How do I contact spirits?

I'm very new to religions such as shamanism which involves contacting the spirit world, and I have no clue how to contact spirits such as animal spirits or environmental spirits.

What has a spirit anyways? Does the computer I'm typing on have a machine spirit to it?

[John32241]

Yes it does.

Consider that an aspect of God is present in all things. Consider that each physical and non-physical expression has an awareness of itself.

I think of these things in terms of energy instead of spirits, which gets a negative connotation from much of our media.

You contact any awareness through the use of telepathy.

John

Instead of using occult words like "telepathy" it's often easier to think of it as imagination. That's pretty much what it is, only imagination is understood as a facet of reality (the otherworlds) rather than "mere fantasy" as it is in mainstream culture.

Start with yourself. Get to know your own spirit/soul. Consider the idea of spirit within everything. Be silent-mind and seek answers in nature. That might get you started...

Sorry, if I sound like a total nooob, but I'm still confused about how to start.

From what Enya said, it sounds like a lot of self-reflection?

[Xan]

Curious... I'm not sure what sort of spirits you want to connect with and what for, but a good place to begin would be to connect with your guides, who can help you develop other abilities.

Here are three articles about how:

Contacting Spirit Guides & Angels - http://www.spiritualforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=99765#post99765

Creative ways to communicate with your guides - http://www.spiritualforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21216

Ten easy ways to contact your guides - http://www.spiritualforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10609


Xan

I know many many Techno Pagans. Yes some believe everything has a spirit.

I'm trying to contact the spirits, but I can't seem to separate my own thoughts from what the spirits are possibly saying. Any solutions?

[Xan]

It takes some time to learn to tell the difference, Curious.

For one thing, notice how your own thoughts tend to be repetitive and wordy, whereas spirit communication is fresh and clear.

Another suggestion is to ask your guides to show you how to tell the difference... then do what they recommend.


Xan

How much practice does it take before I get it? I'm a total beginner at this.

I don't seem to receive any thoughts but my own. :/