Spirit Guides and Spiritual Locations Explained

Are spirit guides real or imagination? Do you have unseen guides and if so, who are they?

Do you want to know them and have a relationship with them? If so, how do you meet them and talk to them? Are there divine spiritual realms, dimensions, and levels of consciousness where they live? If so, how do you access them? Do you even want to?

There are answers to these questions. In part 3 of 4 of blog series: Reiki vs. Shamanism: The Differences, Similarities. And How To Combine Them. In this article, we explain the differences and similarities of spiritual guides and locations in Reiki, shamanism, and other spiritual traditions.

Here are some differences:

• With Reiki, the Reiki energy is doing the healing work, and is not dependent on the Reiki practitioners connection to spirit guides. Reiki has no specific religion or belief system. People of all beliefs and traditions can practice Reiki. However, there are many different view points about what Reiki is, and isn’t. There are many different Reiki techniques and practices used by various lineages of Reiki, whether that is through spirituality, religion, science, or other beliefs. Many Reiki practitioners perceive spirit guides after receiving Reiki even though it is a new experience for them and choose to develop their relationship with their guides.
• In shamanism, the practitioner and the spirit guides are doing the healing work and it is dependent on the practitioners connection to spirit guides. The practitioner will develop their connection to spirit guides and locations, based on the traditions of the particular form of shamanism they practice. Celtic shamans, Lakota shamans, African, Peruvian, and practices of Indigenous people around the world, have a variety of experiences and beliefs around spirit guides and methods of connecting to them.

Follow your inner guidance to the traditions that resonate with you. There is no “better than” or hierarchical choice. It all depends on you and the interest you have. Most importantly though, choose to only engage with illumined beings devoted to all life on earth. Spirit guides of this type do not have jealousy, or anger or judgement. They are loving and helpful. And they always respect your free will. That is your guidepost for your spirit guide choices.

Spirit Guides Across Traditions

It’s important to remember that every tradition has multiple versions within it. Christianity has many denominations, shamanism varies by culture, and even Reiki and Shinto have different perspectives. This is why people may experience spirit guides and spiritual locations in different ways. These variations add richness and remind us to honor the way each person experiences spiritual connection. The descriptions below may be different than how you think of them. The list is simple and only intended to give examples. With Reiki, always follow your guidance and inner truth. In some of the other traditions, such as shamanism, it is important to honor the specific tradition you are practicing.

Engaging with these spiritual beings often involves forming relationships, not worshipping them. Guides offer, guidance, empowerment, and some may assist in your healing work.

Reiki Spirit Guides

• Greatly depends on the individuals beliefs and who they choose to connect with
• Angels, ascended masters, compassionate ancestors, and enlightened beings
• Guides specific to Reiki energy, accessed through attunements and placements
• Symbols such as CKR, SHK, HSZSN, DKM, and Holy Fire open communication
• Reiki ensures safe connection with beings aligned with love and light

Earth-Based and Shamanic Spirit Guides

• Greatly depends on the beliefs of the tradition
• Power animals with specific teachings and medicine
• Ancestors and lineage keepers offering guidance and protection
• Nature spirits of forests, rivers, stones, and winds
• Teachers and healers encountered in Upper, Middle, and Lower Worlds
• Celtic Traditions: Elemental beings, devas, fairies, and nature spirits. Spiritual connections to trees, stone circles, and sacred landscapes
• Native American Traditions: Power animals as teachers of embodiment and earth wisdom. Grandmothers and grandfathers as ancestral wisdom keepers. Ancestors who chose to serve humanity from the spirit world (distinct from family lineage)
• Peruvian Traditions: Pachamama (Earth Mother) as a central spiritual force. Sacred animals such as the condor, puma, and serpent representing cosmic forces
• African Traditions: Emphasis on ancestral guidance, nature forces, and powerful deities:
• Asian Traditions: Bodhisattvas as enlightened beings of compassion and support
• Egyption Traditions: Isis, Osiris, Horus, Ma’at, Sekhmet, Hathor and more

Cosmic and Galactic Spirit Guides

• Pleiadians (compassion, awakening)
• Arcturians (light healing, sacred geometry)
• Sirians (water wisdom, dolphin and whale allies)
• Andromedans, Orions, Lyrans, and star elders
• Galactic councils, crystalline beings, harmonic or sound-based guides

Religious Spirit Guides

There are many traditions within the following traditions. These are examples.

• Christianity: Jesus, Christ consciousness, Holy Spirit, Mary,  saints, archangels
• Buddhism: Buddhas, bodhisattvas,
• Hinduism: Quan Yin, Tara, Ganesh, Shiva
• Indigenous traditions: Great Spirit, Earth Mother, Sky Father, Thunder Beings
• Islam: angels such as Jibreel, revered prophets
• Judaism: archangels, prophets, Shekhinah

Shinto Spirit Guides

• Kami (神): spirits of nature, universal forces, and ancestors (Amaterasu, Sarutahiko, Omoikane, Inari Ōkami)
• Nature spirits: sacred trees, waterfalls, rocks, foxes (kitsune), cranes, turtles, dragons
• Ancestor spirits: honored at household kamidana shrines and during Obon festivals
• Mount Kurama guides: Sonten Trinity—Mao-son (power), Senju Kannon (compassion), Bishamonten (protection)—and tengu, mountain guardians tied to Reiki’s origin story

Atheists, Agnostics Access Inner Awareness or Expanded Reality

• Intuition and Gut Feeling: Trusting internal instincts or subtle inner signals.
• Reflection and Personal Insight: Gaining clarity through journaling, thinking, or solitude.
• Creative Expression: Feeling connected through music, art, or writing.
• Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: Using emotions and self-reflection to guide choices.
• Nature Connection: Finding meaning through beauty, science, or time outdoors.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Using breath, meditation, or focus to stay grounded.
• Ethical and Philosophical Grounding: Living by values and a personal sense of purpose.
• Scientific Curiosity and Wonder: Feeling awe through discovery, learning, or the cosmos.
• Flow States and Peak Experiences: Losing the sense of self in creativity or activity.
• Human Connection and Compassion: Experiencing meaning through love, kindness, or community.

Spiritual Locations Across Traditions

Reiki Realms

• Spiritual locations vary depending on practitioners beliefs and practices
• Holy Fire® Reiki Spiritual Realms. Third Heaven via HSZSN Bridge of Light. River of Life: release and empowerment. Field of Possibilities: visioning and receiving.

Shamanic Worlds

• Lower World: power animals, ancestors
• Middle World: nature spirits, earthly events
• Upper World: teachers and wise beings
• Entry points: caves, trees, rivers, mountains
• Extraordinary Reality: overlap of natural and spiritual worlds

Cosmic and Galactic Realms

• Star systems: Pleiades, Sirius, Arcturus, Andromeda, Orion, Lyra
• Galactic councils and federations
• Crystalline grids and universal fields of light
• Solar and lunar realms

Mystical Realms

• Faerie kingdoms and elemental forests
• Dragon mountains, phoenix fire realms, unicorn meadows, mermaid oceans
• Celestial archetype realms
• Primordial creation spaces

Religious and Sacred Realms

• Christian heavens, angelic choirs, Christ light
• Pure Lands, sacred temples, lotus fields in Buddhism and Hinduism
• Indigenous sacred mountains, rivers, and earth wombs
• Gardens of light and angelic realms in Islam
• Heavenly palaces, Tree of Life, Shekhinah’s indwelling presence in Judaism

Shinto Sacred Realms

• Sacred nature sites: mountains, forests, waterfalls, ancient trees (shinboku)
• Shrines and kamidana as portals to kami and ancestors
• Mount Kurama: home of the Sonten Trinity and tengu, central to Reiki’s history

Integrating Reiki and Shamanism

When combined, Reiki and shamanism support one another beautifully. Reiki provides a framework of safety and discernment, while shamanism enriches the experience with journey maps, nature-based practices, and cultural wisdom.

Reiki energy will compliment and integrate with many spiritual traditions and practices. With shamanism, it is very important to work within the practices of that tradition. Only including Reiki where it appropriate.

A simple integration might look like this:

• Begin with Reiki symbols to set protection and intention
• Enter the journey state with HSZSN Bridge of Light, drumming, or both
• Visit the guide or realm you are drawn to
• Meet your spirit guide and engage with them
• Return and seal the experience with Reiki and gratitude
• Carry the insights into your daily life

Conclusion

Reiki and shamanism describe spirit guides and sacred realms in different ways, yet they share the same purpose. Both traditions open relationships with guides who heal, protect, and empower us. Both reveal spiritual locations that help us release what no longer serves us, discover new possibilities, and connect with divine wisdom.

When expanded to include cosmic, mystical, religious, and Shinto traditions, the spiritual landscape becomes vast and inclusive. This reminds us that spiritual beings and sacred realms are everywhere, ready to help us heal and grow. No matter where you journey, the goal is always the same: to bring wisdom and empowerment back into your ordinary life.

Take the Next Step with Reiki

If you are inspired to deepen your relationship with spirit guides and spiritual locations, our Reiki training offers a safe and powerful foundation. Through placements, symbols, and guided journeys, Reiki opens the way to enlightened beings and sacred realms while helping you integrate these experiences into your daily life.

At Reiki Lifestyle, we offer classes in all levels of Reiki, from Reiki I & II Reiki Master, Karuna Reiki®, and Animal Reiki I & II and Master. We also teach advanced Reiki training which combines both Reiki and shamanism in every day practices. Next Step Reiki®, Training and Explore the 12 Heavens, 2026  are year long trainings that include guided journeys and practices that connect you with your spirit guides, expand your awareness, and support your spiritual growth and inner awareness.