Throughout my life I have always felt as though there was someone watching me, that no matter where I was and what I was doing there was someone supporting me. All my life I've felt a void that was only filled two years ago when I began learning the magickal arts. Though I am not Wiccan, I have communicated with the Goddess and God and I have felt their love and support. While my new philosophy and ethics have made me more complete, I still felt that something was missing... then I met my Spirit Guide.

It started when my Wiccan friend told me that he had met his Spirit Guide. My meditation before then had been erratic and his story made me realize the truth. The emptiness that I had felt was my lack of a Guide. A person upon whom I could rely to aid me at all times. I didn't make the connection to my feelings of being watched, but soon I would learn the truth.

That very day I sat down and cast my circle for protection. I lit a candle and whispered 'Spirit Guide, wherever you are, please come to me and let us meet.' I prepared myself for the search by anointing myself with sacred oils and chanting for a few minutes to awaken my inner self. The very moment I closed my eyes I knew that this would not be an ordinary meditation. I could almost fell his presence growing closer to me. The road to finding him was not easy. My inner self began the journey in a forest. It was covered with luscious grass and tall, smooth trees. Before me lay an enormous mountain covered with trees. I saw a small, narrow path and a brilliant light. I knew that the light would lead me to my destination, so I ran towards it. It took me 10 minutes to climb that mountain, and when I did, I realized that the level of difficulty that would be involved in reaching the guide. I had to swim through a long, deep lake, walk across a searing hot desert (I could feel the hot sand hitting my face), and journey up yet another mountain. I believe that these obstacles were created to test me and my worthiness. My spirit guide and I had never met before, and I think this was his way of determining whether or not I was ready. I also think that maybe this was a symbolic journey, representing my quest to my inner psyche. I don't know, but whatever its purpose, the journey made me mentally fit and sharpened my view of this inner world. When I reached the summit of the mountain, I heard a loud voice that made no sound; it said 'The Summit has been reached!' I looked into the bright white light and saw the silhouette of a person. It was my Spirit Guide.

It may seem odd, but he looked exactly as I pictured him. He was a man in his mid- to late-thirties with long white hair and flowing white robes. In his right hand he held a wooden staff and his left hand was extended in greeting. There was no smile on his face, but a look of approval and, perhaps, pride. It is because of this that I believe this was the guide I had felt connected to all my life. He has known me for so long, and to finally meet me may have been something special. Well, after we looked at one another for a while, he told me that it was time to go. I did not ask where, yet I knew that he was taking me to my private sanctuary. He made us float up and we flew away. I loved flying with my guide. I could feel his emotions the whole time (though I don't know if they are what you'd call 'emotions'... more like 'vibes'), pride and happiness emanating from his being. The warm air blew past us as we soared over all the places I had seen in my journey. We landed in the very place where I started: The forest. We walked up a path that was lined with trees and shrubs of every kind. Neither of us spoke. Personally, I felt as though if I did I might think too much and start imagining things. To do that would ruin the whole experience, so I did not. We walked up to a magnificent temple. We entered a courtyard of pillars that were covered with beautiful creeping vines. The ceiling opened to the heavens and gentle sunlight filtered in. We walked for several feet and came upon a narrow hallway. 'That, ' he said, 'is your altar room. Are you ready?' I heard his words, but I knew that the time was not right. I told him that I was not yet ready and that I needed more time. I do not know why I did this, but his smile told me that he agreed. He waved his staff and opened a portal; I stepped in and was whisked away through a wormhole in space. I left that world, but I have felt my guide watching me more closely than ever before.

My guide has given me quite a lot since our first meeting. Whenever I meditate (I try to do it daily now), I am taken back to my personal temple. He is not always there, but when he is, we talk for some time. In fact, I asked him if I should do this article, and he just laughed. But regardless of what we say or do, I feel it in my heart that he supports me and that he is always helping me in life. To any Wiccans or Witches who are interested in meeting their guide I offer this advice: Do it. The only thing you will lose is that feeling of emptiness; that there is someone who loves you and who longs for you to find them. Many people have more than one Spirit guide. I believe that these Spirit Guides are like guardian angels who watch over us in life and push us in the right direction. By meeting them, we are able to honor and respect them while created a closer rapport. Everyone might have their own way of finding their guide. For some, it takes a lot of work and concentration (like me), but for others who grew up knowing about their guides and who share a special connection, it is a good deal easier. I think the best way to go about finding your guide is to call out to him (or her) from within yourself. Each of us knows our best way to find our special friends; we just need to do it to realize their full potential.

I have found that life with my Spirit Guide (he hasn't told me his name yet. Whenever I ask, he says 'Look to yourself to find my name; it is what you make it, as am I.') has proven to be beneficial in many ways. Whenever I perform a ritual or celebrate a Sabbat, I invite him to attend and celebrate with me. He helps guard my circle and provides moral support when I need it most. I am still learning about my friend from the stars, but I feel that his presence has made my life as a Witch more enriched and complete.