Thoughts on Synchronicity & Individuation

Imagine reflecting on a personal challenge, seeking clarity, and coming across a book that addresses exactly what you’re struggling with—perhaps even opening it to a page that offers the guidance you need. This is exactly what happened to me the other day.

These synchronistic moments feel too precise to be dismissed as mere chance, and this has me questioning whether there is a deeper principle at work.

My curiosity brings me back to the work of Carl Jung. Jung coined the term “synchronicity” and believed that the Self uses synchronicity to guide us on our path of individuation. These meaningful coincidences act as signposts, offering insights and moments of clarity that bridge the conscious and unconscious, revealing a deeper order within our lives.

Beneath this theory lies the idea that the psyche and the world are one. Within each of us, there is an unknown knower—an aspect of the psyche that transcends the categories of time and space and is simultaneously present across both.

On the path of individuation, the Self—representing the totality of the psyche and the archetypal essence of wholeness—is both the goal and the guide. Through individuation, we integrate the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche, allowing the ego to recognize and align with the broader wisdom of the Self.

This relationship involves reconciling opposites—light and shadow, masculine and feminine, personal and collective—while embracing the paradoxical nature of existence. Through dreams, symbols, and synchronicities, the Self directs the ego toward authenticity and transformation. Ultimately, individuation is a dynamic interplay where the Self shapes a life lived in harmony with one’s true, unique nature.

Carl Jung described synchronicity as “an acausal connecting principle,” emphasizing that the connection between synchronistic events is not rooted in cause and effect but in meaning. Despite the lack of a clear causal link, these coincidences often resonate deeply, offering insights or affirmations that feel profoundly personal.

These synchronistic events often occur at critical moments in life, providing symbolic messages or affirmations that help the ego navigate the complexities of the individuation process. They point to underlying patterns of connection between the inner world and outer reality, encouraging the individual to trust intuitive insights and explore deeper layers of meaning. By paying attention to synchronicities, one can align more closely with the Self, uncovering a sense of purpose and direction on the path toward wholeness.

Such moments can trigger realizations that shift our perception, challenge old patterns, and become catalysts for transformation. When they occur during shadow work or therapy, they affirm that our inner efforts are aligning with the outer world.

In short, these meaningful coincidences reveal the guidance of the Self. This makes sense to me because I’ve noticed that when I intentionally focus on my personal growth, unexpected synchronicities often emerge as if the universe is mirroring my inner work. These moments—sometimes subtle, sometimes profound—reaffirm my path, offering guidance, validation, or even a sense of mystery that keeps me moving forward.

My most significant experiences of synchronicity occurred when I returned to Istanbul, intentionally seeking—like Persephone reclaiming her power in the underworld—to rediscover the pieces of myself I had lost in my abusive marriage.

This wasn’t just a physical return to a city; it was an emotional and spiritual pilgrimage, an intentional step into the unknown to reclaim who I was beyond the pain and patterns of what was now my past.

The tools I intuitively chose for this journey included writing and a book on the myth of Inanna’s Descent. I managed to secure a teaching contract, which gave me the money I needed to survive, but that was it.

The synchronicities I encountered on this journey included meeting an amazing woman named Altynai. Her name translates to Golden Moon, and she helped me find a place to live in Fener. This neighbourhood takes its name from the Greek word “phanari,” meaning “lantern” or “beacon,” reflecting its historical role as a guiding light for ships navigating the Golden Horn.

The apartment Altynai found for me was located in a small renovated Greek house. The tiny but cosy second-floor studio not only had a pomegranate painted on the front door of the flat but the flat was also decorated with pomegranate-themed colours and patterns.
These synchronistic events affirmed what I intuitively already knew—that I was on the right path. There was a deeper wisdom supporting my process of healing and transformation.

There are certain things I do to encourage synchronicity.

I cultivate an openness to the symbolic and intuitive. I try to pay attention to recurring images, dreams, or themes that show up, as they often carry deeper meaning. Journaling helps me uncover these patterns and deepen my connection to my inner world.

Rituals—whether as simple as lighting a candle or as elaborate as seasonal ceremonies—create intentional space for reflection and transformation. I find that they invite meaningful experiences by anchoring me in the present moment and opening me up to the deeper currents of existence, where unseen forces shape my life in subtle ways.

Synchronicity often requires us to notice subtle connections. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, or simply slowing down help me become more aware, allowing me to perceive threads of meaning as they emerge.
The value of encouraging synchronicity lies in its ability to deepen our connection to the Self and the world around us. Apart from serving as signposts and offering insights on our path of individuation, synchronicities can also highlight areas of our unconscious that need attention, fostering greater self-awareness.

When we actively engage with synchronicity, we invite a sense of alignment and flow in our lives, where the conscious and unconscious worlds work together in harmony, guiding us toward wholeness and authenticity.

In the end, synchronicity thrives in an atmosphere of curiosity and openness. It is less about forcing connections and more about allowing them to emerge naturally, like fireflies in the dark.