How to connect with your spirit guides

In my work, mentoring others in learning to develop psychic/medium abilities, the question always arises on how to effectively contact spirit guides. We all have spirit guides. Some look at them as guardian angels, which is a close comparison. The difference between spirit guides and angels is that our guides have lived many human lives and have access to that knowledge and experience. More importantly, they are a major link for our communication with the spirit world and the wisdom on the Divine itself. The sole purpose of these beings (as in their name) is to guide and help us throughout our life's path. There are two methods which have proven effective in making your first conscious contact with your guides. The first method is through the "sacred place" meditation. In this meditation, see yourself in what will always be your sacred place. It can be somewhere you've been before or straight out of your imagination. Whether it be in a forest, on a beach, or in the mountains, it should be a place where you find the most peace. In your minds eye, see and feel yourself there. You are alone there, but because this is your space, there is nothing that could possibly harm you. No stress, fear, anxiety or negative emotions exist while you are here. You are in complete control of this environment and you are protected. See yourself there clearly, and then begin to feel your surroundings. Feel the heat of the sun, the brush of the wind and the ground beneath your feet. Take in the smells of the area. Whether it be flowers, or the air of the ocean, let yourself go and fully experience this place. It is yours place and belongs to only you. Once you have a good handle on this meditation and you are able to let yourself go in this wondrous place, invite your spirit guide and others to join you. Remember that this is your space and you are divinely protected so there is no need to have any fear. Just relax, let your mind be free and the images will begin to flow to you naturally. Do not force an image by trying to think of anyone, it's about letting them come to you. Some have expressed experiencing animals which are likely their totem or a guardian spirit. Others have had visitations from loved ones who have passed on and are just taking the opportunity to interact with you. It may happen your first try or it may take some time, but eventually you will see someone you have never seen before, yet you will feel like you've known them your entire life. In this place, communication does not happen through speech, but through transmission of thoughts to one another. You can ask them their name, where they are from, if you cannot tell from appearance, or any questions you feel moved to ask. At first, communication may be difficult and they may simply want to make themselves known to you. More will come through in time through practicing this meditation. The second method is through a dream state and this seems to work well for many people. Before going to sleep, take a pen and pad of paper and leave it beside your bed. Lay flat on your back in bed and go into a semi-meditative state like in prayer and repeat this affirmation: "I open myself to a conscious relationship with my spirit guide and invite you to make yourself known to me." You don't have to use the exact words and can add or change them if you wish. The idea of opening yourself to your spirit guide should be made. Once you feel ready, simply go to sleep. It may not happen the first time or the fifth, but like the meditation, you will dream of someone you've never seen before, yet you will feel like you've always known them. This dream will usually be very vivid and sometimes abstract, unlike a normal dream. As soon as you wake up, take the pen and paper and write everything you can remember from the experience. Continue with this practice and your guide will appear in your dreams more often, and may even have messages to pass on to you. These two methods have proven effective for many and I am happy to share this information with everyone. Coming into contact with your spirit guides is a beautiful experience you will never forget. Once you've made contact, give your spirit guides permission to read your mind so you can consciously communicate with them. It's also important to know that your guides are able to bi-locate as well. This means that they can be on the other side, and with you at the same time when you call upon them for guidance. They are not with you all the time in a physical presence, but they are always watching over you. Guides are not only essential in helping to pass on information to you, but also as protectors. They can help erase fears which many have when first learning to control psychic/medium abilities. Just remember to allow them to come to you, and then let the communication begin.