Asking for and receiving “signs” from the universe has become a global practice. Getting a sign is like a nod from our higher source, whether one refers to it as the universe, spirit or God. It often means you are on the right path or that something you have chosen is correct. Signs act as divine validation of what you wonder about. People from all walks of life receive signs. They give us the assurance of support and connection to something bigger than ourselves and they help us move forward, especially when feeling low or uncertain. Working with signs and even bumping up against them in your practice is an important indication that you are making better choices. It also reminds us that we are not separate, we are all connected to the Universe.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All
Signs appear in many different forms and there are various reasons people seek them. Those who have lost a loved one may look for signs as reassurance that they are ok. Others may want confirmation that they are making good choices in life. Some people desire validation that the people around them are okay or not okay to be around.
The need for a sign can arise at critical moments in life, especially when there is a difficult decision to make. Choices that may not be socially acceptable or that have a significant impact on yourself or your family can open the desire for external validation. During these pivotal moments, signs will be received if you ask and pay attention. It may be as nuanced as a hawk flying over you or finding a feather on a walk. A sign may also be “big” and feel like a strong current of energy moving through the body, giving you a sense of knowing something.
People often gravitate toward mystical numbers such as 111, 1234, 888, etc. There are numerology people who see things in dreams and then watch the scene unfold in waking life and those who experience Déjà vu. These are all signs from the universe that you are on the right path. Déjà vu is especially telling. If you feel a moment is something that has already occurred, it is 100% a big sign.
Ask and You Shall… you know the rest!
Sometimes, signs from the universe happen naturally. Other times they occur when a person explicitly asks. The balance of both is pleasant. Personally, I like to allow Spirit to intervene in my life, to show me things or really let me know that something is coming, such as an important day. I pay attention to animals, as they are prevalent signs for me. Sometimes images come to me as signs. Odd synchronicities lineup, showing me what direction I need to go. Sometimes I have to ask for signs as guidance.
Usually, I receive information through meditation. Asking for a sign in the way that feels most comfortable to you is very important. It is essential to be very clear in what you are wondering about. General questions like “show me I’m on the right path” can often result in slow answers– so be specific! If you are not specific you might get a sign about separate issues, such as an answer regarding relationship issues, your career path or your spiritual path. It is not always a pointed response. Give the universe a better opportunity to work for you by knowing what to ask for.
You do not want to be overly specific either. Especially if you are very into details or experience OCD tendencies. It is deciding where you are and what needs to be on the ballot when you ask for a sign.
Always Go Within
Remember to pay attention to what works for you. Perhaps you have a friend that sees numbers or animals all the time, and you desire signs in similar forms. Those methods might not be the best for you, so pay attention to where and how your signs show up and what you spontaneously experience. It does not have to be one thing – signs can be both physical and energetic. When I am giving a reading and a deceased relative wants to come through, I often see a flash of light next to my client. I realize then that someone wants to talk with my client. Always be on the lookout and find what works best for you.
Finally, I want to note something important to consider. It is wonderful to ask for signs and develop a relationship with the universe but it is essential to listen to the intuition inside of you. Sometimes we go too far and seek external validation too often, turning almost anything into a “sign.” Learn to listen during your experiences – the stronger a true sign is, the more your body reacts to it.
As you feel things more deeply, it becomes easier to avoid asking for signs too often. Try not to avoid the facts of a given situation. It is important to stay grounded and practical. A good balance between being grounded in physical reality and being open to the spiritual realm is ideal. Working with signs truly is this middle ground between these extremes and it can give you the reassurance you need along your path.
