Many people remember the names of angels from literature and religious tradition. Mention Gabriel and most Christians can recite passages in the Bible where this angel appears, while devout Muslims recognize Gabriel as the angel that delivered the Qu'ran to the prophet Mohammed. The majority of Roman Catholics understand Michael to be the warrior angel of the heavens, and Mormons believe that the angel Moroni delivered to their founder, Joseph Smith, revelations for their religion. Angel monikers like Raphael, Uriel, Ariel, and Azrael ring bells for many people, even if they can't pinpoint why they know the name.

But the name of one angel—Metatron—often evokes confusion in the general populace. Believe me, I know. Since I announced the publication of my book Metatron: Invoking the Angel of God's Presence, I've been graced with quite a few questioning glances from friends and acquaintances. Quite frankly, I was once in the who-the-heck-is-Metatron? boat myself. A fine reason to research and ultimately write a book, I think. Honestly—who can't use an angel on her side, one that imparts guidance, wisdom, and inspiration to sincere seekers? Knowing Metatron more intimately became a passionate endeavor for me.

To get a complete picture of who Archangel Metatron is, you'll have to read the book yourself. Until you can get your own copy, a couple of important facts about Metatron will help you to better understand his powerful intercessory capabilities and how he can help you to live a better life.

Metatron is often referred to as "The Angel of the Presence." This is because he is thought to occupy a place very close to the throne of God, which means that Metatron dwells infinitely in the presence of the Divine. Metatron is also one of only a handful of angels that have lived human lives. These two facts highlight a very important aspect of Metatron's existence: he is closely linked to humanity because he possesses a deep understanding of our needs and desires, and he enjoys an extraordinarily close relationship to Creator. Thus, Metatron can aid each and every one of us in strengthening our communication with the Divine and recognizing the divinity inherent in us all.

Take a moment to reflect on this question: Do you believe you're divine? I've met many people who seem uncomfortable with this concept. In some religions within our society, we are brought up to see God/Goddess as divine, but we aren't taught that we are divine ourselves. Recognizing our own inner God/Goddess is something that Metatron, the Angel of the Presence, can help us to do.

Try the following exercise to help yourself re-connect with the Divine. Know that a sincere call for help from Metatron will never go unanswered.

Begin by contemplating a quality within yourself that you'd like to change. Perhaps you wish you were more compassionate when dealing with your pesky neighbor. Maybe you would like to have more willpower as you're endeavoring to eat a balanced diet. It doesn't matter what you'd like to change—anything is possible! What does matter is your true desire to become a better person and to move more fully into your divine self.

Once you've decided on a quality to change, find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed. Play soft music, light a candle if you like, and get comfortable in a seated position. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath. Allow your breathing to become slow and steady. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your attention back to your inhalation and exhalation. With every breath in, you become more relaxed. With every breath out, more tension and stress stream from your body, leaving you peaceful and serene.

Now, in your mind, say a silent invocation to the Archangel Metatron. It doesn't have to be fancy or long; a simple, "Archangel Metatron, I ask for you to be with me now" will suffice. Within your mind, see a picture of a beautiful being begin to form. This being may look human. Perhaps you only see a color or a blur of light. Perhaps you see nothing but feel an incredible presence of warmth and love wash over you. You may hear music, wind chimes, laughter, or a voice. Whatever you experience is right and true for you—believe that it is real, because it is. You realize that you are communicating with the Archangel Metatron. You asked for his help, and he has come to give it to you. You feel safe and at peace as you acknowledge within your mind the presence of Metatron. Say in your mind, "Yes, Metatron, I know you are with me. Please help me to understand my own divinity."

See the archangel standing before you. He holds in his hands an ornate box, gold and purple in color. Think for a moment of the quality that you'd like to change. Hold the thought of it in your mind. Do not recognize it as bad or negative; instead, bless it and realize that you are ready to release it with love. In your mind, thank Creator for all of the lessons that you've learned from this quality that you've held in yourself. Tell Creator that you've learned what you needed from it, and you are ready to release it now. Metatron steps forward, holding open the ornate box, raising it before you. Breathe in deeply, and as you exhale, know that you are releasing the quality that you so want to change. Exhale this quality into the open box. Know that Creator will bless this, and that you are healed. Accept this as fact, and it will be so. As your exhale ends, Metatron closes the box.

Instantly, you see a beautiful golden column of light. With Metatron at your side, you walk toward it. Metatron extends the box until it is encompassed in the light. The box disappears within it, and you understand that this light is the Source of All, the Divine Light of God. It flashes, reflecting like a mirror, and you see your own face. Look deeply into your eyes. Look at yourself with compassion and love. Say in your mind, "I love you. You are a perfect manifestation of Divinity." As you say these words, you feel yourself surrounded by golden light. It washes over you like a lovely waterfall. Feel its warmth and its vibrant energy as it moves over you. As you continue to stand in this light, the top of your head opens at the crown chakra like a flower unfurling in the sun. The beautiful golden light flows into this chakra, filling your whole being with amazing, empowering energy. As the light fills you, you see yourself glowing, becoming a bright beacon of light, and you realize you are this light. You are the essence of this light, and the light is you. You have merged with the Divine Light, become one with it, thus becoming one with Creator, the Divine Source of everything in the Universe.

Stand in the light. Be this light. Enjoy how it feels. Recognize the power and the love of Creator as it flows over you and within you. You feel it in your toes, in your feet, in your legs and hips. It builds and flows up into your torso, into your chest, up into your shoulders, in your fingers and hands and up your arms. It flows up your neck, into your face, and all throughout your head. You feel vibrant, alive as you've never felt before, secure in the knowledge that you and Creator are one.

Take a few more moments to enjoy the feeling that the divine light brings to you. Know that you can return to this feeling any time you wish; Creator's Divine Essence is always available to you. See for a moment Archangel Metatron, still dwelling near you, and thank him for his intercession. Understand that he is always available to help you with any problems or to give you guidance whenever it is needed. Help is only an invocation away.

When you are ready, begin to come back to the reality around you. Feel the chair beneath you; hear once again the music in the room. Wiggle your fingers and toes to bring you back more fully into your physical body. When you feel ready, open your eyes, knowing that you are wide awake and refreshed. Eat a cookie or some crackers to help you ground and feel more connected to your physical body.

This encounter with the Archangel Metatron is a simple introduction to his awesome presence and the enlightenment that cultivating a relationship with him can bring. He is a loving, gentle, and powerful guide to the intricate workings of the Universe and the essence of Creator. Getting to know this wonderful angel can benefit you in myriad ways. Learn more amazing and inspiring methods for connecting with him in Metatron: Invoking the Angel of God's Presence and be confident that you always have an angel in your corner. I wish for you the success, happiness, and well being that I have attained since beginning my own journey with Metatron.