Module eight part 6 - Spirit Guides
Objectives
Know the difference when a spirit guide or doorkeeper connects
note the ‘RELEVANT’ details for spirit guides/doorkeepers
Remember to allow spirit to lead and then explore what you were given, Become PROFICIENT in seeing what you have drawn
acknowledge any validation you receive, there may be no validating photographs so the client feedback is vital
search to find validation for your drawings online
Practice six case studies giving the relevant details and validation
ensure you have validated loved ones, before attempting spirit guides, so you can be more confident you are connecting with real spirits
remember to make your progress notes as you go along
what are Spirit guides &/or Doorkeepers?
People often ask what is a spiritual guide and how do I get one?
During many years of experience connecting to guides and doorkeepers, I have formed an opinion. Keep in mind that others' opinions may differ. In this matter, there can be no right or wrong answer, just one that is more or less helpful. You get to choose!
A Spirit Guide is a helping hand in spirit when you need it, and if and when you ask for it. If you need help and are open to receiving it, simply request help. Ask and it will be given! Then, when a guides ‘work’ is complete they often move on.
A doorKeeper however is different in that they are with us from birth to death. Their role is like ‘security ‘ on the ‘doorway’ of spirit connection. They support your energy and limit what is allowed to connect.
When we ask, those in the spirit world come forward to offer us help. We may also receive assistance from our own future selves, who are heavily invested in helping us as well.
'They all' want to help us on this Earth to move onto a higher vibration so that we can all evolve. The 'currency' in the spirit world is love, energy, experience, and information. Whenever help is given to anyone, we gain all or some of these precious things.
Moreover, your future self surely wants to help you, as their investment also benefits them directly during your lifetime. We have already covered this in module 7.
During sleep, we often have the opportunity to meet potential guides from whom we can choose those we deem beneficial to work with us. Our Doorkeepers are chosen before birth, and are sometimes connected to our ancestors.
not so easy to validate
Validating an ancient Spiritual Guide portrait is often not as easy. Photographs of ancient guides are rare, although occasionally it is possible to find evidence, such as through sculptures created before the advent of photography.
For example, this ancient Maori guide bears resemblance to a death mask found online, which was discovered after the portrait was drawn. This provides some credibility to the drawing.
In general, however, validation for spirit guides is limited. That's why I usually advise students to focus on validating portraits of loved ones before attempting to connect with guides. This approach lends credibility to your ability to draw validated portraits and the accompanying information before attempting guides.
I have come across spirit artists who only specialise in drawing spirit guides. Interestingly, many of their portraits appear similar to each other in features and style. It is unclear to me how they work or where the images come from, perhaps from their own experience and knowledge, rather than from spirit. I also notice that often these artists do not offer portraits of loved ones that can be validated.
In my opinion, while this kind of work may be helpful and fascinating to people, it often lacks substantial credibility. I prefer to teach the importance of validating loved ones first before delving into the realm of spirit guides. This way, we can establish some credibility, so that sometimes even skeptics find value in what we bring forth.
Guide Validation
The validating photograph of Alfred Russel Wallace was provided after the guide drawing. It is interesting to note the mirror image effect, as seen in the opposite side hair parting.
The client also pointed out that I had seemingly missed drawing his glasses. However, upon zooming in, we discovered that the glasses were indeed present, albeit subtly represented by a subtle band across the bridge of his nose and thin round frames characteristic of Wallace. I had not initially noticed them until closer examination. This discovery continues to fascinate me!
are you ready to draw spirit guides/doorkeepers?
Once you feel confident in drawing and validating loved ones in spirit, you may feel naturally guided to expand your abilities to include spirit guides and or Doorkeepers.
While the technique remains the same, intention becomes the defining element. Clarity of intention is essential when working with guides. At times, a loved one may also step forward as a guide or doorkeeper—this often reveals itself through the connection and the information you receive. The distinction also lies in the nature of the insight sought, as guidance carries a different quality and purpose.
Spirit guides can present themselves in many forms, with no fixed appearance or structure. What truly distinguishes them is the energy you experience in their presence—subtly different from that of loved ones in spirit. A doorkeeper is distinguished by its purpose.
A simple way to understand this is through analogy: imagine yourself at home, where family and friends gather around you, offering comfort through warmth, touch, and emotional connection. A spirit guide, by contrast, holds a quieter presence—standing at the threshold, offering clarity, direction, and support without emotional weight or judgement.
The guides shown in the accompanying image reflect this diversity. Each carries a distinct presence, energy, and form, with no single way they ‘should’ appear or be interpreted.
Can you sense which guide represents a future self-portrait? Trust your intuition as you move into the revision quiz, and take note of your first impression.
Finally, among the guides depicted, one represents a miscarried child who lovingly watches over her mother and sister from the spirit world. You may feel drawn to her presence on the lower row, wrapped gently in white.
relevant details to ask for
Gender
Some clients may be curious about the gender of their guide. While this can provide a relatable point of reference, it is important to explain that spirit often transcends human identity. Gender may be symbolic, energetic, or simply the most recognisable way for the guide to present themselves. Its relevance lies in how it supports the client’s understanding, rather than defining the guide itself.
Skills and Expertise
Each guide carries a distinct area of strength. Recognising these qualities can offer valuable insight into how they support the client’s journey. This may include healing, wisdom, creativity, communication, or spiritual teaching. In the case of a doorkeeper, their role is often more focused on protection, boundaries, and maintaining energetic safety.
Purpose and Mission
Understanding why a guide has come forward is essential. Their presence is rarely random; it reflects a specific purpose aligned with the client’s current path. This may involve guidance, personal development, or the unfolding of particular lessons. A doorkeeper’s purpose, by contrast, is typically centred on guardianship and regulation of spiritual access.
Mutual Cooperation
The relationship with a guide is not passive. It is a partnership that benefits from awareness and willingness. Encouraging clients to recognise their own role in this connection allows for a more meaningful exchange, where guidance can be received, acknowledged, and acted upon.
Signs of Presence
Helping clients recognise how a guide makes their presence known is invaluable. This may be experienced through subtle sensations, intuitive impressions, synchronicities, or a quiet inner knowing. Each connection is unique, and learning to trust these signals strengthens the relationship over time.
the four-legged family
When drawing animal loved ones, the same foundational techniques used for human portraits apply. However, the intention gently shifts towards capturing the essence, presence, and spirit of the animal.
This shift in awareness provides the context needed to recognise what comes through during the process. Over the years, many beloved animal companions have stepped forward—
sometimes simply to make their presence known, and at other times to be portrayed, as reflected in the accompanying images.
Animals communicate in a beautifully natural and wordless way. As you draw, remain open to subtle impressions, feelings, and insights that may arise. Their communication is often quiet, direct, and deeply heartfelt; offering glimpses into their personality, memories of their bond with their human, and the love they continue to hold.
A dog once impressed a memory of wearing sunglasses with red frames, and sure enough the couple had such a photograph of their beloved dog wearing them!
Above all, approach this experience with lightness and enjoyment. There is a sincerity and purity in the way animals connect—an unwavering, unconditional love that is both grounding and uplifting. Allow yourself to engage with that energy, and you may be surprised by the clarity lightheartedness and richness of the communication that unfolds.
You did it!
Congratulations on completing the course! It's wonderful to see your dedication and progress. Remember, practice is key to further refining your skills and deepening your connection with spirit.
Stay connected by joining workshops and retreats that will support and enhance your journey. Look out for updates on the mailing list, social media channels, and The eLearning Course Facebook group. These opportunities will provide valuable guidance and allow you to continue growing in your spiritual portrait work.
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Thank you for investing your time and effort in this course. We appreciate your trust and commitment. By uplifting and supporting others, we all elevate together. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in your spiritual portrait journey!
