I sort of question whether he really consulted any spirits or if that is something he is claiming to sort of raise himself to the level of monarch/messiah/deity in this Equalist circle to take advantage of everyone's problems for his own benefit later.

But then I can't exactly explain him successfully taking away someone's bending permanently.

Based on how benders are treating non-benders, I really wish Korra would go on a spirit journey and find out how Aang feels about this or the idea of taking bending away, particularly in situations where someone commits acts of violence toward non-benders. I mean, what if this was a can of worms Aang opened at some point before he died? I mean, giving someone an idea of how he might have taken Ozai's bending permanently, or even directly thought it should be a skill developed to counteract violent criminals?

Obviously I'm reaching there, but it'd be interesting.