There is a huge problem with twin flame terminology, so let’s get this out of the way first.
People’s beliefs and opinions of the twin flame journey differ. This means that definitions and terminology can also differ. Combine that with misunderstandings and bastardisation of terms and you have a recipe for disaster.
You will find different communities, creators and individuals using some terms differently. You’ll also find different uses within those same communities. Even here, we have different contributors who might use terms slightly differently (but for the most part, we should be pretty aligned).
Our advice is to try not to get too bogged down in the terminology.
Take this list as a ‘rough idea’.
Twin Flames
Two individuals who share the same soul energy, often described as “one soul in two bodies.”
Twin flames represent the ultimate spiritual partnership, with an intense magnetic connection that catalyzes profound personal growth and spiritual awakening. Some believe that they push humanity as a whole forward. Others focus on the “physical” part of the relationship.
There are many who claim specifics on what twin flames are or are not. The reality is, there’s a lot we really don’t know (and shouldn’t claim to know). Beliefs differ. That’s okay.
There’s an interesting discovery about the history of twin flames dating back to publications in the 1800s using the exact “twin flame” terminology, but there are origins older than that of the same idea, just not using the same terms.
We’ve shared some twin flame statistics you might find useful, too.
3D
What some call the “real” or “physical”.
The physical reality or dimension we experience in everyday life is governed by linear time, physical laws, and separation consciousness. In twin flame journeys, 3D represents the physical world where many challenges manifest through ego-based thinking and limiting beliefs.
It’s where you are reading this words and can look your twin flame in their 3D face.
4D
The 4D is a lesser-used term.
The transitional dimension between physical (3D) and spiritual (5D) reality, characterized by heightened intuition, emotional awareness, and the beginning of energetic perception.
4D serves as a bridge where twin flames start to experience telepathy, synchronicities, and energetic connection beyond physical proximity.
5D
The fifth dimension (5D) represents unity consciousness, unconditional love, and spiritual awareness beyond time and space limitations.
For twin flames, 5D signifies the state where true union occurs, transcending the separation illusion and operating from the soul-based connection.
Ascension
The process of raising your vibrational frequency and consciousness from 3D separation to 5D unity awareness.
For twin flames, ascension involves releasing limiting beliefs, healing emotional wounds, and awakening to your true spiritual nature while navigating intense energy shifts.
Astral Plane
A non-physical dimension where souls can connect beyond physical limitations.
Twin flames often meet on the astral plane through dreams, meditation, or during sleep, allowing soul communication even when physically separated.
Divine Union
Also often called ‘reunion’.
Things can get very murky here. Some use union to mean a physical meeting here in the 3D. Even if you just cross paths in a coffee shop. Others use it to refer to the later stage of the journey after you both have done all the work to move forward together.
The coming together of twin flames in balanced, unconditional love after completing necessary healing and growth. Beyond just physical togetherness, divine union represents alignment on all levels. Emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical. Creating a powerful energy gateway.
Ego
Another one that is often misused.
Ego is the identity constructed through earthly experiences, often operating from fear, separation, and survival instincts. In twin flame connections, the ego frequently resists the intense transformation required, creating obstacles through fear, doubt, and attachment to control.
Sometimes, we mention ego, and people feel attacked when we suggest they are egotistical. We all have egos. You and your runner.
The instinct to ignore this idea is a perfect example of ego at play.
Higher Self
Your consciousness’s eternal, unlimited aspect exists beyond physical limitations and ego identification.
Your higher self holds wisdom about your soul’s journey and serves as an inner guide that always communicates through intuition, especially during challenging phases with your twin flame.
Karma
Energy patterns created through past actions, thoughts, and experiences require balancing through life lessons.
Twin flames often share significant karma from past lives, which must be cleared through forgiveness, acceptance, and conscious awareness to allow their connection to flourish.
Karmic Relationships
I really suggest reading this guide on twin flames, soulmates and karmics. This is important to understand and so often confused.
These intense connections are designed to teach specific lessons and balance past-life energy exchanges.
Unlike twin flames, karmic relationships typically have a predetermined expiration date once the lesson is learned, though they may initially feel similar to a twin flame connection.
Kundalini Awakening
The activation of primal life force energy that rises from the base of the spine through all chakras is often triggered by twin flame recognition.
This powerful energy activation catalyzes spiritual transformation, heightened awareness, and intense physical and emotional symptoms as blockages clear.
Dark Night of the Soul (DNOTS)
An intense period of spiritual crisis characterized by profound questioning, isolation, and confrontation with shadow aspects.
Twin flames commonly experience DNOTS before significant breakthroughs, as old identities collapse to make way for spiritual rebirth.
Soul Mates
Hollywood really did a number on this one. Again, I’d suggest reading this guide on the different types of connections.
Soul mates are souls with whom you share significant past-life connections and agreements for mutual growth.
While soul mate connections feel familiar and comfortable, they typically don’t catalyze the same level of transformation as twin flame connections.
They’re not always romantic and you can have multiple.
Synchronicity
Often called ‘syncs’ or ‘synchs’.
Meaningful coincidences that appear as guidance from the universe, particularly common during twin flame journeys.
These patterns—such as number sequences (11:11), repeated symbols, or timely encounters—signal alignment with your path and often increase during significant phases of the connection.
Twin Flame Runner
The twin temporarily distances themselves from the connection due to fear, overwhelming emotions, or unreadiness to face transformation.
Running often stems from unconscious wounds being triggered and typically represents a protective mechanism rather than rejection.
Twin Flame Chaser
The one twin actively pursues the connection while the other withdraws.
The chaser typically awakens earlier to the spiritual nature of the connection and may experience intense longing and frustration during the separation phases.
Mirror Soul
Another term for twin flame, emphasizing how each partner perfectly reflects the other’s wounds, strengths, and unconscious patterns.
The mirroring effect accelerates healing by making hidden aspects visible through the relationship dynamic.
No Contact
Sometimes shortened to (NC).
A period of zero communication between twin flames can either be a conscious healing choice or enforced by the runner twin during separation phases. Unlike planned separation, no contact often happens unexpectedly when a runner withdraws completely, blocking communication channels out of fear, overwhelm, or an unconscious need to process the connection’s intensity.
Whether chosen or imposed, this space typically accelerates inner healing as energy previously directed toward the connection returns to self, deepening spiritual awareness and often strengthening the energetic bond despite physical silence.
While we use the term “no contact” it isn’t entirely correct.
When twin flames aren’t in communication in the 3D, their telepathic connection intensifies, dreams become more vivid, and synchronicities increase. True soul connections transcend physical interaction.
Soul Song
The unique vibrational frequency shared by twin flames at their core. This identical energy signature creates the magnetic pull between twins and allows for telepathic connection even across physical distance.
False Twin
A significant connection that mimics twin flame dynamics but lacks the same soul origin.
False twin experiences often serve as preparation for meeting your true twin flame, helping you develop the necessary awareness and healing.
Twin Flame Telepathy
Direct mind-to-mind and heart-to-heart communication between twins, regardless of physical distance.
This natural ability strengthens as both twins raise their vibration, allowing for sharing thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations across any distance.
This tends to happen for most of us just in the background but you can learn to use it actively as a tool to help your journey progress. Learn more here.
Inner Child Healing
Inner child work is the process of addressing and healing childhood wounds that affect adult patterns and relationships. For twin flames, inner child work is often necessary to release deep fears of abandonment, rejection, and unworthiness that create obstacles to union.
Energy Clearing
Energy clearing is the practice of removing energetic blockages, negative patterns, and external influences from one’s energy field.
I’m a huge fan of using Reiki for this.
Regular energy clearing helps maintain the higher vibrations necessary for twin flame harmony and prevents external influences from disrupting the connection.
Unconditional Love
Love without expectations, judgments, or attachments is the foundation of authentic twin flame union.
Developing unconditional love requires transcending ego-based relating and embracing your twin’s journey completely, even during separation or challenging phases.
Soul Contracts
Pre-birth agreements which are made between souls about significant relationships and experiences in physical life. Twin flames create profound soul contracts to reunite and fulfill specific missions, which explains the connection’s sense of familiarity and inevitability.