I am often asked by students, "How do I know that this information is really coming from my guides or inner psychic & I am not just making it up?"  Well, I've actually written a 2 or 3 page article on this subject which I intend to post here later, but in the meantime, here is my condensed answer:
          First of all, notice how the guidance you are getting feels.  Guidance from your inner self just feels *differently* then guidance that is only coming from your rational mind.  Sometimes this guidance may concur with what your rational mind is saying. Other times it may not make much sense to your rational mind at all.  However, if it is true & accurate guidance, it will feel like it is coming from a higher place, and not just your day to day thoughts (although sometimes it takes practice to tell the difference).
         Second of all, notice the *feelings* around the message that is being given.  Does it seem to be coming from a place of fear, anger, or arrogance?  If so, it is probably not a legitimate psychic message (although it is also possible that it IS a legitimate message but your fears or prejudices are distorting it...in that case, take a deep breathe in, and try to step out of the fear).
        Finally, ask yourself, "Could I have made this up?"  Many times, the answer is "no", or "unlikely".  Unless you are in the habit of being a chronic liar, it is unlikely that you have just "made up" the guidance you are receiving.  In fact, even if you did "make it up", it can STILL be a legitimate psychic message, for your higher self, guides, and inner psychic can all use your imagination as a tool for speaking with you.
       I think that bottom line that you have to practice, and with time, you will start to notice what it feels like when you get a "real" psychic message.  I will remind you that physically phenomenon often accompanies psychic guidance, such as a tingle on the top of the head or the hands, hairs standing up on the back of the neck, or a warm pleasant sensation.  Again, what I am saying here is that it just FEELS DIFFERENTLY when you are getting a psychic message then when you are thinking with your "everyday brain".
       The other "bottom line" is that you just need to learn to trust yourself, and to trust the Universe, and most importantly, to KNOW that when you ask for answers, they do in fact come.
       Hope you found this helpful.  Until next time....Many Blessings,Cynthia Killion