“A sign from the universe”: where the phrase comes from

Where the idea comes from

The idea that the universe answers our thoughts comes from New Thought, a movement born in the United States in the 19th century, and from the “law of attraction.” The latter was popularized by The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne (2006). These are currents of thought, not established facts: Versana reports them with their origin.

What it means to many people

For those who use the phrase, a message from the universe is a sign, a number, or an encounter that seems to arrive at the right time. This feeling is real and no one needs to deny it. Above all it says that something caught your attention, and that this deserves a pause.

What it does not say

A sign does not prove that you “attracted” it, and you are never responsible for what happens to you because you thought badly. No page of Versana promises that a sign announces something. Reading a message remains a way of asking yourself a question, not of getting an answer from elsewhere.

Making it a foothold

Whether you see the universe, an angel, a loved one, or chance in it, the useful gesture is the same: note what you saw, the moment, what was on your mind. Over the weeks, the journal shows what truly comes back and what it stirs in you, which is better than a ready-made answer.

Facts and sources

• The idea that the universe responds to our thoughts comes from New Thought (United States, 19th century) and the “law of attraction,” popularized by The Secret (Rhonda Byrne, 2006). Wikipedia (en), “The Secret (2006 film)” (New Thought, “law of attraction”); ReligionLink, “Beyond The Secret: self-help, New Thought and more”