A dictionary definition for the word ‘synchronicity’ is “the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection”. By comparison, the same dictionary defines ‘coincidence’ as “a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection”.

We metaphysicians like to say that there are no coincidences. Many of us believe that any coincidence is truly a synchronicity, and every synchronicity is meaningful.

Usually synchronicities have to do with names, numbers, symbols, words and images that we repeatedly see around us and connect to a specific concern.

We use synchronicities as a way of confirming that the universe is supportive of our path. We interpret synchronicities as signs that our angels are with us.

I think that the universe does indeed often communicate with us using synchronicities as a way of getting our attention and affirming our choices. The universe communicates in symbols, words, numbers and images. That’s why tools like tarot and runes are so powerful, and why magical symbols and chants so effective.

Yet, very often people will over-spiritualize coincidences in order to support their own unhealthy behaviors and wishful thinking. For example, people in obviously damaging relationships will use the fact that they drove past a street bearing the same name as their partner to confirm that the universe is supportive of their questionable relationship.

Truly, there are mundane reasons that we see repetitive things. We can’t drive any distance without seeing multiple stop signs. Should we always take that to mean that the universe is advising us to stop something?

I think there are times that something as mundane as a stop sign could deliver a spiritual message if we were already contemplating a change and that familiar image suddenly stuck out to us in a profound way. Yet, if the message we felt we were receiving was one that we were hoping for, and if the promise of that message was highly unlikely, we would be smart to think more logically about our concerns.

The question becomes, how do we discern when synchronicities are significant and when we are using them to justify our own negative patterns and behaviors?

The answer, as I see it, is to recognize that spirituality is not the same thing as superstition. Honoring a higher power, developing our intuition, and attuning ourselves to spiritual forces cannot and should not replace common sense.

I love the old expression, “God helps those who help themselves”. This phrase dates back to ancient Greece. We could interpret it in a number of ways, first to say that we have been created to think for ourselves and be self-reliant, second to say that we are God’s hands on earth, and third to say that there is no firm evidence of a higher being, there is only evidence of the work we humans do. The bottom line is that we are all always responsible for our own thoughts and actions. No matter what message we may feel we have received, we must be responsible for vetting that message for its integrity and helpfulness.

It is entirely possible to live a life that is guided by spirit. Paying attention to synchronicities, divination and the messages we receive in our hearts through prayer and meditation can help us be open to opportunities and can give us strength in the face of misfortune.

Yet, when we refrain from discernment and use spirituality to justify our own unhealthy behaviors, we are simply fooling ourselves.

Part of being spiritually attuned and aligned is to be able to see our own truth. We use things like divination, meditation and synchronicities to help us find that truth. That it is also possible to use these same things to hide from our truth presents an important spiritual mystery that every wise seeker must contemplate.