Let me make this clear.I know this is the advanced course but that is what this blog is about.We have a stark choice in this life.It’s either the way of inspiration or the way of ego/mind.The way of inspiration is related to the heart,the intuition,the Istikhara prayer and ultimately to the will of God.The way of ego/mind comes from social conditioning and personal history.It is now strongly associated with democracy,liberalism and reason.It can be heavily influenced by personal trauma as well.Allah has, in His wisdom, given us the choice here- through his gift of Free Will.Ultimately the choice is between peace of mind and clarity or misery ,anxiety and confusion.Most people choose the latter- because it is the social norm!
Does it work if we make istikhara for general guidance and not for something in specific ?
Absolutely.We just need to be able to interpret the signs.