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Connecting to Spirits and Guides

There are all kinds of spirits that roam this side of the veil that separates our world from theirs. And they all have their own personal reasons for not leaving. If I were to go into details about that, I'd be here all day.
But they do break down into different categories which is easier to explain.

Firstly I need to offer a slight definition to explain that there is a difference between a ghost and a spirit. Though most will use them interchangable, a spirit is a being (ghost or other source) that has been to the other side of the veil (or barrier that divides our world from theirs). But for some reason has chosen to visit or connect to our side. A Ghost is a being that has yet to go to the other side, but for what ever reason has chosen to stay here.

We have Spirit guides (or Guardian Angels to some)
Those ghosts, spirits and angelic beings who hang around us in attempts to offer us their guidance to benifit us in some form. Be it comfort, friendship, or a guiding hand. Their stay with us is usually long term or until they are no longer required. These ones have no intention of harm or to cause fear. But they might play the odd little prank or cause those odd tingling sensations to let us know they are present.

There are wanderers
These are the ghosts and spirits that stay for a brief period, possibly out of curiousity or we just happened to be in their route to where ever they are going.

There are also Imprints
These are not a true ghost, but a residue energy that was left behind usually due to trauma involved with their departure. Their inteligence is limited to those few moments before death, and involve very strong emotions. Good luck trying to communicate with these ones, you will not get much from them, but they do eventually fade over time unless they have some energy source to keep that emotion strong.

Then we have the Haunters
Those ghosts and spirits who for what ever reason have chosen to hang around us, but are not here for our benifit. In most cases, they have something at stake and either feel we can help them, or believe they can gain from our presence. These are the heavy pranksters, the creepers, the startlers, the haunters and polterguiests. They have no concern about how their presence affects us, so long as they get the desired affect. Most of the time they are attracted to our strong emotions that we emit. Primarily our fear.

Recognizing the presence of a Spirit or Guide

* Through Dreams and meditations
* odd tingling sensations
* soothing touch sensations
* slight weight or pressure on shoulders and hands
* slight movements of hair (as if being brushed aside)
* sensation of being brushed against
* smells that are familiar or comforting
* brief glimpses of flashing or dancing lights and shadows
* comforting sounds (music, singing, trickling water, laughter)

Sighted Forms
Guiding Spirits
In dreams, meditations, and aparitions they can take on any form. Usually, it is a combination of something you are comfortable with and best represents the topics they cover with you.
Main examples:
* soft light (of various size)
* creature or insect forms
* plant forms
* Water, rock, fire, air
* human forms of various cultural or time periods (possibly even nude redface )

General Spirits
Also can appear in a variety of forms, but tend to be less comfort based and more self representation.
Main examples:
* light or shadows of various size and intensity
* misty or foggy shapes
* creature, or insect
* Human forms of various cultural or time periods

Connecting to Spirit Guides
Primarily, meditation/hypnosis is the easiest way for a person to connect with spirits. Usually, these meditations involve visualizing yourself entering your heart area and creating a tranquil place, and asking your guides to come forward. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. To communicate with guides will depend on ones abilities.

Other ways, involve dreams, scrying, pendulums, Ouija boards, and probably a few others. But just be cautious with the methods used and make sure that their intent is in your best interest, not theirs.