A lot of new age and occult resources refer to the “Higher Self,” though they may not always use that exact language. The Higher Self is variously described as a font of wisdom, a kind of guiding angel, or an idealized version of the self. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is it, and how can you tell that it’s actually communicating with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There isn’t really an objective definition of the Higher Self. Some sources say it’s synonymous with the concept of the soul. Others consider it the enlightened or awakened Self, the aspect of the self that’s capable of transcending our base instincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Sanskrit, the concept of Purusha is roughly analogous to the Higher Self, and part of the focus of yoga is to unite the Lower and Higher Selves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some modern Western occult disciplines, the Higher Self assimilates the Lower Self through discipline and sacrifice. This allows you to move through the world with Divine guidance and a view of reality beyond the illusion of the physical realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most cases, the Higher Self is regarded as an aspect of oneself that isn’t separate, but also isn’t ruled or constrained by ego and earthly desires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This part of the self is in contact with the Divine, and therefore aware of things that the conscious mind can’t know or perceive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A variety of spiritual practices exist in order to allow people to tap into this aspect of themselves, or shed the restrictions imposed by the Lower Self in order to more fully embody the Higher Self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n