cindygrogan14 
A new client was here the other day. During the reading, I picked up some pretty specific information about one of her spirit guides, but when I relayed it, she admitted that she was a little confused about “guides” versus “angels” -which was which, who does what, etc. No shocker: the subject can be very detailed and dense, so I gave her this handy quick breakdown. Consider it your spiritual “cheat sheet.”
SPIRIT GUIDES: our allies on “the Other Side.” They are most often human, but can also show up as animal or elemental (fairies, nature spirit) entities. Generally, guides are a spirit who was human at one point. They help us because they’ve “been there, done that.” We’re each assigned one “main” guide at birth, who stays with us until we cross back over.
Although they’re always around, actually meeting a guide occurs during regular meditation. This is the “quiet space” where they can reach you more easily. If you only meditate for a few minutes each day, you will go a long way towards being able to sense their presence.
-Our main guide is with us from birth to death. Throughout life, other guides come and go as we need them. Ask for an appropriate guide to be sent to you when you require help with something special — like a job, family or health issue. I wrote more about 8 specific guides here.
You may be given their name during prayer or meditation — maybe not. You can call them whatever feels “right” to you — they don’t care!
ANGELS: Angels assist us on a more powerful, divine level. Angels have never been human; they are pure, divine energy. There are many “ranks” of angels; whether you know these ranks or not doesn’t matter. Simply asking for angelic assistance gets the message across.
-Guides are especially useful when dealing with human “issues.” Because they understand what we go through, they can send us information, insight, etc. to help us deal with these earthly problems.
Angels, on the other hand, are for when you need to call in the really big guns. Their divine influence really kicks it up a notch or three. There are no special rules for choosing a spirit guide’s help over an angel’s, or vice versa. Ask for what will best serve you and leave it up to them.
-While we may actually “see” our spirit guide at some point (usually in our mind’s eye), it’s unlikely that we’ll see our angels (except in super-extreme circumstances – i.e. if they push us out of the path of a car, etc.).
-Guides and angels observe our FREE WILL; therefore, you need to ask them for help.
-The influence of guides and angels is subtle ; look for coincidences, signs, help or info that comes “out of the blue” or just pops into your head. “Imagination” is the bridge between worlds, so TRUST what you get…and BELIEVE. Don’t “overthink” — but remember, that whatever signs or information come from a guide or an angel will ALWAYS be positive. They don’t deal in the negative, so be discerning with what you receive.
-Build a relationship with your guides and angels, as you would any other friend; acknowledge them regularly (say “hello” in the morning, count your blessings at night). Don’t always ask them for stuff – just be with them.
-You can ask for specific assistance (a big wad of money to drop in your lap when you need it) – but be open to the other ways in which their help may show up to address your problem ( a new job offer vs. winning the lottery).
-Track your encounters and experiences with a journal and check back to see how guides and angels have helped you. And always remember to thank them! It’s only decent.
PS — Remember, I’m here to help, so feel free to reach out for a reading.