Soul ties are powerful connections that affect our energy. While some are healthy, others from toxic relationships should be released for well-being.

Soul ties are believed to be spiritual and emotional connections that develop between individuals, particularly within relationships and intimacy. These ties can vary in their nature, being either healthy or unhealthy depending on the quality of the relationship.

In New Age ideology, soul ties are seen as connections that transcend physical and temporal boundaries, existing across lifetimes, indicative of a deeper spiritual or cosmic connection between people.

In religious teachings, while the term “soul tie” isn’t commonly used, there’s a general belief that a supernatural bond can form between individuals through sexual intimacy. This belief emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and saving sexual intimacy for marriage to avoid forming these potentially negative spiritual connections.

Signs of a soul tie can vary depending on the type of bond and the individuals involved. Here are 8 commonly reported signs:

  1. Intense emotional connection: Feeling a deep, unexplainable connection to someone, often accompanied by strong emotions such as love, empathy, or even obsession.
  2. Difficulty letting go: Finding it challenging to move on from a past relationship or connection, even when it’s no longer healthy or beneficial.
  3. Feeling drained or influenced: Feeling emotionally or energetically drained after interactions with a particular person, or sensing their emotions and thoughts strongly influencing your own.
  4. Shared dreams or telepathic connections: Experiencing shared dreams, synchronicities, or a sense of knowing what the other person is thinking or feeling without verbal communication.
  5. Unresolved issues: Continuously experiencing unresolved issues or patterns in relationships that seem to stem from a previously formed soul tie. For example, long after ending a relationship, you may struggle to trust new partners, reflecting lingering trust issues from that past connection.
  6. Feeling tied to a place or object: Feeling a strong attachment or connection to a specific place, object, or symbol that reminds you of a person or past experience.
  7. Physical sensations: Experiencing physical sensations, such as tingling, buzzing, warmth, or discomfort, when thinking about or being near the person you have a soul tie with.
  8. Intuitive ‘knowing’: Having an intuitive sense of when the other person is about to reach out to you, known as ‘telephone telepathy.’ This has been studied in relation to deep emotional connections. Research suggests that these experiences may be influenced by factors such as emotional bonds and how individuals interpret or make sense of these experiences.

Soul ties are believed to form through various interactions and relationships, creating a deep connection between individuals. These ties are thought to be binding and can have a significant impact on a person’s emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.

Soul ties can be made in the following ways:

Emotional bonding

Deep emotional connections, such as strong love between a family member or friend, are thought to play a significant role in the formation of soul ties. In contrast, extreme anger or unforgiveness can create a negative soul tie or energetic attachment.

Physical intimacy

Physical intimacy, especially in romantic or sexual relationships, is often seen as a powerful force in forming soul ties. The act of physical union is believed to create a deep bond that can be difficult to break.

Covenantal commitments

Formal commitments, such as vows, promises, or covenants made between individuals, can create soul ties. These ties are often seen as binding and enduring, requiring intentional effort to break.

Shared experiences

Shared experiences, whether positive or negative, can contribute to the formation of soul ties.

For example, serving in the military often leads to strong bonds among personnel due to its unique challenges and camaraderie. A large study from 2017 indicates that quality relationships with fellow soldiers during WWII were associated with lower PTSD symptoms after the war, suggesting a protective benefit.

Spiritual connections

Shared spiritual beliefs, practices, or experiences are also believed to form soul ties. These connections are thought to be rooted in a shared spiritual energy or essence that binds individuals together.

Breaking an unhealthy soul tie is often seen as a process of spiritual and energetic healing. While practices and beliefs can vary, here are some general steps that might be suggested:

  • Awareness and intention: Become aware of the unhealthy soul tie and set the intention to release it. This can involve acknowledging any negative patterns or emotions associated with the tie.
  • Energetic clearing: Use techniques such as meditation, visualization, or energy healing to clear the energetic connection between yourself and the other person. Visualize cords or ties being cut and released.
  • Forgiveness: Practice forgiveness toward yourself and the other person involved in the soul tie. This can help release any lingering negative emotions and free you from the tie.
  • Healing practices: Engage in practices that promote healing and balance, such as yoga, Reiki, or other forms of energy work. These practices can help restore your energy and strengthen your spiritual well-being.
  • Setting boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with the person or situation that is contributing to the unhealthy soul tie. This can help prevent the tie from re-forming in the future.
  • Gratitude and release: Express gratitude for the lessons learned from the soul tie, and then release it with love and compassion. This can help you move forward with a sense of closure and peace.

Soul ties can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the nature of the bond and its impact on you. Healthy ties deepen relationships and promote growth, while unhealthy ones, marked by toxicity or dependency, can be detrimental.

If a soul tie is harmful or blocking personal growth, consider letting it go. This process often involves intentionally letting go of the other individual and any associated negative emotions, such as anger or bitterness, allowing you to nurture healthier connections.