Soul Ties: What They Are, Signs To Watch Out For + How To Break One

While some soul ties can be incredibly supportive and uplifting, it's also possible for these profound connections to turn toxic. Here's how to spot the difference, plus how to break a soul tie when you need to, according to experts.

She goes on to say that this idea is really just attachment in disguise and "an over-spiritualization of normal feelings [of attachment] that can happen when you have sex."

As another example, you might not be in the market for a pet but a friend says they need to give up their pet because they have to move overseas unexpectedly, and your intuition tells you that you have a soul tie with this animal and they're meant to be with you, Richardson notes.

Having a soul tie means you are bonded on a deeper level, at the level of Spirit, Richardson tells mindbodygreen. "While we are all connected, soul ties are something special, even though they are common." Feeling a profound sense of connection to someone is one sign you could be experiencing a soul tie.

There's a level of intensity to soul ties, and while they don't all look the same, you can be sure everything will be amplified—the good and the bad. "You might be immediately comfortable with someone or be very intrigued or curious about someone," Richardson says, adding, "Look for a strong or noticeably different reaction than normal."

On top of strong reactions to them, this person likely feels familiar to you. As Richardson notes, "You could have the feeling you knew them somewhere before or, even if they've only been in your life a short while, feel as if they have always been around."

Sometimes, and particularly when a soul tie is activating an attachment wound, Blaylock-Solar explains you may feel like this person completes you. This is especially true in the case of romantic soul tie relationships. This is when soul ties veer into toxic territory—which we'll talk more about shortly.

Richardson notes that oftentimes when it comes to soul ties, they're unique and offer an element of newness. "Look for feelings and experiences you've never had before," she says, such as never having felt that much sexual passion with someone else, for example, or even doing something completely new together, like starting a new business venture or project.

"Soul ties can show up at pivotal times in your life," Richardson explains. Perhaps this person showed up at the exact moment you needed "help, healing, or expertise they have to offer," she adds. Ask yourself what was going on in your life when you first met and what they had to offer.

And lastly, as Blaylock-Solar tells mindbodygreen, the feeling of having a soul tie with someone can often become painful if things go south, as soul ties—like any relationship—can trigger attachment wounds. "A lot of times, people may experience a feeling of brokenness," she says, "as if a part of them is missing because they're no longer connected to this person."

A soul tie is a broader term and can refer to any strong spiritual or soul connection. So in that sense, a twin flame could be considered one type of soul tie, but a soul tie connection is not necessarily a twin flame connection.

"Many relationships and situations in life are not meant to last forever and have a natural expiration date," she explains. "If you feel you have a strong soul tie with someone but they still don't want to date you, be in a business partnership with you, etc., honor their own free will and wisdom."

And remember, you have lots of options in this lifetime. If you feel you have a soul tie with a friend but you have both outgrown that friendship, Richardson tells mindbodygreen, "Don't feel that you'll never find another special friend. The universe is very receptive and will help you find new friendships that are more aligned and appropriate for your life now," she says.

For a simple ritual to help release people with love—that you can do without even talking to them—Richardson offers this practice:

It's totally possible for two people to have a soul tie and to have a strong, healthy relationship. But if it's verging on toxicity and you think you need to walk away, as Richardson says, "Remember that sometimes you have to let the old go to show the universe there is room for the new."