Cosmic ordering is a belief system centered on positive thinking that gained a following around the start of the current century. The practice, which has roots in the New Thought movement of a century earlier, holds that individuals can achieve personal or professional goals by clearly stating them as “orders” to the universe.
Followers typically write down specific desires and maintain an expectation of fulfillment. They believe this process can help manifest outcomes in various areas of life, including relationships, careers, and finances.
The modern concept of cosmic ordering originated with Bärbel Mohr, a German author and former journalist born in 1964. Mohr developed the idea after conversations with a friend about the effects of positive thinking. In 1995, she began sharing these ideas through her magazine, Sonnenwind. She later compiled them into a short manuscript circulated among acquaintances. In 2001, the material was expanded and published as The Cosmic Ordering Service: A Guide to Realising Your Dreams.
Mohr described the universe as functioning like a mail-order service. Her approach rejected traditional spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or fasting. Instead, participants were encouraged to place a clear “order,” defining exactly what they wanted and specifying a delivery date. Mohr claimed this method helped her obtain her preferred partner, a desired job, financial security, and a castle as a residence.
The concept reached a wider audience in the United Kingdom through television presenter and radio personality Noel Edmonds. After the cancellation of his BBC program “Noel’s House Party” in 1999, Edmonds experienced a period of reduced television exposure.
In 2005, while seeking new professional opportunities, Edmonds was introduced to Mohr’s book. At the time, he had been absent from mainstream television for several years. Edmonds later credited cosmic ordering with revitalizing his career. He said he made requests for a new professional role and for a home in a sunny location.
Shortly afterward, he was chosen to host Channel 4’s game show “Deal or No Deal.” The program became a significant commercial success. By 2006, Edmonds had become the most visible media advocate of cosmic ordering in the UK. During television appearances, he often had symbols such as stars, grapes, and rain clouds drawn on his hands.
He explained that these symbols represented his connection to the universe. His endorsement contributed to a surge in public interest, and following one interview, The Cosmic Ordering Service reached the top of Amazon’s bestseller list.
In 2007, Edmonds published Positively Happy: Cosmic Ways To Change Your Life. The book further promoted the practice and argued that cosmic ordering could provide structure and purpose during periods of uncertainty. In 2009, Edmonds expanded the concept into digital form. He launched a “Cosmic Ordering” mobile application for the iPhone, which allowed users to record wishes and track their outcomes.
Other public figures also referenced the practice during this period. “Big Brother” winner Brian Belo attributed his 2007 victory to cosmic ordering, and television presenter Laura Hamilton said it helped her secure a place on “Dancing on Ice.”
Cosmic ordering has faced criticism from scientific and religious communities. Psychologist Carl Cooper described the practice as a repackaging of basic goal-setting techniques presented in spiritual language. Critics argue that it relies on confirmation bias. They say successes are attributed to the universe, while failures, personal effort, and coincidence are often ignored.
Mohr continued writing and lecturing on themes of “joyful living” until her death in 2010 at age 46. By that time, her books had sold more than 1.5 million copies and had been translated into 14 languages. Although Mohr linked cosmic ordering to concepts such as “united field theory” and “morphogenetic fields,” the practice remains categorized as a New Age belief.
Key Sources:
Gledhill, B. R. (2010, April 3). Bishop attacks TV star over ‘cosmic ordering.’ The Times of London.
Johnson, B. (2017, February 21). Want to be like Noel Edmonds? There’s an app for that. The Guardian.
Mohr, B. (2006). The Cosmic Ordering Service. Hodder Paperbacks.
Rusk, C. (2019, February 14). Noel Edmonds, 70, believes “cosmic ordering” brought him and wife Liz Davies, 49, together. Daily Mail.
The Week UK. (2018, November 21). Noel Edmonds’ strangest beliefs.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 