Love. It exists within all people, places, and things. It is inextricably linked to God or Spirit. It is the most powerful force in the universe.
In the grand scheme of things, Love encompasses all, so why is there a need to distinguish one type of love from another? The answer is that in order to spiritually evolve as individuals, we often need to label what we feel and experience. This helps us to better understand what we’re going through on the physical plane.
Before you continue please know that all unconditional forms of love are no better or worse than each other. They all bring their own unique gifts and lessons. They are equal.
The Difference Between Soulmates, Twin Flames, and Kindred Spirits
Soulmates, twin flames and kindred spirits are all phrases that have been used to describe relationships that touch our souls and change our lives forever.
But what is the difference between all of these terms?
I’ll share my interpretation below.
Please note that I’m revealing my own experience (and yours might differ). In my life, I’ve had the good fortune of experiencing all three types of love. Mateo Sol, my partner and co-writer of this website, is what I would consider both a soul mate and twin flame. So the people in our lives can definitely overlap these definitions!
What is a Kindred Spirit?
Kindred spirits are individuals that resonate at the same level or frequency as us.
As everything in life is composed of energy, we often feel attracted to some people and repelled by others. Have you ever spoken to a person who just seems to “vibe” or “click” with you? That person was probably a kindred spirit vibrating at the same energetic level as you.
Physically, a kindred spirit could be anything: a close friend, a confidant, a family member, a teacher, a lover, a pet, or even a landform.
Kindred spirits often play a very passive role in our lives. In other words, they do not play a very major part in our spiritual growth, but they do comfort and support us. Often kindred spirits share the same personality types as us, as well as similar tastes, interests, and passions. While not all kindred spirit connections are necessarily deep and soulful, some can be (these can be thought of as “soul friend” connections).
What is a Soulmate?
Soulmates are people in our lives whom we connect with on a deep level.
As the name implies, soulmates are primarily friends of the soul. If you have found your soulmate they will likely be the best, and truest friend, you will ever have. You’ll be able to share everything with your soulmate, from your wildest dreams to your most shameful secrets. Nothing is off-limits.
Spiritually, soulmates usually play a major role in your development. It is possible for soulmates to be platonic, romantic and/or sexual in nature. You can also have multiple soulmates in one lifetime, hence the many love triangles we see and experience.
There are a few different types of soulmate relationships, you can read a summarized version here:
Soul friends
Soul friends are very similar to kindred spirits. However, the essential difference between the two is that kindred spirits are more personality-based, and soul friends are more essence-based. In other words, soul friends share our deepest dreams, values, and drives (not just similar personalities and tastes). This is the most common type of soulmate.
Soul teachers
As the name suggests, soul teachers appear in our lives to help teach us vital life lessons. Sometimes these lessons are taught deliberately, and other times these lessons are unintentional. Soul teachers often appear in the form of ex-lovers, family members, friends, and even enemies.
Soul companions
This type of soulmate is a combination of both friend and teacher. In fact, soul companions most closely match people’s perception of what a “soul mate” is. As confidants, soul companions deeply understand, love and cherish us. The depth and blissful harmony that you experience in this relationship will outshine any other that you’ve ever had.
What is a Twin Flame?
Twin flames are our mirrors.
They reflect back to us all the strengths, insecurities, weaknesses, and shadows that we possess. The purpose of the twin flame relationship is to help us undergo inner work, spiritual transformation, and become the best version of ourselves possible.
But here’s the thing, at first twin flame relationships can be intense and tumultuous. This can carry on for many years. But once both egos surrender to their purging and purification, the gifts of humility, empathy and unconditional love are finally obtained.
Our flames reflect the disowned parts of ourselves; they are the yins to our yangs, the suns to our moons, and the light to our darkness. They propel us into shadow work, deep self-discovery and the fulfillment of our potential.
Many people have asked me whether it’s possible to have more than one twin flame. My response is that it could be possible, but I doubt it. As the word “twin” implies, we only have one twin flame in this life. Sometimes we don’t even meet our twin flame in this incarnation, but rest assured, we have always been connected to them on the level of Spirit.
Your twin flame could be your greatest dream or your worst nightmare (or both). They will test you, provoke you and love you fiercely all at once.
Among many tell-tale signs, the greatest proof of a twin flame relationship is its capacity to stimulate the deepest and most beneficial changes within you.
Common Questions
I realize that all the little nuances of soulmate, twin flame, and kindred spirit connections can’t be answered above. So in this section, I’ll attempt to address the most common questions people have asked me.
In a past article, we’ve already explored the most common twin flame questions out there (see our Ultimate Twin Flame Guide to read that). So to prevent redundancy, I’ll just answer the most common questions pertaining to soulmates and kindred spirits below.
If you have any burning questions on your mind that aren’t answered below, do let me know in the comments:
1. What does it mean when someone says you have a kindred spirit?
When someone says you have a kindred spirit, they’re often implying that both of you have a lot in common. This is a great compliment that indicates the person likes you and resonates with your interests and values.
2. Are kindred spirits soul mates?
Yes, it is possible for kindred spirits to be soul mates. In the realm of love and connection, it’s not always easy to make crystal clear distinctions. Some kindred spirits will connect with us on an ego level, while others will connect with us on a soul level. Those who connect with us on a soul level are also known as soul mates or soul friends.
3. What is the difference between a soulmate and twin flame?
Soulmates and twin flame relationships have different purposes. While soulmates are there to provide gentle and stable support, twin flames are there to ignite the fires of spiritual transformation. Soulmate relationships are designed to uplift us, while twin flame relationship are designed to challenge us. I like to compare the two relationships to fire (twin flames) and water (soulmates).
4. Can a soulmate hurt you?
Yes, it is possible for a soulmate to hurt you. No relationship is perfect, and arguments, as well as emotional hurt, can occur in any type of relationship. However, in a soulmate relationship, it is unlikely that your soulmate will intentionally try to harm you. More often than not they unintentionally harm you as a result of their own unresolved wounds.
5. Do we all have a soulmate?
Yes, we all have at least one soulmate on this earth right now. However, not all of us are open to the possibility of connecting with our soulmate due to negative beliefs, self-destructive habits, and other limiting patterns of behavior. Unfortunately, some people are programmed with the belief that they’re not “worthy” of happiness or aren’t “good enough.” Often, those who do inner work find that they’re able to finally connect with their soulmate after years of searching.
Twin Flames & Soul Mates:
Learn how to forge true, deep, and enduring twin flame and soul mate love – no matter what stage you’re at, starting right now. This book is for anyone seeking to find and create an authentic, fulfilling, and awakened relationship.
6. Do we only have one soulmate?
No. Many people (including myself) believe we have many soulmates who exist in a multitude of forms. Our soulmates can be our partners, friends, coworkers, siblings, or even animal companions. One thing is for sure: all the soulmates we meet throughout our lives will have a major impact on us. Our lives will be much richer after coming into contact with our soulmates.
***
At a fundamental level, all souls are connected, all souls flow back to the One Spirit.
We have all been given the opportunity to experience at least one soulmate, twin flame or kindred spirit connection in life. These relationships teach us so much about ourselves, our gifts and our unique potentials. In the end, if we’re lucky, we are brought back to the one great truth: that we have been Whole and Complete all along. Soulmates, twin flames and kindred spirits merely help to remind us of that.
If you would like to learn more about soul mates and twin flames, see our twin flame book.
What is your experience? Have you met a soulmate, twin flame or kindred spirit? How did the experience change your life? I’d love to hear your story below.
I have recently “stumbled” onto this topic, as I have had only a small amount of knowledge (as most people do, I believe) about soul mates. It’s used so much, I really think people don’t know the true nature of it. What intrigued me the most was about the “Twin Flames”. I believe I’ve met mine…but is it really possible in an “online” relationship? Thank you.
Yes, I’ve met my soulmate!! That’s why I was here reading. This man is so supportive n encouraging, healing me, teaches, connected spiritually, we both feel that God crossed our paths at both our lowest times in life. Our bond is so strong. Neither of us have ever felt this way, we are in our 50s both been married before but nothing compares to this. We share all, feel safe, constantly moving forward in our relationship. Teammates, have your back type, faith building, communication is unbelievably great, Yes we are soulmates! And in love.
I have a friend I am trying to figure out what my connection is to him. From the beginning I just felt like we had known each other for years. We both are musicians and we very quickly got in the habit of when rehearsal was done we’d just sit in the parking lot and talk, we’d often be the last people to leave the space. I remember being devastated when I found out he had a boyfriend.
Unfortunately he had to leave the ensemble we both played in. This past season I keenly felt his absence and just that something was missing. I have many good friends in the ensemble, but something about being around him always felt right. Our paths still cross in various music related situations. Whenever I see him I always feel myself totally relax and I just want to be around him. Recently it had been a while since we saw each other, but I went to a performance that he was in. At the very beginning he looked up, made eye contact with me and his face completely lit up. When I had a chance to talk to him during intermission the first thing he said was “I had a feeling I’d see you today.” We both are on the same page that the past few times we’ve seen each other there has not been enough time to talk so we are going to change that.
At any rate, that moment this weekend made me convinced there is some deeper connection between us and on some level he seems aware of it too. I’ve had dreams the past few nights where I’ve woken up feeling that peace I feel whenever I am around him. At the very least we are kindred spirits, but I have a feeling this connection might go deeper? He is still dating his boyfriend so that is part of why I am confused to what this connection could be.
15yrs ago, I met my twin. I was in a relationship, he was not. Our connection was intense and we became inseparable. He eventually got a gf as well but we still spent so much time together. Our partners did not understand we weren’t romantically attracted to each other. I eventually broke up with my bf but he probably got scared of my being free and tried to hold on to his gf all the more. Everything came crashing down one night we could not fight the attraction and ended up consummating our connection. It was perfect. But it made him run. Disappointed, I did something that eventually destroyed his whole life at that time. His running and refusal to even talk to me led me to making decisions that led to my life being destroyed as well. Being destroyed made me erase almost all my memories with him. I thought those blanks in my memory were just unimportant stuff we typically forget as time goes on.
Eventually, I drifted into a group of kindred souls that helped to start healing. Met a soulmate from that group as well. We spent 10yrs together. But I never felt complete and felt it was unfair for him to hold onto me when I couldn’t give him as much as I felt he deserved, so I broke it off with him.
15yrs after I met my twin, almost to the exact day, he found me online. It was an account that had my real name, which he never knew. The profile had no indication I was the same person he knew before, yet he sent me a msg. I did not recognize the profile name he was using, yet the moment I read his “Hello” message, I just knew it was him. My body just suddenly felt like it came alive. Goosebumps run down my skin. My sleepy self was suddenly wide awake. Just with a “Hello.”
It’s only been 2mos since that day but our connection is even stronger than before. Now I am realizing all those blanks in my memory were things that had to do with him. I could remember situations but the person in my memory would have a blank face. Or I’d totally have no memory of things. I’d thought we only spent a few months together before, perhaps a year at the most. But it was more than 3yrs.
When me soulmate ex tried to ask me why I can’t let him go, I just blurted, “He is the only person in my life who I love for no reason. I just do. And I need him in my life.”
I don’t know what will happen from here on but I hope for the best.
For the last year and a half, my life has been turned upside down and I feel connected in a way to myself that I’ve never known before. I do believe this all started when I met my twin flame and the overwhelming way I’m learning to love the world, and yet— learn my worth and value and align myself with my purpose. I’ve never felt so safe before in my life. When we fight, it’s explosive, but real, true, and we learn…our intimacy is intense and amazing.
But I think we are in the chaser-runner phase. I think he’s afraid of this because of the challenge my presence brings and it just kills me. No matter what, we still find our way towards one another. I feel like I’m waiting for this to click… and while I will not put my life on hold, he really is the sunshine in my world and the way we connect is like a beautiful world I used to dream about.
This article and website helped zero in on our relationship so I can better understand it and I just hope we can align again and move forward to do the brilliant things we want— together.
I wish you and your beloved to align in paths Desi. :)
Thank you so much, Mateo.
I believe I ended a relationship
With my twin flame and it did not end well. I can barely breathe without him and can’t imagine a world where he and I do not love each other. It is shattering. Is this normal.
If there is such a thing as a soul brother. My youngest son has a friend that is Gemini like myself and we seem to talk to each other at times without moving our mouths/or this friend of the family has a lot of the same ideas and feelings about some things. What I find creepy is the fact that my husband has surrounded himself with Geminis. His mother, younger sisiter, neice and me and the friend of the family all Geminis. Also I have been looking for work because our times are getting tough financially, spiritually and relationship wise….I have several medical problems that keep me from working outside the house…so cleaning and fixing around the house is what I have been doing now for about 50 years/I have also applied for online work…nothing yet…but I do plan on donating..when I get some cash flowing…I also have a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology…maybe I could help you folks as much as you have helped me. May spirituality be on your and yours side……..Susan Wolford
Thank you Susan for sharing your insight. It sounds like it could be a soul friend or perhaps a member of a soul group. You may find those articles helpful.
Ive found my twin flame in the moment i shpuld found my soulmate it was a disaster!
What’s the difference between connection in an ego level and a spiritual level?
I met my soulmate 14 years ago when I was 14, we became friends and when I turned 18 we moved in together, we spent ten beautiful years together and have 3 children then 1 month after having our youngest child he unexpectedly passed away literally went to work one day and didn’t come home, I was devastated it took me a while to pick myself up and I just knew I didn’t want to date or partake in a search for love because I knew I found my soulmate like he was literally made for me but then the strangest thing happened I met someone 2 years younger than me and I was never interested or looking for anything with this individual but he seems to draw me to him and push my buttons at the same time I think he may be my twin flame, but I’m still in grief over my soulmate who passed in the beginning of 2018 and I feel guilt for dealing with this other person and I always felt like I wanted to spend the afterlife with my soulmate but now Idk if I’m right or if it’s OK to date this person cause I just feel like my mind and soul is screaming to leave him alone but my heart just seems to be going with the flow
This is new for me. I came across “twin flames” while searching the internet on why I feel the way I feel about this person after barely knowing him. The first time we saw each other it was intense. We are so similar it’s insane. Not only that, we have the same birthday March 17th. We we’re intimate twice after that and then I didn’t hear from him for about 2.5 months until now. I haven’t been able to get him out of my head since the day we met and don’t understand why!! I can’t understand why I feel the way I do. I normally don’t attach to people like I have him. During the 2.5 months, I would text him, try to tell him how I was feeling and wouldn’t get a response. Being ignored is one of the worst things for me since my last marriage was to a “silent abuser/narcissist”. Tuesday night, he text me out of the blue. The last two nights we have been messaging each other but nothing too exciting. Short and sweet. I’ve been having crazy, intense dreams the last three nights that wake me. Reading about twin flame stages makes me very emotional because it seems to be what I’m experiencing to the T. I don’t understand what’s happening to me and why. I’ve been trying not to communicate with him to hopefully get these feelings to go away to move on and they are not! I’ve tried being with other guys and when I am, all I can think about is him. I can’t handle this anymore! It’s tearing me up inside. Today – I feel like I need to ask him if he’s been having intense dreams and/or feelings too … Should I??? I need to know if he’s experiencing anything like I am! What if this is all in my head? I need to know so I can move on … I don’t know what’s going on with me but it’s nearly driving me insane! I can’t talk to anyone about this either … My friends will probably think I’ve lost my mind. What do I do?!? Please help me …
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for sharing here. If you’ve been in a silent abuser/narcissist relationship before, I’d be cautious about this new romantic connection. Even if you’ve fallen hard and fast, remember that love can be blind. Unresponsive people are either (a) super busy (b) not interested in you or (c) narcissists who enjoy wrapping you around their little finger. I would ask if the guy wants to meet up, and if you don’t get a response from him, it might be best to try and move on. If he agrees, please look into signs of a narcissist. If you haven’t healed the wounds inside of you that attract you to narcissists, you might be playing out the same relationship in a different disguise. I hope that helps.
x
I believe that I met my twin flame around 14 years ago. However, he was seeing someone else and I didn’t want to ask him out as I thought my guy would ask me out first. I then got married but 12 years on, I still pine for him every single day. He’s married to the girl he was seeing and is unhappy. We are in touch, he says he loves me but is not ready to leave her. I’m in a fix myself. I took the twin flame test and I strongly believe he’s my twin flame but he’s certainly in the runner stage. Is always elusive, doesn’t like to commit to anything but always ends up reaching out to me if I stop contact. I’ve been in this cycle of contact and no contact three times over the last three years and it hurts me real bad. I truly love this guy from the bottom of my heart but he’s not ready to be mine. What do I do?
I told my partner that I haven’t seen torn yesr that he was my twin flame and he approached it badly. As if he didn’t want to analyze it or understand it. The weird thing is I’m definitely the runner and he’s definitely the chaser. I love him, he’s my twin flame.
I have met my soul friend. We are childhood-adult friends. Recently, I met my twin flame . It’s been a world-wind and nothing like one might think. I recognized right away there was a connection. I reached out and was rejected. My pride was hurt . But, I picked up and kept myself going. We see each other several times a week. A few months ago I noticed he was looking at me a lot more, paying attention so to speak. I didn’t acknowledge him. He never did say anything but the feelings have increased and he is very weird around me now. He is my flame. The eclipse season has heightened every fiber of my being and I know he feels it too. Aries-Libra connection on this level is powerful. I will be addressing the situation this week. Something’s got to change! Will keep you posted.
I met my twin flame accidental in a whole nother state. His birthday is on my little sisters birthday. We have a lot of similarties. He noticed it and told me I was his twin flame. I believed it when I found out that both of us at 13 drove our parents car into buildings in the same month the same year. We’re both tall. I’m a female version of him and my two oldest daughters look like they could be his children. We’re in a relationship….it’s great lol
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and recognize several soul mates and kindred spirits. Just recently reconnected with someone I feel is a soul mate. That feeling of comfort is always immediate.
I know my twin flame and that is the hardest relationship I’ve ever been in (and out) of. I feel when he is having problems. I know when he has met someone and when they break up. We are currently in a running cycle.
The best way I can describe the difference is with my TF there was an immediate feeling of… I’m home. No matter where we were. With my soul mates, even when first meeting, the feeling is one of a very old friend. There are always incredible sparks of sexual tension when with one of my romantic soul mates.
I have been incredibly lucky to have had the chance to experience all of them.
I have had the privilege of being one with my twin flame …for 24 years. We were, are the yin and yang of each other. Plato called us “split-aparts” , we’re as ancient as time and just as eternal. ❤
Thank you for the article.
So when I was 15 was when my life flashed before my eyes
It was due to a near death experience what I seen was her and now 30 or so years later she is in my life all my life I’ve been playing games I’ve been losing one day at a time feels like I’m closer to something if I believe
I’m not a big fan on beliefs
Why now I was better off alone
Now I know what I’ve been missing this whole time
Sometimes it’s better just to step away than follow that path so I thought what will be is going to happen for better or worse either way someone always gets hurt
I truly believe that I have met a girl who is a combination of a kindred spirit and soulmate. We have become very good friends over the last 2 months, and I have never met anyone like her. We have so much in common it is downright scary, whether it’s emotionally, spiritually, intellectually. My mind is completely blown! I swear when I see her I feel like I am looking in the mirror. We even have the exact same feelings on things like intimacy, something I have never talked about with anyone, ever.
All this being said, I want to know if this is real, or is it too good to be true? Also, I really want to tell her this, but I don’t want to scare her away. I would really like some advice on this.
Thank you very much
Met my soul mate I want answers can’t shop loving each other but relationship is touch and go but we still end up together again even if I try to end it we still come back again and again please explain.
The fact that you keep coming together shows it is destiny and fate.