Notice the Magic: Examples of Real-Life Synchronicities
Aug 24, 2023
Once you become aware and open to synchronicities, you start to notice them everywhere. If you’ve recently experienced a loss or hardship, this can leave you wondering, “What is the message here?” Synchronicities show up to validate your intuition. They can feel like a high five from the universe or a gentle nudge to let you know you’re on the right path. You might question if you’re imagining things or if it’s just a coincidence. Synchronicities leave you with the feeling that there is a divine intelligence, a living universe supporting you. Once you can begin to fully understand synchronicities and feel confident with their meanings, you can benefit from the guidance being sent your way.
What are synchronicities?
Synchronicities are more than just meaningful coincidences. Synchronicities help us to connect our inner world to the outside world. By being open to the possibility of the connection of the two, you can begin to see the meaning and messages that the universe is sending you. When you are experiencing synchronicity, you’ll have a feeling. It might be easy to ignore this feeling the first time. As synchronicities keep occurring, they become almost impossible to ignore. Even without scientific evidence, you choose to seek the meaning of occurrences. This could look like seeing numbers, symbols, or patterns repeated. You might also have chance encounters, being in the right place at the right time, feel opportunities present in divine timing, or have animal or nature encounters that feel meaningful.
What should I do when I notice synchronicity?
The universe is working in collaboration with you. You’re constantly being guided and redirected toward your purpose, but you need to be an active participant in the process. When you experience synchronicity, notice and acknowledge it. It’s normal to doubt yourself. Still, if you constantly dismiss the synchronicities you experience, you’re sending out an energetic vibration of being uninterested.
Remember how I said synchronicities are like a high five from the Universe? Imagine how it would feel to send someone a magical gift and then go up for a high five, and they leave you hanging. Decide to believe in your own magic. Meet the universe halfway and acknowledge the synchronicities you see. You might want to spend some time reflecting. Ask yourself what the deeper meaning is, or keep a journal of your experiences.
Real-Life Examples of Synchronicities
1. Animals
Humans have been assigning meaning to animal sightings throughout history. They are often the center of legends and folklore, representing anything ranging from luck and fertility to protection and prosperity.
A few years ago, in the cemetery where my grandparents are buried, I had an amazing encounter with a young deer who walked right up to me. Exactly one year after the date, my wife and I were walking the same road, and we encountered a similar (maybe even the same) deer. She looked excited to see us and even wagged her tail. When I was looking through the photographs, I realized our original sighting was on the exact same day one year earlier. When we saw the first deer, we had just bought a home together. During the second encounter, we were deep in a conversation about our plans for the future. The deer sighting brought us a sense of peace and reminded us to leave space in our plans for magic.
2. Numbers
You always look at the clock at 4:44, or you look at your receipt from the market, and the total is 11.11. Seeing repeating numbers or patterns is a common way people experience synchronicity. The number 77 or 777 holds significance in my family and was my grandparent's license plate number for years. They have both passed to spirit and could not be at my wedding. After the ceremony, a young woman who worked for our venue approached me, handing me a glass of champagne and wishing us congratulations. I immediately noticed and complimented her necklace. It was a gold pendant with 777 hanging from it. When I asked about it, she said, “I just saw it on Etsy and had to have it, 7’s are lucky.” I felt a warm sensation come over me, almost like a hug. I remembered my grandparents and knew they were celebrating us.
3. Symbols
When I was a kid, I loved looking at shapes in the clouds. Lying back, I would see faces, animals, and sometimes symbols would appear. After I lost my dog, Bella, I started noticing hearts in clouds. Especially when I would walk our regular route without her, I’d think about how much I miss her and look up to the most beautiful and perfect cloud heart. You might notice symbols in nature or media. There really is no limit to what can hold meaning, only the limit you place on it. Once you are open to recognizing symbols, you’ll notice them everywhere. Pay attention to the feeling you have when you do. When you are experiencing something profound that expands your awareness, you will feel it.
4. Timing
Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time? Perhaps even a delay in your schedule has created an opportunity. Years ago, I was house-sitting for a friend of a friend in Miami. When I walked through the door of her apartment, her phone was ringing. I wasn’t planning to answer but had a strong feeling I should. I went with my gut and answered the phone to a man asking me if the homeowner had left a package for him. When I explained that I didn’t know of any package, he became increasingly agitated. He said he was desperate, that it was an emergency, and started cursing. He asked me to go and look under the mat out front. When I did, there was a key there. She had already given me a key, so I was shocked to find another one. I returned to the phone and told the man there was no package.
By this time, I had a bad feeling about him, and I sensed he was looking for drugs. I had my friend call the homeowner, and she apologized, saying she would meet up with the man as soon as she returned. I, of course, removed the key from under the mat. Thankful that the timing had saved me from any disaster. I don’t want to think about what would have happened had I not been walking in at that time and answered the phone. I imagined the man would have been upset and perhaps come over looking under the mat for a package in the middle of the night. If he had, he would have been angry not to find his package but instead found the key to the apartment where I was staying.
5. People
Sometimes, we can be inexplicably drawn to people and places. This often feels like divine timing or a soul connection being made. Meeting people in what seems like chance encounters or going out of your way to approach someone, and you’re not quite sure why, can be a synchronistic experience.
Perhaps the most remarkable for me was after my near-death experience in 2004. I had experienced a medical trauma, and my doctor was very kind and supportive, helping me understand what happened to me. The experience continued to haunt me until almost fifteen years later. At the suggestion of a therapist, I made an appointment with a medium and decided to explore my own abilities. The medium and I became friends and began working together. It wasn’t until several months later that we both realized he was the son of the man who had been my doctor during my NDE all those years ago. Connections like this have a fated feeling to them.
6. Dreams
A few years ago, I dreamed my Grandmother was buying me tickets. She kept saying, “C’mon over here, let's go,” as she directed me toward a ticket counter. “You need two tickets,” I kept hearing her say, even after I awoke. I couldn't shake the dream. I went to a mediumship class later that night, and the teacher announced that world-renowned medium Mavis Patilla would be giving a demonstration in the next town over. I immediately bought two tickets, not knowing at the time who I’d bring with me. A few days later, I invited my brother, and we attended.
All of Mavis’s students gave messages, and right at the end, Mavis herself said she felt she had to give a message. She came right to us in the back row and asked us to stand. She gave me and my brother a much-needed message from my grandmother. I heard from some of the students in the class afterward that Mavis used this reading as an example of one of the best readings she’d ever given. I emailed her after the demonstration and asked if I could have a copy of the video recording. She was gracious enough to send it to me, and it’s something I’ll always treasure.
7. Words
Somehow, we seem to attract what we need to hear. As a medium, I often give messages to others that I need to hear myself. This could happen if you’ve been considering exploring a certain topic and someone brings it up to you seemingly out of the blue. A few years ago, before we bought our home, I was unhappy with the townhouse I was renting. I kept noticing certain street names. I would see them and overhear people talking about the street I currently live on. One morning, I had an impulse to call a long-time friend and ask her to meet for coffee. When we met, the first thing she said to me was, “You’re not thinking of moving, are you?” I was shocked. She then informed me that she knew of a place her friend would be putting on the market and asked if I’d like to see it. It was the same street that I kept hearing being mentioned. The place was perfect, within walking distance from where we lived, and it’s now our home.
8. Music
Music carries messages and stirs emotions in us. You might notice a song playing in the background while shopping and some lyrics stand out. Or maybe a certain song pops into your mind at the right time. When our sweet older dog Bella collapsed a few months ago, I scooped her up and rushed her to the car. She had already had several surgeries and we knew she couldn’t survive another. As we prepared to head to the emergency vet, my wife and I looked at each other, wondering, “Is this going to be it?” When I started the car, the song “The Final Count Down” started playing, answering our unspoken question. The vet discovered that Bella had a ruptured tumor, and they were unable to help her. It was her last day on Earth with us. When I look back I feel comforted knowing that we’d done all we could do. It was her time and that song playing felt like a confirmation for me.
9. Nature
Being outside and connecting to nature puts you in a perfect position to experience synchronicities. The elements can all play a role in synchronicity. Wind, clouds, rainbows, and animal sightings are some examples of common signs through nature. Be aware of your surroundings and open to synchronicity without over-analyzing them. I have a client who enjoys finding the perfect heart-shaped rocks whenever she visits a beach she and her late husband used to frequent. By the time she finishes her walk, there is always one there waiting for her without fail.
10. Doppelgängers
I love this German word that translates to "double walker" or "double goer”. A doppelgänger is a mysterious, exact double of a person. I have a client who sees the doppelgängers of her late father often. Especially when life feels challenging, or there is a significant anniversary coming up, the sightings seem to increase. She found comfort and meaning in these sightings. I’ve experienced this myself often and started to take it as a sign. Years ago, I hired an attorney who had the exact same voice as my grandmother, a very specific accent. I knew immediately that I trusted her.
Examples of “Negative” Synchronicities
1. Continuous Roadblocks
Once you understand the true meaning of synchronicities, you know there are no negative signs from the universe. I am so thankful that things don’t always work out as planned. Sometimes, what we think we want is limiting or just bad for us. A job you don’t get, a missed opportunity, or a meeting that never happened. Perhaps the universe is redirecting you. When you encounter a ridiculous amount of roadblocks, that can be a sign that something is not for you. When this happens, take a step back and reevaluate your desires. Is the Universe trying to tell you something? If something is meant for you, it won’t run, hide, and avoid being yours.
2. When It Feels Negative
It can happen that you’ll notice synchronicity and have a negative feeling. Trust yourself! Say, for example, you’re thinking of getting back with an ex, taking a job, or making another major decision. You can experience synchronicity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to continue on the path you’re on if it doesn’t feel right. When you have a feeling the vibes are off, trust that. Let the Universe show you another way. Have faith in yourself and your journey, and trust your feelings about the synchronicity. You are the authority on how you interpret things. Synchronicity happens for you, not to you, and it’s meant to be empowering.
The Origins of Synchronicity
Psychologist Carl Jung coined the term synchronicity. Jung believed that synchronicity is “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought.” His theory suggests we can use these coincidences to gain insight into the collective unconscious and our place in the world. He argued that when we pay attention to the meaningful coincidences that occur in our lives, we can use these signs to make decisions that are in alignment with our innermost desires.
By applying the theory of synchronicity to life decisions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our true purpose. Jung’s theory of synchronicity can provide a valuable tool for psychological exploration and self-reflection.
His book, Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle, is a fascinating look at the subjective experience of being a human mind in a physical universe.
Why are synchronicities happening to me? Is the universe sending me signs?
I don't believe in randomness. Synchronicities show up to validate your intuition. They can also be a powerful way for the Universe, the divine, or the Spirit World to communicate with you. You’ll likely notice synchronicities during crucial moments in your life. Even if you weren’t aware of synchronicities, you might notice them looking back. Remember, synchronicities happen for you to help guide you and validate your choice. None of us are alone. We are always guided. When you start to become aware of the magic of the living Universe and believe in synchronicities, it’s easier to see that we’re all connected.
How To Interpret Synchronicities
When interpreting synchronicities, remember that the Universe is cooperating with you. Imagine the divine conspiring with you on your behalf. Even though we may not fully understand the meaning of our lives and every occurrence, trust and have faith that there is meaning. Each synchronicity may have a different message, and you are the best interpreter. You could keep a journal of occurrences if you feel called to. I love keeping track of synchronicities and what they mean as the years go by. Make space for different meanings and the greater message to develop and change over time. In general, most synchronicities are for encouragement, like a high five from the universe. Imagine the Universe is saying, “Yes, you're on the right track,” or “I see you.”
Synchronicity vs. Coincidence vs. Serendipity
Many people dismiss synchronicity as coincidence. A synchronicity is a meaningful occurrence that seems unrelated. Coincidence is considered a remarkable occurrence with no apparent connection or an accident. So, two people who meet in a parking lot and become friends could say they met by accident or coincidence. I don’t believe in accidents or coincidences. However, the meanings and significance of our interconnectedness may not always be known to us.
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of serendipity is ‘the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought.’ The word serendipity is similar to synchronicity, although it’s a less commonly used word at this point in time. Serendipity usually means good luck and having a sense of fate or tying up loose ends. Serendipity can also be used to describe a string of synchronicities.
How can I attract more synchronicity?
Synchronicity is always present in your life. To attract more synchronicity, begin recognizing and engaging with it. Don't ignore, dismiss, or question yourself about synchronicities you notice. This takes energy away from them and away from your intuition. Remember, synchronicities are like getting a high five from the universe. Ignoring them is the energetic equivalent of leaving someone hanging for a high five. Instead, take a moment to feel hope, gratitude, or whatever you feel.
Controversy of Synchronicity
The way we experience and find meaning in synchronicity is personal. You need to find your own truth and develop your own beliefs. Some people dismiss synchronicity or refuse to believe in anything that can’t be scientifically proven. Carl Jung stated that “synchronicity events are nothing but chance occurrences from a statistical point of view but are meaningful in that they may seem to validate paranormal ideas.” We all view the world through the lens of our experiences.
Sometimes, the idea of synchronicity can be used to spiritually bypass or as an attempt to provide comfort. An example of this would be if you’ve suddenly lost a loved one or gone through a trauma and someone tells you, “Everything happens for a reason.” In a society that does not hold space for grievers rushing them back to work and insisting they “move on with life,” this can be harmful and isolating. Whether we believe everything happens for a reason is a personal journey, not a platitude to be offered to someone when the worst has happened.
Takeaways
Synchronicities are all around you. They are a powerful way to begin communicating with the universe. When you experience synchronicity, you will feel it. By being open to the possibility of interconnectedness, you can begin to recognize and find the meaning of synchronicities in your life. This can be validating and encouraging. None of us are alone, we are always guided.
