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Common Obstacles & Signs Your Manifestation Is Close
We often try to avoid obstacles and challenges on our manifestation journeys, but what if these experiences were actually a positive thing? What if the roadblocks you encounter are actually signs your manifestation is close? Below, you’ll learn how to identify the different types of obstacles you may face on your path and how to respond to them in order to make your manifestations come even faster than you imagined.
Pin this for later! Common Obstacles & Signs Your Manifestation Is Close Can Obstacles Be A Positive Sign In Manifestation?
For most of us, it isn’t very common to walk into a situation wanting to face an obstacle on our path to getting what we want. Even if you’re able to see how an obstacle or challenge might serve your highest good, you likely don’t look forward to them.
And in manifestation, these experiences can be especially difficult. When you face a roadblock preventing you from getting what you want, it’s common to believe that this means your manifestation isn’t working.
But what if it was the exact opposite?
What if encountering an obstacle in your manifestation journey is actually a really, really good sign from the universe?
What if this means your manifestation is actually closer than you can imagine?
This is the truth when it comes to encountering obstacles and challenges in manifestation:
As you continue on your path, you will face obstacles. You will have difficult moments. You will encounter roadblocks that seem to prevent you from moving forward on your journey.
But these moments aren’t something to fear; they’re something to lean into.
Because in time, you’ll come to realize that these experiences aren’t really obstacles at all. In fact, they’re usually the very opposite:
They’re opportunities to gain a new perspective and open your eyes to the unseen possibilities all around you. A chance to receive your manifestation even faster. Promises of something more that you had never even imagined for yourself.
And more than anything, they’re often actually signs that your manifestation is close. Closer than you can even imagine. Closer than you even thought possible, if you only choose to step forward in faith instead of sinking back in frustration.
So let’s get some clarity on common obstacles you’ll likely experience at some point in your manifestation journey, why you shouldn’t fear them, and how to react when you experience a roadblock or challenge that seems to prevent you from getting what you want.
Common Signs Your Manifestation Is Close
So why shouldn’t you fear obstacles on your path? Why, in fact, should you greet these experiences with an open mind and an open heart?
Because often, these challenges you face are actually signs that your manifestation is close.
So let’s identify the different types of obstacles you may face and how to respond to them. I’ll tell you now: if you can learn to respond to challenges with a positive mindset (i.e. respond to a potentially difficult situation with a high vibration), your life will expand in ways you never dreamed possible. This is exactly the thing that makes someone a master manifestor: finding obstacles in opportunities, growth in challenges, and gratitude in hardships – and trusting your path, no matter what challenges arise.
Common Obstacle: Losing Something
I once worked with someone who wanted to manifest financial prosperity. Specifically, she was hoping she’d get a raise in the job she’d been in for over five years. However, not long after she started her manifestation journey, she lost her job (through no fault of her own). Initially, she was distraught. This felt like the very opposite of the life she was trying to build.
But you know what?
Not long after, she unexpectedly received a job offer from someone she knew from her church. This person reached out to her because they thought she’d be a perfect fit for an open position in their company. Not only did she start making more money than even a raise at her old job would’ve given her, but her new job brought her more fulfillment in the first week than the old job ever had.
This is the miracle of manifestation. Sometimes, when it feels like we’ve lost something, the Universe is actually clearing space for something new to show up. Our path may not look exactly like we thought it would, but if we allow it to unfold naturally, it may just turn out even better.
Common Obstacle: Your Past Shows Up Again
This is a big one, and it’s important to not run away if this happens but rather lean in. If your past shows up again (through a repeated experience, an encounter with someone you have history with, or maybe even suppressed memories that have made their way back to the surface), it’s likely because you’re at a place in your life where you can now let this thing go. You’ve been suppressing old energy within; now, you have the chance to set yourself free.
For instance, if an ex-partner shows up in your life, it isn’t necessarily because you’re supposed to reunite with them. You may still be clinging onto old energy from that relationship. Maybe you haven’t quite forgiven them for something. Or it’s possible you haven’t forgiven yourself.
If the past shows up in your manifestation journey, view this as an opportunity to free yourself from the chains holding you back. Let go so you can move forward.
Common Obstacle: Fear
One of the first obstacles I encountered was a deep fear of my own intuitive guidance. You see, I knew that to manifest the life I desired, I had to make a change. My intuition was telling me it was time to quit my full-time corporate job to dedicate myself entirely to my website and freelance writing career. But I was terrified of making this leap.
This is a common experience for many of us. You may receive inner nudges to do something that you’re not sure you can do. You may experience worry, anxiety, and fear. But still, every cell of your being will tell you that this is the right move to make.
I resisted my intuition for several months before it finally grew so loud, it could no longer be ignored. But as you can probably imagine by now – it all worked out even better than I ever dreamed. This is one of those challenges that only gets better by leaning in and doing the hard thing. Once you do this a couple times, you won’t be as scared of your intuitive guidance, because you’ll have your past experiences to help you make the leap. Once you see that nothing bad happens when you follow your intuition, it gets easier.
If this is the first time you’re using your intuition to make a big life change, it’s okay to use your rational mind to assist you. I always like to ask, “What’s the worst that can happen?” I’ll write a list of worst-case scenarios and gauge whether they’re really that bad. Usually, they’re not. For instance, with my website, I knew that if it didn’t work out, I could always get a full-time job again. And I realized I’d rather have the courage to try and fail than to never try at all.
Common Obstacle: Small Hiccups
For the first few months after I started publishing articles on my website, most of my traffic came from Pinterest. After consistently pinning my affirmations, journal prompts, chakra resources, and other content to Pinterest, I was starting to see my audience grow. It felt exciting to see my words make their way around the world. It quickly became my favorite social media platform.
But one day, I got an email that made my heart sink straight into my stomach: my account had been suspended due to suspected spam.
I immediately tried to log in but couldn’t. I was locked out.
And let me tell you: I was devastated.
To make it worse, it happened late on a Friday right before a holiday weekend, so even though I submitted an appeal, I wouldn’t hear back for several days.
The next week, my account was reinstated, and they sent me an email apologizing for the mistake. But during those 72+ hours I was waiting, I was tempted to call it quits. It felt like I was doing so much and getting nothing back in return. And in a lot of ways, I felt like the Universe was against me.
What I’ve learned is that these types of challenges usually occur right before something really good is going to happen. They can also be really positive opportunities to pause, reset, and look within.
For me, this Pinterest obstacle was an opportunity to step back and reassess what I wanted in life. Did I still believe I was on the right path? Was I aligning with my higher self and following my inner guidance system? Could this be a chance to strengthen my mindset and help me to lean into faith even more?
I decided that I still had faith in my path, and as I moved forward, my website traffic suddenly started to increase faster than I ever dreamed possible.
This wasn’t the only hiccup I faced in my journey. Less than two months after I had quit my full-time job, when I wasn’t yet fully confident in my ability to manifest money, my trusty car and my barely-a-year-old laptop broke down in the same week. (I’m pretty sure it was during Mercury Retrograde.)
These types of things will happen, and I don’t want you to be afraid of these experiences. Every time it does, take it as an opportunity to go within. Align with your higher self. Make sure the path you’re on still feels right to you. If so, continue to move forward. It even helps to thank the Universe for these experiences, knowing they’re never here to harm you but rather to support you in some way you may not yet fully see.
And remember that most of the time, when you walk through these small hiccups with faith and trust, you’ll discover that your manifestation is closer than you ever imagined.
Common Obstacle: Someone Else Gets What You Want
I almost laugh as as I write this because this is another experience I encountered very early on in my manifestation journey. And for most of us, it doesn’t happen just once. For instance, let’s say you want to manifest your soulmate. Suddenly, all the other single people in your life are in relationships. Wedding invitations start piling up. Everywhere you look, you see happy couples in love. Everyone you know has found their soulmate.
Everyone except you.
Here’s what I want you to remember:
- There is an infinite amount of abundance in this world. What someone else has or achieves can never take away from your ability to receive your dreams (and vice versa). So just because everyone else is in a loving relationship, that doesn’t take away from your ability to have a loving relationship of your own.
- In this moment, and in all moments, you are exactly where you are meant to be. Your manifestation is coming. Have faith.
- When you see someone else get what you want, your first instinct might be to feel bad. Let’s change this. Start celebrating every time you see someone else get what you want. View this as a loving wink from the Universe that your manifestations are on their way.
This is one of my favorite quotes from Gabby Bernstein’s Super Attractor, and it’s especially relevant here: “I believe that the more you see others who have what you want, the closer you are to getting it. Choose to see the people who have what you want as a reflection of what’s to come. See them as gentle winks from the Universe revealing the future to you.”
Common Obstacle: Lack Of Faith
This usually comes as a result of another obstacle or challenge you’ve faced, though sometimes, it may seem to come out of nowhere. Everything will seem to be going smoothly, and then one day, you’ll wonder if you’re crazy for believing you can actually manifest your dream life. Is this for real? What if everyone else has the power to manifest except me? What if this isn’t real in the first place? What if I’m insane for believing this is possible?
If you have these thoughts, it’s okay. First and foremost, don’t be hard on yourself. You’re in the midst of a major mindset shift, and it’s only natural to have questioning thoughts. The key here is not to suppress these thoughts. If you suppress your worries and fears, they just get trapped within you as old, stagnant energy. This creates even more fear, stress, and worry.
So allow the thoughts to come without judgment. It may help to step back and remind yourself of all the miracles you’ve received. Remember how far you’ve come and how much you’ve manifested so far. Go online and read positive stories about people who have manifested really amazing things. Feel the same excitement you would as if those amazing things were happening to you.
And know this: you’re not crazy, and you do have the power to manifest your dream life.
How To Respond To Obstacles
What Would My Higher Self Do?
Ask yourself this question daily, in all experiences you encounter. How would your higher self respond to this obstacle? With grace or with fear? With confidence or with frustration? See if you can embody your higher self. Remember that your highest self isn’t someone you become; it’s who you already are without worries, fears, and external experiences clouding your vision. So if you can take away your worries and fears in this moment, how would you respond?
How Is This Experience Serving Me?
This can be a hard question to ask right away. When my car and laptop broke down in the same week, I definitely didn’t immediately look for the ways that experience could be serving me. But if you can train your brain to start looking for growth opportunities in your challenges, it will be easier to find them.
Where Can I Find Gratitude In This Moment?
Finding gratitude in your hardships isn’t about suppressing your frustration; it’s about acknowledging that even though things feel difficult right now, there’s still so much to be grateful for. Gratitude and love are the highest vibrations, and leaning into these feelings are instant vibration raisers. If you can start viewing your obstacles with gratitude, you will truly begin manifesting an extraordinary life.
Remind Yourself That Your Manifestations Are Already Done
The second you released your intention into the universe, it was done. This challenge can’t block you from receiving unless you give it the power to block you. I’ve come to learn that often, when a challenge arises, it isn’t here to prevent me from having my desires. Rather, it’s opening my eyes to a new path that may get me there even quicker (and have more fun along the way). So always ask yourself if this challenge is actually opening up another path for you.
Break The Cycle
You will receive the same lessons over and over again until you finally learn them. Show the Universe your growth. Show that you’re ready to respond differently this time. Instead of leaning into fear, lean into courage. Instead of leaning into worry, lean into faith. Instead of responding with frustration, respond with gratitude.
The Gift of Hardship
I want to really drive this point home because it’s so incredibly important when it comes to manifestation:
Hardships, challenges, roadblocks, and obstacles on your path aren’t something to fear.
In fact, in many ways, these experiences are a gift.
A couple years ago, when I was experiencing what felt like a surplus of different obstacles, I went into my office, closed the door, sat down, closed my eyes, and started to meditate. I don’t really remember how the entire meditation went; I’m sure I had lots of thoughts and emotions happening inside me. But when I stood up, I walked to my whiteboard and wrote this in the bottom-right corner: “The struggle is the gift.”
Several years later, those words are still there.
A big part of the reason why I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced is because I can share my stories. I realized early on when I started blogging that if I hadn’t had these experiences, I’d never be able to show my readers what was possible. I wouldn’t be able to inspire anyone. To provide a small source of hope. To give you even a tiny hint of comfort, knowing that my storms all passed, and yours will, too.
The Law of Polarity states that everything has an opposite, and the existence of these opposites is vital in helping us to gain a deeper perspective of our own lives.
Part of this is understanding that hardship and even failure is vital in truly being able to celebrate and feel gratitude for our successes. I have experienced fun, almost instant manifestations as well as deeper, more profound manifestations that came after a long journey filled with challenges, hard days, and having to continually lean into faith and my heart’s wisdom.
Both are amazing experiences, but the ones that came as a result of continually leaning into faith and love and choosing courage over fear – those always feel more meaningful. Those are the ones I’m most proud of. Those are the ones I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
As the Law of Polarity states, experiencing hardship will help you to love the successes a little more. Contrast is a beautiful thing. You don’t need to fear it. When you get to the other side, you are going to be so proud of the faith and courage and love you showed in all of these moments.
I want to end here by telling you about my favorite way to view the Law of Polarity. And this is through the symbolism of darkness and light.
Symbolically, light is often used to represent a universal good, while darkness is used to represent a universal bad.
But “good” and “bad” are just labels we bestow upon ideas and things; there is no moral good or bad when it comes to darkness and light.
And darkness has value and purpose, just as the light does.
Darkness is beneficial for the health of the planet as well as our own biological health. (And I like to think that some darkness is good for the soul, too.)
But it’s not just the darkness of the night that has its benefits. We all carry shadows within us, and often, we try to suppress these shadows or pretend they don’t exist. But if you look deeper, you’ll see that your shadows are kind of beautiful, too. Your grief, sadness, pain, and even the moments you get angry at the Universe are all evidence of a life fully lived. I think my inner shadows and darkness are often my greatest teacher. When I step into my darkness, I uncover my innermost thoughts and feelings; this, in turn, helps me to grow and transform.
When you really dig into the Law of Polarity, you see that often, it isn’t a situation of one side of the coin being “good” while the other is “bad.” Rather, both sides have meaningful value to offer the world.
So view your challenges not as the opposites of your successes; one isn’t morally superior to the other. Instead, discover the meaningful value both of these experiences can offer you.
Remember this: the struggle is the gift.
Have you encountered any obstacles or challenges on your manifestation journey that ended up being positive experiences? What have been some prevalent signs your manifestation is close for you? Share your experiences in the comment box below!
And for positive affirmations, self-love tools, manifesting tips, and spiritual resources, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram. For more resources to help you manifest your dreams, be sure to check out these items in my online shop:
- Dreams, Goals & Manifestation Printables
- The Ultimate Manifestation Workbook
- 30-Day Manifestation Journal
Pin this for later! Common Obstacles & Signs Your Manifestation Is Close 
Zanna Keithley is an author, poet, and social media content creator who writes short prose dedicated to inspiring readers to follow their dreams, trust their intuition, and create beautiful and fulfilling lives. You can find her original writing on Instagram @zannakeithley.
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How To Receive Messages From The Universe
Below, learn how to receive messages from the Universe (and how to know if a message is even from the Universe). Plus, discover 10 common signs from the Universe you might receive in your daily life.
Pin this for later! How To Receive Messages From The Universe What Is A Message From The Universe?
A message from the Universe is a sign, synchronicity, or deep inner knowing that comes from a higher power. You might call this higher power the Universe, God, Source Energy, or another name that resonates with you. Messages can often be signs of alignment, giving you reassurance to know that you’re on the right path. They may also be gentle nudges in a certain direction. And sometimes, they’re simply loving reminders that you’re not alone. When you’re experiencing struggle and hardship, a message from the Universe can be a source of comfort, letting you know that everything’s going to be okay.
Below, learn how to know if a message is from the Universe, what to do after you receive a message, and how to ask for a message when you’re feeling alone, discouraged, or just need a little extra reassurance. Plus, learn about 10 common signs from the Universe that you may experience in your daily life.
In This Article:
- How To Know A Message Is From The Universe
- Common Signs & Messages From The Universe
- What To Do After You Receive A Message
- How To Ask For Messages From The Universe
How To Know A Message Is From The Universe
It’s likely that you’re experiencing messages from the Universe every single day. It may not feel like it because you may not yet associate it as coming from a higher power. A profound reason for this is that often, your daily messages come in the form of your own inner knowing. And trusting your inner knowing can be hard, especially at first.
If you’re ever unsure if a message is truly from the Universe, you can ask yourself, “Does it feel like love?”
Because here’s the truth: every single message you receive from the Universe should feel like love.
You are your own biggest critic. You’re harder on yourself than anyone else could ever be. You may expect perfection from yourself, and because of your own heavy expectations, you think the Universe expects perfection from you, too. But it doesn’t.
The Universe has never had a single negative thought or feeling about you; the Universe knows only love.
So carry that with you as you learn how to decode messages from the Universe.
The Universe is not out to get you. You will never receive a message telling you that you’re not worthy or that you’re not good enough. If you hear an inner voice criticizing or judging you, it’s not the Universe; it’s your own insecurities and self-doubt. You might receive messages to have more patience or to stop holding on so tightly to experiences or things, but even these messages will feel like love. They’ll feel like they’re in your best interest. Sometimes, a message may reveal a difficult truth you’ve been suppressing within, but this is never done to hurt you. These messages are meant to help you move forward on your path and to help you grow.
Again, it all comes back to love. The foundation for all the messages you receive is love.
You might have a hard time trusting your intuition, but ask yourself: can you trust love?
Can you trust that if something feels like love, that means it’s right?
- You May Also Like: What Are The 12 Laws Of The Universe? (A Complete Guide)
Common Signs & Messages From The Universe
Sometimes, the messages you receive will come in the form of your own intuition, and other times, it may be an object, symbol, or something you see or hear. Read below for 10 common messages you might receive in your daily life.
Numbers and Number Patterns
11:11. 333. 888.
Numbers and repeating number patterns are often the most common type of message you may experience, especially when you’re first starting out. (Besides your own intuition, which should never be discounted.) The reason for this is because we’re surrounded by numbers constantly: time, temperature, dates, step count, mileage, even the number of likes on an Instagram post. When you’re learning to receive messages from the Universe, it’s also a good way to train your mind to pick up on signs.
So what exactly do these numbers mean? Well, that depends. If the number or number pattern has a unique meaning to you, then trust your inner knowing to decode their meaning. If you’re not sure, that’s okay! Numbers hold spiritual meaning, so it may help to look up the meaning of the number pattern you keep seeing. If you want to learn more about angel numbers and the spiritual meaning of different number patterns, here’s a helpful guide from TheLawOfAttraction.com.
Objects
You’re at the store and a particular object speaks to you. Maybe a book falls off the shelf in front of you. Or you find something in a drawer at home that you haven’t seen in years. Objects can come in all different forms, such as a toy, letter, article of clothing, picture, piece of jewelry, or anything that holds meaning to you.
Dreams
Dreams are a powerful guide to your subconscious mind. Have you ever had a recurring dream? Or maybe a particularly vivid and intense dream? Maybe you don’t have recurring dreams, but you dream about the same people or experiences often. What are these dreams telling you?
Symbols
Feathers, trees, flowers, shapes, and mountains are just a few of symbols that might show up for you. For instance, if white roses have a special meaning for you, maybe seeing or receiving a white rose is a sign to remind you that you are always loved.
Synchronicities
A synchronicity is one of those perfect timing moments that feels like there’s no way it could just be a coincidence. Someone you haven’t talked to in years suddenly appears in your mind, and the next day, they call you out of nowhere. Or you decide to follow your heart and move to a new city, and instantly, someone from your past shows up to offer you a job in that city, even though they had no idea you were looking. When a synchronicity shows up in your life, listen. These are gentle nudges from the Universe letting you know you’re on the right path and guiding you toward your next step.
Songs & Song Lyrics
Songs can represent messages both in their lyrical meaning and in your personal relationship with the song. The lyrics of a song could speak to you, or it could simply be the song title that catches your eye. A particular song may also have a special place in your heart. Did a song come on the radio that makes you think of your first love? This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s time to call up your first love and give it another go. What it could be is a gentle reminder of a time in your life when your heart was open and unguarded. Maybe it’s time to open your heart again and let love in.
Animals
Does a certain animal show up for you in different places and times? It doesn’t have to be the actual physical presence of the animal; it could be a picture or a wood carving of the animal. The animal might also come to you in meditation. Your intuition may know exactly what the appearance of this animal means. If not, I encourage you to look up the spiritual meaning of this animal and see what resonates. This guide from SpiritAnimal.info offers some really great insight to help you get started.
Money & Coins
Finding money on the ground can be a message from the Universe that abundance is on its way. Instead of dismissing the next penny you see on the sidewalk as meaningless, say a quiet thank you to the Universe for this sign.
Social Media Posts
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram when you read a post that feels like it was written just for you? Do you know those posts that resonate so deeply, you’re called to bookmark and re-read them over and over again? If the words cause all the cells in your body to light up, trust that power. Trust that those words are meant for you.
Your Own Intuition
I can’t emphasize this enough: don’t discount the power of your own intuition. Your intuition is that deep inner knowing pulling you in a certain direction, even if it doesn’t make logical sense. Trusting your intuition can be scary at first, but once you start leaning in, you’ll realize that the steps you’re taking aren’t random. The Universe is always working behind the scenes to take care of you, even when you don’t see it. And that deep inner knowing you feel is a message from the Universe telling you it’s time to take inspired action. Everything is set up for you perfectly; all you have to do is act. Will the path ahead look exactly as you had hoped? Maybe not. But if you trust it, you may just open yourself up to something even more beautiful and profound than you can even imagine.
- You May Also Like: How To Tap Into Your Intuition (A Complete Guide)
What To Do After You Receive A Message
Your next steps will depend on what message you received.
If you received a gentle nudge to follow a certain path, walk forward in faith. It’s okay if you’re scared. When I received my nudge to quit my well-paying, full-time job to be a writer, I had zero prospects and no idea how I was going to make money. None. I was terrified, and I didn’t make the leap right away. It took me months to convince myself that I wasn’t making a huge mistake. But that pull inside was too strong to ignore. And now? I can tell you with gratitude and awe that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t always easy, and it required A LOT of faith, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the courageous girl who made that first scary step into the life of her dreams.
Sometimes, your message won’t be to take action, though. Sometimes, it may be a message to have patience. Or it might be just a little reminder that you’re not alone. In these moments, simply expressing gratitude is enough. You might even imagine a blanket of inner peace washing over you. Let this message be a loving reminder that all is well and you’re going to be okay.
- You May Also Like: How To Protect Your Energy (7 Essential Practices)
How To Ask For Messages From The Universe
If you’ve been looking for a message from the Universe and not receiving anything, that’s okay. This is actually completely normal. As frustrating as it sounds, the old adage is true: that thing you’ve been looking for usually comes when you stop looking. In the spiritual world, that means to surrender, let go, and trust.
You can also ask the Universe for a sign in any moment when you’re feeling anxious, worried, or just need a loving reminder that you’re not alone. This may feel a little weird at first, but it gets more comfortable with time. You may think, “If I’m supposed to have faith, does asking for a sign show a lack of faith?” When you have these kinds of doubts and uncertainties (and these types of questions will often arise in your spiritual journey), I want you to come back to this truth:
The Universe is never judging you. The Universe is never criticizing you. The Universe is only ever loving you.
The Universe will never say, “This person asked me for a sign, so they must not trust me.” Never. Every single one of those feelings and doubts comes from within. This is why it’s so easy to self-sabotage when you’re on this spiritual path: because you experience negative thoughts about yourself and assume that’s what the Universe must think of you, too.
So I want you to come back to this time and time again: The Universe is only ever loving me. The Universe is only ever loving me. The Universe is only ever loving me.
You can absolutely ask the Universe for a sign, and in this article, I explain how.
Here are two major points to remember when asking the Universe for a sign:
- Sometimes, the sign will come pretty quickly. Other times, it may not. Have patience. If the Universe doesn’t respond right away, don’t assume you won’t get your message. I’m going to come back to that sometimes frustrating statement: it’ll come when you’re not looking.
- And if you don’t receive the answer you were hoping for? From my experience, every single time I didn’t get what I wanted, it’s because something even better was coming. Every. Single. Time.
What kind of messages from the Universe do you receive in your daily life? Share your experiences in the comment box below!
And for positive affirmations, self-love tools, manifestation inspiration, and spiritual resources, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram.
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Pin this for later! How To Receive Messages From The Universe Zanna Keithley is an author, poet, and social media content creator who writes short prose dedicated to inspiring readers to follow their dreams, trust their intuition, and create beautiful and fulfilling lives. You can find her original writing on Instagram @zannakeithley.
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How to Ask the Universe for a Sign (A Complete Guide)
Are you looking for loving guidance from the Universe? In this post, learn how to ask the Universe for a sign, plus get examples of common signs and synchronicities you might experience in your external world.
Pin this for later! How to Ask the Universe for a Sign (A Complete Guide) Speaking to the Universe
How often do you pause in the middle of the day to simply talk to the Universe?
For a long time, the idea of speaking to the Universe felt like a strange, foreign idea to me. Even as I grew deeper in my spiritual journey, I had learned how to accept and receive love from the Universe, and I had found a way to communicate with a higher power through visualization, but rarely did I actually speak out loud to the Universe.
When I did finally start speaking to the Universe, it was usually when I was at my lowest and was looking for some kind of guidance. But in time, I started talking to the Universe more often throughout my day, and now, it’s rare that I don’t speak aloud to a higher power at least once a day.
Sometimes, I pause to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for all that I have.
Other times, I might ask for guidance when I’m in the midst of uncertainty.
And often, I just speak without needing or expecting an immediate answer. For instance, a couple months ago, I was experiencing a period in which I was feeling lost and uninspired. I felt like I didn’t have the words to share to help people; I wasn’t sure if I had anything meaningful or of value to offer the world.
So I laid down on the couch and started talking to the Universe:
“I feel like something has been missing this week. I feel like I don’t have the right words to help people right now. I’ve been feeling off. And I realize that’s okay. I don’t have to label that as good or bad. It just is. Maybe if I stop labeling it as bad, I’ll see that in some ways, this experience is a gift.”
I paused after I finished speaking and almost laughed at the irony of it all; in 20 seconds of slowing down and speaking to the Universe, I’d found words more profound and meaningful than in a week of struggling to find inspiration outside myself.
In any moment, you can choose to slow down, step back, and communicate with the Universe. Below, I’ll discuss the ways you can ask the Universe for a sign as well as some of the ways you know the Universe is speaking back to you.
How to Ask the Universe for a Sign
Speaking to the Universe and asking for a sign is a deeply personal experience. Ultimately, the best way to ask for a sign is to do what feels best to you, regardless of what someone else does or doesn’t do.
Below, I discuss two ways to ask the Universe for a sign. The first way is to ask for a specific sign. For instance, you might ask to see a butterfly sometime during the day to show you that you’re on the right path. The second way is to ask for any sign and trust your intuition to recognize the sign when it comes.
Neither way is better or worse than the other; it’s simply about what feels best for you.
No matter which way you choose to ask for a sign, remember that this practice isn’t about getting the answer you want; it’s about getting the answer you need. As Gabrielle Bernstein writes, “Asking for a sign means that you’re willing to collaborate with the Universe. It means that you’re committed to releasing structure and control to instead be led by a power greater than you. “
That means accepting that the sign you receive may not be what you were hoping for. This can be difficult at first, especially when you’re in the thick of your emotions, but I can tell you this from my experience: every single time I haven’t gotten what I wanted, it’s because the Universe was leading me somewhere better.
Every. Single. Time.
So the best thing you can do for yourself is to release your attachment to the outcome and simply trust the Universe to guide you exactly where you’re meant to be.
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How to Ask for a Sign: Asking for a Specific Sign
The first way to ask for a sign is to ask for a specific sign. As I mentioned above, this might mean asking to see a butterfly or another animal or creature during the day. You can ask to see something completely random that you don’t normally see, like an origami swan or a white feather.
It doesn’t matter what you ask for as long as it feels right to you.
The key to this practice is to not manipulate the outcome. For instance, don’t ask to see the numbers “111” and then stare at the clock until it’s 1:11. Or if you know there’s going to be rain, don’t ask to see a rainbow and then stand outside, staring at the sky the entire evening. Because chances are, even if you do see it, it won’t feel as meaningful as if the sign had come naturally.
So how exactly do you start the process of asking for a specific sign?
Choose a time and place when you feel safe, comfortable, and undistracted. If it feels right, you can close your eyes. Take a deep breath. You might choose to put your hand on your heart or to extend your hands in front of you with your palms facing the sky. Again, this is all about what feels best for you.
Then, speak out loud your request:
“Dear Universe, if I’m on the right path, please send me a white feather sometime in the next 24 hours.”
You can also ask about a more specific situation:
“Dear Universe, if I’m meant to take the job, please send me a seashell in the next 24 hours.”
After you’ve asked, the key is to let go. Don’t obsess over whether you’ll see your sign, and as I said above, don’t manipulate the outcome.
Trust your path, and trust your inner knowing to guide you.
How to Ask for a Sign: Asking for a General Sign
Whenever I ask for a sign, I usually take the path of asking for a more general sign and trusting my intuition to recognize the sign when it comes.
The steps I wrote above are the same, except in this instance, I might say something like, “Dear Universe, please send me a clear, loving sign of alignment that I’m on the right path.” Or, “Dear Universe, please send a gentle, clear, loving sign in the next 24 hours that I’m meant to accept the job offer.”
You can phrase this however you’d like. I always like to use adjectives like clear, loving, and gentle, and I might also add in a request that the sign brings harm to no one. You can play around with this and do what feels best for you.
What to Do After You’ve Asked for a Sign
So after you’ve asked for a sign from the Universe, what do you do?
First, open your heart and your mind. Allow whatever comes forth to be, exactly as it is. Trust that whether or not you get your sign, it’ll be okay. The Universe is supporting you in every way possible.
As you walk through your day, let go of any obsession over seeing the sign and simply walk forward in faith and trust. If I’ve asked for a sign and want to let go of my preoccupation with seeing the sign, I’ll choose to find things in my world to be grateful for. Gratitude becomes my anchor that keeps me grounded, centered, and at peace.
And no matter what, whether or not the sign comes, I always say a little thank you to the Universe after. This is how I recognize that the Universe has my back – always.
Common Signs and Synchronicities
If you’ve asked for a more general sign from the Universe, you might wonder how exactly you’ll know when your sign comes. Below, you can find some common signs and synchronicities you might experience. For more, be sure to check out my blog post on signs and synchronicities here.
Numbers
Is there a certain number that has a special meaning to you? Seeing that number somewhere in your external world could be the sign you’ve been waiting for. You might also see a certain number sequence over and over again. If you see a specific number sequence that doesn’t have a particular meaning to you, I encourage you to look up the spiritual meaning of that number. For instance, “222” is often associated with sitting in faith and trusting that everything is working out for you. A number sequence could be the Universe’s way of communicating with you.
Objects
An object might be a toy, letter, article of clothing, picture, piece of jewelry, or anything that holds meaning to you. Did you have a favorite childhood book that you haven’t seen in years, and suddenly it’s in front of you in the used bookstore? This might be your sign. Or, if a book literally falls off a shelf in front of you (I’ve actually heard of this happening to someone, and the book completely changed her life), take this as your sign and receive the guidance the Universe is offering you.
Symbols
Feathers, trees, flowers, shapes, and mountains are just a few of symbols that might show up for you. For instance, if yellow tulips have a special meaning for you, seeing or receiving a yellow tulip could be the sign you’ve been waiting for.
Songs
A song title appears on your Spotify playlist that seems to be written just for you. An old song that reminds you of a certain friend comes on the radio. You hear a lyric of a song that speaks straight to your heart. Don’t write these moments off. Let them speak to you.
Animals
Does a certain animal show up for you in different places and times? It doesn’t have to be the actual physical presence of the animal. It could be a picture or a wood carving of the animal, or the image of the animal could randomly appear in your mind. (This has happened to me with eagles.)
What to Do After You’ve Received Your Sign
Did you receive the sign you were looking for?
If you asked about a specific situation, such as whether you should accept a job offer, and you received a sign that indicates you should, then this is the time to take inspired action and accept the job.
If you asked about a more general situation, such as whether you’re on the right path, and you’ve received a sign that you are, then keep going with what you’re doing. Walk forward in faith, trusting that everything is working out for you, just as it’s meant to.
And if you didn’t receive the sign you were looking for? Know that it’s okay. This does not mean the Universe is ignoring you. Truthfully, every single time I haven’t received the answer I wanted, my inner knowing already knew the answer. And there lies your greatest power: your intuition.
Because it’s very likely that your intuition already knows the right next step. Your intuition may have already known whether or not you’d receive the sign before you even asked.
Your intuition is one of the ways the Universe speaks to you.
Trust it to guide you forward.
Have you ever asked for a sign from the Universe? What practices feel best to you when it comes to asking for a sign? And what signs and synchronicities have shown up in your life? Share your story in the comment box below!
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Pin this for later! How to Ask the Universe for a Sign (A Complete Guide) Zanna Keithley is an author, poet, and social media content creator who writes short prose dedicated to inspiring readers to follow their dreams, trust their intuition, and create beautiful and fulfilling lives. You can find her original writing on Instagram @zannakeithley.
