The Signs: The New Science of How to Trust Your Instincts

by Tara Swart

The neuroscientist, medical doctor, and powerhouse author of The Source shares the lost art of listening to your intuition and allowing the signs around you to guide the way to achieving the life of your dreams.

For much of our existence, humans relied on our senses and intuition to survive. But in our stressed, distracted, and technology-driven modern world, we’ve lost the ability to tune into ourselves and our surroundings. We have lost something crucial to our wellbeing.

Your senses and intuition hold vital knowledge that can help you see your way through challenges, look ahead with clarity, and give you the understanding and strength you need to reach your goals. These messages or signs can guide you to your best life—if you can open your mind and heart to receive them.

In The Signs, Dr. Tara Swart reveals how your brain is capable of more than you realize. Through the process of neuroplasticity, it is possible to expand your awareness and train your brain to see important signs that you might otherwise miss. Through lessons that combine science and spirituality, learn to unlock your mind, recognize these vital guideposts, and tune up your senses to boost the power of your intuition. With your mind attuned to the signs around you, you will uncover your true purpose, define your life direction, and achieve your goals fearlessly and with joy.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Dr Tara Swart is a neuroscientist and former psychiatric doctor. She is a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan and visiting senior lecturer at Kings College London, and an executive advisor to some of the world's most respected leaders in media and business. 'The Source' is Tara's third book - she is also lead author of the award-winning 'Neuroscience for Leadership', and co-author of 'An Attitude for Acting'. In 2016 she was named the world's first Neuroscientist-in-Residence at Corinthia Hotel, London, and she is currently in residence at Annabel's private members club, running a series of wellbeing events. She is passionate about teaching others how to apply lessons from cognitive science to enhance everyday lives. Find out more at www.taraswart.com

"The Source by Tara Swart, MD, PhD marries universal truths with scientific rigor for a persuasive, important exploration of The Law of Attraction." - Deepak Chopra MD

"Tara Swart is an extremely calming presence, all the more so for being palpably intelligent. Her brain appears to require no boosting. I'd sign up in an eye blink... I like her - a lot" - Hannah Betts, The Times

"Dr Tara Swart is friendly, charming, and knows what she's talking about. Having qualified as a doctor, then trained as a neuroscientist, she worked as a psychiatrist before going into private practice as a highly sought-after expert to the rich and famous" - Janet Street-Porter, Daily Mail

"Neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart works with some of the City's highest-earning and most respected leaders in finance, law and media." - Evening Standard

"Dr Swart has become one of the most prominent voices in the field of neuroscience and currently runs her own leadership programme at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as being a visiting professor at the University of Oxford's Said Business School. She counts among her clients some of the biggest names in business: banks, hedge funds, FTSE 100 companies, Magic Circle law firms and one major media company, coaching those in leadership positions to better manage any psychopathic tendencies and foster a more benevolent workplace culture. In person she is a diminutive yet formidable figure, immaculately dressed and with a keen eye on the behaviour of all those around her." - Joe Shute, The Telegraph

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Tara Swart gelingt es, Intuition und Wahrnehmung durch die Brille der Neurowissenschaft zu erklären und das Thema so aus der rein esoterischen Ecke zu holen. Nachdem ich sie in einem Gesundheitspodcast gehört hatte, war ich gespannt auf ihren Ansatz. Die Mischung aus fundierten Studien, persönlichen Berichten und gezielten Achtsamkeitsübungen ist sehr gelungen und praxisnah. Dr. Swart macht dabei gut verständlich deutlich, warum wir oft in rein rationalen und materialistischen Denkmustern gefangen sind und wie wir uns öffnen können, um wieder mehr Raum für das Nicht-Greifbare zu schaffen. Eine wertvolle Inspiration für alle, die nach neuen Impulsen für mehr Spiritualität suchen, ohne dabei auf wissenschaftliche Fundierung verzichten zu wollen.

[Ming · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing this book, within hours I found two signs (e.g., 2 references to Hamnet--one made by this author and one made by the local newspaper; and another that I can't recall now.).

I enjoyed the premise of the book. The author's approach is very practical and very accessible, do-able. And given her medical/scientific training, she remains clear-minded and "rational." I especially liked her historical and multi-cultural approach. Her advice and suggestions amount to centering oneself, caring for oneself and enjoying one's environment.

I particularly appreciated the many incredible examples of signs that she shared from her life.

Now I'm curious to check out her other title, The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and found some of it useful. I think the most important part of this book for me is that, alot of the information is within us but either forgotten or many of us try find a rationalise or try to play thing off as coincidences. In cases like these faith, belief and trust in yourself plays an important part.

These are important lesson to learn or relearn as the case may be. We are too hard on ourselves and tend to try to explain what cannot be explained in some cases.

I think something that I found difficult to relate to this book, is that signs and intuition are very personal things. What someone else sees as a sign might not mean the same thing to me and vice versa. That is why I would look into my own life for similar experiences.

A good book, and great personal journey for Dr Tara Swary, and a good way to help other use this as a map/signpost to find their own way, guidance and possible a connection to something greater.

[Mccakem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book after seeing Dr. Tara on DoaC. While I liked some of the prompts and tales included it didn’t feel like ground-breaking or thought-altering in terms of its approach towards the subject. There was a lot of references to her first novel as well which I didn’t feel was authentic.

[Kim Pears · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore Tara Swart. I've heard her on several podcasts, and I applaud her for speaking so candidly about the loss of her husband, about the 'signs' she noticed, and her views as a doctor and a neuroscientist about consciousness and about communicating with loved ones after death.

I was really looking forward to reading this book, trusting that she would go deeper into this area.

It wasn't what I expected, however. The focus was one of offering practical/scientific guidance about the various ways in which we might be able to hone our intuition to be more open to signs, so calling it 'The Signs' was, in my opinion, a misnomer.

So, if you are looking for such a guide, go for it. If you want to hear her talk about her personal experiences, and about 'signs' stick with listening to her on podcasts.

[LadybugLoreNotes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished The Signs by Tara Swart. I appreciate that Tara opened up about the loss of her second husband and the powerful signs she received from him and others. Those personal stories felt heartfelt and profound.

I also liked that she shared practical tools to help strengthen intuition…things like breathwork, mindfulness, and how to tune into your instincts. She also touched on therapies like somatic work, craniosacral therapy, tai chi, and qigong, which I found interesting.

However, I didn’t fully connect with her writing style. It felt quite dry and filled with medical and scientific terms that made it hard to follow. I often had to pause and Google things to understand what she meant. Because of that, I couldn’t stay deeply engaged with the book at times.

Still, I took away a few fascinating insights like how stress can block our ability to notice intuitive signs, and how the gut-brain connection and microbiome play a role in our intuition and overall well-being. I also found the examples of “super smellers” and the idea of our body’s hidden wisdom really intriguing.

Overall, I appreciate the intention behind this book and the tools Tara offered, but it didn’t resonate with me emotionally the way I hoped it would. I think readers who enjoy a more scientific and medical approach to spirituality and intuition might connect with it more than I did.

[Deb Macmillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding

A brilliant book with lots of useful tips on how to restore your intuition as guides to a more inspired life - thank you xx

[Cynthia Navarrete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book deeply inspirational and easy to apply, especially since I have always believed in collective wisdom—including the influence of our ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. It is a very touching read, as the author shares her personal story and how, through grief, she found peace by looking for signs. I found it particularly interesting that a neuroscientist acknowledges the power of developing intuition. Swart also explores, through in-depth research, how our historical connection with nature and traditions has shaped collective wisdom for decision-making and interpersonal relationships. The book offers practical exercises to help readers connect with their intuition and recognize the signs that can provide support and guidance.

[Marisa Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conhecida e reconhecida neurocientista Tara Swart aborda neste seu livro,"The Signs: The New Science of How to Trust Your Instincts", como podemos tirar maior e melhor partido da nossa intuição, baseando-se em factos científicos e igualmente na sua experiência pessoal (relacionada com a forma como aprendeu a lidar com o luto do marido).

A autora explica, por exemplo, a "fome" do nosso cérebro pelo que é novo e diferente, a importância do movimento para estarmos mais atentos aos sinais, a necessidade de estimularmos cada um dos nossos sentidos, como gerir melhor o stress, ...

É um livro excelente, extremamente interessante! Adorei!

[Anjelica Calle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredible book. I think this is something everyone should read once - and then again every year. My boyfriend passed away last year and it felt like this book was written specifically for me. I learned so much about so many different things. So many cool fun facts. Definitely one of my favorite books to date!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of insightful little gems, even if you’re not into the whole ‘signs’ aspect. It’s reminded me how valuable and powerful our attention and awareness really are and how incredible it is to be alive and for the experiences we get to have if we stay present.

[Leanne Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author!! Loved the book and devoured all the science backed facts. Saw her on a podcast and instantly knew I would love this book. So fascinating, will be reading others books by her. Love the overlap between science and spirituality. Definitely recommend

[Michelle Caldarone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just need to stop reading self help

[Aubrey Nekvinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this very interesting. For sure on the far side of woo woo but I enjoyed it

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for somebody beginning to open their mind to the unexplained.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. I heard her on a podcast and it does make much sense

[Kaitlyn Bentley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - I feel like a lot of this I already knew/experience so struggled to find new info