In this episode of The Soul Unleashed, we explore the concept of spiritual guides, examining what defines a spiritual guide, the roles they play, and the ways they communicate with us. We look at different beliefs across faiths—including Christianity, Indigenous practices, New Age spirituality, and Eastern traditions—and consider whether spiritual guides might include deceased loved ones, fostering a unique connection through ancestry. We also examine critiques of spiritual guides, from scientific skepticism to theological perspectives. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the presence of spiritual guidance, personal stories, and practical resources to expand your understanding of these unseen influences.
What is a “Spiritual Guide”?
- Non-Physical or Supernatural Being:
- Personalized Connection
- Roles and Functions
- Forms of Communication
How do Different Faith Perceive Spiritual Guides?
- Christianity / Catholicism
- Indigenous Traditions
- New Age and Spiritual Movements
- Eastern Tradition
In essence, a spiritual guide is seen as a benevolent, invisible influence, guiding a person toward growth, insight, and fulfillment in alignment with their inner wisdom and life’s purpose.
Can your spiritual guide be a deceased loved one?
- Connection Through Family Bonds
- Ancestral Guidance in Cultural Traditions
- Roles and Forms of Communication
- Spiritual Growth and Insight
- Differences from Other Types of Guides
Unlike guides believed to be unrelated or otherworldly (such as angels or ascended masters), a deceased relative acting as a guide usually has specific knowledge about the person’s family, background, and personal life. This can make their guidance feel more relatable or grounded in the individual’s reality.
Criticisms of Spirit Guides
1. Scientific Skepticism
2. Philosophical and Rationalist Critiques
3. Religious and Theological Criticisms
4. New Age Criticism
Personal Experiences
1. Book on Spiritual Guides:
Hiring the Heavens: A Practical Guide to Developing Working Relationships with the Spirits of Creation by Jean Slatter
2. Guided meditation from Celeste Wood
3. Experience with my niece, Amy
Website of Celeste Woods, Spiritual Medium:
My podcasts target left-brained types like me, whose rigid view of life restricts us from considering things outside the tightly organized spiritual paradigm we either grew up with or built for ourselves.
Follow my podcasts to discuss serious topics like grief, human suffering, prayer, religion, and spiritual practices. I also cover things that I used to consider craziness or “woo-woo” such as: meditation, manifestation, spiritualism, spiritual awakening, reincarnation, past-life regression, the channeling of spirits and aliens (seriously…), soul groups, astrology, and even Chinese fortune cookies!
Mike
Website: https://mikenicholas.com
Email: mike@mikenicholas.com
YouTube Channel: @mikenicholas-unleashed
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