Guidance from the Universe: Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges

by Jill Amy Sager

For fans of Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements and Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Art of Living comes a stunning self-help memoir about how Jill Amy Sager achieved enlightenment and self-acceptance through Tarot reading.

Each eye-opening chapter in this self-help memoir highlights Tarot reader Jill Amy Sager’s self-discovery after unexpectedly channeling wisdom from the Universe. What she learned ignited profound she went from having grown up physically disabled and believing she is unlovable to feeling confident and content in her own skin.  

We all want to feel good about ourselves. Yet we can struggle far longer than we need to, unable to remove blocks getting in the way. We often feel stuck and forget to give ourselves the grace, acceptance, and compassion we so readily give to others.   Here, Sager shares thirty insightful messages from a sage source she calls “Guidance” alongside illuminating personal stories that showcase how these teachings have improved her life. There are also thought-provoking questions to encourage your spiritual journey.

This book is a wake-up call—a nourishing reminder that each of us matters, and therefore treating ourselves with kindness, love, and respect is essential. Guidance shows us how to relax into our natural state of being, feeling more at ease in our vast and beautiful hearts, and Sager’s stories illustrate just how attainable this state of being is. Ultimately, we discover that this enlightened life-changing shift is key to the happiness we seek and the welcomed harmony the world needs. 

280 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Jill Amy Sager is a celebrated Tarot reader, channeler, and public speaker with an international clientele. Her compassionate readings offer deep insight and clarity. Born with a physical disability, in the Bronx, Jill’s journey from low self-esteem to self-love has inspired her to help others find spiritual empowerment. Based in Western Oregon today, Jill continues to uplift her clients through hope-filled guidance and healing.

Guidance from the Universe: Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges is her 2nd non-fiction book.

She authored the instructional "Beginning Hand Drumming: A Guide to Recreation and Wellness," after her ten years of being a professional percussionist. According to Dave Getz, drummer for Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company, Sager's instructional is the one to get.

Today, writing is her creative outlet and she vows that she'll pick-up the drums again when she reaches 85 - should she live that long.

Reviews

[Deborah Lebow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect gift for seekers of “truth.” The words from Jill Sager’s Guidance are wise and helpful, and Ms. Sager’s personal stories really brought the wisdom home. Some of the stories are heartbreaking - she has endured much suffering, but her honesty rings true and I found the book profoundly insightful. I will pick it up in the future to read chapters relevant to what I am feeling, so this is not a book that will just sit on your shelf collecting dust.

[Noma Faingold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s useful about this self-help book is that its gentle, spiritually based slant is both practical and anecdotal. Each of the 30 compact chapters covers such relatable human topics as Anger, Hope, Jealousy, Loss and the ever-looming Shame.

Author Jill Amy Sager started her spiritual journey decades ago through Tarot cards. Delivering readings and teaching Tarot led to an ability to tap into a higher power, which she calls “Guidance.” She does not necessarily claim to be an intuitive, but for a long time, the Oregon resident has been able to access a channel offering sage advice for her own life and to others.

Each chapter/topic contains three sections: Powerful messages from Guidance, followed by vivid personal struggles and how Sager evolved and overcame detrimental traits, which held her back and made her miserable. Each chapter concludes with Reflections, where the author asks the reader probing questions that might lead to an honest look inward, which could bring about positive change.

Sager has not had an easy life, which began at birth with a disability (one leg was shorter than the other), which led to botched surgeries, developing scoliosis, more surgery, a body cast, which kept her in the hospital for months and in recovery at home for many more months, during crucial times in childhood and adolescence. She felt alienated among her peers. She had an extremely anxious father and a cold mother. Sager was pretty closed off for at least her first 30 years. She writes that she had an “inability to fit into societal norms” and that she “identified as an outsider.”

Much later, she experienced other physical challenges, including breast cancer. The fact that she was already on a healing path in her life, allowed her to recover with grace.

What should resonate in the book for others is how she overcame immense obstacles to become a loving, compassionate, forgiving, and productive woman, who learned how to have healthy relationships and look at life as a gift.

The format of “Guidance from the Universe” is like a daily affirmation nightstand resource, but with more depth. It works as an uplifting go-to when going through something challenging. For example, when anger surfaces (as it inevitably does almost daily), the reader may revisit the Anger chapter, where Guidance suggests that “anger is not your enemy” and to “allow anger to teach you.”

In Reflections, Sager asks, “How does anger affect you physically? Can you identify where it sits on your body?” Such questions invite journaling and/or meditation.

Overall, Sager’s message (through implementing what Guidance has revealed to her) is that change is possible. “Tarot and Guidance only asks that we pay attention to the journey.”

[♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🌿 Uplifting/5 Stars 🌿✨

Thank you to Jill Amy Sager and GoodReads for the giveaway! 🙏📖

Guidance from the Universe is an inspiring and gentle companion for anyone seeking clarity, comfort, and empowerment in their daily lives. Jill Amy Sager offers a collection of uplifting messages that feel both universal and deeply personal, providing readers with wisdom that meets them where they are. This book is a soothing balm for the soul, offering reassurance and encouragement in the face of life’s challenges. 🌟

💙 Three Things I Loved:

✔️ The intuitive and heartfelt writing. Each passage feels like a warm embrace from the universe, encouraging self-reflection and inner peace.
✔️ The book’s accessibility. You can flip to any page and find a message that resonates—perfect for daily inspiration or moments of uncertainty.
✔️ The balance between spirituality and practicality. Sager offers wisdom that is not only uplifting but also actionable, making it easy to apply to real-life situations.

🌱 Three Things That Stood Out:

❌ Some messages felt repetitive. While the themes of hope and self-trust are important, certain insights were echoed throughout the book in similar ways.
❌ Not a structured guide. This book is more of a collection of reflections rather than a step-by-step framework, which may not suit those looking for a more structured approach.
❌ Best for those open to spiritual perspectives. While the messages are broadly applicable, those less inclined toward spiritual guidance may find some sections less engaging.

🌟 Who Should Read This Book?

📖 Anyone seeking daily encouragement and insight.
💫 Readers drawn to spiritual and intuitive wisdom.
🌎 Those navigating life changes and personal growth.

Guidance from the Universe is like a compassionate friend, reminding you that you are never alone and that wisdom is always available when you need it. If you’re looking for a book to lift your spirits and offer gentle guidance, this one belongs on your shelf. 🌙✨

[Gerri Almand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese sage and philosopher, once said: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready… the teacher will disappear.”

Jill Amy Sager gave me a pre-publication copy of her manuscript. I explained I was probably not a good choice to review her work, given that I know almost nothing about psychics, Tarot card readings, channeling, or any other means of divining supernatural events or predicting the future.

Very soon, I found myself intrigued. In her book, Sager identifies thirty “lessons” she attributes to Guidance, her term for the insights that came after opening herself to deeper levels and allowing messages previously not available to enter her consciousness. After explaining each lesson, she gives examples from her own life to show its application. She concludes each chapter with reflections and questions for readers to consider.

While I intended to read through this book quickly, I found that viewing it as a daily meditation worked much better. This is not a book to rush through; the lessons demand thought and reflection. Granted, while I did not connect with every lesson, many of them made me pause and think in new ways about my life and the decisions I make. Some resonated profoundly in possibly life-altering ways.

In closing, I return to my opening quote. Sager’s book is wise, and I believe many readers might feel that a new teacher entered their lives. I believe Sager would be pleased if these readers came to trust their own inner wisdom and no longer need a teacher.

[C J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guidance from the Universe is indeed filled with “hopeful messages for everyday challenges” and I can’t think of a time when our world has needed messages of hope more than in this time of disruption and social unrest. When so many events seem out of our control, it’s comforting to have a guidebook to help us find enduring inner strength and resilience. The author’s life path has not always been a traditional one, but her insights and wisdom are universal, made even more poignant because she clearly knows what it is to suffer, to doubt, and to overcome hardships.

I appreciate how the chapters are organized by topic so I can read the one that seems most relevant to me at any given time. Today, it was the chapter on ‘Letting Go,’ a recurring lesson in my life. Jill’s conversational style of writing almost makes me feel as though I’m having an intimate conversation with a dear friend over a couple of cappuccinos. When she referred to a “cringeworthy” time in her life, I felt a kinship with her as I remembered the cringeworthy events of my own life. Though our circumstances were different, it is comforting to know that even wise women have regrets. Even better, Jill and her guides offer freedom from the tyranny of our own self-judgment. I’m all for that.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking greater inner peace and insights for dealing with life's challenges in our changing world. Better yet, start a support group and read the book together!

[Nancy Levine Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has there ever been a book more timely than this one? With so much in flux globally and in our relationships, communities and families, this book arrives like a beacon of light on the stormy seas. As the author notes, there are many teachings and books that dispense self-help advice, promising hope and healing. This book, however, comes with a whole new voice and perspective. In it, Jill Amy Sager channels 'Guidance,' a gentle but profound voice of insight and wisdom. Sometimes, recently, I have felt overwhelmed by emotions. Guidance offers, "We ask that you accept all your emotions as great teachers." This is a book I will turn to time and time again for its timeless and comforting teaching and wisdom.

[Mary-Ellen Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical self-help book. The author doesn't claim to have the answers to life's challenges. She encourages without dogma. There are no "steps"- just thoughts and questions to open you up to your own thoughts. Each short chapter stands by itself depending on what you need, how you feel, where you want to focus your energy, and finally, learn ways to grow.
Amy Jill Sager is an engaging storyteller. She promises no easy or quick fixes. In each chapter she shares honest, sometimes raw, memoirs showing that she has done the work herself and that it is all a work in progress.
Reading GUIDANCE from the UNIVERSE: HOPEFUL MESSAGES for EVERYDAY LIFE brought me a calmness that comes with the possibility that life's challenges can often be resolvable.

[Rita Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading Guidance from the Universe; Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges, tarot was a mystery to me; intriguing, yes, but not accessible. Jill Sager changed all that. Through the tarot presented in the book that includes topics like anger and jealousy and letting go, Jill provides messages from the voices of the Universe that she calls “Guidance”. These messages are clear and helpful but what really makes them meaningful is that she grounds each card by sharing her own experiences. With insight and honesty, Jill relates how the lessons of the tarot inspired her to understand, heal and make significant changes in her life. I recommend keeping this book handy as an essential companion for navigating life’s twists and turns with intuition, clarity and wisdom.

[Emily Malek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read plenty of self-help books over the years, and they have been good. I may not always reread them, but I take away at least one thing from each. With today’s book "Guidance from the Universe: Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges: by Jill Amy Sager, it was different. It uses Tarot cards to provide advice on how to deal with life and everyday obstacles. But more importantly, it spoke to me because of its simple, but effective structure and how open and honest the author was with her experiences.

To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...

[Cynthia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Sager’s wonderful book, Guidance From the Universe, is a transformative experience. The voices of “Guidance” accompany us through every challenge life can present with profound wisdom and compassion, and we are uplifted and altered by their messages. Sager expands upon the intelligence of Guidance with stories from her own life which are both heart-rending and courageous. Each chapter ends with a series of questions and reflections for the reader, ensuring that not only do we learn from these teachings, but we are personally transformed by them. Sager’s honesty, vulnerability and wisdom shine throughout this book. I highly recommend it.

[Margaret Fowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect guide for dealing with the many challenging issues of being human. No matter where you are in your inner work, you will find guidance.
I've been an energy medicine practitioner for over 25 years, and I wish I'd had this book to recommend to clients through the years. It is the perfect combination of universal wisdom; Jill's extraordinary personal story; and practical suggestions to help with your challenges. It is so relatable. I know I will be referring to this book from time to time for myself.
Margaret Fowles, Healing Touch Certified Practitioner, Reflexologist, Eugene, Oregon

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed to read, like water for someone who has been dehydrated for so long they forgot anything different. Sager brilliantly moves between messages from the universe, her own life and interpretations of the guiding messages, and reflections on how readers can use the messages. The real life stories and explanations of how Sager learned and changed are extremely helpful. She is so wonderfully human, and I could relate to so much of what she shared, which helped me take in the messages of guidance. Absolutely brilliant. Usually when I finish reading a book I give it away, but this is going on my shelf where I keep books that I know I want to read again and again

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy and enjoyable read with much to contemplate about life. She wrote about many feelings and emotions that gave me validation as I had felt them too. One that resonated with me was her Grief chapter and allowing oneself to have a good cry when the emotions feel overwhelming. I lost my daughter 13 years ago and feel that I have handled my grief. However, every so often it creeps up on me, and I listen to sad songs, get lost in my memories, and have a good cry for what isn't.

Jill's background opened by eyes about drumming. I've been to drum circles on the beach and hadn't given much thought to the skill involved in keeping the beat.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounded in hard won life experience, this transformative inspiring self-help guide spills out vulnerable lessons and wise insight page after page. Sager’s tender stories are at once heartrending and generous. There’s a practical, confident tone throughout so that even as the reader feels saddened by an incident, Sager lifts one up with confidence that her receptivity to truth always comes through to reveal the misbelief hiding behind a trauma. This book serves as an invitation and guide to anyone seeking to discover their own hidden wisdom. Beautiful read.

[Ana Hebra Flaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, empowering, the lift you need right now.

This wonderful, empowering book will soothe and inspire you—and fill you with wonder. If you're like me, you need this positivity right now—even if you don't think you do. Sager should go by "Sage," because her thinking is more than just smart, it's WISE. Oh, and the writing is superb. Highly recommend for anyone interested in understanding more than what we see, hear, and feel around us. Here's a guide to get you into the bigger picture we all sense is out there.

[Cathleen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

With wisdom, honesty and insight, award winning author Jill Sager gently provides listeners with direction (Guidance) and hope. This book is a joy to read and very helpful. She generously shares her own life experience in a way that demonstrates that she's "been there" and gives the reader substantiated hope that they too can face life's challenges.

The book itself is beautiful, well organized into bite-sized chapters and even feels good in the hand.

I cannot speak highly enough about this book. Run, don't walk, to your copy now!

[Craig Wasoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
I like the way that each guidance is broken down individually, starting with an explanation of the guidance and finishing with a life experience that the author lived.
The 30 guidances covered captures mostly everything we would experience in our lifetimes.
I liked the way that the author ties specific Tarot cards to each of the guidances.
This is an important book for these chaotic times, putting meaning to what we feel.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Guidance From the Universe, Jill Amy Sager has hit home for living in a broken world. With Sager's thirty generous messages for daily living from Guidance, channeled messages from the universe, she has woven wisdom with her honest and personal insights overcoming many of life's challenges she has endured. A profound and timely self-help memoir that encourages and inspires personal transformation that can be read year after year.

[Sally McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this book is organized. Each subject introduced by a tarot card visual directing the chapter. Followed by a guidance from the universe section, a memoir reflection and opportunity for the reader to reflect on each subject. I found myself nodding and smiling at the resonance and wisdom in each spiritual message and appreciated the relatability that resulted from the author sharing her own life lessons and challenges. A creative, powerful approach to inspire healing and growth.

[Becky Stenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. Jill Amy Sager shares stories of her life with an openness and sensitivity that reminds us that powerful things can come from the biggest challenges. This book is beautifully written and full of wisdom - from Guidance and from Jill. I love how the book is organized and presented, making it easy to return to specific topics over and over again.

[Rubymiranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill’s gentle sharing of her own personal experiences alongside the wisdom of Guidance reaches directly into the reader’s heart. The emotions are recognizable to all of us living in this modern western world. The book is one I will return to many times because “a shift in awareness can alter a life for the better”.

[Carol Odell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wisdom from 'Guidance' is encapsulated in each life affirming chapter throughout this inspiring and relatable book. Reading these universal messages, grounded in the everyday struggles of our humanness, I was reminded of how I felt reading, long ago, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran - appreciative of the wonders and joys found when we embrace all of who we inherently are.

[Charles Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill’s authenticity shines through every page.

Her ability to weave her life’s challenges into a poetic and powerful gift of clear guidance is as powerful today as they were when we first met, almost 20 years ago.

I am a better person for knowing Jill.

-Charlie Nicholson

[Lorraine Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish would highly recommend.

[TL Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The grief chapter led me to journal, which helped me process my feelings. A big help.

[Naketa McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love Love LOVE, “Guidence From The Universe.”

In Guidance From The Universe, Jill shares uplifting wisdom in which we all can relate. And not only does Jill share wisdom through her life experiences, Jill also encourages us to trust in the Universe. Because it is when we follow suit and trust, The Universe opens up doors of profound love and enlightenment.

[Joanne Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a warm hug. I have been picking it up here and there for the past month, and feel so at peace after every time. It will challenge you to think about your life, your world view, your relationships, but it will also leave you reassured with some really great advice. I love it and will keep turning to it from time to time.

[Karen D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guidance from the Universe by Jill Amy Sager is both an honest and open autobiography and a "First Aid Manual" for one's spirit and emotional health. I read the entire book as a life-affirming guide, full of awakenings and awareness that can help me to heal and to grow with self-knowledge. Now, I can continue to enjoy and to learn from Jill Sager's Hopeful Messages by using this book as a manual, turning to chapters that can present "first aid" or guidance as I deal with my Everyday Challenges. In this chaotic world, this book can provide an anchor for navigating through stormy times.

[Barbara Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did I love this book, but I want to keep it next to my bedside and reread it again and again, refer to it as life throws its challenges my way, and share it with so many of my friends and loved ones as they traverse their life's paths. Author Jill Sager writes with such a gentle, sage voice, knowingly forgiving me as she nudges me in the right direction. She also bares all for us, taking us through her own painful childhood, her heartaches and struggles, and does so without complaining, but simply to show us that we are all simply human, like her. She encourages us to accept the jealousy, the grief, the shame, the abundance and joy that come our way yet leaves us with a sense of peace and reassurance at every turn. A pleasure to read, hard to put down, and something to hold close for a long, long time. A beautiful book.