Signs From The Universe: How To Spot Them & How To React

Have you ever wondered why people are still seeking comfort in New Age, in-universe-we-trust stuff despite living in an age so modern? This is due to the fact that technology simply does not have all the answers. The strain of everyday life often makes us wonder if we were born into this world just to run a rat race until we perish, or to fulfill a destiny larger than life. That's why it's tempting to throw ourselves into the arms of a force so deathless and omnipresent as the universe to seek answers to the mysteries in life. And we like to think that the universe has our back. 

To borrow a quote from The Alchemist: "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." To know that we're not an inconspicuous single thread in a tapestry in a grand design is a huge motivational factor. So, if we really do have a place in the universe, how do we communicate with it? 

In fact, the universe sends messages to us all the time. It can be as twisted as Murphy's law or as encouraging as Yhprum's law. But not every one of us is quick to notice and decode them. If we can, maybe we can better align our life with the will of the universe and thrive — instead of waiting for life to happen. Below, check out these common signs from the universe and what to do when you notice them. 

According to transformation instructor Maria Erving, coincidences are one of the most profound ways the universe communicates with us. The more aligned you are, the more of them you see come to pass. Maybe you've been pondering about relocating to Paris. In the days after that, you might keep having experiences that remind you of the City of Light. If it's not your colleague eating a freshly baked croissant for breakfast, it's "La Vie en Rose" blasting on your neighbor's radio. This is an example of synchrodestiny — a sign that you have the universe's blessing to follow your heart. The idea of "Synchrodestiny," as detailed in Deepak Chopra, M.D.'s book "Synchrodestiny: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence to Create Miracles" is described by the author as "coincidence but it contains a purpose and meaning, and has a direction and intention."

Another typical example of synchrodestiny is when someone with whom you haven't been in contact for years suddenly pops up in your mind. And shortly after that, you receive a text or a call from that person. And the conversation with them turns out to be a turning point in your life. 

When you notice coincidences or repeat occurrences in your life, make note of them to connect the dots later on. When the universe orchestrates a synchrodestiny, that means there's a message that's intended for you. If you go with the flow, your next breakthrough is right around the corner.  

A clear indication that the universe is at work in you is having moments of déjà vu. Déjà vu is an uncanny sensation in which you feel as if you have lived a moment twice. For instance, you're in a bar for the first time and you're ordering gin on the rocks. The moment the bartender reaches for his shaker, an overwhelming sense of familiarity comes over you and stops you in your tracks. You realize you've been in this very scene before: the bar was also decked out in muted pendant lights, the radio was blasting Journey's "Don't Stop Believin',” the couple on your left was playing arcade, and you were waiting for your gin.

When that déjà vu hits, all your senses light up, and you rack your brain to find an explanation for this phenomenon. This moment is unprecedented, yet it feels so familiar and so real. A déjà vu typically flashes in your mind for a few seconds before fizzling out completely, but it can feel so strong that it petrifies you for a moment. That's why déjà vu is often described as an example of a parallel universe temporarily overlapping with our own.

A déjà vu may be the universe's way of reminding you to pay attention to your intuition and live in the now. It can also be a sign that changes are coming to your life and that you should be alert.

Seeing strangers in your dream is no extraordinary thing. But to meet the stranger that you saw in your dream in real life — that takes the universe. Dreams like this don't always happen, but they do happen. Sometimes, these encounters might manifest in the form of a déjà vu moment. If you have a dream about a stranger that is so vivid that it makes you wonder if this person really exists, there's a chance you'll cross paths with them in real life soon.

According to energy reader Susan Brunton, dreaming about someone before meeting them or falling in love with them could be the universe preparing you for a fateful encounter with your soulmate or your twin flame. It can be a sign that you and that person share a powerful spiritual connection, or that you're meant to cross paths. When you meet them in person, maybe you won't recognize them right away. Perhaps you'll only detect some resemblance in their hairstyle, outfit, or body size. Everything will look like a blurry mirror at first, but you will be able to connect the dots and realize them over time. If they're really the one you dreamed about, you'll feel an immediate spark and your relationship will progress incredibly fast.

Seeing a pattern of numbers repeatedly in your everyday life situation is also something to think about. For instance, your electric bill this month stands at $555.55, or your boyfriend always calls you at 14:14 o'clock. These numeric patterns may seem insignificant or coincidental to an untrained eye. But to those with experiences in the spiritual realm, repeating numeric sequences are none other than angel numbers. If you see a set of three or four numbers repeatedly, it could be your angel number, a sign of guidance and support.

"Most of what I see is that they bring confirmation and empowerment," numerologist Novalee Wilder explains to USA Today. The more times a repeating set of numbers appears to you, the more strongly it serves as proof that the cosmos is working things out in your favor. Seeing angel numbers can indicate positive outcomes for your endeavors, whether it be in your career or personal life, according to Wilder. So, if you've been thinking about putting your profile up on Tinder and you keep seeing the numeric pattern 777 or 8888, it's a sign you should get back into the dating world.

If you frequently run into your ex, it's not because the earth is round or the world is small. Of all the people in the world, why would you happen to bump into someone you used to be in a relationship with? If you keep crossing paths with your former flame, it could be the universe telling that you should either give your relationship a second chance as a couple or you should at least remain in each other's lives as friends, per Ideapod. That being said, only you know whether you, deep down, want to get back to your ex — or if it's even a good idea to do so. Every situation is unique. If your ex is an abusive person and running into them makes you feel angry and fearful, it can mean something else.

Crossing paths with an ex might also indicate that the universe wants you to let go of the negative energy that's at work in your life, according to Symbols and Synchronicity. For instance, if you've been feeling enraged and upset lately and your ex also had anger management issues, you could be drawing that kind of energy back into your life. You attract what you are, so this can be a signal for you to take it easy, see the positive side of things, and keep your emotions in check.

Seeing or dreaming of animals is also a potent sign from the universe. According to Psychic Source, having a vision of a cardinal may be a sign that your love life is on the right track. It indicates that a romantic encounter is imminent, or if you are already in a relationship, it serves as a reminder to strengthen your bond with your spouse. If it's a pair of cardinals that you're seeing, it's probably a sign that you should slow down and pay more attention to what's going on, contemplating what really matters to you and taking care of your nearest and dearest.

Seeing a wolf, whether in a photo, a dream, or in the shape of a cloud, can be a prophetic experience. If you're going through a rough patch, it can be the universe telling you to chin up, trust in yourself, and be ready to act on a hunch. A wolf is also a symbol of death and reincarnation, so it could also mean that you should be ready for a certain belief, phase, or relationship in your life to come to an end.  

If you encounter bunny symbolism, anticipate positive outcomes. Rabbits are symbolic of fertility, luck, wit, freedom, creativity, and prosperity. If you regularly encounter rabbit symbols, the universe may be trying to tell you that good fortune is on the way. It might be time to embrace your creative side, take risks, and start planning family expansion.