Have you ever had a sudden thought, image, or feeling pop into your mind that you thought might be communication from your spirit guides and wondered, Was that real… or did I just make that up?
You’re not alone. One of the most common questions people ask me when developing their intuitive or psychic abilities is how to tell the difference between true spiritual communication and their own imagination.
It can feel tricky, especially at first, because Spirit often speaks through subtle impressions — and those can look a lot like daydreams or stray thoughts.
But there are ways to tell. With practice and awareness, you’ll start to notice the patterns and signals that let you know you’re actually connecting with Spirit — not just inventing something in your head. Here are five ways to help you tell the difference:
The Energy Feels Different Than Your Own Thoughts
One of the most reliable signs that you’re receiving something from Spirit is that the energy of the message doesn’t feel like it came from you. It might arrive with a different “flavor” than your normal inner voice — calmer, wiser, or more emotionally charged.
Many people describe it as feeling external or “dropped in,” like a bubble floating into your awareness rather than something you actively created.
Your own thoughts tend to have a certain tone or rhythm that’s familiar. Spirit’s messages often stand out from that baseline. You might not be able to explain exactly why, but it just feels different.
It Comes Out of Nowhere and Catches You Off Guard
Spirit has a habit of sneaking in when you least expect it. You’re folding laundry, taking a walk, or driving a long road — and suddenly, a crystal-clear phrase, symbol, or image pops into your mind. You’re not trying to connect. You’re not meditating. But boom — there it is.
Imagination usually follows a thread or narrative. It builds on something you were already thinking about. But Spirit’s messages often interrupt that flow and feel like they arrive from a completely different place. That sudden clarity or surprise is a strong clue.
The Message Is Loving, Wise, or Insightful — Even If You Weren’t Thinking That Way
Your spirit guides don’t come through in a critical or fearful voice. Their messages tend to be compassionate, reassuring, and helpful — even if they’re brief or cryptic. If you receive a message that’s more kind or profound than you were feeling a moment ago, pay attention. That’s a signature of Spirit.
On the flip side, if a thought is harsh, judgmental, or fear-based, it’s more likely to be ego, anxiety, or mental chatter. Spirit uplifts. Even when delivering hard truths, the energy is calm and steady, not overwhelming or negative.
You Get Validation Afterward
This is one of the best ways to tell if something was real: life proves it to you.
Maybe you get a sudden nudge to call someone, and when you do, they tell you they were just thinking about calling you.
Or you hear the name of a loved one in Spirit, and later someone else mentions that exact name. These little synchronicities are Spirit’s way of confirming, Yes — that was us.
The more you notice these validations, the more confident you’ll become in trusting what you receive. Keep a journal of them — over time, you’ll build your own personal library of “proof.”
Your Body Reacts Differently
Spirit often communicates through sensation as well as thought. You might feel a chill run down your spine, get goosebumps, feel warmth in your chest, or experience a flutter in your stomach.
These physical cues can be subtle, but they’re distinct. They don’t feel like ordinary emotional reactions — they feel like your body is responding to a presence.
Everyone reacts a little differently, so pay attention to how you tend to feel when you believe Spirit is near. The body is a powerful intuitive instrument, and it will often tell you when something is real before your mind catches up.
Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself and Keep Practicing
Learning to tell the difference between Spirit and imagination takes time, but it gets easier with experience. The more you work with your intuition, the more you’ll start to recognize what’s you and what’s coming from somewhere else.
And remember: even your imagination is a spiritual tool. Spirit often uses it as a doorway to get messages through. So don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and trust what you feel.
The most important thing? Stay open, stay grounded, and keep listening. Spirit is always speaking. You just have to learn how you best receive.
