Wherever humans exist, the concept of spirit guides often emerges. In essence, a spirit guide can be understood as a non-physical being who acts as a loving friend and a source of empowerment in your life. They might also appear momentarily to offer encouragement or solace during specific events. While sometimes referred to as “spiritual guides,” the term “spirit guides” helps distinguish them from our human mentors and teachers who also provide spiritual guidance. Interestingly, the Bible frequently uses the term “angels,” which is often a misleading translation of the Greek word angelos, meaning “messenger,” to describe these beings (we will delve into “angels” in more detail later).
It’s important to approach information about spirit guides, including this article, with a discerning mind. The aim here is to present a perspective for open-minded individuals that makes certain claims about spirit guides more understandable. Ultimately, your personal experiences will be the deciding factor in whether you believe in their reality. If you’re intrigued, I invite you to embark on this exploration with me.
Discovering My First Spirit Guide
My initial experience with a spirit guide was through Jesus, although this wasn’t explicitly framed as such in my Sunday School lessons. Yet, Jesus perfectly fits the definition of “a non-physical being who can be your loving friend and empowering companion.”
From a young age, I was taught that Jesus desired to be my friend. In my Southern Baptist church, everyone communicated with him through prayer, acknowledging his non-physical presence. It was simply the expected practice. While prayers were directed to Jesus, there was no suggestion that he might respond personally. My perception was that he resided in “heaven,” a place I then imagined as being far “up there.”
This perspective largely persisted through seminary. Seminaries often prioritize religious knowledge over spiritual experience. Experiential encounters were treated with skepticism, except for the concept of a “conversion experience.” If not a tangible experience, one was expected to pinpoint a moment of “accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.” As a young rebel, I identified as someone who had always loved Jesus and thus hadn’t had a specific “conversion” moment, which was true to my experience.
Throughout seminary and beyond, my focus remained on the phenomenology of the Bible rather than the spiritual experiences of Jesus and others documented within it. Later, I engaged with leaders in the charismatic movement, hoping to indirectly absorb some of their reported experiences. However, I was still in the early stages of twenty years of therapy, working through buried emotions and unaware of my own sexual orientation. This internal repression consumed considerable energy, suppressing feelings deemed unacceptable by religious teachings. The detrimental impact of abusive religion on LGBTQ+ individuals, targeting their God-given sexual orientation, is often underestimated. Consequently, I had limited “spiritual bandwidth” to perceive a divine presence.
This changed dramatically at the age of 60, when, through the guidance of Buddhist teacher Ken Wilber, I was introduced to subtle states of consciousness where the Living Jesus became a tangible presence. Simultaneously, I came to terms with my sexual orientation. This dual awakening was transformative; as my emotional and sexual feelings opened up, so did my spiritual senses! And there was Jesus, my patient friend, waiting, along with others ready to accompany me.
Jesus’ Conversations with Departed Souls: A Model for Guidance
As my conversations with Jesus in the non-physical realm became more real, I began to see familiar biblical narratives in a new light. Despite being a lifelong follower of Jesus and a student of the New Testament, I had overlooked the profound implications of Jesus consulting with spirit guides, specifically Moses and Elijah. I had often wondered why he would seek guidance from them when he had direct access to God, whom he called Abba. I was about to understand.
The Transfiguration narrative, central to the first three Gospels, provides a powerful and practical example of connecting with spirit guides (Matt. 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36). Similar to modern WeSpace groups, this event involved a small circle of Jesus’ close companions who shared their lives and collectively experienced the presence of God alongside other spiritual guides. At the Transfiguration, the most intense part of this mountaintop encounter began with the appearance of Moses and Elijah, revered figures from Jewish history who had passed away centuries prior. They manifested in vibrant, visionary form, offering encouragement to Jesus. Luke 9:31 specifies, “They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.”
Jesus was grappling with his impending death and needed support. Who better to offer encouragement than individuals who had already experienced life and death? Peter, James, and John, also present, were drawn into this heightened state of awareness by the potent spiritual energy, witnessing Moses and Elijah as well. The energetic atmosphere was charged with transformative potential. Subsequently, divine communication extended to all four present, including those still in physical bodies.
Six Key Insights from Jesus’ Dialogue with Spirit Guides
Embracing the Transfiguration as a model for personal spiritual practice offers several transformative insights:
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Jesus engaged in conversation with identifiable, named, non-physical beings. He didn’t perceive this as extraordinary. Earlier, during his temptation in the wilderness (Matt 4:11; Mark 1:13), and later in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43), spirit guides were present. For dedicated followers of Jesus, this should be sufficient validation for considering such interactions themselves. Jesus, widely regarded as an exceptional human being, regardless of metaphysical beliefs, communicated with those who had passed away. This exploration delves into why we might also be able to do so.
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Why didn’t Jesus simply consult God, his Abba, about his “departure”? Scripture indicates Jesus had extensive prayerful communion with God. However, in this instance, Jesus required something more—something only beings who had lived and died could provide. He needed perspective from those who had firsthand experience of both life and death. The Apostle Paul eloquently described the purpose of receiving guidance from the spiritual realm as comfort, strength, and encouragement (1 Cor. 14:3). If Jesus benefited from this support, it suggests we might benefit even more.
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This interaction with spirit guides occurred within an altered state of consciousness. Such connections are unlikely to happen amidst daily routines like working, childcare, or watching television. It often requires intentional effort, perhaps a metaphorical “walk up the mountain,” alone or with a supportive group, with the explicit intention to connect with the mystical realm.
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The Transfiguration involved a reciprocal exchange between Jesus and his spirit guide companions regarding his life circumstances. This mystical dialogue was an honest and open conversation about his challenges and vulnerabilities. He sought help, and he received it from those who had transitioned from physical life.
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Visionary phenomena were part of this encounter—the guides were visible within this expanded state of awareness. It involved the energetic presence of subtle bodies of non-physical beings. Mystical light was also present, unveiling Jesus’ radiant spiritual nature. This experience likely informed his declaration that both he and his followers are “the light of the world” (John 8:12, Matt 5:14).
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Jesus had other, less dramatic encounters with spirit guides. The nativity narratives are replete with spirit guides appearing to Mary and Joseph. They announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds. Later, a spirit guide instructed the new parents to flee to Egypt. Spirit guides assisted the adult Jesus during crucial times – in the wilderness temptations (Matt 4:11) and during his agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, where “a spirit guide from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him” (Luke 22:43). These numerous accounts illustrate that spirit guides are far more accessible and helpful on our life journeys than modern, skeptical perspectives often acknowledge.
For most of us, connecting with spirit guides is less dramatic but equally transformative. Personally, I have not “seen” Jesus or other guides visually. My communication manifests as words within my mind, occasionally almost audible. Over time, I have experienced sensations of being touched and the presence of beautiful light in my visual field. Individual experiences vary, and it’s crucial not to let dramatic accounts overshadow your own unique encounters.
My First Spirit Guide Beyond Jesus
For years, I consulted an energy healer who was familiar with spirit guides. One day, I inquired about discovering guides beyond Jesus. Knowing my Christian background, she asked if I felt drawn to any biblical figures or figures from religious history. I mentioned my fascination with John, Jesus’ close disciple. She suggested, “Ask him if he would be a spirit guide for you.” Immediately, I asked, and inwardly heard the words, “I’ve been waiting for you to ask!” Tears welled up, unusual for my typically emotionally reserved self. I responded, “I didn’t think you would have time. You must be busy.” His reply was, “Come on, you know that time-space stuff does not apply in my world, only yours.” Thus began a liberating and enduring relationship with John. For several years, I documented our conversations. Now, I experience his loving presence and the comforting sensation of his hand on my right shoulder, with occasional brief exchanges.
My relationship with Jesus also deepened, and I began to perceive his presence more tangibly. One day, I asked him to come closer. I immediately felt him very near, inches from my face. “That’s too close!” I exclaimed. He chuckled and moved to my right side, asking, “Is this better?” I felt the touch of his hand on my right arm, a sensation that has remained with me continuously for years. I can feel it even as I write this. While I now readily perceive spirit guides for others, I haven’t visually seen Jesus, as mentioned, but I experience his presence somatically and intuitively.
For those who have experienced religious trauma, the concept of Jesus may be inaccessible or triggering. If this resonates with you, know that Jesus understands and is supportive of finding other forms of guidance. These forms might include Sophia, the biblical feminine divine, or other beings of light who can offer companionship and encouragement. For some, this path can lead to healing from religious trauma and a renewed, healthy connection with the Living Jesus in his spiritual form. For others, this reconnection may occur in the afterlife.
My encouragement, echoing Jesus’ own example, is to connect with the guides that are most helpful and supportive for you on your individual journey.
Next, we will explore the distinction between “knowing Christ” and communicating with Jesus directly.
