A Complete Guide to Soul Ties

Co-authored by Kate Dreyfus and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: December 10, 2022 References

Do you feel like you have a soul connection with someone in your life? We’re here to explain what a soul tie is and how to know if you have one. We’ll even explore how they form, list the pros and cons, and help you break a soul tie if that’s what you want. Read on for our complete guide to soul ties.

Section 1 of 5:

What is a soul tie?

A soul tie is a spiritual link between two people. It’s an intense connection that binds them together physically, mentally, and spiritually. You might think of it as a physical cord, or tie, that connects two people. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can have more than one soul tie throughout your life.
- Soul ties can also be one-sided if the person you feel deeply connected to doesn’t reciprocate your feelings.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

Section 2 of 5:

Signs of a Soul Tie

1
You think about them constantly. Can’t get that person off your mind no matter how hard you try? A soul tie might be the reason why, even if you aren’t in a committed relationship.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You might also dream about them frequently.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
2
You feel a strong attachment to them. One sign of a soul tie is a deep connection and sense of attachment. If you have a soul tie with someone, you might even get the sense that you two are meant to be together.^{[5]
X
Research source}
3
You have an empathetic connection with them. If you’re really in tune with someone’s feelings and emotions and your mood shifts with theirs, it’s likely that you have a soul tie. You might even feel physical pain when they do.^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
You react strongly to them. Do your emotions always seem heightened around the other person? A strong reaction to their name and thoughts or mentions of them is also a symptom of a soul tie.^{[7]
X
Research source}
5
You want to spend time with them and get to know them better. If you’re eager to know everything about a person and wish you were always together, you probably have a soul tie with them.^{[8]
X
Research source}
6
They feel familiar to you. Do you know those people who you feel like you’ve known forever even after you’ve just met? That’s a sign of a soul tie.^{[9]
X
Research source}
7
They show up at a pivotal time in your life. Maybe you experienced a loss, moved to a new place, took a new job, or started at a new school just before you met them. This could be a sign that they are your soul tie to help you learn a life lesson.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Section 3 of 5:

How do soul ties form?

1
Soul ties form through close, intimate relationships. When two people bond in body, mind, and spirit, a soul tie is created. Vows, promises, and commitments can also create soul ties between two people.^{[11]
X
Research source}
2
Soul ties can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or social. There are 4 types of soul ties you might experience in your life. Some are romantic and some are platonic, though physical soul ties between romantic partners are most common.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Physical soul ties are formed during sexual intercourse.^{[13]
  X
  Research source} When you have sex, your body releases oxytocin, known as “the bonding hormone,” which links you to your partner.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- Emotional soul ties form between two people with common feelings, including love. These relationships can be platonic.^{[15]
  X
  Research source} They can also form when you share a strong emotional experience with someone.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- Spiritual soul ties form when you connect with someone on a higher level and experience spiritual intimacy.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- Social soul ties are more common between peers, friends, and colleagues. They form when you develop close relationships with people in your community.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}

Section 4 of 5:

Pros and Cons of Soul Ties

1
Healthy soul ties bring out the best in each of you. In a healthy soul tie relationship, both partners feel confident and empowered.^{[19]
X
Research source} You encourage each other to be the best you can be and support, love, and respect each other.
- In the religious world, these are called godly soul ties and develop between married people.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}
2
Unhealthy soul ties can result in toxic relationships. If you have an obsession with someone, feel trapped in the relationship, are addicted to the person even if they’re hurting you, or are manipulated by them, you have an unhealthy soul tie.^{[21]
X
Research source}
- Some Christians believe that engaging in sex outside of marriage creates ungodly soul ties.^{[22]
  X
  Research source}

Section 5 of 5:

How to Break a Soul Tie

1
Start by acknowledging the soul tie. Examine your current or past relationship objectively. Bring awareness to the soul tie you have with another person.^{[23]
X
Research source}
- It’s especially important to break a soul tie with anyone you have a negative connection or unhealthy relationship with.^{[24]
  X
  Research source}
2
Get rid of the other person’s material possessions. Physical items can carry energy and keep your soul tie in place. Return anything that belongs to the other person. Then, gather up any photos, mementos, or other items that remind you of them and throw them away.^{[25]
X
Research source}
- Delete them off of all of your social media accounts, too.^{[26]
  X
  Research source}
3
Explore your feelings in a journal. Write down your thoughts about and experiences with the other person. This is a great way to get out all of the emotions you have surrounding the relationship and help you move on.^{[27]
X
Research source}^{[28]
X
Research source}
- After writing read it out loud to yourself.
- Many times, you are frustrated and angry because you have not been heard, valued, or respected.
- You can overcome this, by expressing, actively listening, understanding, and validating yourself.^{[29]
  X
  Research source}
- Alternatively, you could write the other person a letter that expresses all of your feelings. Don’t send it to them—burn it (safely!) to release yourself from the soul tie.
4
Forgive yourself and the other person. We all make mistakes in relationships. Forgive the other person for doing you wrong, and also forgive yourself for the part you played in creating the soul tie.^{[30]
X
Research source}
5
Make a decision to break the soul tie. Set an intention to sever the soul tie and release the other person from your life. Visualize yourself cutting the cord between you two.^{[31]
X
Research source} Verbally break any vows you’ve made to them.^{[32]
X
Research source}
- You might say, “I renounce any agreements I’ve made with Robin. I release them from my life and cut the tie that binds us.”
6
Work with a therapist if you need support. It can be really tough to deal with breakups and the fallout from toxic relationships. To help you break those soul ties, learn to cope, and move on, seek help from a professional.^{[33]
X
Research source}
7
Pray if you are a religious person. If you’re breaking an ungodly soul tie, repent for your sins and renounce the bond between you and the other person. Pray for healing and thank God for cleansing you.^{[34]
X
Research source} Here’s a prayer you can use:
- “Lord Jesus, I am guilty of sexual sin and of having formed ungodly soul ties. I confess my sin to You and ask You to forgive me and to cleanse me. Loose me from these ungodly soul ties as I renounce each one in the power of Your Name. From now on, I yield my life and my body totally to You. Make me what You created me to be. In Your Name I pray and receive by faith. Amen.”^{[35]
  X
  Research source}