This article is from the Religion-Shamanism FAQ, by Dean Edwards, Stef Jones, Jilara, Jane Beckman, Ann Albers with numerous contributions by others.
A spirit which protects, instructs or assists a
shaman (or other persons) while journeying, carrying out shamanic
responsibilities or training. Encounters with these numinous beings
may occur in trance, dreams, visions or in observing and interpreting
the events and circumstances of daily life.
Dean Edwards (deane@netcom.com)
Guardian Spirit:
An entity associated with the safety of a place or person. Many
forms of Japanese kami associated with sacred sites are also
guardian spirits. Individuals or families may also have guardian
spirits, which may or may not be the same as spirit guides. Guardian
spirits are often not
identified with a particular shamanic practitioner, unlike spirit guides.
Jilara (jane@swdc.stratus.com)
 
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