Psychic development is something that most aspiring healers and spiritual seekers touch upon at some point in their journey, and many teachers working in this field will agree that there is nothing more rewarding than watching their students grow in confidence as they rediscover and re-ignite their natural psychic and intuitive gifts.

Whether the ultimate goal is to work as a psychic, develop greater insights as a healer or simply live in a more intuitive and successful way, the first step is always to recognise the Higher Self and, if it feels right, many will go on to acknowledge and explore the notion of their personal spiritual guides – the unique ‘spirit team’ that’s agreed to support an individual’s journey during this physical incarnation.

For those determined to follow a life path of authenticity, there can be many pitfalls when exploring the spiritual and esoteric. Illusion based distractions can often emerge that feed the Ego rather than open the Heart-centre to spiritual truths. For example, it’s far more interesting to believe that you were Queen Nefertiti in a past life than to accept you were actually a simple farmer’s wife and it can feel much more significant to be guided by a famous figure from history or mythology than to receive messages from an unglamorous spirit person who never had any real notoriety!

Of course, it’s entirely plausible to enjoy strong connections with Deity or historical and mythological figures, but when students are preoccupied with this level of guidance without first considering the basics that relate to them specifically as individuals, their guidance is most likely only coming from an aspect of the self that is reflected in the qualities they find appealing in their chosen archetype. Additionally, they’re probably less likely to have accepted and integrated their ‘shadow’ side – the darker and less comfortable aspects of the self that it’s often easier to ignore. Their spiritual quest may then be at risk of becoming preoccupied with self congratulation and grandeur rather than the achievement of truth and balance.

The most effective techniques for facilitating the connection between an individual and their spiritual guides involve empowering the student to access their own spiritual experiences while supporting them energetically. Psychic validation is always valuable, but teachers should develop students who are confident to do the work themselves and who are not solely reliant on the psychic perceptions of their mentor. It’s of little value to a student when their teacher offers messages from an amazing spiritual guide during tuition sessions, but once they’re working alone and really need the guidance, they don’t know where to start and can’t make the link.

With a little determination, lots of self-belief and plenty of guidance in relation to the general principles of working with their energy anatomy, many students find that the process of identifying their guides can offer powerful insights into the spiritual paths and techniques they have been drawn towards. As their path progresses and their true selves emerge, they start to live more naturally and intuitively, becoming increasingly aware of their life lessons, karmic patterns and soul contracts. When psychic skills are honed and working in tandem with the 3 dimensional senses, challenges presented by the gift of Free Will are more easily overcome and there’s a satisfying sense of integration in Body, Mind and Spirit.

For those who are ready, connecting with spiritual guides can even trigger the exploration of past life and parallel existences, mysterious but compelling notions that can also offer a fascinating insight into the relationships and experiences of the here and now.

The teaching and guidance of aspiring healers, psychics and spiritual seekers is a responsible, powerful role and the best facilitators cut through illusion, supporting their students to access their own personal truths. A really good teacher will recognise and value the unique nature of your every experience – their authenticity and determination to support you to connect with your spiritual guides yourself will remind you just how much they contribute to this beautiful journey of self discovery – a path that feels so significant in these swift moving times.

Rhian Gibbings