Now more than ever there is an intense interest in soul mates as humanity experiences more and more of these deep and powerful connections.

Whether a soul mate or a twin flame, the meeting or connection is happening to serve or fulfill a purpose.  The purpose will be individual to the relationship.  Perhaps the two were brought together to experience something new, resolve past life issues, or to cultivate a specific talent or quality.

For this reason we may have many soul mates in a lifetime, dozens, or potentially hundreds over all of our lifetimes.   I believe there is a special spiritual bond between soul mates – usually the feeling that they have met before, or that they were “meant to be.”  In our romanticized culture, this is often translated into a romantic relationship and “happily ever after,” but that is not always the case.

A soul mate relationship may be either romantic or plutonic.  Sometimes this depends on the specific work that needs completing, and sometimes there is a choice as to which work will be completed depending on the choice of relationship.  For example, soul mates whose purpose was to resolve old emotional baggage may shift their purpose to cultivating a talent in each other if they chose not to enter into a romantic relationship that brings the emotional issue to light.  This does not mean that the emotional issue will not be resolved (or the talent cultivated), it may simply happen in another way, in another lifetime, or the couple may find a way to work on both at the same time.

Twin flames are not the same as soul mates.  Soul mates were described to me as having come from the same “soul group.”  I liken this to your spiritual “tribe.”  Soul mates often reveal themselves in relationships of every kind and size, whereas in my experience, most twin flame relationships are often so intense that they manifest as romantic partnerships – if only in potential, if only for only a brief period of time.  

Twin flames are not your “other half,” as each soul is whole unto itself.   When we separated from the divine, the yin and yang of the combined essence also divided into to separate and complete souls.  They exist independently from each other, but together create something alchemical and intense. 

I’ve read that when twin flames do not incarnate together, one remains in spirit to guide the incarnated soul.  Often twin flames are together in some way or another to help each other gather the information, skills and tools they need to achieve their greatest purpose.  In our time of rapid awakening and change, twin flames are coming together more and more often in order to support and facilitate this change.

That is not to say that twin flame relationships are easy or peaceful.  In fact, they are often quite the opposite.  Twin flames see themselves in their partner, and that goes for the good as well as the bad.  Often this can be difficult to accept, and that is as it should be, because our twin is here to help us recognize and move through those things we have the most difficulty seeing or overcoming – sometimes through understanding and a gentle hand, and sometimes a bit more explosive or chaotically.  

Other reasons twin flames encounter difficulties is because one or both twins have an ego-forward attitude, there are conditions or expectations on the relationship, or one if the twins is simply not dedicated to or ready to accept their spiritual growth.

On the other hand, when these and other conditions are met (age, timing, etc.), the joining of twin flames can be heaven on earth.  Their purpose in coming together is always a greater good for the world.  When one or both twins feel that they need someone or something to help them feel whole, complete, or truly loved, then the twin flame relationship will deteriorate until both twins can come to a place of independence, fulfillment, and pure unconditional self-love outside of a relationship.

  Intense is the name of the game here.  The energy between twin flames is always going to be extremely passionate – for better or worse.  Sometimes this may turn away one of the twins, as such intense emotions can be difficult to handle.  When the intensity is turned in the direction of frustration or anger, chaos ensues.  

The key to a successful twin flame relationship is to always come from a place of unconditional love, gratitude and understanding, regardless of the situation.  Similarly, this represents an unconditional love, gratitude and understanding for oneself, an equally difficult task that is a frequent reason for joint incarnation and meeting of twin flames.

Do you have a soul mate/twin flame experience you’d like to share?  Post your stories or questions here and join us tonight from 7-9pm EST on “Among the Realms Radio” where we will be discussing soul mates, twin flames, and sharing stories of both.