Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe

Jackson shares Brandon’s story. Brandon was 21 when he went out with friends, had too much to drink, and got into a car accident. He died in the accident. His mother, Angela, was devastated, as was his friend, Bert, who was driving the car when Brandon died. Bert received a message from his Team of Light in a dream; the message was the number 1379, Brandon’s phone passcode. Bert, Angela, and Brandon’s other loved ones started encountering 1379 wherever they went.

Jackson shares Suzannah’s story. Suzannah spent 10 years in a corporate job before she quit and became a life coach. Meanwhile, a man named Scott grew attached to Suzannah’s blog and the two developed a friendship. He also left his job to explore the world beyond corporate America. Not long later, Scott died in a climbing accident on Mount Kilimanjaro. Suzannah was devastated. Ever since, she’s received messages from Scott via voicemails from unknown callers or disconnected numbers. These signs have reminded her she’s surrounded by a larger force.

Jackson shares Cathy and Frank’s story. They had a happy life together until Frank died of cancer at 39. Over the years following, she felt alone without Frank. Then, on the 29th anniversary of his death, she encountered a cardinal she knew was Frank. Years prior, she’d received signs from him in the form of an eagle. Jackson read for her and helped her identify and interpret these signs, which brought her happiness.

Jackson tells the story of Fran and her son, Matt. For years, Matt had lived with depression and an addiction to drugs. When he was 25, he died from an overdose. Fran was devastated and felt distant from Matt. She then met Jackson at a conference, where Matt communicated with Fran through her. He wanted Fran to know he was okay and sent her signs by leading her to a street called Matthew’s Way. Fran feels his presence constantly now.

Jackson shares a story about a time she went to a new salon. She felt a message from the Other Side while her new stylist, Henry, cut her hair. She shared the message with him—which they discovered was from Henry’s grandfather for his brother, Luis, and his wife. Henry was shocked and moved, as he’d never believed in signs before. Not long later, Henry’s grandmother died. He traveled to Portugal to light a candle for her at the Miracle of the Lady of Fatima. The candle’s flame leapt high above the others; Henry knew it was a sign from his grandmother. He later told Jackson that whenever he lights candles he feels at peace.

Jackson shares the story of Steph and her mother, Gio. Steph died one night when she fell asleep at the wheel and crashed her car. When Jackson read for Gio, she shared messages from Steph with her. Gio soon began seeing signs from Steph in the form of turtle and mermaid imagery. Jackson holds that Gio was already open to these signs but is glad she could “speed up the process and let her know” she and Steph were still connected (128).

Jackson holds that every person has saved another person’s life. This is, she argues, because everyone is connected. Sometimes connectors (people with a contract with the Other Side) help to facilitate these connections. Jackson’s friend, Jill, is one example. She shares a story about Jill connecting her friend Susie with the Other Side. Jackson argues that Jill isn’t a superhero, she’s simply attuned to the power each of us carries. She believes we can all be connectors if we remain open.

Jackson argues that animals are powerfully connected to the Other Side—sometimes even more so than humans. She shares a few stories by way of example. In one story, a woman received a sign from her late dog in the form of a butterfly. Like our human loved ones, Jackson holds that our pets “want to let us know that they are okay” after they’ve crossed (143).

Jackson tells the story of her editor, Julie. The first time they met, Jackson insisted on reading for her despite Julie’s resistance. During the reading, Jackson received a message from Julie’s father about her recently deceased dog, Alfie. A few months later, Julie told Jackson she’d been receiving signs from her father. He was born on Groundhog’s Day and she’d had numerous groundhog encounters—signs which opened her heart.

Jackson describes her history of communing with the Other Side. When she was young, she was afraid of the messages she received and would block this energy. She’s since learned to control the messages and to only open herself when it’s best. She argues that everyone can do this. She urges her reader to try meditation to get attuned to the beyond. Asking for signs, developing signs of your own, staying receptive, and showing gratitude are also important to communicating with the Other Side. Signs are there for everyone and we only need to pay attention.