How Belief in Signs Shapes a Person’s Personal Mythology

Many people from time to time look for hints and symbols in the world around them. Some feel pleased by catching green lights in a row, others perform small rituals before important events. For some, this is a pleasant part of everyday life, while for others it is a meaningful element of their inner world. In humanistic psychology, such tendencies are not seen as something to condemn, but as an opportunity to understand how a person creates meaning in their own life.

Belief in signs can take very different forms, from a harmless habit to a method of psychological protection, and in some cases even to a painful dependence. To understand where a person stands, it is useful to consider two indicators.

The first is related to flexibility. If symbols only gently guide or inspire without limiting freedom of choice, this is considered a natural variant. However, if the absence of the desired signs causes anxiety, decisions are postponed until the right signal appears, or rituals become obligatory, this may indicate a decrease in inner autonomy.

The second indicator is related to the connection with reality. In an ordinary situation, a person understands that the interpretation of signs is subjective. When a firm belief appears that random events carry undeniable meaning, critical thinking weakens and magical thinking begins to replace a rational assessment of what is happening.

The humanistic approach in any case suggests not blaming oneself for superstition, but asking a different question. Do these interpretations help a person live more meaningfully, calmly, and responsibly? If yes, this is part of personal mythology, a natural way of experiencing the world. If belief in signs increases anxiety, narrows the space of choice, or becomes the only guide in everyday life, it is worth reflecting on why inner tension is seeking this particular form of expression.