Are Soul Ties Real or Are They a Spiritual Myth?

An in-depth guide to spiritual connections and how to break them

Co-authored by Paige Ferris and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: September 16, 2025 Fact Checked

Are they real?

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What are soul ties?

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Types & How They Form

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Signs of Soul Ties

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Breaking Soul Ties

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If you have a strong emotional connection to someone in your life, you may have heard it referred to as a “soul tie.” But, do soul ties really exist? We’ll answer that question and more, including the types of soul ties and how they form, signs you may have a soul tie with someone, and how to break a soul tie if it no longer serves you. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Do soul ties really exist?

Soul ties, which are deep and intense connections you feel to another person, aren’t recognized by the scientific community, but many people do believe that they’re real. Soul ties are recognized by various religious and spiritual traditions, including Christianity, New Age beliefs, and indigenous cultures.

Section 1 of 5:

Are soul ties real?

There’s no scientific confirmation that soul ties are real, but that doesn’t mean they’re not. Many people have felt a deep, undeniable bond to another person and consider it a soul tie. People from all walks of life, cultures, and religions believe in soul ties and the impact they have. It’s a widely accepted term in New Age spirituality, and many African and indigenous cultures believe in spiritual bonds.^{[1]
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- Is there any evidence that soul ties exist? There’s no scientific proof that souls can bond. From a psychological perspective, attachment theory, which is about the way people are bonded to one another, is widely recognized and may be related to soul ties. Additionally, trauma bonds could be another way to describe soul ties that have turned toxic.
- Are soul ties in the Bible? Soul ties are not mentioned directly in the Bible, but many Christians believe they form when two married people have sex for the first time. A soul tie may be considered “ungodly” if it forms between two people who have sex outside of marriage.

Section 2 of 5:

What are soul ties?

A soul tie is a deep, profound connection between two people. The connection is more intense, long-lasting, and impactful than in typical relationships, and can also feel more spiritual or emotional—like you have a bond at the soul level.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Paige Ferris
Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic

Expert Interview} Soul ties are one type of soul connection you may experience, they can be romantic or platonic, and you can have soul ties with multiple people throughout your lifetime.^{[3]
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- In fact, spiritualist Elianne El-Amyouni says, “I think that we have spiritual connections with everyone that we come into contact with.” She explains that whether you vibe with someone or they trigger you, “Both of them are very loud echoes of something that lives inside of you.”^{[4]
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  Elianne El-Amyouni
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- Are soul ties good? They can be, but they can also turn toxic. Master Numerologist Glynis McCants explains that energy bonds can be either positive or negative.^{[5]
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  Glynis McCants
  Master Numerologist
  
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- Can soul ties be one-sided? Yes, they can. Each person feels energy differently, and it’s possible that you may feel a deep, strong connection with someone who doesn’t feel the same way.

Section 3 of 5:

Types of Soul Ties & How They Form

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Physical Physical soul ties are typically formed with romantic partners. If a physical soul tie is toxic, it can make it hard to let go of the person, even if you know they’re not good for you. If a physical soul tie is healthy, it can create a greater sense of love and trust between you and your partner.^{[6]
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- How do physical soul ties form? Physical soul ties are created through physical intimacy.
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Emotional Emotional soul ties can form between friends, family, or romantic partners. They’re based on an emotional connection through which two people understand each other deeply.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Paige Ferris
Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic

Expert Interview} They can be positive and nurturing, but they can also lead to unhealthy dependence.^{[8]
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- How do emotional soul ties form? Emotional soul ties form through vulnerability, when two people share their deepest thoughts, fears, and desires.
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Intellectual Intellectual, or mental, soul ties can form between two people who share ideas and connect on an intellectual level. If a mental soul tie turns toxic, it can create an unhealthy attachment. If it’s a healthy connection, though, it can foster new ideas and perspectives.^{[9]
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- How do intellectual soul ties form? Intellectual soul ties form through deep conversations that lead to mental enrichment.
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Spiritual Spiritual soul ties involve a spiritual or religious connection to another person. When they’re negative, spiritual soul ties can create a sense of obligation to the other person, but when they’re positive, they provide guidance and safety. They aren’t limited to romantic partners, and can be formed between friends, family, or members of the same spiritual or religious groups.^{[10]
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- How do spiritual soul ties form? Spiritual soul ties often form if you share beliefs with another person, have heartfelt conversations, and pray or engage in spiritual activities together.

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Signs of Soul Ties

Soul ties are characterized by an intense connection. If you feel drawn to someone in your life and experience strong emotions when you’re with them, it can indicate a soul tie.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Paige Ferris
Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic

Expert Interview} Here are other signs that you may have a soul tie with someone:^{[12]
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- You think about the person constantly.
- You met them at a significant time in your life.
- You feel like you’ve known them for a long time.
- You feel a strong pull toward them.
- You dream about them.
- You have an intense emotional connection.
- You feel like something is missing when they’re not around.
- You have a hard time letting them go, even after the relationship is over.

Section 5 of 5:

How to Break Soul Ties

Break a soul tie by visualizing cutting the cord that connects you. You have the power to sever a soul tie within you! Sit in a comfortable, quiet spot and meditate. Imagine that there is a cord or string connecting you to the person you have a soul tie with. Visualize physically cutting the cord that connects you to them. You can also say a prayer to break the soul tie.^{[13]
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- It’s best to cut off contact with the person, block their calls, texts, and social media accounts, and get rid of any of their belongings that you may have.
- Practice self-care by doing things that make you feel good, including eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, spending time with people who lift you up, practicing hobbies that you enjoy, and showing yourself grace and kindness.