Has anybody connected with their Spirit Guides?

[Bene]

I can't connect. I've opened my chakras and asked questions. I tried typing out on a journal. But it feels like I am making up all the answers lol. I don't hear anything.

I am looking for some success stories I guess. And any advice?

[Mew3692002]

I have connected with my guides before, but the wierdest thing was, it happened when I first started dabbling in psychic related things (and my spirit animal guide thing, whatever that thing was). I guess they will come to you when you least expect them to and they feel you are ready. Although, another way to look at this is that you may be on the right path and not need their help. Maybe you should try asking to be sent a specific sign that you do have actual spirit guides (I heard this one person who could astral travel and she had no spirit guides, but she was also REALLY distrustful of spirits anyways and didn't feel she needed their help). That's all I can think of.

[Bene]

I had a reading with Erin and there were guides. But they wanted me to connect with them directly.

[Erin Pavlina]

Bene, after you opened your chakras where did your meditation take you?

[Bene]

The way I do it is... I lie down, relax and open my chakras and then I don't do the visual meditation but I get on my computer and do the journaling method. I find that I can't visualize well enough or I get disturbances. So I've tried in the Journal like you wrote on your website but no luck. The words that I type feel like I've made them up.

[Mags]

Hi Bene

I've also been journalling - I did a bit before I had a reading with Erin, but then much more regularly after that. When I first started, it also felt like I was "making things up", especially since all I could hear in my head was my own voice , but I've since learned to trust in the process and learned a few things along the way...

God, the angels and our guides use our imagination to communicate with us. So, yes, it feels like we're making it up because we're used to using our imagination ourselves to visualise/daydream/create. When I started, it just felt like what I'd always been doing - not different enough to feel like communication with guides (not sure what I was initially expecting? voices booming from the sky?!), but I've since realised that (for me, at least) it is a much more gentle form of communication, and now I can feel subtle energy differences between different guides. I'm sure that the more I carry on, the better I'll get at it, but it did require patience (something I'm working on in this lifetime!). Sometimes, when I start typing, I can tell it is actually just me. But I carry on, and eventually I get out of my own way, and then my higher self and guides can chat How long do you type for when you're journalling (ie maybe you're stopping too soon)?

Something else I've noticed is that I really feel "in the flow" when I'm journalling answers from the guides. Whereas my own questions are sometimes all over the place and not well expressed, my guides are much more erudite that I am (see, they're here now, using words like erudite )

What style of communication do you prefer with people normally? My own preference is for email, so writing and journalling come naturally to me. But maybe if you're the type of person who likes to chat one-to-one or on the phone, you could try speaking to your guides, either in your head or out loud if no-one is around And then step back and wait and see what pops into your head. I know you've read my post on the archangels - that's kind of what I did there. Again, it feels like you're making it up, but it does work. I've been trying this as well lately, and getting better at it. It means that I can connect at times even when I don't have paper and pencil (or computer) in front of me.

It can also help to visualise your guides as you're talking/writing to them. In my reading with Erin, she gave me a description of one. Since then, I've chatted to a few more. I have an idea of what they look like - do they really look like this? Am I making it up (see above)?! Regardless, the way I imagine them helps me to connect with them.

I think it's great that you keep trying, and would urge you to continue. It is developing a skill. You mentioned in your reply to my archangel post that your hair stands up etc so you obviously are sensitive to energy at some level. The more you practice, the better and easier it will get.

And Erin, thank you again for the reading - it was a wonderful catalyst to increasing my own intuitive skills and connecting with my guides, angels and God.

[Lola]

Originally Posted by Mags

Something else I've noticed is that I really feel "in the flow" when I'm journalling answers from the guides. Whereas my own questions are sometimes all over the place and not well expressed, my guides are much more erudite that I am (see, they're here now, using words like erudite )

*snicker* That's funny! (And true!) Automatic writing is a very effective tool.

Bene, Mags has some really great pointers - use your preferred communication style and practice, practice, practice... Also, check out Jeff Lilly's Free Guided Meditation to meet a guide. It's really great.

I'm communicating pretty well with my two main guides but have been wanting to become better acquainted with ones in "supporting" roles. As I went to bed last night, I set an intention to dream of my regular-Joe guides. The only dream I could recall this morning involved a very sweet and attentive squirrel in my back yard which followed me around like a puppy and clamored for my attention, smiling and chattering whenever I looked its direction. Finally, I reached out and petted it (while my ego screeched, "Watch out! It's going to bite!") It basked in my attention and followed me into my house. And once we were inside, the resident labrador/blood hound was totally ok with a squirrel in the house. My first thought when I woke up was, "I have a squirrel for a spirit guide?" I'll have to see what that means.

[Erin Pavlina]

Squirrel's message is Preparedness.

His presence has to do with focusing on goals and not running around willy nilly. He never worries and is prepared for anything.

[Lola]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

Squirrel's message is Preparedness.

His presence has to do with focusing on goals and not running around willy nilly. He never worries and is prepared for anything.

Ahhh - that makes sense. Especially since the TRUST area of my life is currently undergoing a major remodel.

Thanks Erin!

[Bene]

Mags, I definitely like email as a communication tool. I feel easier to communicate through writing. I am definitely going to keep trying and I'll report back when I make some significant progress. And the tip you gave about visualizing while typing will work well I think... I think it'll make the connection stronger.

Yes, its like developing a skill. The more I practice, the better I get. Thanks for the motivating post (along with the tips), its what I was looking for.

Thanks for the link Lola!
Thank you also Erin, the message my guide gave me has consistently proved true and helpful after the reading. And Its the perspective that was missing before the reading.

[Erin Pavlina]

Wonderful!

[anastasia]

I don't spend much time wanting to connect with my spirit guides. I would rather connect with my loved ones on the other side.

However, I do think I met one of my spirit guides in a dream several years ago. I met him in the house I where I grew up in Texas. He was dark and looked like he was from the Mideast. We seemed to have a lot to talk about, and he did something that made me float around the ceiling. That was pretty cool.

[Sonn]

hello I am new here.

I have connected with my guides after listening to guided meditation. I have troubles "seeing" but i sense and feel what is happening. During the meditation not only did my guides show but I also had a lion and a dog show as well as my mum and dad. It was awesome.......during the meditation I began to cry ( not upset but happy).

Before the meditation session, months previously I had a vision of a young man who had dark skin, the deepest of brown eyes and the biggest white smile, he cupped his hands around my face and told me that good things were coming my way.......when he left i woke up and for 5 mintues afterwards I could feel the heat of those hands on my face. Turns out he is one of my guides

[mikeschu]

I've connected with them on a few occasions.

The first time I connected with one was when I received an image of a falcon while I was trying to meditate on Bell Rock near Sedona, Arizona. It was a clear picture of the mountain in front of me with a falcon hovering close by.

The falcon was confirmed when I had a hypnotherapy session suited towards spirit guides a couple of days later. During the middle of it I had a second guide take over that sounded like the voice in my head that I had been carrying around for a while.

I also have a rather imposing Native American spirit guide when he showed up in a reading done in Feburary. I think I've felt him call on the trip to Sedona, but that was more of a "big tap on the shoulder" and a very intuitive voice. Apparently I get to meet him and get his name "when I'm ready".

I had a reading from Erin in August 2006 and nothing of this sort came up - then again, I believe I wasn't ready for this kind of conversation. I was a different person then and I was looking for a different direction than what I am getting now.

If you asked me eight months ago about this, I'd never believe you for an instant. Now I'm convinced that people have guides and something is out beyond the physical space.

[Erin Pavlina]

Congrats on connecting with your guides. That is just wonderful!

[Mato Kinze]

Originally Posted by mikeschu

I've connected with them on a few occasions.

The first time I connected with one was when I received an image of a falcon while I was trying to meditate on Bell Rock near Sedona, Arizona. It was a clear picture of the mountain in front of me with a falcon hovering close by.

The falcon was confirmed when I had a hypnotherapy session suited towards spirit guides a couple of days later. During the middle of it I had a second guide take over that sounded like the voice in my head that I had been carrying around for a while.

I also have a rather imposing Native American spirit guide when he showed up in a reading done in Feburary. I think I've felt him call on the trip to Sedona, but that was more of a "big tap on the shoulder" and a very intuitive voice. Apparently I get to meet him and get his name "when I'm ready".

I had a reading from Erin in August 2006 and nothing of this sort came up - then again, I believe I wasn't ready for this kind of conversation. I was a different person then and I was looking for a different direction than what I am getting now.

If you asked me eight months ago about this, I'd never believe you for an instant. Now I'm convinced that people have guides and something is out beyond the physical space.

Ditto to what Erin said; congratulations Mike!

Bene,
For me, connecting to and communicating with my Guides on a regular basis has helped me to feel connected. I never feel "lonely" anymore. I know all I have to do is quiet my mind and ask my questions and they're there - just about as excited as it's possible to be that I'm simply aware of them, acknowledging them and seeking their help.

I connect through prayer, meditation, and sacred ceremony, but the bulk of the "nuts and bolts" of my process mirrors what Mags said except that I don't write. My communication is silent. Most of the time, I do it while I'm commuting to and from work. Apparantly driving is a great way to quiet my mind.

But I totally understand what Mags is saying about it feeling like you're talking to yourself or just "making stuff up." One thing that helped me get past that was the realization that my guides have been with me since before I was born. They've been communicating and talking to me since before "I" was "me".

It's just natural that we think of those "voices in our heads" as nothing more than a figment or manifestation of our imagination. You've never NOT had your Guides talking to you, so how would you know the difference?

But again, as Mags pointed out, once you let yourself trust that it IS your Guides and not you, then you can start to differentiate between their styles and their energies.

Good luck!

[Bene]

Its funny this thread should come back to the top. I gave up on connecting with my guides but got back into it a few days back, determined more than ever to do it.

I am reading Sonia Choquette's Ask your Guides and taking it step by step.

Today I was able to discern between Archangels Michael and Gabriel's vibrations. I was delighted because I described them quite accurately! It feels amazing when you think about it... Archangels in my home.

Thanks guys!

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by Mato Kinze

You've never NOT had your Guides talking to you, so how would you know the difference?

Right on. You're always connected to your guides but pretend you're not through doubt. You don't need to work on connecting to your guides... you got that, you're there. You need to work on eliminating the doubt that clouds the recognition you're communicating with them always.

[IntuitionWritten]

I have connected with my spirit guides - here are my experiences....

In one of Doreen Virtue's books she describes how to connect to your angels (sorry I am not sure which one). She says you can get a guardian angel's name, even. I tried her suggestions and I got a name! I have two strong angels around me. I don't know if Erin will sense these during my reading so I don't want to say their names now. After getting the name of my guardian angel I asked for a sign. I had been reading the book at Barnes & Noble late at night and my contacts were bothering my eyes. They were red, itchy and cloudy. I went to put the book back (after asking for a sign) and there right in front of the New Age section was a bottle of Visine. If you believe in coincidences, then no big deal. I saw it as my sign. BTW, I did not use it, I was tempted to. I just smiled and put it on the shelf.

I connected with my animal guides while listening to a shamanic drumming CD. This CD/Book combo (I think it was Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide by Sandra Ingerman) teaches you how to find your animal guides. So I know those, too. Since then I have a new one.

I got the answers to both the first time I asked. I don't know why - if it was an open mind or the music (in the case of the animal guides) or some other reason. I say just keep trying.

Oh, and has anyone heard that you are not supposed to share your animal guides with anyone or they lose power? I heard this from someone who is very involved in shamanism but I wonder if it is true? It seems like the belief in power loss would cause it.

[Mato Kinze]

Originally Posted by IntuitionWritten

I have connected with my spirit guides - here are my experiences....

In one of Doreen Virtue's books she describes how to connect to your angels (sorry I am not sure which one). She says you can get a guardian angel's name, even. I tried her suggestions and I got a name! I have two strong angels around me. I don't know if Erin will sense these during my reading so I don't want to say their names now. After getting the name of my guardian angel I asked for a sign. I had been reading the book at Barnes & Noble late at night and my contacts were bothering my eyes. They were red, itchy and cloudy. I went to put the book back (after asking for a sign) and there right in front of the New Age section was a bottle of Visine. If you believe in coincidences, then no big deal. I saw it as my sign. BTW, I did not use it, I was tempted to. I just smiled and put it on the shelf.

I connected with my animal guides while listening to a shamanic drumming CD. This CD/Book combo (I think it was Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide by Sandra Ingerman) teaches you how to find your animal guides. So I know those, too. Since then I have a new one.

I got the answers to both the first time I asked. I don't know why - if it was an open mind or the music (in the case of the animal guides) or some other reason. I say just keep trying.

Oh, and has anyone heard that you are not supposed to share your animal guides with anyone or they lose power? I heard this from someone who is very involved in shamanism but I wonder if it is true? It seems like the belief in power loss would cause it.

If you talk about the color blue, does it cause it to be less "blue"?

My teacher once told a joke: "How many Lakhota Medicine Men does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"

Answer: "100. One to screw it in and 99 to sit around and say, 'That's not how I learned to do it.'"

There are definitely different views on this. My teacher and I even disagree. He's more Sorcerer than Shaman, though he is very strong in the Healing Arts. He says not to share your Guides and Allies. For him, it's a matter of respect. For him, he may be right. But I have a different relationship to my Guides than he has with his. I have no problem in sharing who my Guides and Allies are if someone asks. If my Guides don't mind, why should I?

Certainly there are times when an Ally comes to you for a specifically personal reason that doesn't need to be shared, but all-in-all, I've never had one of my Guides or Allies express any concern over whether or not I should or could share my Medicine with others.

[IntuitionWritten]

Originally Posted by Mato Kinze

If you talk about the color blue, does it cause it to be less "blue"?

Good way to put it - possibly you do lose some of the brilliance or power by talking about it. Who can accurately describe blue and all that it is? We label it blue and then we take it for granted - it becomes "blue". Nothing brilliant or special. I am not saying that everyone labels things and forgets their brilliance but that it is possible.

Thank you for taking the time to answer this question. Generally, I am the type to share if people want to know so I wasn't sure why I shouldn't share my guides. However, I can now see reasons not to and I still see reasons to.

I don't feel like my guides have lost any power when I have shared their names with others. I can see the argument for not sharing, though. Any more thoughts?