Spirit Guides
Spirit Guides are much like Guardian Angels, except they've never been Angels.
Spirit Guides are spirits that have been with us through one or more of our lives.
Even the practice of Shamanism use Animal Spirit Guides in their ceremonies.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is the oldest form of spiritual contact, predates all known religions and might be the base of all religion was built upon, although shamanism itself is not a religion. The main figure of shamanism is the shaman - the first priest in human history, mediator between the world of peoples and world of spirits. Shamans are healers, primarily of the soul and it accomplishes this through soul-retrieval, extraction and restoring. Along with Animal Spirit Guides, Shamans use Spirits, Ancestor, and Guides that dwell the Other World to accomplish their work..
How do I communicate with my Spirit Guides?
There are many ways to communicate with your Spirit Guides, no method is better than the other, it just depends on what you're comfortable with. Some people choose to meditate, others find it's easier to communicate through their dreams, while other people write letters and others are able to just talk and have a conversation as they would with a live person. Experiment to find what works best for you. If you choose to communicate through your dreams, go to bed asking your guides to come to you in your dreams and then ask that they assist you to remember your dreams when you wake up. Make sure before you go to bed that you have paper and pen at your bed side so you can write down your dreams. Don't even get out of bed, you start forgetting your dreams as soon as you wake up. Another way is to write your feelings down on paper. Write everything that is in your heart, everything you want to say to your guides. Don't worry about other people seeing what you write because when you're done, burn the letter. It's said that the words of your letter are carried to the spiritual realm in the spoke.
Can loved ones who have passed be my Spirit Guides?
Spirit Guides are guides who are highly advanced and have been with us since birth or longer. Loved ones who have passed away during our life are not our Spirit Guides, but that doesn't mean they aren't with us. Often, loved ones will look down on us, giving guidance and even protection in times of danger. It is possible for Ancestors to be Spirit Guides though..
Guardian Angels
Guardian Angels are like all other angels, with one exception - they've been assigned to stand by us throughout our life, through good and bad. Everyone is given at least two Guardian Angels, some people, such as Lightworkers have more. Your Guardian Angels know everything you've said, done or thought since the day you were born. They are non-judgmental and they look forward to helping you when requested.
Getting in touch with your Guardian Angels;
Communicating with your Guardian Angel is not difficult. There's no magic formula, it doesn't matter if you've done "wrong" or you don't go to church regularly - they just have to be asked. Angels are not allowed to interfere in our lives and will not offer help unless asked (except for danger of physical harm). There are many ways to communicate with your Angels, no method is better than the other, it just depends on what you're comfortable with. Contacting your guardian angels is the same as contacting other angels. All you need to do is call them. Many people choose to construct an alter,meditate, light candles, burn incense, there's as many ways to contact angels, as there are people. It's all personal preference. Even though these techniques may set the stage, make you more comfortable and make the Angels feel welcomed, this is not necessary. All it needs to be is a thought "Angel, I need your help." They always come. If you open yourself up to their energy, you will feel their presence. Once you feel your Angels, ask them questions. Let your mind go blank and allow anything to flow, don't try to make it happen. You may want to keep a journal and write down anything that comes to mind.
What comes to you may not make sense in the beginning, but as you review your journal, it will all fall into place. Some people meditate, while others choose to communicate through dreams. Some people actually hear the Angels talking to them, while others "feel" what the Angels are saying. Experiment and find what works best for you. You'll soon be able to identify your Angels by the way they "feel". Each Angel has a different energy, just like humans. You may be able to feel their size or color, you may be able to tell how they smell, or how they sound. Again, no one way is better than the other, it's how the Angels choose to communicate with you and what's easiest for you to comprehend. With time you'll know which Angel is helping you and from there you'll know what your individual Angels "specialize" in. This was the way I realized my Angel Magda was good at finding lost objects. Every time I turned to my Angels for assistance to help me find things, I came to realize it was Magda who always helped. Now, if I'm looking for something, I simply say "Magda, can you help me find..." It's not necessary, but it makes the communications a little more personal..
Can a loved ones be my Guardian Angel?
Angels have never been human, so your loved ones who have passed can not be your guardian angel, but they can be Guardian Spirits/Spirit Guides.