What Are Soul Ties? Meaning, Types & How to Break Toxic Soul Connections

Key Takeaways:

In this blog, we will touch upon the following aspects:

What are soul ties: Get an understanding of Soul Ties, their signs, identify their myriad types and learn how they are formed.
Historical significance of soul ties: Explore the connection between soul ties and other faiths.
The commonality between karmic connection and soul ties: Be familiarised with the nuanced differences between soul ties and karmic connection.
Cutting unhealthy soul chords: Uncover techniques of how to break free from unhealthy soul ties.

Introduction

In our journey of life, we cross paths with several people; some become random acquaintances, some become friends, and with a select few, we develop a strong, unspoken emotional bond, which is difficult to articulate in words. They are the ones whom we approach in times of support, celebration, to seek validation or advice, because we have this innate belief that they have our backs and merely being in their company, we feel safe, elated, uplifted and ourselves 100%.

I, too, have been blessed to share such a pious bond with a trusted few people in my life, and I refer to them as my soul ties. For a very long time, I had this urge to understand why we share such deep emotional bonds, soul ties or soul connections only with a handpicked few and not everyone. That is when I embarked on a quest to get a deeper understanding of emotional soul ties.

If you happen to have experienced such types of soul ties yourself, transcending through time, distance and logic and touching the very core of who you are, then continue to read as

I unravel the mystery behind soul ties and the deep spiritual interconnectedness behind them.

What Is A Soul Tie?

Have you ever been in a situation where you have met someone for the first time, but have felt a deep, intangible connection with a feeling that you have known him or her since before? You are immediately drawn to the person and develop a sense of a bond that exists at a soul level, something unfathomable and cannot be fully explained through logic, circumstance or history.

Have you ever told yourself – I know deep in my soul, that this person will never let me down. Well, that is a soul tie! It is as if your soul whispers the truth that this is someone who will never let you down because your bond runs deeper than trust alone. That, in reality, is the true meaning of a soul tie. Soul tie can be defined as a deep emotional bond built through spiritual connections and formed at the soul level. The soul ties meaning varies across cultures, but it generally refers to a deep spiritual and emotional bond that connects two people beyond physical interaction.

Soul Ties – A Biblical Perspective:

My pursuit of knowledge led me to a treasure trove of beautifully crafted spiritual books, which explained soul ties with profound elegance.

Let me begin by quoting an example of soul ties, biblical: “The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.” — 1 Samuel 18:1. Jonathan and David became inseparably connected; they were like two threads woven into the same cloth, sharing deep love, trust, and loyalty towards each other.

This is actually one of the clearest examples of soul ties in the bible, narrated in a poetic manner of what people today might call a soul tie or a soul connection.

In other religions, too, there are various examples of two people whose souls are bound in deep loyalty, love and purpose.

Hinduism (Bhagavad Gita) – Lord Krishna and Arjuna share a bond of unconditional love, trust and loyalty. When Arjuna was torn at the battlefield, he turned to his friend and divine guide, Lord Krishna, to seek guidance and courage for the impending challenge that lay ahead of him.
Buddhism: Sariputta and Moggallana were monks and best friends, on a quest to find their true path. When Sariputta met Lord Buddha, he immediately reached out to Moggallana so that they could tread on the path of spirituality together.
Sikhism: Bhai Gurdas Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Bhai Gurdas was a learned sikh scholar, poet and a devoted companion to the 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. They did not share a bond of a Guru and a follower, but a close soul tie. Guru Arjan Dev Ji deeply trusted Bhai Gurdas ji, thus bestowed the responsibility on him of writing the first compilation of the Sikh scripture (Adi Granth)

There were similar soul ties that each of the ten Sikh Gurus shared with someone or other during their lifetime.

Are Soul Ties Real?

In the expedition of defining soul ties and understanding soul bond meaning, I was introduced to a collection of beautifully written books by Dr Brian Weiss and another exquisite book, The Laws Of The Spirit World, by Khorshed Bhavnagri. Both writers break traditional myths, giving an understanding of the different realms of the spirit world and past life. After extensive research, in their books, they highlight how souls travel together from one life to another to pay off their karmic debt and learn specific lessons necessary for their spiritual evolution.

Even though in religious scriptures like the Bible, Quran, Vedas and the Guru Granth Sahib, there is no direct definition of a soul tie; but there are enough passages and examples of people in each of these faiths who have shared such profound bonds, making the concept believable and a powerful testament to the spiritual nature of human connection.

How Is A Soul Tie Formed?

A soul tie or connection is formed through deep emotional, spiritual and at times physical intimacy. They cross paths as per the karmic design, where the two souls meet in the earthly world to finish off their karmic debt and accomplish their true spiritual purpose.

However, these bonds are not always healthy soul ties; they can be unhealthy soul connections, too. And breaking free from soul ties or toxic soul ties can be psychologically exhausting and emotionally draining.

Types Of Soul Ties:

Now that we have gotten a fair understanding of what a soul tie is and how our soul ties form, let us now take a look at different types of soul ties:

Romantic soul ties:

This is a deep and intense connection between romantic couples, as though their meeting was destined and meant to be, making their bond spiritual and unbreakable.

Emotional soul ties:

In this case, the partners are emotionally intertwined and dependent on each other to function independently. They share their struggles and opinions with each other without the fear of being judged.

Spiritual soul ties:

This is the purest form of the bond, which is based on a shared spiritual path, purpose or deep-rooted inner belief. Souls help each other not to go astray and connect to their higher selves.

Familial soul ties:

This is an intense and often unconscious bond between family members, which can be either a source of unconditional support or unhealthy codependency.

Toxic soul ties:

This is an unhealthy and obsessive attachment to a person who is harmful, causing pain and making it incredibly difficult to break free despite repeated attempts.

Healthy soul ties:

This is a bond that is built among like-minded people who share mutual respect, encourage growth, and develop a deep sense of connection without being restrictive.

Trauma-based soul ties:

At times, trauma is instrumental in building a powerful connection between individuals who have shared similar experiences, often co-dependent on each other to heal.

Friendship soul ties:

These are the sisterhood or brotherhood bonds that we share with friends and are unusually deep, enduring connections that feel fated and lifelong.

Sexual soul ties:

This is an emotional bond believed to be created through physical intimacy, which can connect partners deeply, for better or worse.

Mentor or teacher soul ties:

This, again, is pure, where a deep and lasting connection is formed between a teacher and a student. It is built on profound respect and a shared sense of purpose or knowledge.

Signs You Have A Soul Tie:

I am sure the next question on your mind would be how to know if one has a soul tie. So, without further ado, let us take a look at the signs that will help you identify if you have a healthy soul tie.

Effortless Communication: ‘You say it best when you say nothing at all ‘ sums up the intuitive communication, understanding and connection between the souls. They are connected at a deeper level without the need to say much.
Deep Trust and Security: You feel safe around them and can be your vulnerable self without the fear of being judged or manipulated.
Enduring bond: Even when you are separated by time or distance, the connection seems to persist and influence your thoughts, feelings, and even choices.
Fostering Growth: You are inspired and supported to become a better version of yourself, changing yourself in lasting ways and growing personally and spiritually.

Breaking Soul Ties – How to Let Go Spiritually and Emotionally:

Not all soul ties are healthy. At times, we are caught in a web of unhealthy soul ties. These are souls that bring out the worst in us, hamper our overall mental and physical well-being and continuing to be around them is self-damaging. There are various theories as to why we come across them during our lifetime. But leaving that aside, what is most important is for us to recognise them and move away. This is how one can break from a toxic or unhealthy soul tie:

Firstly, one must recognise and acknowledge the negative soul tie and clearly instruct oneself to sever all ties.
Clearly communicate to the other soul one’s intention to break all ties, and any attempt to reconcile would fail.
Release the emotional baggage. Stop seeing oneself as the victim and the other soul involved as the culprit. Offer a simple and genuine prayer releasing the soul tie, saying, “I forgive the soul and myself.” Thus ending the karmic cycle by forgiving the person for causing the pain and yourself for accepting it.

These simple yet profound steps will help us grow both spiritually and emotionally. However, remember these steps have to be followed up with some practical measures too, such as setting healthy boundaries, limiting contact or breaking ties completely. These will help us navigate through turbulent times.

Soul Tie Vs Karmic Connection – Are they the same?

Although Soul ties and karmic connections are related spiritual concepts; however, there are a few nuanced differences. Let us understand each of them.

Aspect	Soul Tie	Karmic Connection
Definition	A soul tie refers to an intense emotional or spiritual bond formed between souls due to deep intimacy.	Karmic connection is a spiritual bond rooted in unresolved karma from past lives and may continue in subsequent births.
Origin	It can be circumstantially formed through intimacy, trauma, romantic relationships, emotional experiences or shared spiritual beliefs.	This typically arises from past-life actions, meant to teach a lesson or settle a karmic debt that remained unlearnt or unresolved in the previous life.
Spiritual Basis	Souls are emotionally or spiritually knit together.	Rooted in the law of karma and reincarnation – continuing in the present to resolve unfinished business or lessons
Purpose	Connection, support, or attachment (can be healthy or toxic)	Growth through challenge, completion of karmic cycles.
Duration	Such connections can persist for years, or they can be consciously broken through healing and awareness.	Usually intense and temporary; ends once the karmic lesson is learned.
Emotional Intensity	The emotional intensity varies from soul to soul. In the case of a healthy soul tie, it can range from being a gentle and healthy soul connection to an obsessive and destructive one.	This depends on the magnitude of the karmic debt. It can be highly intense, dramatic, or emotionally turbulent.
Signs	Lingering attachment, emotional pull, recurring thoughts.	Feeling “fated,” repeated conflicts, instant familiarity.
Spiritual Impact	May uplift, foster growth or block personal growth depending on the connection type.	Forces spiritual growth through discomfort or loss.
Can It Be Broken?	Yes, through healing, prayer, therapy, or cord-cutting.	Yes, once the karmic lesson is learned and released.
Example Relationship	Romantic partners, close friends, trauma bonds.	A toxic relationship that feels destined but repeats the same hurtful patterns.

Final Thoughts On Soul Ties And Spiritual Growth:

There are very important lessons that have to be learnt by everyone in this life. People we meet and soul ties that we make along the way are not mere encounters that we happen to chance upon. They are the sacred threads that weave through the fabric of our lives, shaping us to what we are and to what we can become. Some uplift us, nourish our souls, offer strength, and others give a false narrative, challenge, and force us to confront wounds. In both cases, each connection is a teacher, nudging us towards wisdom and spiritual growth. We must embrace them wholeheartedly, knowing that there is divine power looking over each of us and something profound will unfold in every connection in our spiritual journey.

To deepen your understanding of spiritual inner growth and to nurture a flourishing life, visit UEF, a non-profit organisation dedicated to human literacy on religious commonalities. By embracing these practices, you will be able to deepen your self-awareness, understand the karmic connection, connect with a higher purpose and foster inner peace, enabling you to offer and enjoy emotional safety in relationships.

FAQs on Soul Ties:

1. What is the meaning of soul ties in the Bible?

In the Bible, a soul tie is a deep spiritual and emotional bond between people, often formed through love, covenant, or shared purpose.

2. How do you know if someone has a soul tie with you?

You may have a soul tie with someone if you feel an emotional, spiritual, or mental connection that strongly influences your thoughts, feelings, or actions toward them.

3. Are soul ties always romantic?

Not all soul ties are always romantic, but they can also form through deep friendships, family bonds, mentorships, or shared spiritual commitments.

4. Can you have a soul tie with a friend?

Absolutely, a soul tie can be with a friend when there is deep trust, loyalty, and emotional or spiritual connection.

5. How do I break a soul tie spiritually?

You break a soul tie spiritually by praying for release, renouncing the bond, forgiving the person, and inviting God to fill the space with His truth and peace.

About the author:

Akhilesh Gupta is the founder of the Universal Enlightenment & Flourishing (UEF) Foundation and a past Fellow and Impact leader in residence at the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative. He previously served as senior managing director at The Blackstone Group and held leadership roles at Reliance Industries Limited and Hindustan Unilever. Akhil currently serves on the advisory boards of three of Harvard University’s entities- Harvard Divinity School, the Human Flourishing Program, and Harvard Chan Initiative on Health and Homelessness. Akhil is the author of two books. His first publication, Bridges across Humanity – Many Religions, Same Learnings, was published in April 2023. This book highlights 54 common themes across all religions. His second book, “To Flourish is to Love Learn Play”, is due for publication in Fall 2025 by Forbes

What Are Soul Ties? The Spiritual Meaning of Deep Emotional Bonds.