Spirit Guides

[Deadly Nyghtshade]

Spirit Guides are entities or beings that are currently in the spirit realms or dimensions. These are individuals, or groups of individuals, who have agreed with a person on the earth plane to act as their guide or guardian. Usually we enter into this agreement with at least one "primary guide" prior to being born into a physical body. These "primary guides" are often other members of our Soul Group, and we have quite likely traded "guide duties" with them during various lifetimes. (That's a generalization, of course, and there are undoubtedly a frequent number of exceptions. ) We can also call other guides to us as we need or desire their extra help, and it is not uncommon to have two or more guides assisting us at a given moment. Many of the guides with which we work are beings who have lived on this earth plane at one time or another (or many lifetimes), but there are guides who are from other worlds as well. Also, many of the "special guides" that come to help us with special needs or learning experiences seem to be more evolved beings, or 'old souls' who are willingly sharing their expertise and expanded knowledge with those of us still working on our evolvement and enlightenment.

Guides, while similar to Angels, are different, in my opinion. I do think that their "duties" or influences can overlap each other. Many people believe that Spirit Guides and Angels are one and the same thing, and that's fine too. And there may be some validity to that viewpoint anyway. Angels, though, seem to be on a slightly different plane, and seem to have a slightly different purpose for working with humans. Angels, I think, especially Guardian Angels, seem to be more the type to hover nearby and assist in emergencies even without our asking them to. While Spirit Guides, although they will help unasked, seem more to be teachers and guides rather than specifically guardians. A fine line of distinction, but a very real one, to my way of thinking.

One of the "separations" that I sense is that Angels are working on a little different "plan of evolvement" than are Spirit Guides. While Spirit Guides are often beings who have lived on this earth plane themselves, Angels seem to be beings who have worked through their evolvement elsewhere and are now serving as Guardians and 'inspirers' for those of us evolving here. However, I am aware that in some instances, it does seem that some humans achieve 'angel status' upon their passing over into the next dimension, and then to work from that perspective. And, of course, we do know that Angels can and do appear in 'human form' from time to time, just as Spirit Guides can and will show themselves in a 'physical manifestation.'

One of the primary purposes that Spirit Guides seem to have is the guiding and teaching of those under their care. They agree to help us remember the lessons we set up for ourselves in this life, and to instruct us with regards to those lessons. They can, and will, teach us as much as we want to learn, in my opinion. Their guidance, though, is of a very gentle nature. And they will not give us any more than we are ready to receive and capable of perceiving. They're here to help us to learn, but they won't shove the information on us if decide we really don't want to do that after all. They'll counsel and help us see other perspectives, but they won't make the decisions for us; the choices are ours to make and to live with afterwards.

It seems that we usually have one or two "primary" Spirit Guides. These are the ones that we make the arrangements with before being born, to guide us and help us learn the lessons we set up for ourselves. And to gently remind us when we're a bit "off path" from our original plans for this lifetime. But we actually have an unlimited number of Spirit Guides available to us. We can call "special guides" to us to teach us specific lessons, and once those lessons have been learned, they will move on to help others. Also, as loved ones pass over, they can choose to act as additional Spirit Guides for us either 'full time' or on an 'as needed' basis.
While we usually keep the same "primary" Spirit Guides, the rest of our guides can often vary and fluctuate. As I said before, we call to us those guides we need at a specific time for a specific purpose. Also, if we have loved ones who are acting as some of our guides, they will also have work of their own to do in the other dimensions. Hence they will go about their work, and be "a little removed from us" for periods of time. But they can, and do, hear us when we call, and return to assist us in whatever way they can.

There are many ways to contact Spirit Guides! Each of the books I'll give you as references have various ways in which to do this. One way, though, is through meditation. Meditating and asking for communication with your guides, and then listening for their response, is a really good way, in my opinion. Guided Meditations aimed specifically at meeting a guide can be very useful. Dreams are another way. Often if we are too busy living, and we don't remember to meditate and listen, then our night dreams become the only time we're quiet enough to receive their messages. Automatic Writing is another interesting way of receiving direct communication from guides. When you combine Automatic Writing with meditation, it frees your mind to allow the incoming messages to be recorded. These are only three of the many ways in which to receive guidance from your Spirit Guides. By the way, synchronicity can often be an indication that you've got a Spirit Guide trying to get your attention! (Be sure to check out the Metaphysical section for more information about meditating and dream work, including using them to contact and communicate with guides.)

There are many ways that Spirit Guides will alert a person to their presence. In other words, many things can let us know that we've got a guide around us. One that jumps instantly to my mind is the use of fragrances. Many guides and spirit entities use scents and odors to signal they are there. If this happens, you'll get a whif of some fragrance that has no "physical source" or explanation. It can be any kind of scent: sweet, sour, pungent, floral, obnoxious, etc. Sometimes the guide will just use something that is unique, or maybe something familiar from one of their own past lives. Other times they will use a fragrance that has specific connotations or memories for you! For instance, my maternal grandmother uses a lilac scent to let me know she's around and wants to talk to me. One set of "temporary guides" that spent some time with me used an odd floral scent that I couldn't identify. I later found out, with the help of a friend, that this was a fragrance of a plant indiginous to Brazil. . . apparently where they had spent a lifetime.

Sounds are another way. Some guides and entities will use auditory signals such as the sound of "chimes" that you seem to hear. In some cases the sound will be audible to anyone in the vicinity; sometimes only you will hear it. There are many other ways including chills, goose bumps, and "energy brushes." Synchronicity is also a sure sign, in my book, that guides and/or angels are trying to get our attention! To borrow a phrase: Spirit energy definity, at times, seems to move in mysterious ways. So never discount any possibilities.

While most of the time, when you're communicating with your Spirit Guides, you're relatively "closed" to any other contact, there is the potential of "inviting in" other entities. Especially under some circumstances like with Automatic Writing. But if you take some basic precautions, you need never encounter or experience negativity or negative beings. Whenever you sit down to meditate, or do Automatic Writing, or in any way try and contact your guides, take a few seconds to do a "protection" for yourself and your surroundings. There are several ways of doing this, and all will work and are "good." Basically, any prayer or spoken 'intent' that you will invite only "beings of light" to enter the area and communicate with you is effective.

Here's one that I use:

While visualizing this you can say, either in your mind or aloud a protective chant like:

White light of protection fills me, surrounds me, this room, this
House; repelling negativity and evil influences; I invite my loved
Ones, guides, and other beings of light to enter.

In my opinion, you have to ask your Spirit Guides for their assistance! This is one of the very subtle ways in which Angels and Spirit Guides differ from each other, I think. Angels, especially Guardian Angels, are much more apt to help without being asked, or so it seems. And while Spirit Guides will help up to a point without being asked, they are bound by certain "laws" from interfering with our lives. Before we were born, we set down certain lessons and experiences for ourselves in this lifetime. Our guides will help to set these things up for us, but they do truly need for us to ask them to help us in more specific ways. There's a little thing called "free will" or "free agency" at work here which says that we have the right to do as we please. . . even to the point of ignoring the lessons we originally set up for ourselves. And our guides, and most of the angels, cannot interfere with our freedom to choose. It's a very fine line, in my opinion, between helping us and interfering with our "free agency" and one they have to walk very carefully, I think.

So do we have to ask our Spirit Guides for their help? Yes and No. They will help unasked to a certain extent, and try to get our attention if we're not tuning into them. That's part of the reason they agreed to be our guides, but I do believe that beyond that point, we do have to ask! If we want the wonderful teachings they have to offer us, we have to ask for it, and then listen! If we want the extra boost over a particularly rough spot, we have to ask. The "bottom line" maybe is that our guides are willing to help in any way they can, but we have to live our own lives! And they can't interfere with that living of our lives. In my opinion!

I'm finding in my own life that one of the really "key" points in working with my guides, seems to be 'asking questions.' If I just meditate, and listen, I'll probably hear a little bit, and at the very least feel a presence. But it's only when I remember to ask questions -- and the more specific the question seems to be the better -- that I begin to get strong answers and more insights. Then the challenge becomes figuring out which questions to ask.

Here are a couple of quotes which I've garnered in talking with others on this question whether or not Spirit Guides will assist us without our asking (used with their permission):

"I've been led to understand that our Guides will endeavor to help us whenever they can, but will stop short of "living our life for us" (unless asked to do so). No, I don't mean they'll take over our life for us if we ask them too, but rather they cannot interfere with our "free will" (except in cases of dire emergency). They prefer the role of "helper" to the role of "ruler." If we invite them to help, they will. . . if we don't, they're limited in the kinds of help they can offer without violating our right to free will." (Goldfish)

"That's my understanding, too Goldfish. . . about guides not helping without an invitation. Though I do think mine have invited the invitation at times. . . there's a tightening at the solar plexus that does tell me it's time to ask for help before I make trouble for myself again and occasionally a brief chill or sense of being hugged that says I'm doing okay." (Mary O)

While I know the identity of several of my guides, I do not know who all of them are. Some have given me names while others choose not to. This seems to be pretty much "standard" for Spirit Guides from what I've read. Some have no problem with giving you a name to identify them by and some will give you a symbol to use as a "name." For instance, one of my husband's guides showed him a domino when asked who he was, so now he calls him Domino as a "name" which is okay with the guide. And there are those who choose for one reason or another not to reveal their identity or a name. Some feel that we will be distracted by names and identities, I think, and choose to work unfettered by that.

Seeing Spirit Guides is very much like all the other psychic-related things. Some see their guides and some don't; some see them part of the time. The book The Eagle And the Rose, and it's sequel Proud Spirit, by Rosemary Altea is an excellent example of someone who does see her guide, and does so consistently and constantly. I suspect the majority of us, though, don't actually see our guides. We can and do, however, sense them on many levels. Personally, I haven't been able to open up too much to psychic vision (or physical manifestation of a guide), yet, so I haven't seen my guides for the most part. (I do see some of them in the bathroom mirror, though, when I choose to! Check out the section on psychic experiences for more details on this one.)

There are other ways of being aware that our guides are around. Many of the guides will "signal" you of their presence with scents or auditory sounds or by a touch on your arm. Several of my guides have chosen these methods of letting me know when they're nearby. In fact, you can even pick out one of these means of contact, and request that your guide use it to initiate communication with you.

Apparently the "standard" form of most spirits in the next dimensions is basically an energy form. And while all spirits seem to have unique energy forms -- at least they can tell each other apart -- we might not be able to. The thing, though, is that they also have the capability of "molding" that energy form into the form and appearance of any and all of their incarnations on the earth physical plane. So, if they show themselves to us, or we are able to see them by some manner (psychically, etc.), then it is most common to see them in the form/incarnation that we will most likely recognize. For instance, if a grandmother has passed over and then reappears to us, she's going to look pretty much like we remember her.
The "exception" to this is that they do seem to favor the appearance where they looked the best. In other words, if they were 70 when they passed over, and maybe not in the best of health, it's likely that they will choose to use the form of how they looked at age 40 or 50. That sort of thing. In the case of a guide we've not met or been acquainted with in this lifetime, if it's a deceased loved one that some other family member will recognize, the same still holds true. However, if no one now would "recognize" the person, then they will usually use the form from a lifetime that was especially important, memorable, or significant to them in their own soul growth. (This all holds true with any spirit contact such as my channeling sessions, "random visits" from deceased loved ones, dream visits, etc.)

When I was first asked this question, my initial impulse was to say no, but as I thought more about it, I had to change my mind. The basis for my revised answer to this question is the multi-dimensionality of our being. If you discount or disbelieve that (which is okay ), then you'd be much more likely to answer it no, I think. Anyway, I do have to say that, yes, I believe it's possible for this to happen. A case in point is my maternal grandmother. She is definitely one of my spirit guides, and one with whom I communicate on a fairly regular basis. Now here's the interesting part: according to information that a psychic friend of mine has picked up, she -- or rather, a part of her essence -- has already reincarnated and is currently living as a young (about 12 years old) Indian boy somewhere in western Wyoming or eastern Montana (probably a member of the Lakota tribe). There's that multi-dimensionality again! And yes it does seem to bare out a 'yes' answer to this question.

To take this a bit further, the possibility of a Spirit Guide being a guide and being "alive" in this world/time/reality, hinges directly on the concept of multi-dimensional beings. And in that scenario I do not believe that the portion of the essence that is living in a physical body would be aware of what the portion of the essence, the higher self perhpas, is doing as a Spirit Guide. The added question also arises speculating that if this is the case, then could a person act as a guide for another through astral travel or astral projections? Personally, I don't see the spirit disconnecting, or astrally projecting, in order to go fulfill its duties as a spirit guide. At least not on a constant basis as a "full-time" guide. For one thing, the availability of contact and help would be extremely limited. I am willing, however, to consider that in an extreme case of "need" that a spirit can, and does astrally project in order to assist another spirit for some reason. And maybe the need doesn't have to be all that extreme either; consider the situation of a healer astrally projecting and doing healing work on that plane, for instance, or a mother who is psychically and closely bonded with a child and goes to that child's aid at traumatic times.

But this is all getting much more in-depth -- or esoteric -- than is fitting for a faq! So I'll leave the further speculations and ponderings to you. . . or another time. This entire question/answer is intended mostly to give you something to think about and then keep, modify, or discard as you feel impressed to do. To this one, I'd answer a resounding yes to that possibility. A belief in reincarnation isn't necessary here, in my humble opinion, because even if you believe in living only once, the answer would still be yes, in my book. I do think, though, that any soul or entity who would be incarnating in the near future, would most likely be a "temporary spirit guide." Someone who has sort of popped in to help you with something specific for a short period of time, and then moves on to another phase of his/her own growth and development. I also think that our "permant" or "main" spirit guides would be entities that have "signed on for the duration" and would not be incarnating (or reincarnating) any time soon. Or at least not in this time/dimension.  

[Deadly Nyghtshade]

Orders of Angels

The First Sphere - Divine counselors
Seraphim - encircle divinity to ensure its constant presence.
Cherubim - guardians of light and stars, channelers of Divine energy.
Thrones - assigned to planets -justice and its dispensation.

The Second Sphere - Divine governors
Dominions - leadership, said to assist guardian angels in looking after their mortals.
Powers - keep track of human history - birth and death and rebirth, keepers of akashic records.
Virtues - the five elements and elemental magick.

The Third Sphere - Divine messengers (the ones who have the most dealings with us mortals):
Principalities - oversee nations, cities and large groups.
Archangels - overseers of human endeavors, help us work with and interpret divine principles.
Angels - beings assigned to a particular person, messengers of the Divine and the other choirs.  

[Deadly Nyghtshade]

Some Helpful Angels

Akriel: Inspires intellectual achievement, improvement of study skills and intelligence.

Anael: Grants romantic love and passion to mortals. Helps finding soulmates or healing existing romantic relationships. Also considered to hold dominion over the element of Air.

Ardousius: Helps and protects during childbirth.

Bath Kol: Grants prophetic gifts to humans, helps with development of psychic abilities.

Cathetel: Increases growth and yield of vegetables and fruits and keeps them healthy. Sofiel is also an angel of gardens.

Colopatiron: Unlocks prison gates - appeal to this angel when you are struggling for freedom or independence of any kind.

Hariel: Protector of dogs, cats and other domesticated animals.

Israfel: Angel of music - inspires people to sing, play musical instruments and compose music.

Kutiel: Presides over divination.

Metatron: This angel helps humans communicate with the Divine, brings Divine inspiration and opens our hearts to better receive this guidance.

Mihr: Angel of platonic love and friendship, helps us find close and like-minded friends or heals current relationships with friends.

Nemamiah: The guardian of all who fight for just causes, especially people who defend the rights of those who cannot defend themselves, such as animals and children.

Sachael: Presides over water and helps us to get in touch with our intuitive powers and deepest feelings.

Valoel: Angel of peace - fills our hearts with tranquility and contentment.

Vohumanah: Encourages humans to think positively and maintain optimism.

Zuphlas: Protector of the forest and the trees.

Zuphlas: Protector of the forest and the trees.

Excercise for Meeting Angel/Guide

Write down your question(s) if you wish or plant them firmly in your mind.
Sit or lie in a comfortable position where you will not be disturbed.

Ground and center.

Become aware of each breath you take. Focus only on your breathing for a short time. Picture a landscape that is comfortable to you: a cave, a beach, a meadow, a forest clearing - wherever your mind takes you is where you are supposed to meet your guardian. Not only see this landscape, but concentrate on the smells and the sounds around you. Continue visualizing your surroundings until they are firmly planted in your mind and you can see, smell and hear clearly everything that is around you. (This may take some practice, and you may wish to work only up to this point until you can become immersed in this world.)

Picture a well or running water in the middle of this landscape; imagine all of your negative feelings being bundled into a black ball in the middle of your body. Push this black ball outside of yourself and throw it into the moving water or well and see it leaving you.

Now picture a white ball of light hovering over your head. See this white light descend and spread over your body until it envelops you and fills you. Call upon your guardian or spirit guide to be with you. You do not have to talk out loud. You will know when your guide is present - it may appear to you physically or you may hear voices in your head, you may smell flowers or perfume of some sort or you may simply feel a tingling sensation, especially on the back of your neck.

Greet your guide and ask your question(s) or simply converse with it. You may get an answer right away - it could be spoken, it could be a symbol of some type. You may not receive your answer until later, even days later, so after your exercise be very aware of patterns or symbols you come across in your everyday life.

When you are finished conversing, thank your guide or angel. Return to normal consciousness by becoming aware again of your breathing and the sounds around you.

Ground and center again.

Write down your experiences; whatever symbols you were shown or what you heard.  

[Deadly Nyghtshade]

{+SPELL+TO+FIND+YOUR+SPIRIT+GUIDE+}

Items Needed

Altar Candle
Day Candle (Monday-white, Tuesday-red, Wednesday-purple, Thursday-blue, Friday-green, Saturday-black, Sunday-yellow)
Offeratory Candles - 3 Violet Candles
3 White Candles

TOOLS

Athame to inscribe candles
Crystal ball or clear glass of water

Incense

anise, cardamon, and corriander.

Oil

jasmine, lemon, rose and sandalwood

Timing

Best done during the Mercury hour of the day, although any hour should work. Any moon phase is appropriate.

Preparation

Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you. While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your spirit guide when you make contact.

Ritual

Enter the circle in the Hour of Mercury. Light the incense. With the oil, dress the Altar Candle and the Day candle while concetrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light your Altar Candle and Day Candle and state your intent:

I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide, and to acknowledge him or her.

With your athame, inscribe Violet Candle #1 with the word "Spirit". Dress it with oil. Light the Violet Candle #1, direct your energies into it and say:

Here do I light the first Lamp of Spirit. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit into which we will eventually enter.

Take your censer or incense wand and swing it around, censing the whole area around the altar while rythmically repeating the word "Merge" and building up energy to focus. Replace the censer and pick up Violet Candle #2. Inscribe it with the word "Spirit" and dress it with oil. Put it back on the altar, light it and say:

Here do I light the second Lamp of Spirit. May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds.

Again take the censer or incense wand and cense the entire area around while chanting the word "Merge." Build up your energy to focus. Take Violet Candle #3, inscribe it with the word "Spirit", dress it with oil, charge with your energy, light it and say:

Here do I light the third Lamp of Spirit. May the light from these three lamps blend and grow, dispelling all darkness and lighting the way that my Spirit Guide may come to me and speak with me here today.

Inscribe the three white candles with the word "Truth" and anoint each candle with oil. Light the three candles in the order of 1, 2, 3, and say:

Here do I build Truth. As these candles burn throughout this ritual, their power generating nothing but truth in all that transpires between this world and the next. Through these candles there is truth in all communications that come to me.

Again cense the altar area while chanting "Merge." Replace the censer and continue chanting. Sit comfortably while chanting, and gaze into the crystal ball, or the clear glass of water. Continue chanting until you feel it is right to let the chant taper off.

Continue to quietly look into the crystal ball or glass, not trying to picture anything. Keep your mind blank, so whatever comes will appear and will come in it's own free will. Gaze into the center of the crystal, there is no need to try not to blink. Look into the crystal and blink naturally. Try not to notice anything in your peripheral vision, just the center of the crystal. Eventually a face or figure will appear. This may take a long time, or it may appear almost immediately. If it doesn't come at all within approximately 20 minutes, abandon this attempt, extinguish the candles in the order in which they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try this ritual again in three days. You should have results within a month at most.

When a figure does appear, ask if he/she is your Spirit Guide. You will hear an answer, you may not hear it out loud, or even see the figures lips move, but you will be aware of the answer. This is how most conversations will proceed. You will ask your questinons mentally (or out loud) and the answer will be clear inside your mind. Ask if you have more than one Spirit Guide. If yes, ask them to appear also. You may ask anything you wish to know, but it is better to establish a connection first where your Spirit Guide may appear to you at any time, or at specific times, so that you can converse with any other spirits through him/her.

When you have finished speaking with your guide, thank him/her, then sit for a moment with your eyes closed, meditating on all that you have learned. Extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the circle.