Communicating with our Spirit Guides is a matter of asking and then listening for the answer. Listening not only with your ears, but also with your heart. You are never alone on this lifetime journey. God's divine messengers, Angels, accompany you. Guides in spirit who lead you on your intended soul path also accompany you. As with angels, your spirit guides are always anxious to help, but first must be called upon.

Spirit guides come in many shapes, forms, nationalities, and personalities. Unlike angels, many spirit guides are spirits that have lived a physical life and then passed on to the realm of Spirit. They have been assigned or chosen to work with you in your lifetime(s). The right Guide will always be present at the proper moment. Sometimes you have several working with you at one time!" If you are going to medical school for instance, you may have a guide who was a healer in his/her last lifetime(s). If you are a music instructor, you may have a guide who was a composer and a musician in his/her last lifetime(s).

When you first make contact with your spirit guide, it is important to remain "open" to the experience as it unfolds. You may expect for example that you have an Egyptian guide, when to your surprise a Native American medicine woman makes herself known to you. Ask for a name. The first name that comes to mind is the one, which is to be used. No matter how exotic or even silly it may seem. A Totem animal may well accompany your guide. Animals represent infinite wisdom and knowledge. They bring messages of great importance to your life, when you "listen" to what they have to say.

What does it mean to "listen"? 
When you ask for a message or sign, one will be given. You must look for and listen to the sign. The sign may be in the form of a song on the radio, a friend who phones you out of the blue, a gentle breeze across your face, or perhaps, wind chimes that suddenly begin to ring. You may suddenly have a new insight into a problem, or a "gut feeling" about a situation. Go with that intuitive insight! Signs come in an infinite number of ways. Many people have known that they have been visited by the Holy Mother of Christ because of the fragrant scent of red roses that she is said to leave behind. If you have been introduced to your animal totem, you may begin to encounter that animal on a more regular basis. If for instance, your animal totem is a lion, you may start seeing more of them on TV or in books and magazines. Study the animal. You may be surprised at what you learn about yourself in the process. Ask your totem for guidance or acknowledgement in a situation. Don't be surprised then when you turn on the television and the MGM lion is roaring across the screen! When you listen with your Soul, your spirit feels the acknowledgement. Always give thanks for the signs as they are given. 

Are my deceased relatives my guides?
No, they're not. Those that you have loved and have crossed over to spirit do indeed pop into your life. Your bond with them is very strong throughout your lifetime(s) together. Usually, they come through to comfort you by letting you know that they have continued on, and are still part of your life. Particularly when you are thinking of them, they will step in to acknowledge your thoughts. They will also give you "signs" along the way when you ask. How often have you heard your loved one's favorite song on the radio when you've been thinking of them? Or smelled their perfume while daydreaming about them? Signs are everywhere!

What are Spirit Guides used for?
The possibilities are endless! If you are in need of an acknowledgement that the path you are pursuing is correct for you, ask your Guide to confirm this. If you are looking to further your spiritual studies and are in need of a new Teacher to take you to the next level, ask your Guide to help. You've heard of the saying; "When the student is ready, the Teacher appears." Guides help you get to the right Teacher at the proper moment. As you become more acquainted and comfortable with your guide(s), you will have a lifetime of wonderful communication.

"Like attracts Like" - Staying Grounded
Before asking a Guide for help, take three deep breaths and feel grounded, or balanced. Relax yourself and push the burdens of your day aside. Be very specific about the answer or help you are looking for. If you feel scattered or angry, you will not receive your answer clearly, because you are not clear. Drinking lots of water during the day keeps our energy centers (chakras) clear. That in turn helps us to "hear clearly" what our Guides are trying to tell us.

Enjoy the Ride!
Ultimately, your guides in spirit are with you to help you live joyfully. They help to part the clouds that can dampen your life journey. You were meant to walk this earth in a state of grace of joy. Your guides are with you to help you understand your situations and then help you to proceed on your true soul path. Bask in the warmth of their presence and in the Light of the Creator who so generously gives us their companionship!