Synchronicity: meaning, characteristics, signs and more!

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Jennifer Sherman

What is synchronicity?

Synchronicities, also called signs from the universe, are events that happen in everyday life and are connected to the thoughts and feelings of an individual. For those who have never experienced a synchronicity, this concept may seem a bit absurd, on the other hand, those who notice synchronicities can take advantage of it.

Some people argue that synchronicities do not happen often, but that is not what the creator of the term indicates. Psychotherapist Carl Jung created the concept of synchronicity, to compose his research within analytical psychology. In this sense, he argues that synchronicities are more common than we imagine.

In this way, it is necessary to pay attention to the signals that the universe sends, so the path becomes more fluid. Discover below what the meaning of synchronicity, how this event happens and more!

Meaning of synchronicity

Synchronicity is a concept that is part of analytical psychology and means events that may seem random, but actually have relation to each other of meanings. In addition, synchronicities can appear in different forms, since they are linked to individual and collective experiences. Below, understand better what synchronicities are.

Origin of the term

The term synchronicity was developed by psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung, who brought this concept for the first time in 1920. However, it was only in 1951 that he was able to better develop the subject. Thus, in 1952, he published the article "Synchronicity - a principle of acausal connection".

In this sense, synchronicities indicate events that are related not by a causal relationship but by meaning. Spirituality interprets the term in the same way, so it ended up incorporating the expression.

Jung and synchronicity

Jung founded analytical psychology, after moving away from Freud's ideas and psychoanalysis. Through his studies, he developed new terms of extreme importance for psychology as a whole, such as collective unconscious, archetype and synchronicities.

Another term for synchronicity is "significant coincidences", which are nothing more than situations that bring in themselves some specific issue that must be understood. Therefore, synchronicities always have something to reveal.

Coincidences with no apparent connection

Through his researches, Jung realized that coincidences that seemed to have no connection, actually contained some sense or meaning. In some way, it always transformed the lives of those involved.

Thus, they are events with no logical relation of time and space, but which generate intense changes. Thus, synchronous events alter the state of consciousness of a person, providing personal growth.

In this logic, synchronicities can also indicate negative situations, however, there is always something important to learn from the occurrence. Thus, in the end, the result is always an intense transformation.

Synchronicity and spirituality

Spirituality uses the term synchronicity, created by Jung, relating the notion that nothing happens by chance. In this logic, everything is connected and each being attracts situations that resonate with their energy.

So, if everything that happens has a reason, seeing difficult situations as a sign from the universe, can help you deal with difficult stages. So, in complicated cycles, you need to take a breath and understand what you can learn from it.

How synchronicity happens

Synchronicity happens both in the external and internal environment, this means that some situation in your life generates a connection with internal feelings. Therefore, according to Jung, the collective and the individual are interconnected. Understand better the concept of inner and outer, chance and meaning and much more.

Interior and exterior

Synchronicity is something that happens in the external environment and is directly linked to the internal issues of a person. This happens because humanity is connected. However, these are situations that cannot be explained by rationality, so it must make sense to each person.

In this logic, Jung realized that there is a connection between an individual and the environment in which he/she is inserted, thus, symbolic meaning relations are created. Therefore, synchronicities can be linked to meaning and to chance at the same time.

Casualness and meaning

Different from significant coincidences or synchronicities, there are the simple coincidences, that is, events that do not have a specific meaning. In this logic, some people may have difficulties to differentiate casual coincidences, from those that have meaning.

It should be noted that coincidence means events that present similarity between them. Thus, coincidences can be random events, while synchronicities are results of broad mental connections.

Furthermore, it is not possible to prove that there is a universal force directing the synchronicities, but there is also nothing to prove otherwise. Therefore, to take advantage of the signals that the universe sends, it is necessary to be alert, as well as not try to look for rational explanations.

Collective Unconscious

The collective unconscious, according to Jung, is the deepest layer of the psyche, in which are contained images from the past of humanity. Therefore, someone can dream with gods without having contact with any religion. This happens because those symbols are already present in the collective unconscious.

In this way, human beings are interconnected all the time. Thus, contents have been feeding the collective unconscious since the first experiences of life. Therefore, this part of the psyche can be defined as a set of thoughts, memories and feelings common to all human beings.

Types of Synchronicity

Synchronicities appear in different ways, after all, each individual has a unique experience. However, it always brings a significant relationship to a person. Jung highlighted groups of similar synchronicities, so identifying them becomes easier. Check them out below.

Objective event

An objective event occurs when the world offers you something that is in line with your desires. In this way, dreams or thoughts are connected to situations that will happen soon.

In these types of situations, a deep level of the psyche is reached, triggering strong emotions. A good example of this situation is: at the exact moment you are telling a dream about a car, a vehicle exactly like it appears in front of you.

External event

The exterior event is when a person thinks or dreams something that is happening at that exact moment, but in another place or space. In this way, the relationship between the events is not perceived immediately.

Then, noting that it is a synchronicity, it is critical to understand what this situation reveals about yourself. An example of this type of event is dreaming of a flood and a distant city being flooded.

Future event

A future event is when someone can predict something that will happen. In this logic, it can be a thought or a dream that in the future came true. A great example is dreaming about something and it comes true some time later.

Regardless of whether synchronic events are positive or negative, it is essential to question what that event represents for your life internally. Furthermore, synchronicities indicate moments of transition, so noticing them often points to major changes.

Characteristics of Synchronicity

Some characteristics configure synchronicities, such as, for example, mental sharing. It has probably happened to you and another person saying things at the same time, as if there was an energy connecting you. This is not something random, in fact, it is a synchronicity. Understand it better below.

Mindshare

Mind sharing is a type of synchronicity in which thoughts are transmitted from one person to another. This can happen both with acquaintances and strangers. In this way, a thought can be shared quickly with those who live with you, and even with those with whom you have no contact.

It is as if the mind transmits thoughts by electric current or electromagnetic waves. Therefore, situations happen when people say things at the same time, as well as when someone says what the other will say.

Mental synchronicity

Mental synchronicity are physical elements connected to the actions of the individual. With examples it is easier to assimilate the situation, so, imagine you think about a movie and soon after someone appears talking about it, or when you think about someone and meet him/her on the street.

The concept of mental synchronicity takes into account that the mental relationships between people are connected. Therefore, you may have already experienced a moment when everything seems to fit together. The more attentive you are to your daily life and to your process of self-knowledge, the easier it is to notice the synchronicities.

Simultaneous findings

Simultaneous discoveries are various situations in which cognitive coincidences are perceived and present meanings. This type of coincidence can be noticed much more easily than mere chance.

This happens because it is easier to be attentive to that which brings inner meaning. However, if the individual is not paying attention to his process of self-knowledge, it can still happen that this type of synchronicity can be missed.

Synchronicity Signs

Synchronicities happen more often than many imagine. Even those who believe in synchronicities may fail to notice them due to several factors, such as, for example, lack of attention and disconnection with oneself.

The good news is that there are some signs that help identify synchronicities. Find out what they are below.

Contact with people

Contact with people is considered a synchronicity. You may have felt that a person appeared in your life at the right moment, or when you think of someone and then the same person sends you a message.

These events are not mere accidents, synchronicities always have an important meaning, which must be interpreted individually. Furthermore, spirituality believes that in many cases connections between people are created for a relevant reason.

You "accidentally" find what you need

Imagine that you are experiencing a health problem, when suddenly you come across a possible solution to your discomfort. In such a case you would not even bother to look for what you need. Moreover, in this situation, it is a sign to act and take care of your health.

These synchronicities can appear in various situations where you need to find something, moreover, they help you solve problems quickly. Therefore, being aware of synchronicities tends to bring many benefits.

Art imitating life

An example of synchronicity is when art imitates life. In these cases, you might find a new song describing exactly what you're feeling at the moment, or you might choose a movie in which the story resembles what's happening in your life.

You can still find poetry or phrases bringing just the message you needed to hear. The possibilities are endless, but it is a fact that synchronicities also manifest themselves through art.

Strangers talking about something familiar

Hearing strangers talk about something familiar is not a simple coincidence, but rather a synchronicity, so when you encounter this situation, be sure that there is a meaning behind it.

In these cases, the person may think it is a coincidence, but it is unlikely to be unrelated in meaning. An example of this situation is when you are waiting at a location and someone talks about a book or series you are watching.

Unusual solution to a problem

Unusual solutions to a problem are signs of synchronicities, in this sense, perhaps you have already received an out-of-context message that solved your worries. These events are not random, but rather signs from the universe, intended to reveal something important.

In addition, positive words and teachings are also synchronicities which can arise to solve impasses. Another possibility is to meet an important person in difficult moments, a friendly shoulder or a romantic partner, who supports you and helps you in your process.

When this kind of situation happens, it is as if the universe has done its job to unite people or pass messages. Therefore, attention and self-knowledge is fundamental to be able to identify the synchronicities.

Identify synchronicities

Synchronicities help to guide the path of each individual, often appearing as a confirmation, but can also help to bring clarity and change direction. Thus, by observing them it is easier to make choices and move in the right direction.

Although Jung was a serious psychiatrist and researcher, some people tend not to believe in these events, which makes the synchronicities, in fact, not observed.

Some classic cases of synchronicities are: seeing the same time, seeing signs with the same numbers, remembering a person and appearing on the street, premonitory dreams, among other possibilities.

Remembering that synchronicities can appear in different ways and there are no established rules about this, after all, each individual has a unique experience. Thus, the most important thing is to have a meaningful relationship.

How does synchronicity influence people's lives?

Synchronic events occur in someone's life indicating that they are on the right path, or that they should change direction. Thus, noticing synchronicities can prevent bad decisions and bring more happy moments.

Furthermore, synchronicities generate intense sensations, because they have a meaningful relationship. In this logic, the person is able to quickly perceive that events are not in vain.

For spirituality, everything is connected, which is why synchronicities often show that you are in alignment with yourself, going in the direction that makes the most sense. Now that you have a better understanding of the subject, it will be easier to perceive the signs that the universe is sending you.

As an expert in the field of dreams, spirituality and esotericism, I am dedicated to helping others find the meaning in their dreams. Dreams are a powerful tool for understanding our subconscious minds and can offer valuable insights into our daily lives. My own journey into the world of dreams and spirituality began over 20 years ago, and since then I have studied extensively in these areas. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others and helping them to connect with their spiritual selves.