Imagination vs Intuition

In this world, we condition our children to ignore their intuition in favor of etiquette, which is extremely unfortunate considering that a child's intuition is the purist form of communion they will ever experience.
We instinctively recognize the closeness of our children to “God”, even if we are not religious. A child's empathy is awe inspiring. They can sense our feelings with uncanny accuracy. Most people typically dismiss this “sixth sense” as trivial, or perhaps even annoying, because the child cannot provide useful dialog or even articulate what it is that they are sensing.
So we send them away when they ask, “What's wrong”? Or, even worse, we lie to them, thinking they could not possible “understand”.
But, it's not understanding that they lack. It is only the ability to put their intuition into words. And as they grow they eventually learn that if you can't say something then it is not important. Our culture over emphasizes the importance of words, and by doing so we condition our children to ignore the very source of their happiness. They soon become “deaf” to the same voice that called them into existence! And in place of their intuition they are trained, both formally and informally, to depend on their imagination instead.
Imagination is the perfect stand in for intuition because it can be trained to conform to social standards. It also allows us to “believe” in things that can be formed and expressed in social terms such as words and other symbolisms (i.e. idols).
But these beliefs that are based on human symbols can never provide the insight and guidance that is absolutely necessary for the heathy functioning of not just the individual but the entire planet. Without some kind of central source of communication to give us purpose and guidance, our “images of god” (i.e. imagined purposes) will inevitably result in turmoil and confusion.
That all being said, here are some ways that I have found that have helped me to recognize the voice of intuition (as opposed that of my imagination).
Intuition always demands genuie self sacrifice. Imagination demands that others sacrifice (or change).
Intuition never expects to be rewarded. Imagination is driven by reward (i.e. “heaven”, “a better life”, “peace”, etc...).
Intuition is the strongest sense of all, so strong in fact that we can never “not hear” it, we can only ignore it. Imagination is barely “audible” by comparison, so if we only think we can hear intuition then that is a sure sign that we can't “hear” at all – we are only imagining things.
Intuition speaks from the experience of the entire universe. Imagination can only speak from individual experience.
Intuition is the basis of religious beliefs. Imagination sustains religion with stand-in beliefs.
Intuition can never be conveyed via human language. Imagination depends on human language (and imagery) to give it form.
Intuition appears contradictory and nonsensical to the unintuitive mind. Imagination strives to be rational, and even though it usually has different sides (e.g. “Pro-life”v. “Pro-choice”, “conservative” v. “liberal”, etc...), the side you happen to be on will always seem “to make perfect sense” to you.
Intuition never shies away from suffering. Imagination promises to end suffering while it causes more.
Intuition does not comprehend fear. Imagination defines fear and thrives on it.
Intuition will inform our imagination, if we let it. Without intuition, our imagination is uninformed (i.e. ignorant).
Intuition sees beauty in all things. Imagination see beauty in only those things that conform to it.
Intuition cannot lie. Imagination cannot tell the truth.
Intuition remembers for you. Imagination expects you to remember yourself.
Intuition never forgets anything. Imagination depends on you to forget so it can deceive you.
Intuition ties us to the Universe. Imagination seperates us from everything.
That's all for now (I could go on like this forever, but this short illustration should help).
Of course “intuition” is only a word that I am using here to represent something that ultimately defies reprentation (in fact, any reprentation at all can only detract from it). So please do not be dissuaded if the word intuition means something else to you. Just keep in mind that there must be something making life happen, it is just silly to think life happens all by itself.
Also, imagination is not a “bad” thing either. In fact, it is also used by “intuition” to serve a purpose. So even as imagination deprives us of direct knowledge of, and communication with, our intuition it is still very much fulfilling the purpose it was made for (but definitely not its only purpose).
So again I say, relax, and just listen. You will hear your intuition when it needs you to hear. There is never any rush with intuition, and imagination, of course, is always in a hurry. :)
Okay, one more:
Intuition asks us to change ourself and tells us how. Imagination wants us to change the world, but doesn't tell us how.