by Marjorie Young

I recently had a rather intriguing experience. My friend Helen was visiting from back east. During her stay, we made a day trip to Port Townsend to see my former neighbor Ann, who had moved there the previous year. Since it had to be a quick visit, I would be unable to look up another acquaintance who’d relocated there. And though we had a great time, I remarked more than once that it was a shame I had to bypass seeing Shannon. 

The following day, Helen and I had lunch with my brother Glenn, just back from Europe. At the restaurant, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I was stunned to see Shannon! Talk about ‘coincidence’! She’d come to town on business having no idea I’d been to Port Townsend the day before, and certainly had no clue as to where I’d be having lunch! Yet, there she was! Of course, I told her what had happened. Was this just a happy coincidence? Or something more?

My brother Glenn, a total skeptic when it comes to the spiritual realm, had a similar story to report. Part of his vacation was to be spent at a bridge tournament in Croatia. Arriving first in Venice, he and his friend took a combination of water taxis to search out their hotel. Finding the right stop at last, he got off, only to run smack into a fellow-bridge player from Seattle! ‘Gus’ was not there for the tournament, however, but rather to attend the Venice Film Festival. They ended up having dinner together, adding to the festivities.

Another ‘coincidence’; Glenn later stayed at an Air B&B in a small town near Tunis. The owner gave a party to which he was invited. Their hosts’ boss was a guest. He turned out to be a local university professor who taught history…a passion of my brother. Learning of Glenn’s impressive credentials, he was invited to be a guest lecturer for a semester, and the details are now being finalized.

Space does not allow for the numerous occasions where ‘coincidence’ played a role for me…ranging from ‘diverting’ to ‘life-altering.’ We can make of them what we will, of course, following Bob Dylan’s advice to ‘take what you may gather from coincidence.’ Some label them meaningless, while others evoke a ‘higher power’ behind them. I suppose my conclusion lies somewhere in between. As Dr. Freud said…’sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.’ But the phenomenon deserves reflection. Is ‘coincidence’ akin to a Zen ‘koan’…defined as ‘a paradox to be meditated upon to abandon reliance on reason…bringing about intuitive enlightenment?’ Are these ‘random’ episodes catalysts for considering the complexity of our existence?

Here’s another example. I had recently moved to a new apartment. While out jogging in the pre-dawn I decided to get curtains for my bedroom and that dark green would be just the color. I then felt an urge to alter my running route and turned down a street usually not taken. At the next corner was a box filled with ‘free stuff.’ Curious, I took a look. And there, under the flickering street lamp, was a pair of dark green curtains! Needless to say, I took the hint and they having been bedecking my bedroom ever since.

I’ll close with another ‘coincidence’ from just a few days ago. Four friends came for psychic readings, hailing from Cyprus, Mexico, Turkey and the USA. When the girl from Turkey rang my bell, I was immediately struck dumb. She was the EXACT imagine of my niece Alyssa! Explaining why I was so taken aback. I fetched a photo of Alyssa to show her…taken on a trip to TURKEY the year before! I’m still digesting ramifications of that mind-boggling moment. And I’ll certainly savor each future ‘coincidence’ life benevolently brings my way!

Marjorie is available for readings at the Ballard Sunday Market (weather permitting), her Ballard home, or by phone.

Please email her: myballardpsychic@gmail.com

See her fantasy/adventure series: www.theboywithgoldeneyes.com

Follow her on Twitter:  @psychicmargie