What are Spirit Guides?
Spirit guides are non-physical entities that many people believe offer us guidance and wisdom as we journey through life. These individuals may also be referred to as guardian angels, spirit protectors, or spiritual mentors.
Spirit guides are communicators between the material and spiritual realms, providing us with understanding and insight, as well as support and emotional healing. They can be seen as messengers of the divine, providing support, inspiration or counsel when sought.
It’s important to understand that spirit guides are not our higher selves or our true inner wisdom; they are spiritual helpers who seek to help us attain spiritual growth. These guides may have been with us before we incarnated into physical form and they remain close in spirit while we’re on this earth plane.
What Types of Spirit Guides Exist?
There is a wide variety of spirit guides that we may encounter. In general, they are divided into two categories: the Higher and Lower Self.
The Higher Self is said to be connected to the divine source energy, and it is seen as the higher, wiser aspect of each individual. The Higher Self can provide guidance and assistance when sought, but it often works quietly behind the scenes and does not actively intervene in our affairs.
The Lower Self is typically seen as a collection of learned habits, cultural influences and societal influences that are not necessarily serving our spiritual growth. While the Lower Self can provide temporary solutions in the short term, it often does not provide the inner guidance or loving support of the Higher Self.
In addition to the Higher and Lower Self, there are many other types of spirit guides that can assist us along our spiritual journey. Some of the most common types are:
Angels
Angels are messengers of divine wisdom and love who offer support, healing and protection. They can also be seen as intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realms, providing insight and guidance when sought.
Guardian Spirits
Guardian spirits are energetic entities that offer protection and guidance. They have a deep understanding of us as individuals, and they seek to offer loving guidance and support in various situations.
Elemental Spirits
Elemental spirits are entities that inhabit physical locations such as a forest, a meadow or a body of water. They can provide a sense of connection and communion with the energy of nature.
Mentors
Mentors are spiritual guides who have achieved a deep level of enlightenment. They offer loving guidance, wisdom and compassion, and can help us on our spiritual path.
Ascended Masters
Ascended Masters are highly evolved spiritual beings who have reached a higher level of consciousness. They offer guidance and insight related to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Signs Your Spirit Guides Are with You
When we ask for the help of our spirit guides, they will often answer in a variety of ways. Here are a few signs that your spirit guides are with you and seeking to offer guidance:
• You might hear guidance or get an insight that feels like it’s coming from somewhere else.
• Synchronicities—coincidences that feel beyond merely chance—may begin to happen more often in your life.
• Intuitively, you might have a strong feeling or hunch to take a certain action without knowing why.
• You may feel a sensation of being guided or supported in your thoughts or actions.
• You might have a dream or a vision that offers clear guidance.
• You may experience a profound sense of peace and understanding when you seek guidance from your spirit guides.
How to Connect with Your Spirit Guides
Just like any other relationship, you need to take steps to nurture your relationship with your spirit guides in order to receive their help and guidance. Here are a few techniques to help establish and strengthen your connection with them:
Focus on Meditation
The best way to connect with your spirit guides is through meditation. Meditation provides a chance to calm down and clear your mind, allowing for the flow of energy and messages from your spirit guides to reach you.
Have an Open Mind and Heart
Your spirit guides can be found in any moment, so it’s important to keep an open mind and heart when seeking their guidance. Trust that if you open your heart and receive their love, you will gain greater understanding and insight.
Write Down Your Questions or Desires
Before you begin your meditation, take a few moments to write down any questions or desires that you have. This will put your most pressing needs and concerns in writing and provide a focal point for your meditation.
Pay Attention to Signs
Your spirit guides will often answer your questions and requests by providing signs in the physical world. Pay close attention to any repeating symbols, numbers or symbols that appear or come up often.
Set an Intention to Receive Guidance
Once your meditation has begun, set an intention to receive guidance from your spirit guides. Focus on relaxing and allowing the energy to flow. Don’t be afraid to ask your guides questions and to take a few moments to listen for a response.
Conclusion
Spirit guides are powerful entities that can offer spiritual insight, guidance and support. Developing a connection with your spirit guides can be a profound and inspiring experience, and it can help to nourish your spirit and expand your spiritual wisdom. By following the practices outlined above, you can begin to open to the possibilities that they have to offer in your life.