What is a Spirit Guide?
Many of us have experienced a spontaneous action that made no sense at the time but turned out to be exactly what was needed at the proper moment. We scratch our heads and think, “what made me do/say that?” This is an example of a spirit guide stepping in to help you in some facet of your life.
There are many types of spirit guides that are able to provide advice and assistance in any situation. Be confident that the right guide will present itself at exactly the right time in order to help you in the best way possible for your life without hurting anyone else.
Spirit guides can be labeled as Archangels, Angels, Guardian Angels and Guides, Goddesses, Ascended Masters and Enlightened Beings, Ancestors, Spirit Animals, Elemental Energies (Sylphs, Undines, Salamanders, and Gnomes), or something residing upon the earth such as a tree, mountain, or body of water. Anything that holds energy has the ability to use that energy to communicate impressions, feelings, thoughts and healing.
The term spirit guide infers that these energies are positive in nature and become known to us to offer assistance in one way or another.
Guides are always there to help in any situation; implanting a thought to assist in keeping you safe and they can become a constant part of your life if you remember to ask for their help.
Archangels
In the Hierarchy of Angels, the Archangels are the highest of all. They are said to be made of pure love and bring us much needed messages. Some of the better known Archangels are:
- Archangel Ariel is Nature’s Protector and connects you to the Earth
- Archangel Chamuel is the Nurturer, teaching self-love and love of others
- Archangel Gabriel is the Messenger and helps you to receive clear messages
- Archangel Michael is the Leader and aids in most everything; you can also ask him to direct you to the best Archangel to help you deal with your situation
- Archangel Rafael is the Healer and can be called upon for any work healing mind, body and spirit
- Archangel Uriel is the Transformer and brings truth, light and wisdom to bring about transformation
- Archangel Zadkiel is the Forgiver bringing you the strength of compassion and forgiving
Angels and Guardian Angels
The term Angels can be any spiritual being in the angelic hierarchy. Angels communicate messages, give direction, comfort, protection and can conduct rescues. A Guardian Angel is said to be assigned to you at birth to help you throughout your lifetime; this guardian can be any Angel within the angelic hierarchy including an Archangel.
Guides
Guides are any spiritual beings that help you at any time during your life for any length of time to become a better person. Guides may present themselves when you are in a stressful situation or have been with you your entire life.
Goddesses
Goddesses are revered in all areas of the world in vast numbers. They offer help in a myriad of areas that affect human existence. Familiarize yourself with the goddesses that handle the particular facets of particular situations you are dealing with. A few examples are:
- Amaterasu the Japanese Sun goddess
- Durga, the Hindu Divine Mother
- Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune
- Freya, the Norse goddess of fertility, sexual liberty, abundance, and war
- Gaia the Greek primordial Earth Mother
- Isis, the Egyptian mother goddess and matron of nature, magic, and creativity
- Quan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion
- Pelé, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, both destroyer and creator
- Sedna, Inuit goddess of the sea and queen of the underworld
- Shekina, Hebrew goddess of compassion
Ascended Masters
Ascended Masters were enlightened beings upon earth who spiritually transformed (a.k.a., ascended). They make their presence known to us to guide us in our work to raise our vibrations in order to bring about the greater growth within ourselves. Having us become more enlightened is their goal. Aside from this they are also able to assist us when we ask for help. There are many ascended Masters who have traversed the enlightenment route through existing on earth in human form. Among the many are:
- Babaji, the immortal master of the Himalayas promised to stay in his physical body to help all humanity after Ascension
- Confucius, born in 551 BC, was a well-educated scholar. His teachings emphasize the growth towards perfect virtue in every thought, word and deed
- Gautama Buddha, one of the great enlightened ones, represents wisdom energy
- Christ Jesus, the world’s Savior and teacher, to bring peace and brotherhood
- Maitreya embodies loving kindness and works diligently to enlighten humanity
- Mother Mary, Mother of the World, is an ascended Master of great love, wisdom and compassion
- Melchizedek works towards establishing heaven on earth and is said to hold the secrets of God, Universe and Earth
- Ramtha is said to be the first human to ever ascend 35,000 years ago and now leads the teachings of Enlightenment and Ascension
- St. Germain assists in the transformation of one’s human consciousness into the Higher Self
Shamans, Sacred Elders and Wisdom Women
Shamans, Sacred Elders, and Wisdom Women all share the energy of spirit guides who carry the knowledge of the ancients. They are more than willing to share these valuable teachings of the past to those residing in the here and now. They communicate in ceremony and storytelling is their method of teaching. Frequently, they show up asking you to understand and teach the shared information with others.
Ancestors
Ancestor spirit guides are connected to you through genetic memory. They can fill the role of a guardian or protector for your lifetime. Occasionally, they assist in repairing genetic scarring from an intense trauma that has persisted through the generations. This work repairs that of the past, bringing it forward into the present, and perpetuating the repair through the future.
Spirit Animals
Spirit Animals share information you need to help you balance and grow in your life. The qualities of a Spirit Animal are all the inherent attributes of the particular animal’s entire species. As you research a particular species, you understand which qualities her talents the Spirit Animal is suggesting that you adopt for your benefit in order to grow in your life.
Elemental Spirits
Elemental Spirits are said to be the spirit of things that inhabit Nature such as trees, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. All things contain energy vibrations including humans and communication with all spirit guides is accomplished through this energy. These elemental energies follow Natural Law which may be an obstacle to understanding the messages they bring. People who are extremely close to Nature are most likely those to receive messages from this group of spirit guides.
How to Connect with Spirit Guides
Learning to connect with spirit guides is similar to learning any Oracle. You must seriously invest the time and effort to broadly learn about the kinds of guides in which you were interested. Create a sacred space to use and try to keep to a consistent time of day to do this work. You can sit quietly or meditate. You can also set up a special place within your meditations in which you meet and greet your guides. Think of it as showing up for an important appointment each day. When working with Spirit Animals, Elementals or the Natural World a place out in nature may work to your advantage (example: embracing tree communication by sitting up against a tree).
Think Like an Animal
When you start communicating with spirit animals don’t approach it with a human point of view. Learn about the animal and its qualities and behaviors. Start thinking like the animal, getting familiar with how they move through their environment, what sounds they make, how they use their senses, and what skills they use. What about this animal can protect, guide, and/or teach? Once you become closely familiar with the animal(s) you will be increasingly receptive to the spirit animals’ telepathic messages. Use your inherent intuitive gifts, animals do. Remember as human beings, we are also spirit animals and have the capacity for the same power and gifts.
Show Your Dedication
As you seriously work with any type of spiritual guides to develop life balance and purpose, these guides get to know that you are serious about your personal growth. This may show up as increased communication. Spirit guide communication is a practice and your ability to listen and receive messages increases with dedication. The most common forms of communication with spirit guides are through your intuitive gifts, meditation periods, dreams and telepathy. Occasionally a ‘heads up’ shout out is given through an actual appearance. This in-depth work also makes you more aware of Spirit Messengers that show up to add a certain piece of needed information of any kind. They can show up in real life, briefly in a dream, or during a meditation.
Build Rapport
Having some background information on any spirit guide that presents itself is most helpful in building a rapport. Sitting quietly, walking in nature, or meditating are the simplest ways to connect. Have no expectations of whom or what will present itself and have patience. If nothing shows up at first persist and dedicate your time and effort, you may have to show the guide(s) that you are not here just for entertainment but are willing to accept and trust what comes through and the messages they bring. Remember: have no specific expectations.
Keep a Journal
Keep a journal to record impressions, pictures, feelings, smells, specific messages, sensations, and information of any kind that you experience. Do not analyze or judge what you get and write it down as soon as possible otherwise you may forget things the longer you wait to record it. What transpired may not make sense at first but possibly may in the future; this is why writing everything down is so important. If you ask specific questions make sure to jot it down in your journal before you start your session of attempting to contact a guide.
How to Ask Your Spirit Guide Questions
Once a guide starts coming through you can start asking specific questions. When you have established a trusting and nonjudgmental rapport with a consistent guide you can also ask if there is a guide to better assist you to answer certain questions moving forward. Your guide may answer the question itself or bring in another. Don’t try to second-guess this process. This will also help to expand your contacts within this realm of guides.
Another method is to ask to meet one of your guides just before falling off to sleep. Something may come through within your dreams. Keep paper and writing implements at the bedside to jot down anything that may have transpired in your dream state.
No matter what types of guides present themselves, remember that you have a circle of guides around you at all times to help you grow as a person. You may not be aware of them, you may not see them, but have the trust that they are there. All you have to do is have faith and ask for their help.
About the Author
Who Are the Ascended Masters and How Do They Guide Us?
The Ascended Masters are spiritual beings who have reached a high level of consciousness and are dedicated to guiding humanity in its spiritual evolution. They have transcended human limitations through multiple lifetimes and learning, becoming examples of wisdom and divine love. In this article we explore who they are, how they guide us and what role they play in our path to enlightenment.
Table of Contents
- What are the Ascended Masters?
- The Best Known Ascended Masters
- History and Origin of the Concept
- The Life of the Ascended Masters Before Ascending
- How Does One Become an Ascended Master?
- The Mission of the Ascended Masters
- How to Invoke the Energy of the Ascended Masters
- How the Ascended Masters Manifest Themselves
What are the Ascended Masters?
Ascended Masters are souls who have reached a high level of spiritual evolution after overcoming the trials of earthly life and the cycles of reincarnation. This process allowed them to transcend duality and access higher planes of consciousness, from where they act as guides for those seeking to progress on their own spiritual path. They are recognized for their wisdom, compassion, and commitment to the awakening of humanity.
Unlike deities, Ascended Masters were human beings who lived experiences on Earth, learned from them, and achieved enlightenment. This direct connection with the human condition makes them especially understanding and approachable for those who invoke them. Figures such as Jesus (Jeshua), Buddha, Kwan Yin, and Saint Germain are some of the most well-known, and each of them embodies specific qualities like unconditional love, compassion, or energetic transmutation.
Although a definitive number cannot be established regarding how many Ascended Masters exist, the presence of dozens of them is recognized in various spiritual traditions. Ascension is an ever-evolving process, so it is possible that new souls may join this group as they reach a state of enlightenment. Each master has a particular mission and acts as a point of reference for those who resonate with their energy or teachings.
The Best Known Ascended Masters
Throughout history, many Ascended Masters have been recognized for their guidance and wisdom. Each represents universal virtues and provides teachings that inspire us to evolve spiritually. Below, we highlight ten of the best-known Masters and their main teachings:
- Jeshua (Jesus): He represents unconditional love and forgiveness. His teachings remind us of the importance of connecting with our inner divinity and living in unity with others.
- Saint Germain: Master of the Violet Ray, symbolizes transmutation and spiritual freedom. He guides us in the transformation of negative energies and the discovery of our personal power.
- Kwan Yin: She is the goddess of compassion and mercy. She teaches to open the heart, cultivate empathy and live from unconditional love.
- Lady Nada: She represents selfless love and service to others. She inspires us to find peace through kindness and harmony in our relationships.
- Buddha (Gautama): Symbolizes enlightenment and detachment from suffering. His teachings on meditation and mindfulness guide us towards a balanced and peaceful life.
- Serapis Bey: He is the master of purity and spiritual ascension. He helps us to raise our vibration and overcome the challenges of the material plane.
- El Morya: Represents the divine will and faith. It impels us to make courageous decisions and align ourselves with our higher purpose.
- Hilarion: Master of truth and healing. He guides us towards inner honesty and emotional healing through spiritual awareness.
- Lady Portia: Symbolizes justice and mercy. She teaches to balance judgment with love and to act from fairness and forgiveness.
- Sanat Kumara: He is the “Lord of the World” and a guide for the spiritual evolution of humanity. He represents universal love and commitment to the awakening of planetary consciousness.
History and Origin of the Concept
The concept of the Ascended Masters has its roots in modern spirituality, particularly in the Theosophical Society founded in the 19th century by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Blavatsky introduced the idea of “Mahatmas” or “Masters of Wisdom,” enlightened beings who had transcended human limitations and worked to guide humanity. This vision laid the foundation for what we know today as the Ascended Masters.
In the 20th century, movements such as “The Open Door” and the teachings of Guy Ballard (founder of the I Am organization) expanded this concept. It was then that names such as Saint Germain, Kwan Yin and El Morya became popular, linking them to the Seven Cosmic Rays and presenting them as active guides in the spiritual process of humanity. These teachings focused on ascension, energetic transmutation and connection with the inner divinity.
Today, the Ascended Masters are part of various spiritual and esoteric currents. Their teachings are seen as practical tools for self-knowledge and expansion of consciousness. Through books, meditations and modern practices, these beings of light continue to inspire millions of people around the world to live in harmony and reconnect with their spiritual essence.
The Life of the Ascended Masters Before Ascending
Before reaching their enlightened state, the Ascended Masters lived as human beings, facing the same trials and challenges as all of us. Throughout multiple incarnations, they experienced suffering, love, learning and spiritual growth. These human experiences were essential to developing the compassion and wisdom that characterize them today.
In their earthly lives, many of them dedicated their existence to serving, teaching and transforming their communities. For example, Jeshua (Jesus) spread unconditional love and forgiveness, while Buddha taught the path to liberation from suffering. These exemplary lives left a legacy of practices and teachings that still inspire those who seek enlightenment today.
By overcoming the limitations of ego and duality, the Masters were able to transcend the cycle of reincarnation. This spiritual evolution brought them to a state of higher consciousness, from where they now guide humanity. Their human experiences allow them to deeply understand our struggles and offer empathetic and practical support.
How Does One Become an Ascended Master?
Becoming an Ascended Master involves a profound process of self-knowledge, purification and spiritual evolution. Through multiple lifetimes, aspirants work on their self-mastery, learning to overcome negative emotions, ego and earthly illusions. This process includes facing accumulated karma and transforming it into positive energy through forgiveness and compassion.
The path to ascension requires practicing virtues such as unconditional love, patience and selfless service. Masters in the ascension process develop the ability to live in harmony with spiritual laws, aligning themselves with their divine purpose. Meditation, introspection and working with higher energies are fundamental practices for this achievement.
Finally, the moment of ascension occurs when a soul reaches such a high vibratory state that it no longer needs to experience the duality of the physical plane. This process marks the end of the cycle of reincarnations and the entrance into a higher plane of consciousness, from where the Masters can guide and assist humanity in its own evolutionary process.
The Mission of the Ascended Masters
The primary mission of the Ascended Masters is to assist humanity in its spiritual evolution. They act as guides and mentors, offering wisdom, inspiration and tools for each person to reach their own divine potential. Through their energy and teachings, they help us overcome our challenges and remember our connection to Source.
In addition, the Ascended Masters work to raise the vibration of the planet and promote peace and harmony among human beings. Their work includes transmuting negative energies, strengthening the collective consciousness and protecting those who seek to walk the spiritual path. Many of them act through the Seven Cosmic Rays, directing specific energies to heal and transform.
On an individual level, the Masters also inspire people to find their purpose and live in alignment with their soul. Whether through meditations, intuitions or signs, they show us how we can transcend our limitations and contribute to the collective well-being. Their mission is to remind us that we are all capable of ascending and living in spiritual fulfillment.
How to Invoke the Energy of the Ascended Masters
Connecting with the Ascended Masters requires a clear intention and an open heart. A simple and effective ritual to invoke their energy is to create a sacred space in your home. Light a white candle, place flowers or crystals, and set a clear intention, such as “I open myself to receive the guidance of the Ascended Masters on my spiritual path.”
For the ritual, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take deep breaths. Visualize a golden light enveloping your entire body as you say aloud, “Beloved Ascended Masters, I invoke you with humility and love. Guide my path to peace, wisdom and compassion. Thank you for your divine presence and guidance.” Hold this connection for a few minutes and listen to any messages or sensations you receive.
End the ritual by thanking her for her presence and extinguishing the candle. This ritual can be repeated as needed, always with respect and gratitude. It is important to trust that the Ascended Masters listen and respond, even though their guidance may manifest in subtle ways, such as sudden insights, intuitions or feelings of calm and clarity.
How the Ascended Masters Manifest Themselves
Ascended Masters often manifest in subtle ways, using signals, intuitions or sensations to communicate. You may feel their presence as a surge of peace, an enveloping warmth or a deep sense of love. It is also common for them to manifest through repetitive numbers, songs, dreams or messages that come at key moments.
Occasionally, the Masters may send clear messages during meditation or dreams. For example, you might have visions of vibrant colors, figures of light or even hear specific words or phrases. These manifestations are often loaded with personal meaning and occur when you are receptive and aligned with their energy.
Another way the Masters manifest is through synchronicities in your daily life. You might find a book or message that answers your questions, or feel circumstances aligning to guide you to the next step in your spiritual evolution. The most important thing is to be attentive to these signs, trust their guidance and be grateful for their constant presence on your path.
