Spirit work is the practice of working with spirits for beginners and experts alike. This blog will teach you about how to begin working with spirits, with special insight just for beginners.
Spirit work is an ancient practice that's been cultivated for ages. Spirits are everywhere, and they always have been. Almost every culture and religion has legends of different spirits!
A seasoned spirit worker understands that spirits are numerous and quite common. Those skilled in spirit work also understand how many different types of spirits there are, and how to safely engage with them.
Since spirits are so common, many people interact with spirits unknowingly. But what happens when a conscious effort is made?
That's when spirit work actually begins.
Queen of the Bad Faeries by Brian Froud
As a natural medium myself, spirit work became a necessity in my spiritual practice. Those of us who are intuitive, empathic, or sensitive to energy may have an affinity for spirit work because spirits are easier for these types to perceive.
If you aren't a natural medium or don't consider yourself intuitive, have no fear! You can still learn spirit work and develop meaningful relationships with spirits.
Honestly, I had some reservations about writing this article. Spirit work isn't without its risks. On the other hand, I see misinformation about spirit work online constantly. So shouldn't some legit guidance be given somewhere?
My opinion is yes. So...here we are.
That said, let's talk about spirits and spirit work!
An introduction to spirits
What is a spirit, anyway?
Put simply, a spirit is a conscious, nonphysical being. But like physical beings, spirits can vary in levels of consciousness and intelligence. Both physical beings and spirits are made of energy; the difference is that spirits don't have a body. So spirits are bodyless but conscious energies.
While spirits are conscious energies, not every spirit is created equal. Some spirits operate at human levels (or beyond), while others have the same level of consciousness as an insect. In spirit work, many things are possible.
Myths about spirits
Spirits are widely misunderstood. Obviously, the biggest myth is that spirits don't exist. Another huge myth is that spirits are either all good or all bad.
If only it were that simple!
Spirits are represented by the mainstream in polarizing ways: the "devil" that possessed 12 year-old Reagan in The Excorcist, or the Fairy Godmother granting wishes in Cinderella. But the actual spirit world is much more nuanced.
Cinderella and Fairy Godmother by Edmund Dulac
Much like humans, spirits can be good, bad, and shades of gray. Through my years of spirit work, I've found that most spirits are shades of gray. Nothing is all positive or all negative, and spirits are no exception.
Spirits are complex beings with the ability to make choices and take action. The results of their actions can be positive, negative, or both. Even a benevolent spirit can be responsible for something negative. So it's impossible to categorize any spirit as fully good or fully bad.
Your experiences with spirit work won't be fully good or bad either. With enough time and practice with spirit work, some kind of negative experience is unavoidable. That's truth with anything, not just spirit work.
However, this article is written to help you maximize the positive experiences in spirit work and diminish the negative!
Are positive experiences more likely with certain types of spirits? My opinion is yes, especially for beginners. So let's talk about types of spirits!
Types of spirits
Like the animal kingdom, spirits come in different species, sizes, and temperaments. Spirits can be predatory or beneficial, common or rare.
Some spirits are specifically mentioned in certain religions, such as the Archangels in the Abrahamic religions. Other spirits are specific to locations, like the aes sidhe of Ireland.
Regardless of your own spiritual faith or location, it's possible to interact and work with any type of spirit. I've seen some discourse about angels not existing for pagans due to the religious difference, but as a pagan spirit worker myself, I can confirm that this is another false myth.
How do I begin working with spirits?
For beginners in spirit work, we've now gone over that every spirit is different. An unarmed human shouldn't approach a wild bear. Similarly, an inexperienced human shouldn't approach a predatory spirit and expect to have control over the situation. Some spirits can be lions, tigers, and...
I'm not telling you to be afraid, please don't be! But do be aware.
Really, the greatest risk in spirit work is your emotional reaction to the spirit themselves. So if you're afraid of certain type of spirit, then don't approach it. Spirits are energy and they do reflect the energy we approach them with.
Here are my recommendations for spirits to work with if you're a beginner. The spirits I mention typically don't evoke fear or negative emotional reactions in people, generally speaking, but YMMV.
Beginner-friendly spirits to work with
Beginners interested in spirit work would benefit from working with spirit guides, angels, and land spirits. Generally speaking, these are benevolent spirits and can help you progress on your spirit work journey. Use your own discernment!
Spirit guides
Your own spirit guides are one of the most beginner-friendly spirits to work with. Spirit guides have been connected to us since before we were born. Some spirit guides have also been with us in past lives! Overall, spirit guides are benevolent. They have our best interests at heart - that's their job, after all.
Spirit Guides by Ruwangi Amarasignhe
Angels
Angels are another beginner-friendly spirit, generally speaking. I'm not saying that angels can't bring the smackdown to someone they're protecting you from, because they definitely can. But overall, I consider angels good for beginners in spirit work.
Even though angels are more common in certain religions, I've found that angels themselves don't actually care what religion you are.
Angelic energy can be intense and powerful. For spirit work beginners, angels can help as you continue working with different spirits. Angels can also protect you from other spirits and assist you with spiritual growth.
For spiritual protection, try calling on specific angels. My personal recommendation is everyone's favorite dude, Archangel Michael. Any of the other archangels are a good choice as well.
Zuriel, Angel of Libra by Peter Mohrbacher
Land spirits
I think all spirit work should include land spirits, because the land is the whole reason we're alive. Land spirits are earth-bound protectors of the land. There are several types of land spirits that beginners may find easy to work with:
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Tree spirits. Trees are living beings and spiritual beings. Tree spirits are incredibly wise. Some trees are hundreds of years old and have witnessed numerous cycles of history. Because of this, tree spirits are often watchers. They stay rooted to the land and watch over it.
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Nature spirits. Like trees, every plant and animal has a spirit counterpart. Many nature spirits are plants and animals that once lived on the land and now guard as spirits. Another common type of land or nature spirit is fae. Not all faeries are nice, and they have a reputation for being tricksters. But generally, faeries respond well to those who show them kindness and respect the earth.
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Human land spirits. Other common land spirits are humans. Not all human spirits are friendly, especially on land that's been colonized. However, showing respect and gratitude can go a long way. They tended the land that we now live on, after all!
How to practice spirit work
Before you begin working with spirits, I recommend having a foundational spiritual practice in place already. Foundations like grounding, shielding, and cleansing can prepare you for just about anything in spirit work.
Working with spirits is a lot like building a friendship. The first thing to do is introduce yourself and show a gesture of good will. With spirits, a gesture of good can be a simple offering.
Offerings
When you introduce yourself to a spirit, giving an offering lets them know that you're a friend. Offerings also help build relationships with spirits over time.
An offering to a spirit is a gift without strings attached. In my experience, spirits are more responsive if you take the time to build a relationship before asking anything of them.
Types of offerings
Spirits can favor certain types of offerings, but in general, it's the thought that counts. Don't worry too much about giving the 'wrong' offering. Most spirits will appreciate your effort!
The following offerings are usually very well-received:
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Water. Water is a universal offering for any type of spirit. It's simple and widely available. You can dress up a simple offering of water in a nice cup or pretty bowl to make it special.
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Food. An offering of food, especially food that YOU love to eat, is a lovely gift for all types of spirits.
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Fresh flowers/herbs. Another universal offering.
Communication with spirits
All relationships rely on communication. Relationships with spirits are no different. Saying hello to spirits, giving them a compliment, or sharing your day are all simple ways to begin communicating.
The relationship you build with spirits will evolve and become strong. They'll be around you to help more often. Spirits may also come to you for help!
Safety protocols for spirit interaction
These safety protocols for spirit interaction will help ensure good experiences when communicating with spirits.
1) Set a firm intention to communicate with a particular spirit(s).
Being clear about who and what you're trying to communicate with is good standard practice for spirit work.
2) Be in a calm (and sober) state of mind.
Being calm and clear when interacting with spirits helps ensure positive experiences.
3) Work with beginner-friendly spirits at first
The more comfortable you are with the type of spirit you approach, the more smoothly spirit communication will go. As you gain more experience, you'll be able to work with other types of spirits and worry less about mishaps.
4) Use common sense.
If it's common sense, why am I even mentioning this here? Better safe than sorry. So, please use common sense when communicating with spirits. A spirit should never tell you to hurt yourself or someone else. They should never make promises that seem ridiculous or ask you to make promises. Pacts with spirits aren't for beginners, IMO.
Follow your gut! If something questionable arises, cease communication and cleanse.
Below are essential practices for spirit work that also help keep spirit communication safe!
Essential practices for spirit work
These essential practices will help create positive experiences with spirit work.
Cleansing
Cleanse yourself and your space regularly.
Smoke cleansing with herbs is very effective, as well as Florida Water. Salt baths are additionally helpful.
The more spirit work you do, the more you should cleanse. Cleansing is an act of spiritual health and self-care.
Boundaries
Boundaries are another form of spiritual health. Placing boundaries in your living space puts an energetic barrier between what is yours, and what is not. I recommend my Black Salt for boundaries and warding!
As you develop your relationship with spirits, you can also call on them to help guard your boundaries. Similarly, you can invoke protective deities, such as Badb Catha, to assist you.
Becoming a spirit worker
There may come a time when you grow beyond what this article has within it. Spirit work may evolve beyond practice and into a way of life - that's when you become a spirit worker.
What is a spirit worker?
A spirit worker is a human ally of the spiritual realm. Spirit workers maintain established relationships with spirits to create change in the physical and spiritual worlds. Spirit workers are the protectors, warriors, and peacekeepers between humans and spirits.
A spirit worker can have many different names and roles:
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Psychopomps (moving spirits to other realms)
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Witches
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Healers and energy workers
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Mediums and oracles
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Necromancers
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Exorcists
You may wear multiple hats as a spirit worker and your methods may change over time. Many years ago, I was only a medium. Through spirit work, I became more of a psychopomp.
Samhain Harvest by Iren Horrors
Spirit work is a meaningful practice. So much so, that it can become a necessary part of who we are.
May this article bring tools and clarity to those who seek it. Many blessings to all on your spirit work journey!