How to Contact your Spirit Guides
Spirit Guides are among our greatest allies and grant us both protection, vision and courage to help us navigate the unseen realms. Forging this relationship must be viewed as one of the fundamental practices to spiritual development.
With these myriad spiritual energies surrounding us all the time, it is of greatest benefit to hear the lessons they are offering us which will aid and ease our human experience.
James Van Praagh reminds us we are spiritual beings having a human experience. To be in intimate connection with these guiding benevolent forces gives us strength, hope and direction in a challenging world.
Like a budding friendship, getting to know them is natural and easy. No special honing psychic ability exercises are required but rather an open heart and ability to listen are your best assets. Without stress or strain, they are always near awaiting an opportunity for connection, guidance and insight. To become a clear channel, simply relax, trust and allow yourself to feel their loving presence.
Types of Spirit Guides
We are blessed with love reverberating through us always. Many assistants are in place to ensure our spiritual well being and evolution. Though we’ll use the term interchangeably, here are the most common Spirit Guides which you may encounter:
Angels
Most prevalent and trusted, it is the Angels who are in devotion to humanity. ArchAngels can be many places at once while personal Guardian Angels are in service to us individually.
Power Animals
Recognizing the wisdom of the animal kingdom, shamanic cultures work with Power Animals as personal totems of power. When we can embody the raw attributes of animals, we can be imbued with courage, focus and transcendence.
Devas
Earth energies are in constant cohabitation with humans. Tree spirits, fairies, Air and Water beings will all fall under this category.
Different from Angels, they are not devoted to human expansion, rather they are in loving service to the planet. They willingly help individuals when respect and honor of the Earth has been consistently demonstrated.
Ancestors
Our first place of love and connection, it is our Ancestors who can most readily assist us. Replying to the request from their own bloodline, they act as fierce and protective Spirit Guides and should be our first point of contact.
The African wisdom traditions honor this ancestral blessing inherently. We in the West however have fallen out of partnership with lineage spirits, preferring the omnipotent Angels. This is somewhat foolish for it is the ancestor’s commitment to the healing of their own descendants which make them arguably our strongest assets in the Spirit Realms.
Those beings who have achieved enlightenment are dedicated to assisting humanity on our own ascension. St Germain, Buddha, Jesus, Metatron and Quan Yin are among the many faces of these guiding forces which are readily available to us and will often appear in our meditations.
How to Contact your Spirit Guides
Contacting our Spirit Guides is one of the most readily available gifts to humanity. Yet few of us may remember how. There is no training required in learning how to contact your Spirit Guides rather a gentle and loving heart will draw in exactly the blessings you seek.
Here are the best ways to be in communication with these beneficent forces:
1. Set the Mood
As with all ceremonies, your physical environment should be prepped to support these subtle energies. Light a candle, dim the lights, clear your clutter and create a peaceful space. Bring into this setting any objects of power which hold significance – crystals, sacred objects, and spiritual art. These will form your ritual space and amplify the intentions of your connection.
2. Craft a Clear Intention
All spiritual endeavors (heck, all endeavors!) should be carried out with clear intention. With whom do you wish to work? What questions are you hoping to address? With clear focus, we can call in the beings most suited to answer our queries.
If working on self-healing, gentle loving energy may be a perfect partnership – think Quan Yin or Mother Mary. If we are seeking profound teachings, an Ascended Master like St. Germain or Buddha may be more suited. Carry a pure directive in your heart and you will attract the loving energy of the Guide most suited to assist you.
3. Practice with Loving Patience on Yourself
We easily forget the ease of this gentle process! There is no need to feel rushed nor hurried. The messages will sweep over you as gently as the wind and it is only your ability to receive that will block your connection. As with breath, this communication with Spirit is our most primal and it cannot be done from the mind.
Set no expectations – this way of being is rarely like fireworks! Rather with patience and trust, you will find yourself in communion with the divine energy forces at work all around you.
4. Relax and Breathe
Breath is among our most available treasures and the surest way to bring ourselves into the present moment. With each breath, allow your awareness to deepen and become softer. No strain nor stress.
If you find yourself tense, stretching can alleviate some of this built up energy. Laying down is also a grand idea, but don’t make yourself too comfortable or you may find yourself wonderfully asleep!
To find yourself in the stillness of breath will open potent gateways to spirit. In the quiet center where the mental chatter ceases is where you will find the whisperings of your Spirit Guides.
5. Call in Protection
As with all spiritual work, the dictates of your heart will call in like frequencies. A simple clearing will bless yourself and the space.
Envision yourself in a pyramid of white light and let these energies wash away anything not of your highest living good. When you are ready, relaxed, and willing to allow the messages to come to you, ask that the most loving energy willing to assist you to be called forth now.
6. Sacred Sounds
The most profound of all sacred sounds is our own voice. Chanting is the process by which we make the sounds of the universe. Making these sounds raises our vibrations and attunes our energy to the most powerful forces of spirit.
Chant “Om” (Phonetically, this sounds like AaaaUuuuMmmm) seven times to align your energy with that of the divine. You will quickly discover chanting to be a perfect portal to contacting your spirit guides.
7. Go through the “Door”
As your breathing slows and sacred space is activated, you may notice a shift in your being. This is the turning on of your light body which will magnetically attract the Spirit Guides, Angels and Ascended Masters.
- Focus on your light body for this is the aspect of you that is pure spirit
- See yourself walking through a “doorway” into another dimension. This is not always a literal doorway… sometimes we see it as a cosmic space, sometimes a beautiful landscape that inspires wonder or bathing yourself in a vibration of color. We all have our own entries to the beyond and you will soon discover that which is best for you
- You will notice an expanse of infinite space around you. It is in this space that we are open, available and altered enough from our everyday spaces to meet with our Guides
8. Invite in your Spirit Guides and Angels
In the bliss of the abyss, call in your personal Guides and Angels. Share with them your intention and give them clear permission to join with you. We live in a free-will universe where our command is the most respected and honored of all sacred laws. If you do not explicitly give permission, you may miss their encounters and simply enjoy the rest offered in this sacred space.
9. Open Yourself to Subtle Frequencies
Their messages may come as visions, impressions, smells or thoughts. I wish the messages were always blazingly clear, but this is often not the case. Pay attention to everything you experience for it is their direct way of being in communication with you now.
10. Ask for a Sign
This too is a flexing of our free will… and we are dense and doubting creatures. Ask for a sign in your day-to-day life that affirms your connection and the messages they offer. Please don’t see this as “telling them what to do,” rather it is a way of loving reassurance that will bolster your faith in them. This is a sure way they can express their presence and they are happy to oblige so long as you ask!
On many occasions, this is for me the most magical of all forms of communication! When I was contemplating my move from Chicago to Colorado, I asked for a sign to affirm my decision. I saw 3 shooting stars in a night, was given a book the next day by a friend on native plants of Colorado and was invited by another to visit her in the Western plains to see if I liked her area! Talk about cosmic confirmation. I packed up and had moved within 6 months!
11. Ask for a message or a blessing
Spirit Guides are in service to us and as such, they can only help in the ways we explicitly ask. Beyond the validation of a sign, ask for a message or a blessing while you are in sacred connection with them. This could be guidance, insight or a sneak peek at what’s in store. The blessing could be a healing or an activation of your psychic skills. Please do not feel bad asking and instead see this as their devotion and love for you put to work!
12. Give Thanks!
We all like to be appreciated and this small act from you will ensure you continue to incur their goodwill. Gratitude is our way of opening to more blessings when we can be humble and acknowledging of those that have already been granted.
Expressing thanks aloud will give your ceremony extra credence as it shows them resolutely you know they are there and are willing to bring your voice and your will to the reality of their presence.
13. Return
When walking through these sacred dimensions, we must take precautions to return the ways we came. See yourself leaving through the same means you entered taking any paths you may have ventured. Ask your Guides to help you with this with zero stress… they know the way!
Soul fragmentation occurs when we leave behind pieces of ourselves (in both physical and non- physical realities). To retrace carefully your steps ensure you gather all aspects of yourself and can bring our full power and potential back to you now.
Allow yourself time to come fully back into your body. You may choose to write down your experience or take a nap to integrate. Be gentle as you allow this state and experience to be received at all levels of your being.
You may feel yourself a bit altered after these encounters, take that as a sign in your body that something had indeed occurred! Eating, walking in nature and baths are a perfect way to bring you back to you.
14. Living in the Sacred Everyday
Sacred space is best honored when we recognize it is a thriving part of our reality. To only visit once shows little regard for the relationships formed. Instead, know this place of loving support is available to you always and make use of it!
I tend to visit not just when I need help but anytime. Sharing your blessings with them and acknowledging their part goes far! They like to know their efforts are not only appreciated but are working to help us be better humans.
To join in these spaces of communication with our Spirit Guides regularly reminds us the world is far more expansive than what most people believe. It will enhance our psychic abilities, ensure we are on the right track, and can lead to fulfilling our destiny. Before long our ability to receive these messages can occur outside of sanctioned ritual and we begin to receive messages all the time.
About the Author
How Do You Know What Your Spirit Animal Is?
Power animals, also known as totem animals or spirit animals, are spiritual guides that accompany people along their journey of self-discovery. Each specific animal represents symbolic qualities that help to awaken intuition, protect personal energy, and help us navigate our life path. In this article, we explore spirit animal symbolism, their spiritual meaning, and how to find your spirit animal.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Spirit Animal or Totem Animal?
- Shamanism and Spirit Animals
- The Spiritual Meaning Behind Each Spirit Animal
- How to Find Your Spirit Animal
- How to Work with Your Spirit Animal
What Is a Spirit Animal or Totem Animal?
A spirit animal is a Spiritual Guide that acts as a protective figure and messenger. It reflects aspects of your personality, life experiences, or inner voice. It represents qualities that you are meant to recognize, embody, or learn from. Some people discover it naturally, through dreams, meaningful experiences, or deep sensations when connecting with a particular animal. It can also come through practices such as meditation or guided visualization. In Native American culture, a spirit animal is not just a symbolic archetype, but a meaningful presence that offers protection, insight, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
This concept is often confused with a totem animal. While both play important roles in spiritual practices, there is a key difference between a totem animal vs spirit animal: totem animals typically represent a group identity, ancestry, or tribal lineage, while spirit animals are more personal and reflect your individual soul journey.
Whether you call it a power animal, totem, or spiritual guide, its presence invites you to explore deeper levels of self-awareness, healing, and growth.
Shamanism and Spirit Animal Guides
In shamanic traditions, especially within Indigenous and Native American cultures, power animals occupy a central place as allies of the soul in the spiritual journey. The shaman recognizes that everything in nature has a spirit, and animals represent specific energies that can be invoked, whether in rituals, healing, or other processes of personal transformation. These totemic animals accompany the shaman from the time of initiation, and each brings distinct abilities to work with the spiritual planes.
Shamans often meet their spirit animal guide through visions, dreams, or deep spiritual journeys. These guides may shift over time, changing with the needs of the individual’s life path. Some animals guide for a specific period, while others accompany throughout life as guardians of the spirit.
The practice of shamanism with spirit animals not only strengthens the connection with the invisible world but also allows the development of intuition, perception, and inner harmony. Today, many people who do not belong to traditional cultures also work with spirit animals as part of their spiritual path, seeking guidance, protection, and a deep understanding of their inner energy.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind Each Spirit Animal
Each power animal has a unique spiritual meaning that conveys a specific message for one’s personal path. Knowing the symbolism of the different animals and their symbolism helps to better understand the qualities that can be activated or the learnings you are going through. Below, we present the spiritual message represented by each of these power animals:
- Eagle: Clarity and elevated vision. Invites to look at challenges from a broader perspective and trust in the wisdom of the spirit.
- Wolf: Instinct and teamwork. Teaches to balance independence with connection to the group and following the inner voice.
- Owl: Intuition and occult perception. It symbolizes the ability to see beyond the obvious and detect deep truths.
- Jaguar: Inner power and transformation. It represents the courage to go through emotional darkness and come out stronger.
- Butterfly: Change and rebirth. It announces processes of personal transformation and spiritual evolution.
- Deer: Gentleness and sensitivity. It invites one to cultivate empathy and act from the heart, without losing firmness.
- Tortoise: Patience and ancient wisdom. Teaches to move forward calmly and to trust the natural rhythms of life.
- Fox: Cunning and adaptability. It represents intuitive intelligence and the ability to move with strategy and speed.
- Horse: Freedom and vital energy. Connects with the impulse of the soul to move forward with strength and determination.
- Dolphin: Joy and harmonious communication. Conveys the power of emotional connection and play as a way of healing.
- Bear: Strength and protection. Teaches to set healthy boundaries and to enter into silence to regenerate.
- Snake: Renewal and deep healing. Symbolizes the ability to let go of the old and activate vital energy.
- Lion: Leadership and confidence. Inspires courageous decision-making and recognition of personal power.
- Hummingbird: Joy and lightness of soul. Remember the importance of living the present with gratitude and beauty.
- Elephant: Memory and spiritual wisdom. Represents stability, connection with ancestors, and calm strength.
Exploring these archetypes helps reveal which spirit animal aligns with your inner journey.
How to Find Your Spirit Animal
Many people wonder: how to find your spirit animal? It is not a matter of choosing an animal for the sake of it, but of recognizing which one manifests as a guide on your spiritual path. This is a process of reflection, observation, and trust in your inner voice. Your spirit animal may reveal itself through:
- Repeated encounters with a particular animal in waking life or media
- Vivid dreams featuring a specific animal
- Strong emotional or energetic reactions to a certain creature
- Meditation or guided visualizations
It’s not about choosing your favorite animal. Instead, it’s about noticing which animal chooses you—and what message it might bring.
Signs and Dreams as Messages from Animal Spirit Guides
One of the most common ways to discover what your spirit animal is through signs and dreams. Pay attention to synchronicities—recurring animals in real life, conversations, or even books and images. These can point toward a deeper message from your spirit animal guide.
Dreams are also a powerful channel for receiving such spiritual messages. If a particular animal appears clearly on the dream plane, paying attention to its behavior and the symbolic message it conveys, you may be receiving guidance. These dreams are not casual: they often reveal which energy wants to accompany you on your path of growth.
Meditation and Guided Visualization to Connect with Your Personal Spirit Animal
Meditation is an effective tool to open your perception and connect with your spirit animal. By entering a state of stillness, it becomes easier to listen to subtle signals and receive images, sensations, or words associated with the animal totem that accompanies you.
To do this, you can begin your practice with a deep breath and a clear intention: to ask for your animal guide to reveal itself . As you go deeper into meditation, simply allow forms, faces or energies to emerge without forcing any images. The animal that appears is usually the one your soul needs to recognize at that moment.
Here are some steps to follow to connect:
- Sit quietly and breathe deeply.
- Set the intention to meet your spirit animal.
- Imagine entering a natural space—forest, mountain, ocean—and let a specific animal appear.
- Observe its behavior, energy, and any messages it offers.
- Journal about the experience to reflect on its meaning.
This simple practice can strengthen your relationship with your spiritual ally.
How to Work with Your Spirit Animal
Once you have identified your spirit animal, it is possible to establish a deeper and more conscious link with its energy. Working with your totem animal allows you to integrate its qualities into your daily life, receive guidance in times of change, and strengthen your spiritual connection. These practices may be simple, but they have a powerful effect on the inner path.
- Daily invocation: You can connect with your power animal at the beginning of the day, asking it for guidance and protection. Naming it out loud or visualizing it helps you keep its energy present.
- Focused meditation: Meditating on their qualities strengthens the spiritual bond. You can imagine their presence or repeat affirmations related to their message.
- Symbolic rituals: Incorporating objects or symbols of the animal into your altar or sacred space enhances its energy. This can include images, feathers, figures, or natural elements that represent it.
- Inner dialogue: Write messages as if your animal were talking to you. This intuitive technique allows you to receive guidance when you need clarity or emotional support.
- Conscious observation: Reflect on how your animal’s qualities manifest in your daily life. This practice strengthens the learning and spiritual integration of your energy.
Working with a spirit animal can help guide you through difficult moments, align you with your purpose, and connect you to the greater wisdom of the natural world.
Your Journey With Spirit Animals Begins Here
Whether you’re new to the concept or deepening your existing practice, connecting with a spirit animal invites you into a rich journey of self-discovery and spiritual meaning. These guides—rooted in both Native American tradition and modern spiritual practice—serve as reminders of the strength, insight, and beauty available to us when we listen to nature and our own inner wisdom.
