
“And Gabriel’s the breath of His command, but Saint Michael is the sword in God’s right hand.”
— Joyce Kilmer, “The Thorn”.
The Warrior Angel Who Won the World
You know him when you see him—wings spread wide, sword in hand, standing victorious over a fallen dragon. Saint Michael the Archangel has been humanity’s favorite heavenly warrior for millennia, appearing everywhere from medieval cathedrals to soldier’s dog tags.
Heaven’s General
Michael isn’t your average angel. His Hebrew name literally asks, “Who is like God?”—which pretty much sums up his entire vibe. While other religious figures keep their distance, Michael feels approachable, like that friend who always has your back in a fight.
Here’s what makes him fascinating: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all claim him, though each tradition paints a slightly different picture. Think of it as three witnesses describing the same hero—the details vary, but everyone agrees he’s extraordinary.
The Ultimate Showdown
Michael’s greatest hit comes from Revelation’s cosmic throwdown. Picture this: a blazing sword, a defeated dragon, and Satan getting the boot from paradise. It’s pure Hollywood material, which explains why artists have been obsessed with capturing this scene for centuries.
Different faiths tell it differently, though. Christians see the ultimate battle between good and evil. Muslims know him as Mikail, the angel of mercy and provision. Jews view him as humanity’s advocate in the heavenly court. Same angel, different angles.
Everyone’s Guardian
Walk through any neighborhood, and you’ll find Michael everywhere. Catholic churches display his statues. First responders carry his medals. Parents teach kids to pray for his protection. Somehow, this ancient archangel became the patron saint of anyone facing danger.
It makes perfect sense. Michael embodies our deepest wish—someone stronger than us fighting for what’s right. He’s the cosmic big brother we all secretly want.
The Dark Side of Heroism
But here’s where things get messy. Crusaders marched under Michael’s banner, turning a protector into a war symbol. Modern extremist groups have done the same. It raises tough questions: When does divine protection become human aggression?
Scholars debate whether his stories are literal or symbolic. Religious tensions emerge when multiple faiths claim ownership of the same figure. Yet most theologians take a diplomatic approach—maybe we’re all seeing different facets of the same truth.
Michael Goes Mainstream
Today’s Michael appears in blockbuster movies, bestselling novels, and video games. Modern artists often soften his warrior image, depicting him as a guardian of children or champion of social justice. He’s evolved from battlefield angel to cultural icon.
Ancient peoples needed a warrior for literal battles. We need him for metaphorical ones—poverty, injustice, despair. Michael adapts, which might explain why he never goes out of style.
Michaelmas Magic
Every September 29th, Christians worldwide celebrate his feast day. Medieval folks threw bigger parties for Michaelmas than Christmas, gathering for feasts and settling accounts. Though less prominent now, the tradition survives in special church services and family dinners—proof that ancient stories still comfort modern hearts.
Maybe Michael endures because he represents timeless truths: good beats evil, justice matters, and we’re not alone in our struggles. In an overwhelming world, that’s incredibly reassuring.
English 
한국어 
