A spirit guide is a spiritual, non-physical being whose purpose is to watch over, teach, heal or assist a person and help them to find greater spiritual awareness. According to certain theosophical teachings, spirit guides are believed to be humans who have lived many previous lives and have spiritually advanced beyond any further need to reincarnate. Many people also believe that spirit guides are chosen for us before we come into this life and that as we live our lives, our guides are helping and teaching us along the way. Some people believe that a Guardian Angel is also a type of spirit guide but others strongly believe that Guardian Angels are a direct expression of God or Deity and have not lived a previous life in human form.
In certain spiritual traditions such as Native American beliefs, Neo-Pagan and various shamanism paths, a person may have a spirit guide in the form of an animal, which is often referred to as an animal totem. There are also other types of spirit guides, which include:
Ancestral Guides
These are guides connected to a person through their family lineage and are not believed to stay with a person all the time, but rather visit on occasion. An ancestral guide may be a deceased family member that one has known in this life, or it may be the spirit of an ancestor from long ago.
Ascended Masters
Ascended Masters are believed to be highly evolved spiritual beings who reached this state through intense spiritual work and sacrifice while living their lives on earth. They are said to have fulfilled their Dharma or Divine Plan, balanced out any negative karma and become united with his or her source of Divinity.
The role of the Ascended Master is to help a person reach a higher level of spiritual development and enlightenment. In some theosophical belief systems, Ascended Masters are collectively referred to as "The Great White Brotherhood". The "white" is in referance to their white colored aura and their advanced state of spirituality.
Elementals
Many Pagan spiritual traditions believe in the existence of nature spirits that are connected to the forces of life here on earth. They are called Elementals because are associated with the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water and draw their strengths and abilities from these four elements. Some of the Elementals are believed to be somewhat mischievous at times but they can also offer inspiration and practical wisdom. The assistance they have to offer are dependent upon which element they are associated with. For example, Sylphs, which are associated with the element of air, can inspire creativity and a quick intellect. Undines, which are associated with the element of water, can help to promote inner peace and tranquility.
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