Guardian Angels? Spirit Guides? I'm so confused!

What is the difference between Angels, Guides, and Spirits? Where do my deceased loved ones fit in? I've been listening, reading, and learning for a long time and I get very confused with the terminology used by different experts and teachers.

Just when I thought I had made sense of it all, someone new would come along and I would be confused again. I finally consolidated information that I had found and came to the following conclusion that feels right to me at this moment. Of course, you are welcome to choose the words that make sense to you, and you can always change your mind :)

It is difficult to give credit to any particular sources because there are so many. But here is what I have concluded.

Angels

With any term using the word Angel, I describe them as beings that have never been in human form (with few exceptions). By definition, Angels are messengers of God. They are around us all the time. Their energy is universal, meaning they can be everywhere at once. Angels are beings of light who can provide you with guidance, assistance, protection, and comfort when you ask.

In addition to general Angels, there are Guardian Angels and Archangels.

Guardian Angels

Guardian Angels are personally assigned to you for your entire life. They are there to assist and guide you whenever you ask. According to Doreen Virtue, you will have at least two from birth, most likely three or more. Additional Guardian Angels may be assigned to you at different points in your life. Once they are with you they never leave.

Archangels


Archangels supervise the Angels and Guardian Angels. Archangels can provide you with powerful assistance immediately when you ask. There are 16 main Archangels that I work with.

Spirits

With any term using the word Spirit, I describe them as beings that have had a human experience. They are deceased relatives, friends, or pets who keep a connection with you after they cross over and may be of assistance to you. They can only be in one place at a time so they are not likely with you constantly.

When you feel a strong and continuous connection to a particular loved one who has crossed over, and believe they are watching over you, they are often referred to as a Guardian Angel. By definition, that is not the correct term so the use of it has been my biggest source of confusion. The spirit for me that meets this description -- I just call him Grampa.

In addition to general Spirits, there are Spirit Guides.

Spirit Guides

Spirit Guides are Spirits who have received special training and are highly advanced. At least one Spirit Guide is assigned to you since birth or longer. They may have no prior connection to you at all, or they could be ancestors who died before you were born or very early in your life.

Who Am I Connecting With?

Personally, I have learned to connect with my Guardian Angels and Spirit Guides. I have an image of what they look like and they have given me their names, so those details help me relate to them.

I understand that Angels have a higher vibration but I still can't necessarily tell which beings are Angels and which are Spirits. I have decided it doesn't really matter to me. All I need to know is that they are always with me to give me guidance, and I can ask them for help at any time -- and they respond!

And it doesn't matter if Grampa has received special training as a Spirit Guide or not -- I just like knowing that he's with me.

Angel Card Readings

When I do an Angel Card Reading, your Guardian Angels, my Guardian Angels, along with any number of the Archangels all come to the table to bring you loving messages of information and guidance. Spirit Guides may be giving guidance as well.

I definitely know from what I call the "ghost factor" when a loved one from the other side has joined the session. I continue to develop my skills as a Medium to be able to interpret messages from Spirit.

No matter who specifically is giving you messages during an Angel Card Reading, it is a wonderful experience that gives you guidance for moving forward with confidence. I truly love being of service.

Dawn M. Gibbons
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