Synchronicity: Are You Team 'Coincidence' or Team 'Meaning'?
- femkevaniperen
- Jul 8
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Four experts reveal how we don't always have to be on the "coincidence" or "synchronicity" team when a synchronous event happens to us. Together, they shed new light on this long-standing mystery and the role synchronicity plays in modern life. Here's 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 these kinds of moments arise, it can seem as if they happen for a specific reason, with a unique meaning, especially for us. Why else would they unfold so harmoniously? Coincidence doesn't exist, we say. On the other hand, if we were to reason logically, we might dismiss such moments as mere coincidences.
And so, it seems as if we must always choose between one meaning or the other: mere coincidence, or something mystical and meaningful. But let's begin with the meaning of synchronicity.
Meaningful Coincidences
We often refer to synchronicity when describing seemingly random events that correspond with personal thoughts, emotions, or circumstances. The idea is said to have originated with the famous Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung.
"Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity describes a meaningful psychological connection between internal events (such as thoughts, images, dreams) and external events occurring simultaneously," Dr. Pninit Russo-Netzer explained when we spoke with her. As an associate professor, Dr. Russo-Netzer has expertise in various areas 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 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
Jung himself is said to have explored the relationship between science and the spirit in relation to synchronicity, involving both spiritual and material aspects. Dr. Russo-Netzer noted, "You could say that synchronicity is a sense of interconnectedness. A kind of guiding principle for some people: as long as they are open to the experience and find 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, or Paranormal: Take Your Pick
Synchronicity signs can also be understood from symbolic, mythical, supernatural, or paranormal viewpoints. It is said that Carl Jung's own theory of synchronicity originated from his interest in the paranormal.
Combs looked at things from this perspective, explaining that animals in particular can symbolize 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 Simple, Logical Explanation: Coincidence
Likewise, we can offer another, more rational explanation for synchronicity. Consider the arguments of 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
In addition to the rational explanation of coincidence and the spiritual perspectives, there is another aspect worth considering. The research conducted by Magda Osman and her colleague has in fact presented a third 'option' that they argue is frequently neglected in discussions of synchronicity.
Their approach suggests that humans can recognise and experience coincidences through certain rational learning mechanisms. For example, when a certain number repeatedly appears to us, we tend to assign importance to it.
Such a response is instinctive for humans. It's an automatic reaction common to all of us, a mechanism we have depended on for survival as a species, explained Prof. Osman.
Patterns Are Everywhere
Coincidental events can also happen to us several times in a row. Does this mean together 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," explained 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."
The human inclination to perceive significant connections between unrelated things or patterns that don't truly exist is also called 'apophenia'.
"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," she continued, "and getting 4,6,4,2,5,5, might be rare, as is getting 6,6,6,6,6,6. But one pattern seems more meaningful, because we have added more value to it."
"The point is," she added; "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 point 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).
Can Synchronicity Enhance Our Lives?
Opening yourself to synchronicity can also offer countless benefits, our experts say. 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 too 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 human ability to spot coincidences helps us get things more right than wrong, because otherwise, we wouldn't still be around."
Synchronicity Uses in Medical Clinics
Nowadays, synchronicity is utilised not only in daily life but also in for example medical and psychology clinics.
Pelinku emphasised that psychology is an ideal field for applying synchronicity, as experts in this area have an almost innate ability to observe their patients and their management of unconscious life patterns.
Consequently, more psychology professionals are choosing a non-traditional treatment approach by integrating spiritual guidance into their practice, Pelinku observed, providing an additional layer of support that was previously unexplored. She mentioned that synchronous messages can assist individuals facing challenging decisions, such as those related to 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.
There is Power In Not Choosing
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."
* Editor's note: Regrettably, since the writing of this article, our interviewee Allan Combs has passed away. We offer our sincere condolences and all the best to his family.
About Synchronicity and Hermes the Trickster
Just as butterflies are seen in various ancient cultural traditions as symbols of the soul, messages from lost loved ones, or the spirits of the deceased, so too have various cultures shown interest in the inner workings of the psyche and the external world of events. This often involves exploring how these two worlds of myth and "objective reality" might be interconnected. Indeed, many cultures believe that a "special trickster" acts as a bridge between these worlds, helping us symbolically access the mythical realm. This concept is illustrated 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.
