Over the years, the idea of the Universe guiding our every move has become a cultural phenomenon. From the law of attraction, to angel number signs – even to manifesting your own future – is this growing obsession with controlling the outcome of our lives actually really possible? Or are we just a generation craving meaning in every move?
Jessica Sinclair, tarot reader and founder of Patterns and Synchronicities, says: “I see the Universe as taking care of the outcome of our actions, especially when it comes to big life experiences.
“We may have ideas of where we’d like to go in life, but we can’t control exactly when and how that takes shape.
“I think the Universe is always guiding us towards where we’re meant to be, but it can’t communicate to us in concrete sentences, so we’re sent hints and nudges.”
Examples of these hints could be angel numbers, which are sequences of numbers that carry spiritual meaning and are believed to convey important messages, providing comfort and guidance throughout our journey in life.
One number in particular that resonates strongly with beliefs about the Universe, is 11:11, often seen on clocks and associated with making a wish. People believe that if you repeatedly see this number, it means a spiritual guide is near or you’re aligned with your purpose, however, scientists have explained this to be a feature of our brain’s function. We are designed to recognise patterns and attribute meaning to them, therefore, if you’re geared up to view a certain time as distinctive, confirmation bias means you’ll inevitably see it more.
Jessica says: “Rather than seeing these numbers as meaning something specific, I see it as an opportunity to pay attention, because there’s some greater wisdom trying to come through.
“Our job is to put in the small, everyday actions that feel aligned and exciting, and then to let go and let the Universe do the rest.
“Sometimes, there’s something greater that’s trying to find us, and if we’re constantly looking through the lens of what we know to be true, we limit ourselves.
“If we let go and trust that the outcome is for the best, the Universe can give us exactly what we need to receive.”
However, sceptics argue that while we may be seeing ‘signs’ in our everyday life that the Universe is looking out for us, we should be asking why we don’t all see the same ones? And more importantly, if we are being guided by a spiritual force beyond our understanding, why do these cosmic signals seem to always align perfectly with what we want to hear?
Manifestation and the notion that your thoughts create your reality has been knocking around since the late 19th century when the New Thought Movement was gaining traction. This was a religious and spiritual movement in the US that promoted positive thinking to ensure a positive life. Since then, social media has taken manifestation global, promoting manifestation ‘hacks’ and success stories, therefore creating a self-help industry full of excitement and interest surrounding the topic. It feels hopeful and empowering, so there’s no wonder the message is being spread everywhere, but does this idea of tapping into the Universe to bring you what you want in life really work?
“I do believe we come into this world to fulfil some sort of greater purpose,” says Jessica, “and I believe that paths in our lives could lead us towards making this a reality.
“But we have to put in the action to make that happen, and then the Universe joins the dots for us. I don’t feel that it’s helpful for someone to know exactly what will happen, as they’ll be obsessing over making it happen or ensuring that it doesn’t.”
“The more of our purpose we follow, the more gifts of life we receive.”
Like many of us, Jessica’s journey into spirituality and, in her case, tarot, simply began with a lingering curiosity. The deeper she went and the more she learnt, the more she found herself completely invested into the topic. She recalls how stories often stay with her clients and help them in their everyday lives: “The most impactful thing has been when I saw a client again after a few months and they told me that everything I told them might happen actually came true.
“Tarot cards brought me a lot of acceptance of life’s circumstances, and it also helped me understand what my intuition was trying to tell me.
“I find it very calming to know that there’s a presence in my life that’s guiding me and wanting me to do my best.”
The notion of fate and the Universe having a ‘plan’ for us has been widely discussed between believers and sceptics alike, but the answer appears to lie in your own spirituality and faith. Whether or not we have a ‘predetermined’ future or not, it might still be possible to manifest the outcomes of your life, regardless of whether the Universe is pulling the strings or not. Maybe it’s not just a timeless human impulse to try and diminish uncertainty about life, and even if fate is just coincidence, there’s no way of knowing if cosmic order actually plays any part. The real question is:
What’s the harm in trying?
