Chance, Luck, Synchronicity, Coincidence and Déjà vu

Yet another example of synchronicity, involving the Titanic, has inspired me to revisit the topic. I have dipped into it periodically, including here: https://colonialist.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/all-things-synchronistic/

Jung has, as quoted in the above post, provided a definition that lifts it beyond mere coincidence:

“Synchronicity is the coming together of inner and outer events in a way that cannot be explained by cause and effect and that is meaningful to the observer.”

As with déjà vu, the scientific community is quick to wriggle around with ‘rational’ explanations for the phenomenon, each of which tends to become more outlandish than the last.

An experiment by French physicist Alain Aspect in 1982 showed that when two particles (photons) were separated, and one of them was given a different charge (positive or negative) the other particle instantly also changed its charge. It didn’t matter if the particles were one mile apart or one million miles apart. It’s called Quantum Entanglement or Quantum Nonlocality. Time and space don’t seem to exist. Future experiments have verified the original tests beyond any reasonable doubt. Is this related, or something entirely different?

The differences in coincidence and synchronicity are quite difficult to pinpoint. Both are defined as: “striking occurrences of two or more events at one time”. The former, though, is obviously random (luck, or chance) while the latter does seem to have some possible elements of meaning or purpose. As does luck or chance sometimes, when they occur at a time desperately needed or when confidently expected, as happened with Much Better Half in the radio show ‘Pick a Box’. She knew with full confidence that her number was going to be drawn. Similarly, we have both known that certain racehorses will win the July Handicap — this has gone beyond mere ‘fancy’.

Now I would like to challenge bloggers, in comments or in a separate post or both, to give their own experiences of such happenings.

© October 2019 Colonialist

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