Connecting with Your Spirit Guides During Shamanic Journeying

When it comes to exploring the spiritual realms, many people have found guidance and support from their spirit guides. These beings, which can take many forms and have many names, are said to be helpers who offer wisdom, protection, and insight to those who seek them out. For those who practice shamanic journeying, the process of connecting with spirit guides can be a powerful and transformative experience. However, it can also feel intimidating or confusing for those who are just starting out. In this article, we will explore the basics of understanding and communicating with spirit guides during shamanic journeying. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just curious about this ancient practice, these tips and techniques can help you deepen your connection with these powerful allies.

What Are Spirit Guides?

Spirit guides are ethereal beings that help us navigate our life’s journey. They can take many different forms and come from various realms of existence. The purpose of spirit guides is to provide guidance, support, and protection throughout our lives. In shamanic traditions, it is believed that everyone has at least one spirit guide that is uniquely tailored to their individual needs. Working with spirit guides allows us to tap into a higher power and access knowledge that we may not have been able to access on our own. To learn more about spirit guides and how to work with them, check out some of the resources available on shamanic journeying, such as common challenges that can occur during the journey or tips on shamanic intentions for a successful experience.

Spirit Guides vs Ancestors

Spirit Guides and Ancestors are terms commonly used in shamanic practice, but they are not the same. While both can offer guidance from the spirit world, they differ in several ways.

Spirit Guides are beings that may or may not have had a physical body, and they can come from various realms of existence. They are often thought of as wise and compassionate teachers who offer support, guidance and protection. A spirit guide’s role is to offer help and insight for an individual’s personal growth and spiritual development.

Ancestors, on the other hand, are deceased relatives, friends, or even people with whom the individual has no blood relation, who have passed from the physical world to the realm of spirits. They are often considered as protectors of the family line and are called upon to provide ancestral wisdom, as well as to receive honor and recognition.

While both spirit guides and ancestors can offer guidance and assistance in shamanic journeying, their roles are different. Spirit guides are there for personal development and growth, while ancestors play a role in connecting with one’s roots and heritage.

It is essential to know the distinction between the two to understand shamanic practice better. Whether you are working with spirit guides or ancestors, make sure to approach them with respect and gratitude. With the proper guidance and attitude, connecting with spirit guides and ancestors can be a transformational experience.

If you are new to shamanic journeying and want to learn more about preparing for a journey, click here. For details on the stages of shamanic journeying, visit this article. To learn about the shamanic lower world, click here. If you want to understand more closely how shamanic journeying can contribute to personal growth, click here. Finally, if you have any questions about shamanic journeying, browse through our FAQs.

Types of Spirit Guides

Spirit Guides come in many different forms and serve unique purposes. Here are some common types of Spirit Guides that you may encounter during shamanic journeying:

Type of Spirit Guide	Description
Animal Guides	These Guides come in the form of animals and are often associated with certain qualities or characteristics. For example, a bear may represent strength and protection, while a butterfly may represent transformation and change.
Ancestral Guides	These Guides are the spirits of your ancestors who have passed on. They may offer guidance and support as you navigate your life path.
Ascended Masters	These Guides are highly evolved spiritual beings who have lived on Earth in previous lifetimes. They offer wisdom and guidance to help you on your spiritual journey.
Angels	Angels are divine beings of love and light who offer guidance and protection. They may appear in human form or as bright, shining lights.
Elementals	These Guides are associated with the elements of nature, such as water, air, fire, and earth. They offer guidance and support in working with the natural world.
Star Beings	These Guides are extraterrestrial beings who offer guidance and support from other dimensions. They may appear as bright lights or in humanoid or animal forms.

Keep in mind that these types of Spirit Guides are not exclusive or exhaustive – your Guides may come in any form that is meaningful to you. It is also possible to have multiple guides serving different purposes at different times. Trust your intuition and be open to whatever form your Guides take.

Preparing for Shamanic Journeying

Before embarking on a shamanic journey, it’s essential to prepare your sacred space. This will be the area where you will conduct your journeying, so it’s crucial to make it a place of comfort and safety. You can create this space by setting up rituals that help you connect with the elements such as lighting candles, burning incense, or smudging with sage. It is also important to clear your energy field of any lingering negativity or distractions. This can be done by techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization. By preparing yourself and your space, you become more receptive to the guidance of your spirit guides and can enter the journey with a clear and focused mind.

Creating Sacred Space

Creating a sacred space is an essential step in preparing for shamanic journeying. It sets the tone for the journey and creates a safe, protected, and sacred environment that allows your spirit guides to communicate with you more effectively. Some ways to create a sacred space are:

Technique	Description
Smudging	Burning sage or other cleansing herbs like Palo Santo, sweetgrass, or cedar can clear the space of negative energies and create a protective barrier.
Altar Building	Creating a personal altar with meaningful items like crystals, candles, feathers, and photos can focus your intention and anchor your energy during the journey.
Visualization	Closing your eyes and imagining a protective bubble of light around you or visualizing yourself in a sacred location like a forest, temple, or mountain can help you to feel safe and centered.
Sound Healing	Using instruments like singing bowls, bells, chimes, or tuning forks can create a calming and meditative atmosphere and restore balance to your energy field.
Intention Setting	Setting a clear and specific intention for your journey can focus your attention and align your energy with your guides. You can write it down or say it out loud to clarify your desire and create a sense of commitment.

By creating a sacred space, you open yourself up to the spiritual realm and allow your spirit guides to connect with you on a deeper level. It also helps you to feel more grounded, relaxed, and centered during your journey. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.

Clearing Your Energy Field

Clearing your energy field is an important step in preparing for shamanic journeying and connecting with your spirit guides. Our energy fields can be filled with negative emotions, thoughts, and energies that can block our ability to connect with our guides. In order to clear our energy field, there are several techniques we can use.

One technique involves the use of sage or palo santo, which are both known for their purifying properties. Light the sage or palo santo and let the smoke roll over your body and around your space, visualizing it clearing away any negative energy that may be present.

Another technique for clearing your energy field is through breathing exercises. Begin by closing your eyes and taking several deep breaths, focusing on your breath as it enters and leaves your body. With each exhale, visualize any negative energy leaving your body. You can also try holding your breath for a few seconds before exhaling, imagining any negative energy being held in your breath and then released.

A third technique is visualization. This involves imagining a white light surrounding your body, which represents pure and positive energy. Visualize this light entering your body and cleansing it of any negative energy. You can also imagine any negative energy leaving your body and being replaced by this white light.

It is important to find the technique that works best for you and to incorporate it into your shamanic journeying practice. A clear energy field will make it easier to connect with your spirit guides and receive their messages. By regularly clearing your energy field, you will be able to maintain a strong connection with your guides and achieve greater spiritual growth.

Journeying to Meet Your Spirit Guides

Embarking on a shamanic journey to meet your spirit guides can be a truly transformative experience. To prepare, find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted. Start by setting your intention for the journey and creating a sacred space around you. This could involve lighting candles, burning incense, or placing crystals around you. Next, clear your energy field using techniques such as smudging with sage or palo santo. Once you feel fully present and prepared, you can begin your journey using guided visualization or shamanic drumming and rattling. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience, and be open to whatever messages or information your spirit guides may have for you. Remember that the journey itself can be just as important as the destination, and trust in the wisdom and guidance of your spirit guides.

Guided Visualization

Guided visualization is a powerful technique for journeying to meet and communicate with your spirit guides. This technique involves using your imagination to create a mental image of the experience you want to have. You can find guided visualization scripts online or create your own, tailored to your specific intentions.

To begin, find a comfortable position where you can relax and won’t be interrupted. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, allowing yourself to become more and more relaxed with each exhale. As you feel yourself becoming more calm and centered, begin to visualize yourself in a peaceful natural setting, such as a forest or a beach.

Next, set your intention to meet your spirit guide(s), and visualize a path or doorway before you that leads to this encounter. As you walk along this path, visualize every detail of your environment, using all your senses to imagine what it feels, smells, and sounds like.

When you reach your destination and encounter your spirit guide, take some time to observe them and ask questions. Engage in dialogue with your guide, and pay close attention to the messages and insights they share with you. Remember to thank them for their guidance and ask them to help you continue to deepen your relationship with them.

After your encounter, take some time to integrate your experience and write down any insights or messages you received. This will help cement the experience in your mind and allow you to refer back to it later.

Guided visualization can be a powerful tool for developing a deeper connection with your spirit guides. With practice, you may find that this technique becomes easier and more vivid over time, allowing you to access deeper levels of insight and guidance.

Shamanic Drumming and Rattling

Shamanic drumming and rattling are powerful tools for journeying and communicating with spirit guides. The repetitive sounds of the drum or rattle help to alter brainwaves and induce a trance state, allowing you to journey to other realms and connect with your guides.

During a shamanic journey, the drumming or rattling can be used as a focus for your intention to connect with your guides. You can choose to play a recording or live drumming during your journey, or you may prefer to drum or rattle yourself.

If you choose to drum or rattle yourself, it’s important to find a steady rhythm that allows you to relax and enter a trance state. There are many traditional rhythms used in shamanic drumming, as well as variations created by modern practitioners. Experiment with different rhythms and find the one that feels most comfortable for you.

Here are some tips for using shamanic drumming and rattling during journeying:

Tip	Description
Find a quiet space	Choose a location where you can practice without interruptions or distractions.
Set an intention	Before you begin playing, set an intention to connect with your spirit guides.
Start slow	Begin with a slow, steady rhythm and gradually increase the tempo as you feel comfortable.
Listen to the sounds	As you play, focus on the sounds of the drum or rattle and let them transport you to a different state of consciousness.
Trust your intuition	Allow yourself to be guided by your intuition and let your guides show you where to go.
End with gratitude	When you’re ready to return, slow down the rhythm and express gratitude to your guides for their assistance.

Shamanic drumming and rattling can be a powerful tool for connecting with your spirit guides. As with any shamanic practice, it’s important to approach it with respect and a willingness to learn. With practice and patience, you can develop a deep and meaningful relationship with your guides through the use of shamanic drumming and rattling.

Communicating with Your Spirit Guides

When communicating with your Spirit Guides, it’s important to listen closely and be open to receiving messages in different ways. Some Guides may communicate through signs and symbols, such as seeing repeated numbers or animals. Others may provide messages through automatic writing or drawing, where you allow your hand to move freely without consciously directing it. It’s also important to pay attention to your intuition and any gut feelings you may have, as these can be messages from your Guides as well. Trusting and following through on these intuitive hunches can lead to important insights and guidance. Building a strong relationship with your Spirit Guides takes time and practice, but can be a rewarding and transformative experience.

Signs and Symbols

During shamanic journeying, your spirit guides may communicate with you through signs and symbols. These signs are personal to you and may only be understood by you. They can come in different forms such as animals, colors, shapes, or even words and phrases.

It is important to pay close attention to your surroundings when seeking communication with your spirit guides. You may see an animal, such as a butterfly or a snake, that seems to be following you or appears in a recurring pattern. This could be a sign from your guides that holds a special meaning for you. Similarly, a particular color or shape could grab your attention and have a significant message for you.

Words or phrases may also be given to you by your spirit guides. These could come in the form of overheard conversations, repeated phrases in your head, or even messages in dreams. It is important to be open and receptive to receive these messages, even if they seem insignificant or unrelated to your journey.

Keep a journal to jot down any signs or symbols you may encounter during your journey. Spend some time after your journey to reflect on the messages you have received. Try to decipher the meaning behind these symbols and how they relate to your current situation or path.

Remember, the interpretation of these signs and symbols is personal to you and may not have the same meaning for someone else. Trust your intuition and allow yourself to receive the messages your spirit guides wish to convey. Through observation and reflection, you can deepen your connection with your spirit guides and gain insight into your life’s purpose.

Automatic Writing and Drawing

Automatic writing and drawing can be a powerful way to receive messages and guidance from your spirit guides. This technique involves allowing your hand to move freely across a blank page or canvas without consciously directing it. The result is automatic writing or drawing that may contain words, symbols, or images that carry meaning and relevance for your journey.

To get started with automatic writing or drawing, you may want to try the following steps:

Step	Description
1	Clear your mind and set your intention to connect with your spirit guide.
2	Hold a pen or pencil loosely in your dominant hand and place the tip on a blank piece of paper or canvas.
3	Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
4	Allow your hand to move across the page or canvas without consciously directing it. Let your thoughts and emotions flow freely.
5	When you feel complete, take a few moments to reflect on what you have written or drawn. Look for patterns, symbols, or messages that may have come through.

It’s important to approach automatic writing and drawing with an open mind and without judgement. The messages you receive may not make sense right away, but with time and reflection, their significance may become clearer.

Remember, your spirit guides are here to support and guide you on your journey. By practicing automatic writing and drawing, you can deepen your connection with them and gain valuable insights into your path.

Developing Your Relationship with Spirit Guides

Connecting with spirit guides can offer us support, guidance and insight in navigating life. Developing a strong relationship with our guides takes time and effort, but can bring immense benefits. One way to deepen our connection is through daily communication, such as setting an intention in the morning and asking for guidance throughout the day. Incorporating practices such as meditation, journaling, and connecting with nature can also create a clearer channel for receiving messages from our guides. It’s important to trust our intuition and the information we receive, even if it doesn’t always make logical sense. A regular gratitude practice can also show appreciation for the guidance we receive and strengthen the bond with our guides. As we develop a stronger relationship with our spirit guides, we may experience a greater sense of peace, purpose and empowerment in our lives.

Practices for Deeper Connection

One practice for developing a deeper connection with your spirit guides is meditation. Sitting in silence and focusing on your breath can help you quiet your mind and tune in to the subtle messages from your guides. Try setting aside a few minutes each day to sit in meditation and ask your guides to come closer. You may feel their presence as a tingling sensation, a warmth, or a sense of peace.

Another practice is journaling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings after a shamanic journey can help you process the messages you received and gain deeper insights into your relationship with your guides. Try to write freely, without worrying about grammar or structure. You may be surprised at what emerges on the page.

Gratitude is also an important part of developing a relationship with your guides. Take time each day to express your gratitude for their guidance and support. You can do this silently, in prayer, or by making offerings such as flowers or crystals on your altar.

Finally, working with your dreams can be a powerful way to deepen your connection with your spirit guides. Before going to sleep, set the intention to receive guidance from your guides in your dreams. Keep a dream journal by your bed and jot down any messages or symbols that come through. Over time, you may start to see patterns or recurring themes that offer deeper insights into your spiritual path.

Remember, developing a relationship with your spirit guides takes time and patience. Be open to the ways in which they communicate with you, and be willing to try new practices and techniques to deepen your connection. With persistence and dedication, you can create a powerful and transformative relationship with your guides that will support you on your journey towards greater wholeness and healing.

Working with Guides for Healing and Manifestation

Working with guides for healing and manifestation can be a powerful tool in your spiritual practice. Whether you’re looking to address physical or emotional imbalances or manifest a desired outcome in your life, your spirit guides can offer valuable guidance and support.

Here are some techniques for working with your spirit guides for healing and manifestation:

1. Meditation: Create a quiet space and focus your intention on calling in your spirit guides. Allow yourself to receive any messages or guidance they may have for you. You can also ask for their assistance in bringing about physical and emotional healing or in manifesting a specific goal.

2. Visualization: Visualize yourself surrounded by healing light, and ask your spirit guides to assist you in directing this energy towards any areas of your body or life that need healing or manifesting. Use all of your senses to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

3. Affirmations: Use affirmations to reinforce your intention and connect with the energy of your spirit guides. For example, you might say “I am surrounded by the healing energy of my spirit guides”, or “I am open to receiving guidance and support from my guides in manifesting my desires”.

4. Crystals: Choose crystals that resonate with the energy of your spirit guides and use them to amplify your connection. You can place these crystals on your body, carry them with you, or use them in meditation or visualization.

5. Rituals: Create rituals that honor your spirit guides and invite them to work with you in your healing or manifestation journey. For example, you might create an altar dedicated to your guides, or perform a ritual with specific herbs or other materials that resonate with their energy.

Remember that working with your spirit guides is a personal experience, and what works for one person may not work for another. Trust your intuition and allow yourself to connect with your guides in whatever way feels most authentic to you.

Conclusion

Conclusion:

In conclusion, understanding and communicating with spirit guides during shamanic journeying can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development. By connecting with your guides, you can gain insight, guidance, and support on your journey through life.

To recap, spirit guides are non-physical entities that are here to help us on our path. They can come in many different forms, such as animals, ancestors, angels, or ascended masters. By preparing yourself for journeying and using guided visualization or shamanic drumming, you can connect with your guides and receive their messages.

When communicating with your spirit guides, it’s important to pay attention to signs and symbols that may come up during your journey. You can also try automatic writing or drawing to receive messages in a more tangible way.

Developing a deeper relationship with your guides can be a powerful practice that can enhance your spiritual journey. This can be done through daily practices, such as meditation or journaling, or by working with your guides for healing and manifestation.

Remember, connecting with spirit guides is a personal process that requires patience, trust, and openness. By following these steps and continuing to develop your practice, you can deepen your connection with your guides and receive the support you need to live your best life.

Steps to Understanding and Communicating with Spirit Guides:
1. Learn about spirit guides and the different types.
2. Prepare yourself for journeying by creating a sacred space and clearing your energy field.
3. Use guided visualization or shamanic drumming to journey and connect with your guides.
4. Pay attention to signs and symbols during your journey and try automatic writing or drawing to receive messages.
5. Develop a deeper relationship with your guides through daily practices and working with them for healing and manifestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shamanic journeying?

Shamanic journeying involves entering a trance state to connect with spiritual guides and receive insights and messages.

Can anyone learn how to journey?

Yes, anyone can learn shamanic journeying with practice and guidance from an experienced practitioner or teacher.

What is sacred space?

Sacred space is a protected and energetically cleansed environment where you can connect with spirit guides and perform spiritual practices without distractions.

What is automatic writing and drawing?

Automatic writing involves allowing your hand to move freely across paper to receive messages from spirit guides. Automatic drawing works in the same way, but with images instead of words.

How can I tell if I am communicating with a spirit guide?

You may experience physical sensations, sudden insights, or a feeling of guidance during a shamanic journey or meditation.

Can I have multiple spirit guides?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple spirit guides who may serve different purposes in your life and growth.

What is the difference between a spirit guide and an ancestor?

A spirit guide is a non-physical entity who serves as a teacher or advisor, while an ancestor is a deceased relative who may offer guidance and support.

What is shamanic drumming and rattling?

Shamanic drumming and rattling are techniques used to enter a trance state and connect with spirit guides. The repetitive sound and vibrations help to induce an altered state of consciousness.

How do I know if my spirit guide is trustworthy?

Use your intuition and trust your feelings. If something feels off or wrong, it may not be a reliable spirit guide.

How can I deepen my relationship with my spirit guides?

Practice regular communication, meditation, and gratitude. Cultivate a sense of reverence for their guidance and wisdom.

References

• The Shamanic Journey – Accessing The Invisible Worlds
• 6 Types Of Spirit Guides & How To Communicate With Them