No, It’s Not Just a Coincidence—Here’s How To Spot and Decode Spiritual Synchronicities

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According to some schools of psychological and spiritual thought, random coincidences are actually synchronicities—or very intentional and on-purpose winks from the universe. “A synchronicity is a collision of events where something other than the probability of chance is involved, and this confluence feels meaningful,” says Monica Berg, author and co-host of the Spiritually Hungry podcast. “It is an event where needs are met, people are encountered, or things just come together perfectly when we need them.”

While the concept, coined by psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 20th century, has little by way of supportive scientific evidence, synchronicities can hold potent spiritual powers. Our lives are peppered with meaningful synchronicities that we can choose to embrace—the tricky part is simply learning how to spot them and interpret their messages. Keep reading to learn the spiritual meaning of synchronicities, examples of them, and tips for being able to understand what they're trying to tell you.


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What does a synchronicity mean, spiritually?

Synchronicities are not just coincidences meant to surprise and delight us (although they can definitely do that). Rather, spiritual synchronicities are strategically orchestrated and perfectly aligned to deliver a message, provide guidance, or provide reassurance that we’re on the right path. “Most of us notice lots of things, but we usually choose to believe they have nothing to do with us," Berg says. "Spiritually, everything we see was put in front of us for a reason.”

“The forces above are sending these synchronicities as a means to dial down our hectic world and to start listening to our voice within." —Lumi Pelinku, spiritual coach

Lumi Pelinku, an astrologer and spiritual coach, says spiritual synchronicities tend to show up more when experiencing a soul-awareness state, such as when you’re questioning a decision, a relationship, or a career choice. “The forces above are sending these synchronicities as a means to dial down our hectic world and to start listening to our voice within—in other words, your intuition” Pelinku says. “The silence that you invoke will enable you to clear away the external influences, and there will be more ease in your life.”

Examples of spiritual synchronicities

What can spiritual synchronicities look like in IRL? Recurring patterns and repetition are key indicators, Pelinku says. Common ones are repeating numbers (e.g., 111, 222, 555), also known as angel numbers. “The numbers that come through are normally sent by the universe for us to pay attention to how we are living our lives at this moment,” Pelinku says. “The synchronicities that ensue from a numeral standpoint are best compared to a spiritual alarm clock. Depending on the numbers that repeat, there is a deeper message to consider. Numbers overall have different frequencies and messages.”

That said, synchronicities and coincidences are not always numerical. Pelinku says spiritual synchronicities can also show up as a song on the radio that reminds you of something or someone or has lyrics that are a clear message to something you’ve been debating. Essentially, it can be anything that serves as an unmistakable sign related to some sort of internal struggle you’re experiencing. “For instance, [let’s say] you’re debating whether or not you want to run the Boston Marathon,” Berg says. “As you ponder the amount of preparation ahead of you, wondering if you have the time, the car in front of you slows down, and you see their bumper sticker that reads 'I Crushed Boston 26.2.' This is synchronicity."

Again, this isn't a studied science with evidentiary support—but from a spiritual point of view, the potential confirmation biases associated with synchronicities are also telling and helpful for urging you to follow a path that you feel you are meant to take.

How to spot synchronicities and interpret their messages

To spot spiritual synchronicities in your life, Berg advises looking around, paying attention, and being present. “Be open to seeing what is there, not just what you are looking for or expect to be there,” she says. “Stop mentally going over your schedule, your task list, and your worries while you do this. Allow your mind to wander, and be curious about your environment.”

Furthermore, it's important to be open to receiving the messages, and not necessarily looking feverishly for them. “The best way to tune in and seek out the signs is to not look for them,” Pelinku says. “This may sound like a paradox, but the best way to receive the messages soundly is to let go of expectations. This practice will help you receive a clearer message as well as hone in on your intuition.” So pay attention, but don’t look for them.

As far as interpreting the specific messages goes, it’s best to rely on your intuition. A specific synchronicity can mean one thing to one person, and something different to someone else. “Always listen to your inner voice and set aside the fear-based way of thinking in order to discern the information received,” Pelinku says. Also, Pelinku advises paying attention to what you were thinking about or doing when the synchronicity presented. For instance, if you’re thinking about a loved one who has passed and you randomly hear their favorite song, it's a message worth introspecting about. Ultimately, the power for seeing and interpreting starts and ends with you and your intuitive powers.

 

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