Some people spend their entire lives looking for their soulmate – that person they can slurp the last spaghetti noodle with and just know they’re the one. But have you ever wondered if there’s maybe something more? Something deeper? A connection so intense, it can almost feel like too much? That’s where your twin flame comes in.
A twin flame refers to a “mirror soul” or the other half of your soul, which can sometimes bring an even deeper connection than meeting your soulmate would. And if that sounds super intense, it’s because it is: this person can completely change the course of your life, and you theirs.
“When it comes to twin flames, there’s a lot of passion in this type of relationship,” psychic Ivana Naskova says. “It might feel like you’ve known each other for millennia, even if you only just met.”
But what exactly is the difference between a twin flame and a soulmate? And how do soul ties fit into these spiritual connections? Below, Naskova explains what exactly a twin flame is and signs you may have already found yours.
Experts Featured in This Article
Ivana Naskova is a psychic and astrologer for Nebula, a spiritual guidance platform.
What’s the Difference Between a Soulmate, a Twin Flame, and a Soul Tie?
Though soulmates and twin flames may seem similar on the surface, they have distinct and definitive differences that make them unique. For one thing, while it’s possible to have several soulmates throughout your life, you can only have one twin flame – and not everyone will meet their twin flame during their lifetime, Naskova says.
Another difference between a soulmate and twin flame is how you’ll feel around them. “Twin flames are meant to challenge each other – it’s like looking in a mirror and seeing your reflection in another person, both good and bad sides of it,” Naskova says. “Soulmates, on the other hand, bring comfort into their relationships. Those could be romantic or platonic partners. What unites them is a connection that feels soothing, supportive, and full of harmony, while twin flames can go through quite turbulent periods.”
Because twin flames act as a mirror to the soul, they often force us to confront our biggest issues head-on, which can make for emotional and dramatic relationships. They may come into your life for a short period of time to teach you something and then leave. It’s OK for this relationship to end, whereas you want your relationship with your soulmate to last.
The difference between a twin flame and a soul tie is a little different. Soul ties are similar to twin flames in that they can be very intense and sometimes even toxic, but the biggest difference between a soul tie and a twin flame is that soul ties often aren’t usually platonic relationships. In fact, it’s way more common to form a romantic soul tie, since most of them form after sexual intercourse.
Another big difference: not every soul tie connection will be good for you. Some could even stifle your growth and become harmful, Naskova says. “Twin flames will push you forward, while some soul ties might hold you back.”
Signs You’ve Found Your Twin Flame
Finding your twin flame doesn’t mean finding someone exactly like you. In fact, twin flames are often polar opposites and work in conjunction to balance each other out. You may feel an intense connection, as if you’ve always known each other, and experience an immediate sense of belonging. “This meeting will most likely feel overwhelming,” Naskova says. “You will feel an intense attraction toward that person like a magnet pulls you closer to each other.”
You also may have experienced similar traumas in your pasts and feel as though you’re looking into a mirror when you meet them. With that ability to be completely authentic and in tune with your twin flame’s state of being, you both evolve into something bigger and better together.
Keep in mind that a twin flame is someone who can also move in and out of your life. “You might go through periods of separation and reunion with a twin flame,” Naskova explains. “You both will need to heal, grow, and learn difficult lessons before you can achieve true harmony.”
How Do You Find Your Twin Flame?
Finding your twin flame is a process and something you don’t need to be actively searching for – if you’re meant to find each other, you will. It’s also said that before meeting a twin flame, you need to achieve some level of individual growth and development. Then, after meeting them, the twin-flame relationship goes through stages of bliss, turmoil, and resolution before finally settling into a complete state of either unity or separation.
For this reason, Naskova recommends focusing on your own growth and healing instead of searching for your twin flame. “You cannot force this connection to happen, and the only road that could potentially lead you to it is the road of self-improvement and spiritual growth,” she says. “It’s up to you to put in work and effort and become the best version of yourself before this meeting takes place.”
So book your therapy sessions, write in your journal, and do things that push you toward your goals. Once you’re spiritually ready to meet your twin flame, you will meet them.
–Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews
Haley Tharp is a former PS contributor.
Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
