What Is A Karmic Relationship? (19 Signs And Stages)

Embarking on a karmic relationship is akin to embarking on a rollercoaster ride. In this article, we delve deeply into the signs of a karmic relationship, its nature, how to bring closure to such a relationship, and how to move forward from it.

Within the realm of karmic relationships, love and hate intertwine. Your heart may burn with passion, while your gut churns with unease in their presence. Welcome to the complex world of karmic relationships, where moments of laughter seamlessly transition into explosive arguments.

One moment, you embrace each other tightly, and the next, you contemplate the unimaginable. Despite the tumultuous nature of this bond, you find yourself continuously entangled in the intricate web woven by your connection.

Encountering at least one karmic relationship is an inevitable part of our spiritual journey. However, it begs the question: how can we discern if a particular relationship is karmic? What purpose do these relationships serve? And is it beneficial for our well-being to remain within the confines of a karmic relationship?

What Is A Karmic Relationship?

Rooted in ancient Eastern philosophy, the concept of a karmic relationship elucidates the connection between two individuals that has been revived in this current life from a past incarnation or past life. The relationship from that previous existence holds unresolved matters and lingering issues that demand attention. Consequently, in this present lifetime, we are entrusted with the task of resolving that karmic debt, facilitating the growth and evolution of our Souls.

Alternatively, one can perceive karmic relationships as the result of a pre-birth agreement, a “Soul Contract,” made by the Souls of individuals before entering this earthly realm. Regardless of whether one subscribes to the belief in reincarnation, karmic relationships offer valuable opportunities for significant life lessons. It is essential to note that karmic relationships extend beyond romantic connections; they can also manifest in friendships, family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and even professional interactions.

Twin Flame + Soul Mate Relationships = Karmic Relationships?

At this juncture, you may be pondering whether twin flame or soulmate relationships fall under the category of karmic relationships. To address this inquiry, it is important to note that while there are instances where they may be karmic, typically, they are not.

In our comprehensive article exploring soulmates and twin flames, we delineate the fundamental distinction between these two profoundly significant connections.

In summary:

Soulmates are individuals with whom we share a deep and harmonious connection. Soul mate relationships feel gentle, profound, and effortless, making them unlikely to be karmic in nature.

On the contrary, a twin flame represents the mirror of our soul. Twin flame connections are intense and transformative, serving the purpose of facilitating spiritual integration and profound transformation within us. It is common to mistake karmic relationships for twin flame connections, given their similarities in intensity and impact.

At times, twin flame and karmic relationships can be intertwined. However, as a whole, a twin flame relationship is intended to be more beneficial than detrimental. It is worth noting that there exists a fine line between assistance and adversity. Occasionally, something that initially appears harmful can eventually lead to growth, and vice versa. Nonetheless, it is generally discernible to differentiate between twin flame/soul mate connections and karmic relationships.

A karmic relationship emanates an aura reminiscent of musky tobacco. A soul mate relationship exudes the fragrances of roses and jasmine. A twin flame relationship carries the scents of frankincense and myrrh. Thus, when discerning between these relationships, it is helpful to bear in mind that there exists a distinction between a karmic lesson and a karmic relationship.

If your relationship feels like an incessant rollercoaster ride, it is likely karmic in nature. However, if occasional arguments and dramas arise (which are typical in any relationship), it is likely a karmic lesson that you are presently undergoing, aiming to learn and grow from it.

Spiritual Awakening And Karmic Relationships

Deep within the heart of karmic relationships lies a radiant, glimmering red ruby. Yet, this treasure must be earned through time, patience, and profound humility. The gift awaiting us is the evolution of our spirit and the profound maturation of our soul.

Karmic relationships serve as gateways to profound growth, expansion, and liberation. Though they may be irritating and distressing, they present us with an opportunity to return to the fundamental truth of our being. However, this chance for awakening does not come without its challenges. After all, who said it would?

Life’s nature dictates that growth necessitates friction. A baby chick must peck its way out of the shell, a seedling must push through the earth, and a newborn emerges through the struggle of the womb. Similarly, we too must undergo this process of tension and release, death and rebirth. And despite the blood, sweat, and tears shed along the way, we come to realize that our pain never diminishes our true essence; instead, it forges and shapes it. While our egos may be shattered, our souls remain unscathed, eternally untouched.

Perhaps the most profound spiritual lesson gleaned from karmic relationships is their capacity to open our hearts to the transformative power of love, all through the gateway of surrender and letting go. They serve as poignant reminders of our authentic nature and the vast reservoir of love that resides within us.

19 Signs + STAGES You’re In A Karmic Relationship

Throughout literature and mythology, we have witnessed the portrayal of karmic relationships. Tales like Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde, and Catherine and Heathcliff serve as poignant examples that impart valuable lessons. However, determining whether we are in a karmic relationship can be challenging, and knowing how to navigate such a connection can be equally perplexing.

To assist those currently involved in karmic romantic relationships (although it’s important to note that not all karmic relationships are romantic), here are some insightful signs to watch out for:

1. Irresistibly drawn to them

The moment you met, you both had an instant connection. It was as if you were magnetized to each other. It all felt so mysterious and predestined. You either hated or loved them at first – there was no middle ground.

2. They’re addictive

As you got to know them, you fell further down the rabbit hole. Something about them was intoxicating – like an addictive mixture of chocolate, wine, and heroin. You just can’t get enough of them. Staying away feels like going through drug withdrawal!

3. Experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions

The more time you spend around them, the more your emotional life is sent into a tailspin. You swing between love, hate, lust, disgust, laughter, and rage. The highs are very high, and the lows are very low.

Related: The 7 Types Of Soul Groups We Belong To And The Purpose Of Each

4. Constant drama

As your emotions bounce up and down, so does the relationship. You both seem to attract or create drama and play out unconscious games with each other.

5. Something feels ‘off’

Your gut instincts begin to kick in and a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, or dread sits in the pit of your stomach. Deep down, you can’t shake away the feeling that something is terribly off in your relationship. You try to ignore this feeling, dismissing it as paranoia or silliness.

6. You don’t feel safe

Being authentically vulnerable with them feels scary genuinely. Can they be trusted with your precious heart? In truth, you don’t know if you can really trust them due to their track record.

When you do open up, they can’t hold space for you. They’re either too wound up in their own problems or they flat out reject you. In the end, you don’t feel safe enough to be your full self around them.

7. The sex is amazing

Sexually, you have a hot, intense, and wild connection. You’ve never experienced such amazing sex in your life. And yet afterward, something feels lacking. The connection is deliciously carnal, but also addictive as it keeps you stuck in the same old place.

8. Repetitive cycles and patterns

The same negative patterns keep popping up no matter how much you think you’ve “worked through” them together. Either they are not holding up their side of the relationship or you aren’t.

For instance, if one of you has had an affair, chances are that it has happened multiple times, and will continue. Even small irritations keep emerging in increasingly provocative and infuriating ways.

9. Communication issues

Let’s face it, the two of you aren’t the best communicators. There are a lot of unspoken assumptions, prejudice, judgment, and skipping to conclusions quickly. When you’ve tried to communicate openly, it just hasn’t worked the way you intended, no matter how much you try.

10. Anger and rage

At any given time, the two of you are like matches just waiting to be lit. One of you will tend to bottle up that anger (which turns into rage), and the other tends to explode whenever irritations occur. You both have a special way of pushing each other’s buttons.

11. They bring out the worst in you

Your shadow selves (i.e., dark side) relish dancing with each other and you’re often shocked by their behavior and your own.

Sometimes you’re left wondering “Who am I/who are they really?” Despite the fact that they bring out the worst in you, you can’t imagine life without them. You just don’t want to let go.

12. Energy drain and exhaustion

Being in this relationship is tiring. You feel mentally and emotionally drained around them, but chances are that you blame yourself for these feelings.

The truth is that if you feel perpetually exhausted, the process of letting go has already been initiated. The relationship just isn’t destined to last, and you’ll eventually feel compelled to leave.

13. Your morals and values are tested

You tolerate behavior from them that you would never stand for in another person. Perhaps you enable one of their addictions or you adopt shady ethics.

Whatever the case, your character is being tested. What are you willing to put up with? Where do you draw the line? At what point do you say no?

14. Self-sabotage and self-destructiveness

Strangely, it’s as if you’re both drawn to try and sabotage each other’s happiness. It might be a sarcastic off-handed comment or a full-blown act of malice.

The result is that you often feel like competitors, not a supportive team. There is an underlying darkness to your connection, and one (or both) of you tend to become more self-destructive.

15. One-sided codependency

Deep down, you feel that your happiness depends solely on their happiness. Whatever they say, think, or feel about you is immediately taken as the gospel truth.

While you give-give-give, they take-take-take (or vice versa). And ultimately, your entire sense of self-worth is based on the way they behave.

16. Things begin to stagnate

At some point, you feel stuck. Your relationship feels like it’s stranded in a thick pit of tar. You try to take two steps forward but are drawn ten steps back.

Anger, bitterness, anxiety, and depression soon follow. You are terrified of leaving this relationship, but it feels dead. You don’t know what to do.

17. Intense desire for answers

Fragile, exhausted, and disconnected, you begin searching for answers. Why does this relationship bring you so much pain? How can you resolve your issues together? As you begin soul searching, you start evolving.

You begin drawing back a sense of self-sovereignty. In many ways, you’re starting to evolve to the next level, yet this means you need to leave them behind. A split between desire-for-staying and desire-for-leaving builds within you.

18. Struggle to let go

In all truth, you know that this relationship is unhealthy for you. Yet you can’t release the idea that you’re “destined to be together forever.” And besides, going out on your own feels frightening and overwhelming.

You may decide to leave, but again, you’re drawn back to them! The seductive and toxic cycle continues. While some people can “cut the cord” and end the soul contract, others keep repeating the holding-on-letting-go cycle many times before emotional liberation.

19. Reconnecting with love and letting go

Eventually, the lessons have been learned. The karma has been cleared. Through the power of love, forgiveness, and a solid dose of boundary-setting, you are able to surrender and let go of your karmic relationship.

This process might happen in your lifetime or in a future one depending on how much inner work occurs.

Should You Stay?

In response, the evaluation of a karmic relationship is contingent upon several factors.

Firstly, it is crucial to discern whether the relationship truly falls under the category of a karmic relationship or if it entails other forms of relationships accompanied by karmic lessons. As previously discussed, if the relationship resembles a non-stop rollercoaster ride, it is likely a karmic relationship. However, occasional arguments and dramas, which are common in any relationship, are more indicative of karmic lessons that are part of the learning process.

Secondly, it is important to recognize that nothing is purely black or white. While not all karmic relationships are destined to end, most tend to do so. To determine the course of action, consider the willingness of the other person to put in the work. Are they committed to personal growth and open to change? If the answer is affirmative, it may be prudent to proceed cautiously and consider staying in the relationship. Conversely, if the other person demonstrates a lack of growth, evolution, or commitment to change, it is often better to terminate the relationship for the sake of personal well-being.

How To Let Go Of A Karmic Relationship

Here’s some guidance:

• Reach out to others for mental, emotional, and spiritual support – we are biologically programmed to seek comfort in the presence of others, so try to call in (or build) a support network
• Decide how you will say goodbye – what’s the healthiest and swiftest way of bidding them farewell?
• Practice self-love and forgiveness – this will enable you to love and forgive them
• Be thankful and resolute – reflect on what you’re grateful for learning and be solid in your conviction to leave
• Listen to some healing meditations for spiritual nourishment
• Some guided breathwork might help you to release the ‘karmic cords’ that connect the two of you
• Actively practice letting go and letting be
• Do some deep listening and let yourself feel your feelings
• Begin to build the foundation of your new life

And remember to be gentle with yourself and be proud of how far you’ve come! Karmic relationships can happen between us and partners, parents, children, friends, or anyone, in fact, who is part of our life.

These relationships offer tremendous illumination and the opportunity for spiritual evolution. But growing the Soul is often an arduous and perilous adventure. And yet, like many things in life, karmic relationships are both tragic and beautiful pointers to our True Essence that flourishes through the power of love.