What is a “Higher Power”?

“Higher Power” is a term which describes a spiritual god-like being.  There are many descriptions for what people refer to as their “higher power”.  Since each person has their own perception, world views, and interpretation of reality, the term “higher power” will have a slightly different meaning for each one of us.  This short article explores the meaning of higher powers in the mystical and metaphysical tradition.  Lower case letters are purposely used in this article to take emphasis off the “nature of god” debate. 

 Many people clearly understand the term higher power to be a monotheistic god.  Certain fundamentalist and conservative religious groups argue that there is only “one true god” of the universe.   Such religious groups contend that faith in any other higher power is a false belief.

 Other people attribute the existence of a personal higher power to guardian angels, spirit guides, ascended masters, and polytheistic gods (meaning many gods).  Some people prefer to side step religious controversies and refer to their higher power as their “inner god”, “god of their heart”, “universal source”, “divine spirit”, “I am”, “mother gaia”, etcetera. 

 Mystics follow a path of illumination.  They seek spiritual knowledge in the higher realms.  Understanding of the “god source”, is of prime importance to students who explore the great mysteries of the universe.  A mystic might use the term “higher-self” or ”greater-self” to describe a higher power.  Both phrases attempt to communicate the immenseness and vastness of these mysterious beings.  Perhaps these celestial forces could be seen as both “higher” and “greater” powers.

“Higher forces” could be described as etheric beings or consciousnesses of immense intelligence and wisdom that guides and directs the decision-making and life path of a person.  Some people consider this celestial being to be their higher-self or greater-self.  Each of one us is thought to have a higher power we can turn to for support in dealing with life’s tests and challenges.  This makes the higher-self a kind of personal companion. 

In the mystical tradition, a higher-self is composed of vibrational energy like all entities that reside in the infinite multiverse.  Some spiritual teachers refer to the higher-self as a “collective soul” or “collective being”.  It is believed “collective entities” that act as higher powers, are comprised of our past-life personalities (past lives), and lives from all other existences.  Our past lives belong to us, and we belong to them.  In this case, past-life personalities and alternate existences are united in power as a “collective soul”, “higher-self”, or master “over-soul”.

If you are willing to follow this interpretation of a higher power, consider that higher forces exist as pure consciousness or awareness.  When a spirit or personality has completed its mission in life and made its transition, the soul will typically incarnate into a new life.  It does this by creating a completely new version of itself to experience life once again (reincarnation).  Therefore, consciousness is able to slit itself to expand into several dimensional realties at one time.  Thus, through the process of “splitting” we see that all humans are members of their respective higher-self or collective soul. 

 In each life, a person accumulates an incredible number of valuable life experiences.  These unique experiences are added to the greater-self, increasing its knowledge base and expanding its level of consciousness.  Our personal growth lends itself to the spiritual evolution of the entire collective.  As a result, the collective expands the dimensions of its understanding (of itself).  This is called the principle of growth or the principle of expanding consciousness.

The greater-self is your ally.  Your greater-self is interested in your personal success.  The higher forces invest a considerable amount of energy and effort in support of our life’s journey.  Our supernatural benefactor guides us in triumphing over adversity.  Overcoming our tests and challenges leads to spiritual growth. 

Your higher-self may be called upon at any time for consultation.  By focusing your thoughts or concerns in the form of a question, you are sure to receive an answer.  The reply can come in many ways.  It may be received through intuition, dreams, visions, signs, synchronicities, etcetera.  You must be open and receptive to receiving these subtle communications.  In this sense, a higher power is an indispensable resource.  It is a phenomenal source of power and inspiration to have on your side.