Intuition vs. Instinct: What’s the Difference?

We recently went over the difference between being intuitive and observant. It’s a distinction that hinges on whether or not an observant person takes the necessary steps to train intuitively and open themselves up to the universe’s messaging.

A similar duality exists with the parallel of intuition vs. instinct, and the two share a few notable traits. For instance, they’re both the result of evolutionary development in humans across generations, going back as far as our own recorded histories and beyond. They’re also important components to thinking clearly and living authentically, which don’t always come naturally to us—especially in today’s world. 

Our instincts are directly tied to our intuitive abilities, but let me explain how each skill stands on its own before we dive into what our intuition and instincts can do for us!

A Tale of Two Sights

Intuition and instinct are like old friends who go way back. A person’s intuition is just as engrained and life-changing as their instincts are, though the latter feeling can be traced through time as a byproduct of humans’ will to survive. The urge to flee from danger, defend our families, and secure basic necessities all stem from ancestral instincts.

Even older than our tried-and-true instincts are the intuitive capabilities that every person possesses. What actual lived experience has brought us (instinct) pales in comparison to the ancient intelligence nestled deep within us (intuition).

Both intuition and instinct contribute to our collective foresight. The key is tapping into the metaphysical realm of intuition and also utilizing the instincts we’ve built up as a species to get the best view of what awaits each of us. 

Your Intuition Leads the Way

Say you’re mapping out a destination, and you consult your phone guidance—think of intuition as your soul’s GPS, giving you the tools you need to proceed forward in life. It’s the map by which we progress and improve as individuals on our unique paths. Literal spirit guides help us determine what’s best for us in certain situations, as well as what we should avoid. 

The fact is, without our natural-born intuition, we’d probably be wandering in circles and still stuck in the Stone Age! Intuition has steered us in the direction of incredible advancements that benefit humanity as a whole. Because we chose to listen to our guides and pursue what’s meant for us, we’ve created a thriving society.

Your intuition is a full-fledged leader on this path. It’s like an inner voice that counsels us as we traverse the highs and lows, clearing its throat and imparting some wisdom during the especially difficult moments. 

Your Instincts Walk with You

If this GPS-led journey is a hike on foot, our instincts are the supportive accessories that help us navigate the trip: a walking stick to balance, a pair of sunglasses to see better, or similar supplies that empower us to make safe, informed decisions along the way. Our instincts strengthen our intuition, working in tandem to reassure us of the direction it’s pointing and remind us to be patient while trusting the process. 

At the same time, our instincts are born from our primitive days. They include chemically driven reactions like fight or flight and help us make non-rational choices that can save us from serious problems. Crucially, they don’t come in the form of whispers from the universe. They originate in us, and whether they’re strong or weak in nature, they are born from very basic aspects of our most deep-seated desires, fears, and feelings. 

There’s an “everyday” quality to simple human instincts that may dull their sparkle, but don’t disregard these inherited impulses. They’re responsible for protecting us from things we don’t even have to think about. What a spectacular gift!

Is this My Intuition or Instincts Talking?

One of the best ways to tell if you're experiencing intuition or an instinct is whether it’s a reaction that’s screaming inside of you or a sensation that’s floating into your consciousness. Intuition typically guides us—instincts compel action.

For instance, if you’re in a situation and you have a sudden and sickening desire to leave, your instincts are probably picking up on something that’s very wrong even though your brain hasn’t quite put it together. On the other hand, if you’re sensing something is wrong and thinking it might be time to go, your intuition is helping you make a conscious choice to take action.  

In short, our instincts take away some of our control in order to protect us from harm or drive us toward the things we love. Intuition informs our experience so we can make richer, more soul-led decisions. 

Two Becoming One

Rather than looking at it as intuition vs. instinct, I encourage you to marry them as one skill and watch how much more enlightened you become. Intuitive studies don’t typically involve binary oppositions; instead, it’s about accepting lessons from all energy channels so that we might evolve into the highest version of ourselves.

Just like with the previous dilemma of intuition and observation, it’s not an either/or scenario. As intuitive beings, we should consider unity and inclusivity to be tenets of our practice. The combined force of your intuition and instincts can elevate your senses beyond imagination.

Striking a Beautiful Balance

My career as a master intuitive reader has taught me a great deal about intuition’s “sidekicks,” our instincts included! The overlap of intuitive talents (which can always be further sharpened) and innate instincts (which are essentially part of our DNA) brings us full circle. 

I’ve experienced the difference between consciously exercising my intuition and witnessing my instincts in action after the fact. An apt example would be my role as a mother—intuitive motherhood challenged me as an individual, and my maternal instincts always played a supporting role in the process. Both intuition and instinct feel so comfortable and familiar as one, even if my intuition is actively adapting and maturing at a rate that my age-old instincts could never keep up with!

It’s not intuition vs. instinct: it’s intuition and instinct, making them your superpower duo in navigating the world insightfully. Sound complicated? Don’t worry—I’m always here to help you explore your spiritual path and discover the balance that will help guide you on your path.