Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Alex Johnson’s Guided By Spirits provides detailed, practical descriptions of various spirit guides and angelic beings, categorizing them by type and function. He discusses gatekeepers, Akashic guides, child guides, shadow guides, and learning guides, explaining their specific spiritual roles. He teaches on angelic hierarchies and how they work, and introduces us to the likes of Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel, as well as lesser-known angels such as Ariel, Azrael, and Barachiel, alongside associated signs and cultural roots. Johnson breaks down animal guides, distinguishing between guides like power animals, totems, familiars, and therianthropic beings, with methods for connection through meditation and rituals. Elemental spirits are outlined, alongside ancestral healing practices and the roles of ascended masters. Johnson examines galactic guides from advanced civilizations, integrating them into spiritual maturation. All of this and much more are incorporated in historical, cultural, and mythological contexts, and Johnson offers practices that strengthen new and ongoing relationships with these diverse spiritual entities.

Guided By Spirits by Alex Johnson is impressively clear and an incredible wealth of detailed “all-things-spirit-guide” that makes it, arguably, the ultimate resource available in a single volume on spiritual guidance. What I liked most was Johnson’s deep dive into the mythological and spiritual practices from cultures around the world. I loved learning about Philippine deities, Mayan gods, Mongolian shamanism, and even contemporary Wicca, which I found to be an endlessly fascinating view into how diverse peoples connect with the spirit realm. Going in, I did not know how the connection between religion, culture, spirituality, and philosophy could mesh or operate beyond those borders. Johnson helped me to understand that they can all co-exist within the massive spiritual ecosystem, each playing a role in enhancing intuition, healing, and empathy. Johnson leans into intention and gratitude as ongoing parts of the spiritual path, and everything adds meaningful context. In a testament to his skill as a writer, he does this without overcomplicating. The sheer comprehensiveness means this book will be my go-to resource for a long time, offering far more than a simple overview, and making it a standout read for anyone interested in the spiritual traditions of the world. Very highly recommended.