Spirit Guides- Myth or Reality?

Spirit Guides - What Are They?

Spirit guides are nothing new! Ancient and not so ancient civilizations have spoken of spirit guides for centuries. There are dictionary and encyclopedia definitions of spirit guides. Traditionally Native Americans are credited with being a culture closely connected to spirit guides.

“Spirit guide” is a term used by the Western tradition of Spiritualist Churches, mediums, and psychics to describe an entity that remains a disincarnate spirit in order to act as a guide or protector to a living incarnated human being.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_guide

For many, the thought of psychics using spirit guides to channel the communication from loved ones beyond the grave is a repugnant idea. Especially as these psychics and mediums require payment for this communication! It is certainly true that there are charlatans and fakes out there, preying on vulnerable people’s feelings of loss. However, there is also evidence that not all psychics and mediums are fakes and others speak of spirit guides helping them in a variety of ways.

Spirit Guides and Native Americans

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American spiritualists of the 19th and early 20th centuries often described their spirit guides as resembling Native American Indians. They named them White Hawk or Black Hawk. Native Americans themselves felt, and still feel, that spirit guides are a natural part of the circle of life. Their connection with Mother Earth is strong and they honor the spirits of animals killed for food.

Native American view all things in creation as having spiritual energy. All things are connected and worthy of our respect and reverence. Our way is to seek balance and harmony within the complex tapestry of life called the Great Circle of Life. As we move within the circle, we emphasize these truths:

Everything on earth is alive;

Everything on earth has purpose;

Everything on earth is connected;

Everything on earth is to be embraced. Click to Tweet

A principal tenant of our belief is that all things are connected and we are related to all things in the circle.

http://www.manataka.org/page291.html#INTRODUCTION

How do we connect with spirit guides in the 21st century?

So, what if you are not a member of a spiritualist church, or Native American, are spirit guides relevant? What if you scorn psychics, mediums, spiritualists and think it is all hogwash? What if you follow a specific faith whereby you feel the only spirit talking to you is God or Jesus? Well, I am extremely spiritual and feel very connected to all beings and with the universe, and I also believe there is much we don’t know! I love exploring others’ ideas. My radio guest this week believes in the power of spirit animals to guide us. We had a very interesting discussion on this and she wrote a thought provoking post about spirit animals and shamanism.

Many who believe in God also believe in spirit guides as higher beings there to watch over us. Some may call them angels others feel them as the presence of a loved one who has passed on. There are those who believe that you should approach connecting with your spirit guide as a process, of selection, prayer and signs, such as in this article in the Huffington Post.

For those of you uncertain about this - I would suggest an openness of mind. Allow yourself to consider whether there have been occasions when it felt as if somebody was helping you, unseen, a presence just out of sight? When we meditate we allow our thoughts to go to a higher plane and many report being aware of their spirit guides when in a meditative state.

Is it spirit guides or just plain intuition?

Ever had the feeling that something was wrong? If we are honest with ourselves, we have all had that eerie feeling of knowing something is going to happen, even when logically it shouldn’t! Some describe it as a gut feeling, others as a nagging doubt. Others as a clear warning- flashing before us. Often our higher self picks up signals and shows us that a decision will have consequences. It warns us to change direction. Spirit guides are often credited for that warning, that gut feeling. If you have practiced a lot of meditation and law of attraction techniques- your higher self is much more likely to be tuned into the universe and you will find that happening often. What feels like coincidence is actually a wondrous synchronicity between you and the universe- you are connected.

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Signs of spirit guides…

Not all guidance is away from the negative. many believe that spirit guides are there to help us toward the good things in life. So, that song, that special song connected to a specific person that suddenly you hear three times in a day when you haven’t heard it for months! The feather you keep seeing, every path you walk, despite picking it up! Coincidences that contain messages if you are open to seeing them.

How do you decide whether this is just crazy coincidence or spirit guides sending you messages? I would say, that it is up to you. Coincidences are messages in their own right. Whether it be the universe giving you a nudge or your spirit guides or simply your higher self making connections it is usually best to take notice! If the message resonates with you- if you feel that there is an action that feels right as a result of these coincidences- then go with it. I know that in my life I have received guidance in some unusual forms and I have not always been quick enough to heed that guidance. So, spirit guides, myth or reality? You decide- let me know what you think in the comments below.