Who Are Spirit Guides? Understanding Your Spiritual Helpers
Spirit guides and the phenomenon of encountering a “being of light” during near-death experiences (NDEs) are subjects that have intrigued humanity for centuries. These concepts often emerge in discussions about spirituality, the afterlife, and the nature of consciousness. Spirit guides are considered non-physical beings that provide wisdom, support, and guidance to individuals throughout their lives. Belief in such guides spans various cultures and spiritual traditions, each attributing distinct characteristics and roles to these beings.
Our Spirit Guides
When discussing spirit guides, it is important to present the concept that each person has a primary guide or team of guides that will be with them throughout their entire life. However, we also have guides that will show up to provide support and guidance throughout different experiences or challenges we may encounter. These guides are meant to play a role for a short while and are often known to have specialized knowledge or energies pertaining to the experience the individual is having. There are various types of spirit guides, ranging from Archangels to animal spirits. Below, I will discuss the seven main types of spirit guides (1).
Who are they?
- Archangels: High-ranking Angels, each one usually having a certain area of expertise, allowing individuals to call on them for support surrounding their specific scope. An example being Archangel Raphael, who supports healing both physical and emotional.
- Guardian Angels: Often depicted as benevolent protectors, guardian angels are believed to be assigned to individuals at birth, offering continuous guidance and protection. They are thought to operate at a higher vibrational frequency, providing unconditional love and support (2).
- Ancestors and Departed Loved Ones: Deceased family members who continue to watch over and guide their living relatives. These ancestral guides can offer wisdom that is deeply rooted in familial and cultural heritage. We can also have ancestral guides who we may never have known in our lifetime, but are from our lineage going back through generations.
- Spirit Animals: Also known as totem or power animals, these guides embody the traits and strengths of specific animals. They are believed to offer important insights and lessons for the individual’s life journey.
- Ascended Masters: These are enlightened beings who have transcended the cycle of reincarnation and now offer guidance to those seeking spiritual growth and advancement. Figures such as Buddha, Jesus, Saint Germain, and Krishna, as well as other spiritual leaders, are often recognized as ascended masters (3).
- Elemental Guides: Associated with the natural elements—earth, water, fire, and air. These guides are thought to assist individuals in connecting with nature and understanding the physical world’s energies and the role they play in our lives (4).
- Light Beings/ Galactic Beings: Highly evolved beings that come from other star systems. Sometimes referred to as star beings, or ET’s, they come from other dimensions with the intent to help humanity spiritually evolve (5).
How to Connect with Our Spirit Guides
Individuals seeking to connect with their spirit guides often engage in practices such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. Creating a sacred space, setting clear intentions, and maintaining an open mind are key steps. Some individuals utilize divination tools like tarot cards or pendulums to facilitate communication. While others use methods such as Automatic Writing and Dreamwork. Spirit guides are also known to communicate through signs and synchronicities, common examples are repeating numbers (1111), or through song lyrics, the right words at the right moment. When an individual sets an intention to communicate with their guides while also implementing the practices mentioned above, they often report an increased awareness of these signs and synchronicities (6).
The “Being of Light” in Near-Death Experiences
Throughout history and across cultures, there have been countless reports from individuals who have undergone near-death experiences, encountering a radiant light or presence, commonly referred to as the “Being of Light.” Individuals often describe this presence as overwhelmingly loving, compassionate, and non-judgmental. This experience transcends specific religious and cultural backgrounds, suggesting a universal aspect of human consciousness. Characteristics of the encounter include a type of life review process, spiritual insight, or communication with the being of light, and descriptions of an overall deeply emotional experience. They not only experience their own emotions, but they also experience how their actions impacted others.
People who have experienced NDE’s often recall that the communication with the being of light is usually telepathic, and conveys profound messages about love, knowledge, and the nature of existence. NDE survivors frequently describe feelings of unconditional love, peace, and acceptance during these encounters as well, describing it as a true feeling of “coming home” (7).
To Wrap Up
The concepts of spirit guides and encounters with a “being of light” during near-death experiences offer deep insights into human spirituality and consciousness. Whether viewed through the lens of cultural tradition or personal belief, these accounts continue to inspire exploration into the mysteries of existence and the nature of the human soul. As individuals open themselves to these experiences through intentional practices, they often discover a profound sense of support, love, and purpose that transcends ordinary reality, reminding us that we are never truly alone on our journey.
The Natural Wellness Academy offers the Spiritual Wellness Specialization, where you can dive deeper into these subjects and increase your knowledge in the different spiritual approaches that different cultures have to offer.
About Maile
In addition to her professional work, Maile is a devoted wife, mother, and new “chicken mama” establishing a small homestead. She is also the founder of a children’s wellness initiative that offers interactive workshops designed to introduce young minds to the principles of spiritual wellness, self-love, and authentic expression.
For questions or more information about Maile’s children’s wellness program, she can be reached at maile.knutson@gmail.com.
Resources:
- https://www.amandalinettemeder.com/blog/2014/12/5/going-to-the-source-whats-the-difference-between-spirit-guides
- https://subconsciousservant.com/types-of-spirit-guides/
- https://www.a-higher-view.com/ascended-masters-list/
- https://intuitivesoulsblog.com/what-are-spirit-guides/#types-of-spirit-guides
- Quan Yin, Amorah. The Pleiadian Workbook: Awakening Your Divine Ka. Bear & Company, 1995.
- Peirce, Penney, and Randye Kaye. The Intuitive Way: The Definitive Guide to Increasing Your Awareness. Tantor Audio, 2015
- Moody, R.A. (1975). Life After Life. Mockingbird Books
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