Many believe that the Spirit Guide must be an animal, especially if you practice Shamanism. I believe that your Guide can also be that of an ancestor or another Ancient Wise One. They have always been with you, and only wait for you to be ready to call upon them. Whichever you choose, you need only to create a safe and sacred space for them and most importantly, listen, and they will guide you.The Spirit Animals are usually easier to contact if you have had a closer relationship to nature and/or the animal world. Their voices are clearer and louder, and they are easier to see. The Ancient Ones will take more practice to see and hear. You may have already seen either of them and just not realized it yet. Remember that they don�t always come to you when you call either. It may happen on your first try or your one-hundreth try. BE PATIENT! When they feel that you need them most they will answer you.
Calling Your Guide
Find a sacred site. This site can be as simple as a stream or tree or as grand as some ancient mound on top of the highest mountain in another country. The choice is yours�Do what you are able to and what feels right to you. Wherever you decide to go, remember to pick a quiet, secluded spot, where you will be undisturbed.
Some of the techniques you may use in calling them include:
-Making a Medicine Wheel
-Ritual and Offering
-Prayer or Invocations
-Meditation or Guided Imagery
Whichever you choose, you need only to concentrate and call them forth with intention. You may wish to try all or none of the above mentioned techniques, or you may already have your own technique that you have found comfort in. Again, the choice is yours.
They may not come to you in words, but in dreams, thought forms, visions, or physical happenings. As you gain experience you will become more attuned to the many ways in which it will happen. Do not worry if you think that your imagination is running away with you�Let the Spirits come no matter what! Welcome them and thank them and they will continue to speak to you. If you say that you see or hear nothing, they may not return. You will learn the difference in time, with practice.
