The Universe is a Mirror
There are moments in life that seem to transcend explanation — when the threads of chance weave themselves into a pattern too intricate and meaningful to ignore. These moments, which Carl Jung called “synchronicities,” beckon us to step beyond the confines of the rational mind and enter a realm where meaning and mystery entwine. For artists and creative generalists, synchronicity is not merely an abstract concept but a profound mechanism — an alignment of intention, action, and awareness of the universe’s intrinsic connectedness. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to revisit Jung’s life and ideas, the resonances of synchronicity in myth and culture, and how these meaningful coincidences illuminate pathways to deeper creative revelations.
Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist who coined the term “synchronicity,” was a pioneer in exploring the inner landscape of the mind and its profound relationship to the collective human experience. In collaboration with physicist Wolfgang Pauli, Jung formalized the concept of synchronicity, defining it as meaningful coincidences that lack causal connection yet resonate deeply with those who witness them. He argued that these moments reveal an unseen order in the universe, a hidden thread binding the psyche to the external world. His famous “golden scarab” anecdote epitomizes this principle: a beetle, uncannily mirroring a patient’s dream, appeared at precisely the moment it was needed to catalyze a psychological breakthrough. This event, like so many others in Jung’s life, exemplified his belief in synchronicity as a bridge between the inner and outer worlds.
The mysterious interplay of the psyche and the universe extends far beyond psychology, echoing through ancient myths and cultural stories that embody humanity’s timeless longing to decipher life’s interconnectedness. Across the ages, narratives of synchronicity abound, revealing a universal recognition of moments when events align in ways that surpass mere chance, offering profound insight into life’s underlying order.
In Greek mythology, the tale of Oedipus exemplifies synchronicity’s enigmatic duality. Warned by the Oracle of Delphi that his son would one day kill him and marry his wife, King Laius takes drastic steps to avert the prophecy. He abandons the infant Oedipus to die on a mountainside, an act of desperation that unwittingly sets the prophecy into motion. Oedipus is rescued, raised by strangers, and ultimately fulfills the Oracle’s words without knowledge of his true lineage. This myth highlights the paradoxical nature of synchronicity: Laius’s efforts to escape his fate created the very conditions for its fulfillment. It underscores the profound interconnectedness of seemingly disparate actions and the inevitability of certain alignments.
In Taoist philosophy, the parable of the farmer and his horse offers a more meditative perspective on synchronicity, emphasizing the importance of trust and equanimity in the flow of events. When the farmer’s horse runs away, his neighbors lament his misfortune. “Maybe,” he replies, refraining from judgment. Days later, the horse returns, bringing a herd of wild horses with it. This time, the neighbors exclaim at his good fortune, but the farmer simply says, “Maybe.” When his son is later injured while taming one of the wild horses, the neighbors pity him, and his response remains the same. Finally, when soldiers come to conscript young men for war, his son is spared due to his injury. The parable reminds us that what appears as misfortune or coincidence may, in time, reveal itself as a blessing. Like synchronicity, it invites us to relinquish control and trust in the unfolding of life’s inherent order.
For Indigenous cultures, synchronicity often manifests through the natural world, where symbolic events are seen as messages or guidance. Among the Lakota, the story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman is an enduring example. During a time of famine and discord, two hunters encounter a radiant figure — a woman dressed in white, who imparts sacred teachings and gifts the chanunpa, the sacred pipe. Her arrival is understood as a divine synchronicity, aligning with the tribe’s collective need for spiritual guidance. The teachings she brings restore balance and harmony, embodying the transformative power of synchronistic moments when human need and universal alignment converge.
These stories, spanning cultures and epochs, illustrate that synchronicity is not a modern invention but a timeless thread in humanity’s search for meaning. They reflect a shared belief that life is guided by unseen forces, and moments of profound alignment — however inexplicable — carry significance beyond the rational. Jung’s insights affirm this universality, offering a lens through which synchronicity becomes not just a phenomenon but a tool for understanding our place in the cosmos.
A Journey Through Synchronicity and Creative Discovery
My own journey with synchronicity began during a lecture at the University of Toronto in 1999. Bill Buxton, a renowned designer and computer scientist, spoke with passion about the symbolic language of physical tools. He described how a prehistoric Inuit mapping tool, carved from bone to reflect the three-dimensional contours of snow-covered terrain, served as both a navigational instrument and a tactile language. The idea that tools could bridge the physical and practical, yet deeply symbolic and communicative left me captivated, sparking thoughts about how this principle might apply across creative mediums like design, music, and technology.
Months later, while on a business trip in San Francisco, synchronicity revealed itself once more. Following an electrifying night at a warehouse rave — an experience that doubled as both research and more— I unexpectedly came across a workshop the next morning that would deepen the unfolding narrative. The presenter, to my astonishment, was demonstrating the very Inuit mapping tool Buxton had discussed. The coincidence was too precise to dismiss. It felt as though the universe were weaving together disparate threads of inspiration, nudging me to explore the profound connection between ancient artifacts and modern creativity.
Days later, a meeting with software developers at Macromedia introduced me to their new revolutionary multimedia software (this was the beta version of the upcoming Flash). The tools they showcased embodied the same principles of bridging symbolic and functional design that had fascinated me about the Inuit tool. This convergence of ideas deepened my conviction that synchronicity was not merely chance but an invitation to explore connections across time and disciplines.
The culmination came a few months later, in Boston, during a design conference. Over coffee, I recounted these experiences to colleagues, weaving together the narrative of the Inuit tool and its resonances in my creative journey. By the end of the conversation, one of them made an offer that would shape the next chapter of my career: a position leading a multimedia project perfectly aligned with the ideas I had been exploring. In that moment, the disparate threads of my curiosity, intention, and experience came together in a synchronistic revelation.
Creative Practices for Embracing Synchronicity
Synchronicity thrives in the presence of curiosity, intention, and openness. For artists and creative generalists, it begins with planting seeds — articulating ideas with deliberate clarity. This act sends a signal, a kind of psychological beacon, that aligns actions with the universe’s subtle rhythms.
When we approach our creative journey as a conversation with the world, synchronicity becomes a trusted partner, emerging from our curiosity and willingness to engage fully with life. By setting clear intentions, we articulate the direction of our creative energy, planting seeds for the universe to respond. Yet, we must remain open to unexpected outcomes, understanding that synchronicity often reveals itself in the space between deliberate planning and the surrender to life’s mysteries. It may arrive as a chance meeting, a recurring symbol, or an intuitive nudge, and while its meaning might not be immediately clear, these moments invite us to pause, act, and trust in the process.
Reflecting on these experiences deepens our awareness, allowing us to uncover patterns that connect our inner intentions with external events. By documenting moments of synchronicity — whether in a journal or through quiet contemplation — we start to see the invisible threads that guide our journey. These reflections sharpen our intuition, helping us to recognize when life is steering us toward something significant. At the same time, active engagement with the world is essential. When we immerse ourselves in new environments, explore unfamiliar ideas, or connect with others, we create fertile ground for synchronicities to emerge.
Ultimately, this dialogue between ourselves and the universe is as much about listening as it is about creating. Synchronicity reminds us to stay humble in our pursuits, to trust in the unfolding of the unknown, and to embrace each step forward with patience and curiosity. Together, these practices make creativity not just a solitary act of making, but a co-creative dance with the world itself — a dance that continually reveals new possibilities as long as we are willing to move to its rhythm.
Creativity, at its best, bridges intention and serendipity. Like the Inuit mapping tool, it transforms the abstract into the tangible, navigating uncharted terrain with insight and precision. Embracing synchronicity allows these moments of alignment to co-create with you, leading to discoveries and opportunities that transcend the ordinary.
In my own journey, synchronicity has been more than a concept; it has been a compass, guiding me toward profound growth and discovery. It serves as a reminder that creativity is not just an act of making but also an act of listening — to the universe, to oneself, and to the unseen connections between them. Whether through myth, philosophy, or personal experience, synchronicity offers not just inspiration but a deeper understanding of our place and purpose in the intricate web of existence.