Or in the Search for the Meaning of Coincidences. “Might we be living in our archetypal parallel world, simultaneously?”

Today, I am pausing my series on Dr Freud’s works to share something from Dr Jung—specifically, on the intriguing topic of synchronicity. It is indeed a delicate subject, perhaps even a phenomenon, though it is very profound and insightful. While the topic may seem complex, everyone has likely experienced it at some point. I will do my best to explain it as simply as I can.

>>Sadly, “Synchronicity” is all too often tossed about describing events which do not adhere to the synchronistic events as used within Depth Psychology.<<

“How are we to recognise acausal combinations of events, since it is obviously impossible to examine all chance happenings for their causality? The answer to this is that acausal events may be expected most readily where, on closer reflection, a causal connection appears to be inconceivable. It is impossible, with our present resources, to explain ESP [extrasensory perception], or the fact of meaningful coincidence, as a phenomenon of energy. This makes an end to the causal explanation as well, for “effect” cannot be understood as anything other than a phenomenon of energy. Therefore, it cannot be a question of cause and effect, but of a falling together in time, a kind of simultaneity. Because of this quality of simultaneity, I have picked on the term “synchronicity” to designate a hypothetical factor equal in rank to causality as a principle of explanation.
~Carl Jung, Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle, 1960, extracted from CW 8.”

Synchronicity: A phenomenon where an event in the outside world coincides meaningfully with a psychological state of mind.

“Synchronicity . . . consists of two factors: a) An unconscious image comes into consciousness either directly (i.e., literally) or indirectly (symbolised or suggested) in the form of a dream, idea, or premonition. b) An objective situation coincides with this content. The one is as puzzling as the other. ~ “Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle,” ibid., par. 858.“

Sometimes, life’s events feel more than mere chance; they are difficult to explain and hold significance only for those experiencing them. These coincidences are often overlooked, dismissed as oddities. Carl Jung coined the term ‘Synchronicity’ to describe events that occur without causal links but seem connected through our thoughts and feelings. Drawing inspiration from Chinese texts like the I Ching, Jung sought to explain such phenomena scientifically, bridging inner experiences and external reality. For instance, selecting a TV show and then encountering a character with similar struggles illustrates synchronicity. In Eastern cultures, such moments are seen as divine messages; in Western societies, they tend to be viewed sceptically, regarded as simple coincidences.

In his book ‘Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle’, Jung emphasises that he does not dismiss chance, suggesting that the improbable could just be unlikely events without any intent or significance. However, when coincidences accumulate, it becomes tempting to believe that a different explanation might be at play. As Jung states,

“What I found were ‘ coincidences’ connected so meaningfully that their ‘chance’ concurrence would represent a degree of improbability that would have to be expressed by an astronomical figure.”
~Carl Jung, Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle, Page 21.

Jung recounts the case of a young woman who was ‘psychologically inaccessible’—so rational and logical that she couldn’t express her emotions, having sealed herself off with her intellect and appearing cold and distant. She recounted a dream of receiving a golden scarab beetle, and as she spoke, Jung heard a tapping at the window. He opened it and caught a large flying insect, which proved to be a greenish-golden scarab beetle similar to the one in her dream. He then handed it to her and said, “Here is your scarab.”

Jung describes this synchronistic event as having ‘punctured the desired hole’ in her rational mindset, breaking her resistance and allowing him to work successfully with her. Her firm beliefs about reality made her resistant to influence unless confronted with an extraordinary paranormal occurrence. This incident dismantled her mental defence, leading to a sudden change in attitude and psychic renewal. Although her transformation likely began earlier, this event marked the breakthrough. Her dream featuring the scarab symbolised rebirth and transformation—central themes in Egyptian mythology. Jung observed that dream symbols are often connected to psychic events, and understanding these ‘symbolic parallels’ involves exploring the collective unconscious.

Synchronicity extends beyond assigning subjective meaning to unlikely events; it suggests these events hold inherent significance, indicating a link between the physical and psychic domains. Rooted in metaphysics, it points to a deeper, unseen order in the universe. Synchronicity involves engaging with the spiritual and the mysterious, challenging the scientific worldview, and offering an alternative to rational religion. While modern views regard such events as mere coincidences, traditional cultures interpret them as acts of spirits—gods transforming or mediators connecting us to unseen worlds. Spirits communicate through symbols and archetypes from the collective unconscious, with dreams considered messages from gods guiding us during sleep. Western culture, however, often dismisses wonder as superstition, prioritising logic and reason.

Jung advises us to avoid superstition by not interpreting chance events as acts of the gods. Instead, we should see coincidences as insights into ourselves and our surroundings. Synchronicities lead us inward, uncovering hidden aspects or opportunities that foster growth. By being attentive, we can use these signs to guide our lives positively rather than passively letting events shape us. The key question is not what causes a coincidence, but what message it offers. For example, dreaming of an old friend and then encountering them might suggest reconnecting or learning from their qualities. These symbols point to neglected or undeveloped parts of ourselves. Recognising that events serve a purpose helps us understand their connection to our lives, how they support us, and what they teach.

In this video, Marie-Louise von Franz explores Jung’s concept of synchronicity, describing acausal order and meaningful coincidences, illustrated by examples such as mistaken dress after death, telepathic dreams, and birth. She cautions against primitive magical thinking, draws on physics analogies such as singularities, and emphasises human freedom within archetypal patterns.

The second part features Jung’s 1960 letter on the psychic connection known as synchronicity, which involves archetypes, emotions, and unconscious processes in paranormal experiences such as telepathy, precognition, and psychokinesis. He reflects on scientific challenges and on links to human instinct, myth, and spirituality.
This letter is from C.G. Jung Letters, Volume 2 (1951-1961). Jung’s voice is created.

Heartfelt thanks for stopping by. Take care, everyone! 🙏💖