Synchronicity: Are You Team Coincidence or Team Meaning?

A delicate butterfly pauses on a cluster of daisies, with dreamy bokeh lights adding a whimsical touch—just as you came to mind (Pexels, Lucas George Wendt).

We spoke with several experts about 'coincidence' and 'synchronicity' in our lives, and together they shared an insightful revelation. We don't need to choose one perspective over the other when something synchronous happens in our life. Rather, we can assess the situation and gain advantages from both viewpoints. Here is their story.

You catch the lyrics of a song on the radio, and they deeply resonate with your current life situation. It's as if those words were crafted just for you. Similarly, a butterfly lands on your shoulder right when you're thinking about someone who has recently passed away. Or you think of someone and they call you the next day. You might even see a symbol or number appearing frequently.

When moments like these occur, it can seem as though they happened to us for a specific reason, carrying a unique meaning just for us. Why else would they unfold in such a harmonious manner? On the other hand, if we lean towards logic, we might dismiss such moments as simple coincidences.

Synchronicity and a Significant Connection

We often refer to synchronicity when describing seemingly random events that align with personal thoughts, emotions, or circumstances.

"Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity describes a meaningful psychological connection between internal events (such as thoughts, images, dreams) and external events occurring simultaneously," explained Dr. Pninit Russo-Netzer. As an associate professor, Dr. Russo-Netzer has expertise in various branches of psychology and the meaning of life. She co-authored a paper with Dr. Tamar Icekson on synchronicity, which they define as the 'psychological process of meaningful coincidences.'

Connecting Our Inner and Outer Worlds

In their research on the phenomenon, Dr. Russo-Netzer and Dr. Tamar Icekson discovered that certain conditions must be met for synchronicity to take place. Initially, an individual must observe an event in their external environment. Subsequently, they need to identify a connection within their internal world. This process should occur simultaneously, she explained to us.

She added that it should be followed by a 'conscious process of linking the event to an individual's personal life story.' This should then lead to the activation of some 'memorable and distinctive emotions' to conclude it. It must feel significant, meaningful to us and somehow aligned to something we are going through at that time.

"We can observe subsequent events aligning in the outer world. They line up like metal filings near a magnet," remarked the late* American Psychologist Allan Combs in a similar vein. Prof. Combs was co-author of 'Synchronicity: Through the Eyes of Science, Myth and the Trickster. He was also a consciousness researcher and neuro-psychologist. Furthermore, he fulfilled the role of Director of the Center for Consciousness Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

"We spend most of our time living in the 'outer aspect," he continued. "But during certain states of consciousness, such as sleep, deep meditation, and contemplative praying, we dip into the inner world."

Ultimately, proponents of a deeper perspective argue that synchronicity extends beyond what can be rationally explained.

"We spend most of our time living in the 'outer aspect. But during certain states of consciousness, such as sleep, deep meditation, and contemplative praying, we dip into the inner world."

Synchronicity: It's a Sign

It is said that Jung investigated the relationship between science and spirit in relation to synchronicity, which involves both spiritual and material aspects. Dr. Russo-Netzer remarked: "You could say that synchronicity is a sense of interconnectedness. Some sort of guidance for some people: as long as they are open to the experience and detect meaning in it."

Lumi Pelinku, another authority on synchronicity, believes in the power of signs that appear in our lives. As an intuitive astrologer, energy healer, and transformation coach based in New York City, Pelinku frequently shares her spiritual insights with the media. She views these "coincidental" signs as messages from the ethereal realm, arriving when we need them most. They can help us connect with our intuition and find clearer answers to life's uncertainties.

"You could say that synchronicity is a sense of interconnectedness. Some sort of guidance for some people: as long as they are open to the experience and detect meaning in it."

Supernatural, Symbolic, Mythical, Paranormal: Take Your Pick

Signs can also be understood from symbolic, mythical, supernatural, or paranormal viewpoints. It is said that Carl Jung's theory of synchronicity originated from his interest in the paranormal. From this perspective, Combs explained that animals might symbolise or convey messages about omens. "Crows have always held a special significance for me," he remarked, linking animals as omen bearers to his personal experiences. He further mentioned, "They have appeared in large numbers during significant events, like my wedding."

Or... a Straightforward, Logical Explanation

Similarly, we can offer a different, more rational explanation for synchronicity. Consider Professor Magda Osman from the UK. She is a Professor specialising in Basic and Applied Decision-Making. As a psychologist, she is particularly interested in decision-making during uncertain times and in popular beliefs about the unconscious. Additionally, she serves as the Head of Research and Analysis at the University of Cambridge. Her research on coincidences, conducted with Dr. Mark K. Johansen, has been published by ResearchGate.

Humans and Their Logical Thinking

Beyond the rational explanation of coincidence or the spiritual viewpoints, there is more to consider. Research by Magda Osman and her colleague introduces a third 'option' that they say is often overlooked in discussions of synchronicity. This approach suggests that humans can recognise and experience coincidences through particular rational learning mechanisms. For example, when a certain number repeatedly appears to us, we tend to assign significance to it. This response is natural for humans. It's an automatic reaction that we all share, a mechanism we have relied on for survival as a species, explains Prof. Osman.

Patterns Are Everywhere

Coincidental events can occur several times consecutively. Does this imply they create a meaningful pattern? Many people believe so. "As human beings, we have an inner knowing that drives us to identify patterns, which serves as a survival mechanism," added Pelinku.

"Looking at life's big picture we often see a pattern," added Combs. "It's as if the universe itself has carried us along a predestined path toward our present life. With its successes, emotional relationships and challenges."

Others however might call this 'apophenia,' a term describing the human tendency to see meaningful connections between unrelated things or patterns that, say such experts, aren't actually there.

"Humans are essentially pattern-detecting machines," Prof. Osman further explained. "So, coincidences are based on repeating events. They are surprising to us, and that is because they seem unexpected or rare. Throwing a dice several times in a row and getting 4,6,4,2,5,5, might be rare, as is getting 6,6,6,6,6,6," she added. "But one pattern seems more meaningful, because we have added more value to it. The point is that some things are surprising, yet they can be explained."

"As human beings, we have an inner knowing that drives us to identify patterns, which serves as a survival mechanism."

The Shadow Side

Some experts have pointed out the downsides of being open to synchronicity. For example, there is a risk of becoming too focused on signs. Dr. Russo-Netzer found that "over-interpreting or excessively dwelling on unexpected events" can result in a distorted sense of meaning. Additionally, signs can be confusing, potentially making the experience less enjoyable. They can even be unpredictable (see our fact box below on the "myth of the trickster" for more on that).

A solitary figure stands on a mountain, looking at a celestial compass against a starry sky, pondering how synchronicity and deeper meaning might illuminate their life's path.

Can Synchronicity Enhance Our Lives?

However, being open to synchronicity is also believed to offer numerous advantages. To begin with, it can bring joy to one's day. Combs, for instance, shared, "While I was writing my book on synchronicity, I'd frequently take a day off. I'd wander around town, visiting bookstores, museums, parks, and cafes, simply enjoying the day. During these outings, many small and delightful coincidences would happen."

Prof. Osman suggests that our ability to recognise coincidences has a beneficial aspect, as it is an important skill for our species. She refers to it as making us 'future minded,' granting us a degree of control over our unpredictable lives. This skill, she contends, helps us get things more right than wrong, as without it, we might not have survived.

"Our ability to spot coincidences helps us get things more right than wrong, because otherwise, we wouldn't be around."

Synchronicity in clinics

Nowadays, synchronicity is utilised not only in daily life but also in for example medical and psychology clinics.

Pelinku highlighted that this is a prime area to apply synchronicity, as professionals in this field possess an almost instinctual skill in observing their patients and how they handle unconscious life patterns.

As a result, more professionals are choosing a more unconventional treatment method by integrating spiritual guidance in their practice, Pelinku explained. She added that synchronous messages can help individuals dealing with difficult decisions, such as those concerning love or career.

“Since Jung introduced the concept of synchronicity, it has gained unique endurance and cultural impact. Mainly among clinicians,” added Dr. Russo-Netzer. Her own research suggests that synchronicity can aid in personal transformation and growth. It can also serve as a valuable approach in educational settings and other organisations. Her findings reveal that embracing synchronicity allows individuals to discover deeper meaning, optimism, and satisfaction in life.

Conclusion

Our views on synchronicity may be spiritual, mythical, scientific, psychological, psychic, rational, or more logical. Do they need to conflict? Not according to Pelinku. "They can complement each other," she stated. For instance, "the spiritual connection can be integrated into a scientific path, such as metaphysics." She continued: "Even the most logical person can witness a miracle. And even the most spiritual person can adopt a logical or scientific perspective."

To which Prof. Osman added: "I suspect that many people would make a distinction between rational and psychological. The psychological as messy, emotional, chaotic, biased. The rational as pure and uncorrupted, neat and systematic. Basically, for me they don't have to be in opposition to each other."

When it comes to synchronicity or coincidence, we can either be skeptics or believers. Alternatively, we can concentrate on the present moment and glean insights from both viewpoints. For example, we might refrain from seeing everything as a sign, understanding that sometimes we merely notice patterns without intrinsic meaning. Additionally, we can accept that not everything can or should be explained by science.

Alternatively we can just stop for a moment and learn from another, very wise man. That person is Sonny Kapoor in The Second Best Marigold Hotel film. After all, it was he who said: "Coincidence is just a word when you cannot see the bigger plan."

"Even the most logical person can witness a miracle. And even the most spiritual person can adopt a logical or scientific perspective."

* Sadly, since this article was written, our interviewee Allan Combs has passed away. We extend our heartfelt condolences and best wishes to his family.

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About Synchronicity and Hermes the Trickster

Throughout the world, cultures have shown an interest in the inner workings of the psyche and the external world of events, often exploring how these two realms might be connected. The latter is referred to as the realm of myth and "objective reality." Many cultures hold the belief in a "special trickster" who acts as a bridge between these realms, aiding us in accessing the mythical world symbolically. This concept is exemplified in the story of Synchronicity and Hermes the Trickster, an ancient Greek tale recounted by the late Professor Allan Combs. Some suggest that this belief in a trickster highlights another aspect of synchronicity, demonstrating that signs can be unpredictable.