Carl Jung, the Universe, and the Strange Business of Getting Exactly What You Want

Synchronicity is awash in this world.

Carl Jung handed his patient a scarabaeid beetle as she described a dream about a scarab beetle, using a strange coincidence to help her on her quest for psychological change. Scarab beetle (Cristian SC/iStock) Carl Jung Public Domain

I don’t know about you, but ’synchronicity' is awash in my world.

It’s like glitter at a preschool craft table, everywhere, impossible to ignore, and guaranteed to stick to your life in the oddest of places. But before we get all mystical and start seeing the Virgin Mary in a crumpet, let me tell you a story that might just convert even the most devout sceptic.

Years ago, back when I was the PR manager for the local rail network (think delays, disgruntled passengers, and the smell of soggy newspapers), I decided I needed a career with more altitude.

Literally. Airline PR was the dream—international, glamorous, possibly involving complimentary business-class pyjamas.

The only snag? There were about five such jobs in all of Australia, and the incumbents had a worrying tendency to die in their posts or be carried out clutching a boarding pass.

Then one night, after reading one of new age guru Deepak Chopra’s early books, I said to myself: “Right. That’s it. I want an airline PR job.”

I don’t know what alignment of stars, planets or Qantas Club memberships occurred overnight, but lo and behold, the very next morning, an ad appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper for an international airline PR position. My job.

I knew this with the kind of certainty usually reserved for people who’ve just bought a Nutribullet.

And here’s where I got creative, or, as some might say, “unhinged.”

I printed my CV, wrote a cover letter, and placed them both in a pristine white gift box. I tied it with a big gold ribbon and scrawled a message across the top: “Unwrap the perfect gift for your organisation.” Yes. I actually did that. Somewhere, Martha Stewart was weeping tears of admiration.

Weeks passed. Nothing. Nada. Not even a “thanks, but no thanks” note to add to my rejection shrine. I decided to ring them. “Oh,” said the receptionist, “We’re actually holding interviews today.”

Cue one of those dramatic movie zooms where the background warps and the character’s soul momentarily leaves their body. “Did you receive my application?” I asked.

A pause. She checked. “No, sorry.”

I told her it had been in a white box with a gold bow. Another pause. “Oh,” she said, and went to check again.

Turns out the airline president had thought it was just a gift and flung it into a corner like a novelty Christmas hamper. My job had been literally side-lined by packaging.

The next day I got the call. I had an interview. And I got the job. Which, in PR terms, is the career equivalent of marrying the hot barista who also happens to be an oil tycoon heir and speaks six languages, three of which are extinct.

Now, I’m not saying the universe delivers on all gift-wrapped demands. But I am saying that sometimes, when you want something badly enough, and possibly package it like a surprise engagement, it finds a way to arrive. That, my friends, is synchronicity.

But What Is Synchronicity, and Can You Get It in Bulk?

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung coined the term “synchronicity” to describe meaningful coincidences that defy logic.

His most famous example involved a woman dreaming of a golden scarab (a pricey bit of jewellery) only to have a scarab beetle, a real one, not the Tiffany’s kind, tap against his office window mid-session. He handed it to her and said, “Here’s your scarab.” As you do.

This moment broke through her rigid rationalism and opened her up to therapy. Honestly, if a psychic beetle showed up mid-convo, I’d rethink a few things too.

Jung believed that these events weren’t just charming party stories but windows into something deeper: a hidden order, a cosmic nudge, a divine breadcrumb trail for those paying attention.

From Scarabs to String Theory

Now, if you’re a practical sort who thinks the universe doesn’t care about your parking situation or career ambitions, let’s bring in the scientists.

Quantum physics tells us that particles can be “entangled” across galaxies. Move one, and the other reacts instantly. No phone call. No polite warning. Just cosmic telepathy.

Jung might say it’s your subconscious drawing connections. A physicist might say it’s the observer effect. I say, “Don’t question the magic if it’s working.”

And then there’s complexity theory, think birds flocking, fish schooling, or Melbourne Cup horse racing punters simultaneously needing the bathroom. These systems have no leader, yet they organise beautifully.

Other People’s Magic

We’ve all had those moments. You think of someone, and they text. You’re considering a career change, and every second bus advert screams “FOLLOW YOUR PASSION (terms and conditions apply).”

The point is, whether it’s a beetle, a bus ad, or a dream of Provence, synchronistic events tend to pop up when we’re at a fork in the road, or face down in existential cake.

Is It God? Or Just a Really Organised Universe?

Spiritually speaking, synchronicity is the universe’s way of saying: “Hey, over here!” It’s divine customer service, subtle, mysterious, and prone to leaving you on hold while you sort your life out.

The Taoist I Ching sees these patterns as the real laws of the universe. Cause and effect is just our Western obsession.

Jung even stopped writing The Red Book at one stage because of a synchronistic event which was that his mandala artwork was echoed in a Taoist manuscript sent to him from China. He took it as a sign to re-enter the world.

How to Spot Synchronicity Without Losing the Plot

Want more synchronicity? Try this:

Pay Attention. Yes, even to the billboard you usually ignore. The universe is not subtle, but it is fond of repetition.

Write It Down. Keep a synchronicity journal. Eventually, you’ll see patterns, like, “Every time I consider quitting, a pigeon poops on my shoe.” Could be meaningful.

Trust Your Gut. Intuition is your internal sat-nav, even if it occasionally leads you to dodgy service stations.

Set Intentions. Like planting seeds in a weird, responsive garden. Want a new job? Set the intention, then watch for metaphorical green shoots. Or, you know, job ads in the Herald.

Trust the Timing

Synchronicity is not about waiting for the universe to fix your life like an overpriced therapist with a crystal collection.

It’s about noticing the signs, joining the dots, and taking action with the hopeful enthusiasm of someone who just bought a white box and a gold ribbon.

It’s about believing, just a little, that something out there is conspiring in your favour. That when you follow your heart (and possibly Chopra), the universe might just catch up. And occasionally, even literally, unwrap you the perfect job.