11 Signs Your Manifestation is Coming (and How the Universe Tests You Before It Arrives)

Manifestation has become one of the most talked-about spiritual practices in recent years, but at its heart, it’s an ancient idea rooted in energy, intention, and belief. If you’ve been consciously working on manifesting your desires — whether it’s a new job, relationship, financial freedom, or personal growth — you might be wondering how to tell if your manifestation is actually on its way.

The universe often sends signs and synchronicities when you’re getting close to receiving what you’ve asked for. Some are obvious, while others are subtle or even disguised as obstacles. In this article, we’ll explore what manifesting is, how to go about it in a simple way, common signs your manifestation is near, three unusual signs most people overlook, and how the universe tests you before your desires arrive.

What is Manifesting?

Manifesting is the process of turning your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs into physical reality by aligning your energy with what you desire. Based on the principle of the Magickal Correspondences, manifesting involves intentionally focusing on what you want rather than what you fear or lack.

It’s not just about wishful thinking. Manifesting works best when paired with clarity, emotional alignment, inspired action, and a healthy dose of trust. Alongside mindset work like visualization, affirmations, and gratitude journaling, many practitioners enhance their manifestations with rituals such as candle spells, sigil creation, or burning bay leaves to set clear intentions.

At its core, manifesting means becoming a vibrational match for the experiences, people, or outcomes you wish to call into your life.

You can also align your efforts with cosmic cycles using practices like New Moon manifestation or working with eclipse energy. For a personalized touch, consider manifesting based on your birth chart or using a focused tool like a health manifestation spell jar.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of things to manifest if you need inspiration or clarity on what to ask the universe for.

Common Signs Your Manifestation is Coming

You may notice certain patterns and signs as you stay aligned with your goals. And because manifestations don’t just show up out of nowhere, they often start by shifting your body, emotions, and energy first. When your inner world aligns with what you’re calling in, it ripples out into your outer reality. Here’s a breakdown of physical, emotional, and energetic indicators that your manifestation is close to becoming real:

1. Synchronicities and Angel Numbers

You start seeing repeating numbers like 111, 222, or 444, or you might overhear strangers talking about the very thing you’re manifesting. These little “coincidences” are signs that your energy is aligning with your desire.

2. Seeing Someone’s Name Repeatedly

You might keep noticing the same person’s name on social media, in songs, on signs, or in random conversations. This can be a sign that this person is connected to your manifestation, especially if you’re calling in love, reconciliation, or a soul-aligned relationship. Pay attention to how you feel when it happens — often, your intuition will confirm the meaning.

Note: If you’re working on manifestations related to a specific person, consider The ethics of consent before casting.

3. Unexpected Positivity

Out of nowhere, you feel lighter, hopeful, or joyfully optimistic, even if your circumstances haven’t changed yet. This inner shift signals your vibration is rising. Embrace the excitement and revel in the knowledge that wonderful times are ahead.

4. Opportunities Present Themselves

You receive offers, information, or ideas that move you closer to your goal, sometimes in unexpected ways. You feel “in flow,” and things seem to fall into place effortlessly. People show up at the right time. Ideas come easily, and opportunities align naturally without forcing.

5. Seeing Others Receive What You Want

It can feel frustrating at first, but seeing people around you get what they desire is a powerful sign that yours is on the horizon too. It’s the universe showing you it’s possible.

6. Increased Energy or Restlessness

You might feel a sudden burst of energy or a restless, buzzing sensation in your body, like something’s about to happen, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.

7. Changes in Sleep Patterns

People often report waking up at “spiritual” times like 2:22 AM or 3:33 AM, or having vivid, meaningful dreams. Either you sleep more soundly or find yourself waking up charged with ideas.

8. Physical Signs and Symbols

You might start seeing feathers, coins, butterflies, or other personal symbols that hold meaning for you in random places. These are physical confirmations that you may be connecting with the universe in manifesting your intents.

Sometimes, the universe communicates in quiet, symbolic ways. Here are subtle signs your manifestation may be aligning:

• Phantom scents: Smelling candles or lemons without a source can signal spiritual presence or cleansing energy.
• Smoke signs: White, black, or incense smoke may carry messages or reflect shifts in energy.
• Animal omens: A butterfly landing on you, blue dragonfly, or pigeon sightings may signal transformation or spiritual alignment.
• Unexpected animal encounters: Seeing a roach, crow, or Siamese cat may bring hidden messages or guidance.
• Physical symptoms: A sudden headache or breaking a plate could signal emotional release or energetic clearing.
• Celestial signs: A ring around the moon may mark a powerful energetic gateway or moment of alignment.

Not all signs are obvious — some feel subtle or unexpected, like the ones we will see next. If you’re working with magick alongside manifestation, here are 5 clear signs the spell you cast is working to help you spot progress.

3 Unusual Signs Your Manifestation is Close

Not all signs of manifestation are comfortable — in fact, some feel like setbacks. But these disruptions often signal that energetic alignment is underway and transformation is near.

1. You Experience a Tower Moment

Life might suddenly feel like it’s falling apart: unexpected endings, breakdowns in relationships, or major disruptions can shake your foundation. These so-called “tower moments” are intense, but they serve to clear away what no longer aligns with your higher path. After the chaos, clarity and alignment often follow.

2. You Feel Emotionally Unstable or Restless

Instead of peace, you might feel agitated, anxious, or emotionally raw. These feelings can surface as your energy adjusts to match your incoming manifestation. It’s like your system knows something big is coming. Move gently through these emotions with grounding practices, breathwork, or rest.

3. Your Dreams Become Vivid or Prophetic

You may receive symbolic dreams, visions, or repeated themes that echo your desires or fears. These dreams often serve as a subconscious preview of what’s unfolding. Keep a journal nearby to track patterns and messages — they might reveal more than you think. To go deeper, try using this Tarot spread for dream interpretation to uncover hidden meanings and spiritual guidance behind what you’ve seen.

Beyond the obvious signs, there are more unusual indicators your manifestation is about to land, though they might not seem like positive signs at first.

How the Universe Tests You Before Delivering Your Manifestation

Here’s an important truth about manifesting: before your desire arrives, the universe often tests you. These “tests” aren’t punishments but chances to solidify your growth and alignment. They are a very real sign that sometimes everything seems to go a little sideways right before your manifestation lands. Old patterns collapse, things fall apart, or you feel emotionally challenged. This is energy reordering itself, clearing away the last of what no longer serves you.

1. Being Tempted by the Old

You might be offered something that seems good but isn’t quite what you truly want. This is a test to see if you’ll settle or hold out for what you really desire. For example, manifesting a loving, committed partner and an emotionally unavailable ex shows up. It’s a test — will you go back to old patterns or wait for what you asked for?

2. Triggering Old Beliefs and Fears

Before receiving your desire, old insecurities or limiting beliefs often resurface. It’s an opportunity to release them and claim your worth. When these thoughts appear, don’t panic. Recognize them as old programming and consciously choose new beliefs.

3. Delays to Build Trust

Sometimes your manifestation seems delayed, causing frustration or doubt. This isn’t a “no” — it’s a chance to practice trust, surrender, and patience. Often, this delay is because something even better is being prepared for you. Divine timing is real. Trust that what’s meant for you won’t miss you.

If you’re feeling stuck or doubting your practice, you might enjoy reading Why Didn’t My Spell Work?, which explores common reasons manifestations or intentions may feel blocked and what to do about it.

Final Thoughts

Manifestation isn’t just about getting what you want — it’s about becoming the version of yourself who’s ready to receive it. The signs and synchronicities along the way are gentle nudges from the universe reminding you to stay aligned, trust the process, and be open to the unexpected.

By recognizing both the obvious and the unusual signs and understanding how the universe might test you before delivering your manifestation, you can navigate this journey with more confidence and grace. Stay connected to your vision, take inspired action, and trust that what you’ve asked for is already coming your way.

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