Apophenia
Etymology
Coined in 1958 by the psychiatrist Klaus Conrad, from Greek apo- ("away from") + phainein ("to show, to appear") — roughly, something appearing to the mind that isn’t really out there. He used it for the early stage of certain delusions; it has since broadened to the everyday pattern-seeking we all do.
noun · /af-oh-FEE-nee-uh/
The tendency to perceive meaningful patterns or connections in random or unrelated things.
What it names
The engine behind conspiracy theories, lucky streaks, and "everything happens for a reason" — the mind’s refusal to accept coincidence.
Example
Three unrelated setbacks in a week, and apophenia had me convinced the universe was sending a message.
Related idea
Pareidolia is the sensory special case — seeing faces in clouds or outlets.