Many people go throughout their lives not understanding the difference between a spirit, a ghost, and a spirit guide. Or the meaning behind a guardian angel, or an animal guide. Yet if you want to develop a bond with the other side, it’s good to know who, or what, you are communicating with.

A ghost is earthbound, perhaps attached to an object or person. Not all ghosts are negative entities that need to be moved on. Some act as protectors!

A spirit has passed over and sometimes becomes a spirit guide (my father). Spirit Guides can be human, animal, other worldly, or elementals (fairies, dragons, elves, unicorns or other mythological creatures who protect the Earth’s water, plants, atmosphere and environment). An angel is another type of guardian who has never lived, though some considered Mother Theresa to be an earth angel. 

A Spirit Guide’s purpose is to keep us on our path, help us figure out our destiny, and try to keep us safe and well protected. Perhaps even help us keep our commitment regarding a past life contract. Guides and angels are around us at all times! We have to be open and willing to listen.

Not everyone is an intuitive nor does everyone want to be. That’s okay. For those who aspire to connect with the higher dimensions, there are ways to tell when our angels and guides are trying to communicate:

Do you ever feel as if you are not alone? Perhaps the energy in your house, or around you, feels different.Have you seen light forms, caught movement, or caught sight of a human or other non-threatening figure?Do you get a strong vision of an object, location, or person out of nowhere?Do you feel a connection to a complete stranger? This could be indicative of a past life recall. And this meeting could have been initiated by a guide or angel.Do you feel a hot spot or cold spot on your face or arms, tingling sensation, or feel as if you are wrapped in the wings of an angel?Do you feel like you are being watched, protected?Have you received messages in your dreams? Many experience visits from deceased loved ones. Keep in mind, your guides and angels appear in dreams as well but you won’t necessarily recognize them.

Meeting your Guides or Angels in Person

Have you ever met a person who seems to recognize you, but you don’t remember them? Spirit Guides and Angels can appear in human form and will usually provide hints that they know you. A guide I call ‘the princess’ and her brother, Honati (both connections from a past life) appeared at The Garlic Festival—an annual event at The Triangle T Ranch in Dragoon Arizona. I saw them approaching and thought they both looked to be Native American. She was about my height only thinner with straight dark hair. The man accompanying her was a few inches taller with slightly wavy hair. I saw them walk through the door, stop at a few other vendors for a few seconds, then head toward my table.

When they stopped at my booth, I explained the details and locations of the series—including the historic Triangle T Ranch—as well as the idea of past lives. They weren’t at the table for long, but the woman said, “I feel like we’ve known each other.” I looked at her quizzically and said, “oh, really.” Then she smiled and nodded her head.

I thought it strange but didn’t connect the dots right then. A few days later, the thought struck me out of nowhere (as usually happens when my muses are involved). The mysterious visitors were spirit guides.

The energy on the ranch is quite prominent with the granite boulders and extensive history. My guides mentioned (voices in my head) they were able to use that energy to appear as solid and real as those around them. I found out a couple months later that these two Native American guides were from the Menominee tribe and lived in Wisconsin. I had met them both—along with their grandmother—after getting lost on a drive.

A dirt road had led me to an old, small house on the reservation; the only one in the immediate vicinity. I stopped for help since I was nearly out of gas, and knocked on the door. The princess, a dark-haired beauty, answered. Her brother Honati, stood behind her, watching me. I met them on my birthday—March 14, 1935, and I was 35 years old. Interesting since March 14, 1966 is the day I was born in this life.

The princess and Honati said there were no roads going directly to their grandmother’s home, yet I had managed to find their place on a mysterious jeep trail. When we first met in 1935, they asked me how I had found the house and I turned to point to the rough road I came in on—it wasn’t there. They invited me into their grandmother’s home and to lunch. This was the first day of a deep, lasting friendship until I passed in my mid-sixties.

This was the most recent past life of mine—before I was born as Lori Hines. All three of us had become close. They considered me part of their family. Still do.

Keep in mind, our guides are as individual as we are; after all, they are still human, just in a new dimension. You may not be able to see your protectors, but they are there, waiting to communicate—whether as past life husbands, wives, friends, loved ones, past pets, other animals—just open your heart and mind to see them.

Copyright 2021, Lori Hines, Author.