• For them to simply tell us that we are doing something "wrong" would be judgment, criticism, condemnation and control (prohibited by spiritual law). They use symbolism and give us clues in the hope that we will ask questions to help us learn Universal Truth
• Symbolism can take many forms
• Numbers, colours, pictures of people we know, animals - in short, everything we experience in life - can be used to teach us about ourselves - at anytime of day or night
• The guides will often make a play on words. For example:
  • One dream highlighted the wallpaper in a room. The important point seemed to be where the wallpaper met the 'ceiling'. The message was, “See the link”. Another time, a car was shown - a Lincoln Continental...same message
  • A metal disc was shown during meditation. The important point was not that the coin was metal, but rather that the person had "mettle". Positive feedback!
• If we are shown the face of someone we know or knew, we can ask our guide what this person is meant to represent
  • Our mother can represent the old days, the old ways or even old-fashioned concepts, or the idea of nurturing
  • Our earthly father can represent some aspect of the relationship that exists or existed between us, but it might also represent our heavenly Father
  • The image of a family member might mean that there is a relationship in some area that is as yet unrecognized or is misunderstood, or it could mean that someone around us is behaving in a manner that is similar (or dissimilar) to that relative
• The guides often use pictures of books, computers, televisions and telephones to show us that communication is required. Then we must ask what issue needs to be discussed, and with whom
• A guide may repeat, several times, a few lines from a song. Although the words may seem self-explanatory, it is only by asking questions that the message can be fully understood
• A guide may repeat a person's name over and over, until the correct questions have been asked. The question, "What am I doing that is like (or unlike) this person's behaviour?" is a good place to start

With the vast number of possible explanations for the meditation/dream symbols, it's easy to see the importance of asking questions.

• If our guide tells us something and we have a feeling of, “Aha, I knew it”, that can be a big clue that we are somehow in the way and preventing our guide from giving us Universal Truth
• If the information being given is the same as what is already common knowledge, then we are limiting the possibilities in some way, perhaps due to some belief system. It would be well then to acknowledge that the belief system exists, and then ask to have it set aside so that new information can be given
• If the information is presented like a grand theatrical performance, it is likely that a belief system is in the way
• If we are trying to decide on the best course of action, but we already know what we want to do (or if we know what we will not do), that will prevent our guide from giving us new options. They will not tell us that we are wrong. Additionally, if fear is making us want to avoid something, the Universal Intelligence will not tell us to walk through that fear. We must be willing to set our fear aside so that our guide can help us to face that fear
• If a guide answers a question with, “As you wish”, this can really be saying, “Do whatever you want”. It is clear then that preconceived ideas are in the way, and that they are preventing the guide from giving new information. Then we need to state that we are willing to set aside our old belief systems and preconceived ideas so we can receive the newer Truth and new options

• keep it short, simple and straight to the point
• don't ask for information that would invade someone's privacy
• don't ask them to make a judgment about a person or people
• if your question does not receive an answer, ask your guide why and listen closely

• Is this dream meant to show more than one idea?
• Is this a vision of the past, present or future?
• Who (or what) does this person (or thing) represent?
• Is this the correct direction for me?
• What is my part in my relationship with (name of person)? All too often, we blame the other guy for our troubled relationships and fail to take responsibility for our part
• What is meant by the (colour/number/picture) just given?
• Which of my beliefs are preventing me from moving forward in life?

• If a word keeps repeating in your mind, refer to a dictionary to find all the possible meanings of it. Then ask your guide which meaning applies and listen for the answer
• Your guide will help you to recognize their intended meaning

• By remembering consciously those questions we have asked our guide, we begin to see the answers presented all around us. Even if we forget that we have asked to be shown something, our guide can remind us (somehow) to be alert - that something important is happening. Then we must ask questions to find out what needs to be understood. Awareness of our personal environment reveals our thoughts, attitudes and emotions. 
  • Answers may not come immediately, for the Universal Intelligence answers some questions over a period of time; maybe even over the space of a few days
  • Our daily experiences are used to teach us
  • Television programs, relationships of other people around us - at work, at school, at play - may show new areas to look at within self
• When the guides communicate with us in a way that seems rude or cruel or unloving, it is to help us learn either how we treat ourselves or others, or how others treat us. Since the guides work only with unconditional love, there is no possibility that they are ever doing something out of spite, or for revenge, or for any other negative reason. Their hope is that we will begin to ask questions. For example:
  • Are you communicating this way to reflect my own behaviour to me?
  • Are you communicating this way to show me how someone treats me?
  • Why are you communicating with me this way?

A friend was out driving in her car when she was guided to, “Turn left here, Turkey”. She laughed aloud and said, “That’s just what I would say!”. That is precisely the point. Her guide was reflecting my friend’s own behaviour for her to see, and hopefully, modify. Of course, if we see nothing wrong in addressing people as, “turkey”, then there’s nothing to change. The Universal Intelligence views such name-calling as judgment, criticism and condemnation though, and if we choose to change the habit, assistance will be given.