Their work brought this phenomenon to the forefront.

It was a permission slip for people to start asking questions about experiences they couldn’t understand - things that made their hair stand on end.

But that doesn't mean this topic has become widely accepted.

Even 70 years later, talking about it doesn't always feel easy.

Sure, people love hearing stories about unbelievable coincidences.

But if the discussion turns to why they happen, some people get uncomfortable.

What is behind that?

​What could prevent someone from being curious about the meaning of these universal experiences?

We all land somewhere different on the spectrum of how much mystery we are willing to entertain in life.

This is due to many factors, one of which is our own personality.

But there are other reasons that could influence where we land in this question of cause and effect vs. meaningful coincidence.

​-East or West: Society will shape how we feel about synchronicity.

Jung wrote that the East sees finding meaning in coincidence as more important than the West.

And that the West is more prejudiced to believe in cause and effect only.

This is simplifying things, of course, and are big blanket statements.

But, the amount of importance society places on the meaning of an event will influence how much importance we place on them as well.

Are “reading signs” built into your culture in some way, or completely dismissed?

This makes a difference.

-Science: I love reading about science and the latest breakthroughs.

It is a perfect tool sometimes used in an imperfect way.

This is because we are prone to arrogance.

Science is a flawless process except it relies on humans to determine what to test and how to test it.

It doesn’t work when we aren’t yet sophisticated enough to understand how to test something.

Or, when we are still so naive about a phenomenon that we wouldn’t realize to test it in the first place.

But we always think we are at “the pinnacle.”

Every time.

History shows how many geniuses have been persecuted for being right.

Another way flawless science is made imperfect is when it is used to silence and control.

Research is dependent on where the scientific community wants to direct its attention.

Narratives the community wants to suppress can simply be shut down (as was the case with Ludwig Boltzmann).

Science is a tool to help us explain the human experience.

Saying “pretend that experience didn’t happen” is not science - it’s abuse of power.

​And another reason why talking about unexplainable experiences can feel awkward.

-Scared to be seen as silly: Depending on your culture, your family, and your predispositions, talking about synchronistic experiences may seem risky.

We don’t want to be seen as ridiculous or gullible.

Talking about the mysteries of the universe has damaged the reputations of many highly accomplished people - that fear trickles down.

Fear of shame for sticking our necks out there has the power to keep our mouths shut.

-Unsettling: Some of us may struggle with these ideas within ourselves.

It can be unsettling to think that something is going on under the surface, helping to pull the strings.

​While some of us may find comfort in that, for others this may feel too creepy for comfort.
​
​Because of any of these reasons, we may decide to ignore these experiences or rely on logical explanations, which is everyone's right!

But whether these things are purely cause and effect or more, does it even matter if we're aware of it?

​Can any good come out of looking for meaning in coincidences?

Whether we're the most mystical person around or the biggest skeptic - it can't be denied that people have been seeking meaning in experiences for all of recorded human history.

Meaning, we must get something out of it.

And we have already written a newsletter that dives into that question!

​So what could we possibly get out of "buying into" the idea of synchronicity?

But for those of us who feel comfortable exploring such things, how would that work?

​Can we become more open to synchronicity in our lives?

We barely understand what this phenomenon is - these “meaningful coincidences” - let alone how much control we have over them.

So trying to figure out how to seek it out lies the realm of pure imagination and instincts.

If we are to believe that there is this invisible web connecting our minds and helping to direct our experience, how could we flow more easily with it?

​I did some research to gather some possible ideas and here is what I came up with:

-Be in the present. When we are stuck in our heads, worrying about the past or the future, we miss what is happening right in front of us.

In the present, we are more aware and more apt to notice things.

If synchronicity does exist, how subtle is it? How loud would it have to be for us to pay attention?

-Be open to change. How much can a plant grow inside of a box?

How much can we grow when we hold to tight to our tried and true routines?

Synchronicity or not, it is much harder to find what we aren’t looking for.

Our dog was terrified to walk on our new wood floors.

We lured her across with a treat, step by step until she got over her fear.

If we want a life with more joy, more purpose, it may be harder to find the bones the universe is trying to throw us if we insist on staying put emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or physically.

​Be more reachable.

-Get curious about symbolism.

Carl Jung, along with most ancient cultures, believed in signs from the beyond.

These signs may be situation-specific.

Out of nowhere you think about birdwatching, for instance, and then your friend calls and says “So I was thinking we should go birdwatching…”

I'm thinking you should go birdwatching!

But, there are also many organized systems and practices for reading signs and symbols to explore.

Numerology and tarot are two systems.

If you want more information, we’ve had guest writers on both subjects.

You can learn more about ​numerology here​ and ​tarot here​.

-Check your transits.

Another symbol system is astrology.

And while our natal charts describe the map of our soul, the transits, or currently moving planets, add the dimension of time.

You can think of a transit as “setting the stage” for a field of possibilities to occur.

The time is ripe for XYZ.

Now whether xyz occurs, or to what degree, is influenced by a lot of things, including our own free will.

But many astrologers believe that transits could symbolize those meaningful coincidences Jung spoke of.

When he talks of transits, astrologer Stephen Forrest asks us to look for “synchronistic correlates.”

As in, the Sun is transiting your natal Venus in Libra in the 7th House.

Be aware of potential shifts in the partner department.

Just be open.

If I were to start with one transiting planet to investigate in the context of synchronicity it would be Mars.

Mars moves at a speed where it is fast enough that we’re not waiting years to feel change, but slow enough that we may notice.

This planet represents having the courage to say what we want and striving to go get it.

Transiting Mars = opportunities to seize.

If we are aware of where transiting Mars is in our chart, it may make us more open to recognizing those opportunities, even if they don’t seem obvious.

We may be more willing to follow a curiosity or instinct rather than ignore it.

And you know how that goes.

One thing leads to another, and somehow…

​To find out where transiting Mars sits in your chart:

1. Enter your birth information into ​astro.com ​and pull up your natal chart.

​2. Click the button that says “+ With Transits.”

3. Outside the circle of your chart, find the green symbol that looks like ♂.

4. Is transiting Mars sitting right next to one of your natal planets? This would indicate a “Mars moment” for you.

5. Which planet is Mars sitting next to (conjunct)? Which part of you does this planet represent that is getting this boost of courage?

6. What house is this happening in? That shines a light on which areas of life you may need to approach with a more bold and brave nature at this time.

​7. Be open to ways life is sending those kinds of opportunities your way.

​But is this all just a case of “you’ll find what you’re looking for?”

That’s the question Jung wrestled with and one we will each have to consider with ourselves.

So have you experienced synchronicity?

​Until next time, much love,