The Art of Manifestation - Step 6: Following the Signs

In this episode of Into the Woods, we explore Step 6 of my manifesting formula: Following the Signs. Once you’ve created clarity, alignment, taken inspired action, and learned to trust the process, the next step is paying attention to the guidance that begins to appear along the way.

We talk about how the universe communicates — through synchronicities, intuitive nudges, opportunities, and small moments of confirmation — and how to discern between true guidance and simple coincidence. I share practical ways to stay open, aware, and responsive so you can follow the subtle path that unfolds as your manifestation comes closer.

This episode has been re-posted with a new intro and outro to announce that enrollment for my manifesting course is officially open! If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize signs and move with them instead of doubting them, this conversation will help you trust what’s already trying to guide you forward.

All enrollment details are at divinefemininecollective.com/courses.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome back to the End of the Woods podcast.
I'm Rachel McGowan, your host and guide on this self
development journey. Before we dive in today's
conversation, I want to share something exciting.
My courses are officially open for enrollment.
If you're listening to this in real time, they opened on

(00:20):
Sunday, January 18th and I couldn't be happier to invite
you inside. If you've been listening to this
podcast and feeling the pool to go deeper to understand your
numbers, your cycles and the waymanifestation actually works in
your life, this is the moment. Inside these courses we take

(00:40):
everything we talk about here and turn it into practical,
grounded tools you can live witheveryday.
Numerology that helps you understand your path
manifestation practices that feel real and sustainable
guidance that supports you in becoming who you're meant to be.
Whether you're ready to code your cosmic blueprint or step

(01:02):
fully into the art of manifestation, these courses are
designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Enrollments open and I would love to walk this next chapter
with you. You can find all the details at
divinefemininecollective.com. OK, let's get in today's
episode. Today we're exploring one of the

(01:24):
most fascinating steps in the manifesting process.
Following the signs. Have you ever experienced a
series of coincidences that felttoo meaningful to be random?
Or notice that certain numbers, symbols, or unexpected
encounters seem to appear right when you need guidance?
These are what we call signs, subtle hints from the universe

(01:46):
that point us in the right direction.
And today's episode, we'll dive deep into the concept of
synchronicity and signs. We'll discuss what they are, why
they matter and manifesting, practical techniques to
recognize and interpret them, and how to overcome obstacles
that might keep you from noticing these divine nudges.
Finally, we'll end with a guidedmeditation to help you open your

(02:09):
inner ear to the whispers of theuniverse.
So let's start by exploring whatwe mean by signs in the context
of manifesting. Signs are those meaningful
coincidences, symbols, synchronicities that feel like
they're guiding you toward your desired outcome.
They're messages from the universe, offering confirmation
or direction on your path. Coined by Carl Jung,

(02:32):
synchronicity refers to the occurrence of two or more events
that are meaningfully related, even though they do not have an
apparent causal connection. For example, you might be
thinking about a new opportunityand then unexpectedly run into
someone who offers exactly what you need.
Signs come in many forms, a reoccurring number sequence, a

(02:53):
chance encounter, a specific song, or even a vivid dream.
These signals can affirm that you're on on the right path, or
gently nudge you toward a new direction.
So think of signs as the language of the universe.
They're not random. They're tailored messages that
speak directly to you and your unique journey.

(03:13):
When you're aligned with your true self, your intuition
becomes finely attuned to these subtle hints.
Understanding that the universe is always communicating with you
is the first step. When you become aware of these
messages, you can better align your actions with your
intentions. So let's look at some practical
techniques to help you recognize, interpret, and act on

(03:35):
these signs in your everyday life.
So start by incorporating some short, mindful sessions
throughout your day. When you're fully present,
you're more likely to notice subtle cues.
Set aside a few minutes in the morning or during breaks to
simply observe your surroundingswithout judgment.
You might want to keep a small notebook or use a notes app on

(03:56):
your phone to jot down any recurring numbers, images, or
coincides. Over time, you'll begin to
notice patterns. At the start of each day, set an
intention like today, I am open to receiving clear signs from
the universe. This primes your subconscious to
be alert to meaningful coincidences.
I once set an attention in the morning and by the afternoon I

(04:18):
repeatedly saw the number 1111. This became a powerful signal
that I was on the right track with my project.
Keep a synchronicity journal where you record any signs or
coincidences you experience. Write down the date, the detail
of the sign, and how it made youfeel.
Over weeks and months, review your journal to see if any
recurring themes emerge, and this journal can serve as a

(04:41):
powerful reminder that the universe is always guiding you,
even on days when you feel lost or overwhelmed.
You can also use tools like Oracle cards, tarot, or a book
on understanding Angel numbers, all of which can help you
interpret the signs you see in your everyday life.
They offer symbolic language that can clarify the messages

(05:02):
coming to you. So if you're new to divination,
start with a deck of Oracle cards that resonate with you.
I have a couple of decks on our Daya cards, and another one is
focused on time traveling, whichis really cool because I love to
travel. And I recently got this deck and
sometimes I'll pull one card from each of the decks, which

(05:24):
always offer exactly the messagethat I need to hear.
But it's kind of nice to have two different decks to work
with, or maybe I'm feeling like using one over the other one
day. But it's kind of fun to maybe
pick one that resonates with something that you enjoy, like
traveling or you just like the look of the cards.
So there's so much out there. Just pick one or a couple or

(05:46):
more than two that feel good to you.
And what you're going to want todo when you're using these docs
is ask a simple question. And this could be in the
morning. You'll draw a card and you'll
reflect on its meaning throughout your day.
So I do this whenever I feel like I need guidance for the
day. And it still amazes me how
accurate the card I pull is for what I needed to hear that day.
You can also develop a habit of pausing before making decisions.

(06:10):
Ask yourself, does this opportunity or situation feel
right? Trust that subtle inner feeling.
Over time, as you act on these intuitions, you'll build
confidence in your ability to interpret signs accurately.
And remember, even if a sign is subtle or its meaning isn't
immediately clear, trust that it's meant for you.

(06:31):
Sometimes the message unfolds gradually.
But like anything, and despite our best intentions, there are
often obstacles that can cloud our ability to see or trust the
signs. So let's look at a few
challenges and strategies to overcome them and our
fast-paced, technology driven world we can become.
I'm so busy that we miss the subtle signs all around us.

(06:53):
So we should try and schedule regular breaks where we put a
phone down on silent during mindful moments and make a
conscious effort to disconnect from distractions.
Even a short walk in nature can help clear your mind and sharpen
your senses. By listening to this podcast,
you are taking a mindful moment,so thank you for tuning in.

(07:13):
Many of us have been conditionedto dismiss coincidences as mere
chance. This skepticism can make us less
receptive to the universe's messages, so I would challenge
you, if this is you, to remain open minded.
Start by acknowledging even small synchronicities and then
look for the deeper meaning behind them.
Remember, the universe speaks ina language of symbols and

(07:36):
patterns. Learning to read this language
takes time and practice. Sometimes a sign can indicate
that a change is needed, which might be intimidating if you're
comfortable in your current situation.
Here, we want to reframe change as an opportunity rather than a
threat. Use affirmations like I embrace
change as a pathway for growth, and journaling can also help you

(08:00):
process your feelings about change and see the positive
potential behind it. Over analyzing every coincidence
can sometimes lead to confusion and prevent you from taking
action. We need to learn to balance
analysis with intuition. If you feel an inner nudge,
trust it, even if you can't fully explain it at first.
Sometimes the best action is simply to follow that instinct

(08:23):
and see where it leads. So now let's talk about some
real life stories and personal reflections that illustrate how
following the signs can transform your path.
This one's about me. When I was ready to launch this
podcast, I was struggling with what to call it because like
anything, a name is so important.
I really wanted the name for thepodcast to be both literal and

(08:47):
symbolic of something more meaningful and specifically tied
to the self development journey that we're on together.
When Into the Woods came to me, I asked the universe for signs
to validate that that was the name I needed to go with because
I wasn't sure. So one morning I had asked the
universe for a sign that Into the Woods was the name for the
podcast and whether or not that that's what I should go with.

(09:10):
So I went about my morning and my computer needed a system
update. So I went through the process of
updating it. But with 30 minutes left of the
update I had to run an errand. So I closed my computer while it
was still updating. An hour later I opened my
computer back up thinking that it was going to be stuck on the
last 30 minutes of the update and that it was going to finish

(09:33):
its update at that point. But instead the computer had
continued to update even while it was closed.
So once I open my computer and Ihad to log back in, the
background that I had on my computer before was my 2025
vision board that I had saved. But when I logged in, my
background was no longer my original vision board

(09:56):
background. It was a Sequoia forest.
I literally gasped in disbelief,but that's when I knew Into the
Woods was the name. The fact that a forest was the
background on my computer when Iopened it, when I didn't even
think this update was going to take place.
It was the clearest side from the universe that I need to move

(10:19):
forward with Into the Woods. So that is like a super crazy
following the signs example, butthat literally recently happened
to me. And while that is a really big
example, you 2 have or will experience similar really big
signs like that. But then you'll also experience

(10:40):
those little nudges throughout the day that validate that
you're on the right path. So another example is a friend
of mine experienced a series of subtle coincidences during a
difficult period in her life. She felt lost and unsure about
her next steps until she began to pay attention to signs around
her. A recurring image in her dreams,
a comment from a stranger, and the timing of random events all

(11:04):
guided her towards a new career path that aligned perfectly with
her passions. Her willingness to follow these
signs allowed her to transform her life, shifting her
perspective from one of fear to 1 of empowerment.
So now I want you to think back to a time when you experienced a
moment of synchronicity, a time when everything seemed to click

(11:25):
into place. Reflect on how that feeling of
guidance impacted your decisions.
Sometimes the universe speaks inwhispers, and the more attuned
you to come, the clearer its messages will be.
So now let's ground everything we've discussed with a guided
meditation designed to help you tune into the signs around you
and deepen your connection with your intuition.

(11:48):
Find a quiet, comfortable space,and when you're ready, gently
close your eyes. Begin by taking a deep, slow
breath in and exhale slowly, releasing any tension in your
body. Allow yourself to settle into

(12:08):
this moment of quiet awareness. Imagine yourself standing in a
peaceful open field under a twilight sky.
The air is calm, and you feel safe and open.
As you stand here, visualize tiny Points of Light dancing in
the sky above. These represent the signs and

(12:31):
synchronicities of the universe.Now focus on your breath.
With each inhale, invite clarityand openness.
With each exhale. Let go of any distractions or
doubts. Silently affirm, I am open to

(12:51):
the guidance of the universe. I trust the signs that appear in
my life. Visualize one particular sign, a
spark of light that draws closerto you.
As it comes nearer, notice the details, its color, its

(13:13):
brightness, and the warmth it radiates.
Ask silently, What message do you bring me?
Allow the answer to form in yourheart without forcing it.
Simply be open to whatever emerges.
A feeling, an image, a word. Spend a few moments in this

(13:34):
visualization, letting the energy of the sign fill you with
a sense of connection and clarity.
Feel your inner guidance strengthening, reassuring you
that you were always supported by the universe.
When you're ready, take a final deep breath in and exhale

(13:57):
slowly, bringing your awareness back to the present moment.
Wiggle your fingers and toes, and when you're ready, open your
eyes, carrying the calm, knowingenergy of the universe's
guidance. Thank you for joining me on this

(14:18):
deep dive into following the signs, a key step in manifesting
your dreams. Today we explored what signs and
synchronicities are, shared practical techniques to
recognize and interpret them, addressed common obstacles, and
heard real life stories of transformation.
We ended with a guided meditation to help you connect
with the subtle guidance of the Universe.

(14:40):
Remember, the Universe is alwaysspeaking to you in its unique
language of signs. When you remain open and
attentive, you allow these messages to guide your decisions
and actions, paving the way for your desires to manifest.
Trust that each sign you encounter is a friendly nudge
from the universe designed to support your journey.

(15:03):
If today's episode stirred something in you, my courses are
open for enrollment and ready tosupport your journey.
All the details are at divinefemininecollective.com.